xanax

[CTyankee]

I find it useful for occasional use in helping my caregiver stress and will see my pcp next week about continuing it and also continuing my present drugs to treat my hypertension. I take the low dose.

Why are docs so hesitant to prescribe this drug? I don't have a drug or alcohol problem or any other problem that would be counterproductive. It seems to keep me on an even keel. I think he will say he doesn't want me to become dependent but I am dependent on my bp meds so what is the difference?

[Warpy]

1. Xanax is a wonder drug for people with anxiety

A few of those people are so terrified of anxiety attacks that they start to take it before hand, before they get any symptoms. Some take it around the clock and some boost it with alcohol.

That way lies addiction and it's a tough one to overcome.

If you never exceed the dosage and take it only when you're in trouble, there should be no problem refilling your prescription.

Docs hate to see their patients dependent on psychoactive drugs. It doesn't bother them to see us dependent on things like Prednisone, fatal if stopped suddenly, or BP drugs. I guess if it makes you feel better rather than simply affecting numbers on lab tests, something's wrong with it. It's part of Puritanism and blaming diseases of the brain on character flaws, just snap out of it.

[CTyankee]

7. But this doc diagnosed me with stress, the original reason for the xanax.

I have caregiver type of stress and take on more than I can handle a lot of the time, plus having a husband who is cranky about not being able to do what he used to. So I have a clinical diagnosis of a problem with physical symptoms. I am perfectly fine with the low dose xanax he gave me before. In fact, I often break it in half just to be extra careful. And I would never take it with the wine I have with dinner.

Well, we'll see what he says.

[Warpy]

8. Since you're not using it all the time and/or washing it down with alcohol

and not asking for a higher dose, you should be OK.

Anxiety is a component of severe stress. If this helps, there should be no question about why you need it.

[CTyankee]

10. If it were temporary stress I would regard it differently.

but it has gotten rid of my dizziness and, along with daily meditation, it is a stress reducer and keeps me on an even keel. Plus, my spinal arthritis isn't getting any better either with the workload I have...

[chervilant]

2. I have one friend who

was prescribed xanax. Detoxing took 2 1/2 years and my friend is NOT free of the desire to resume taking it.

[A Little Weird]

3. anecdote

My uncle was prescribed xanax and it completely changed him for the worse. He became a walking zombie. I was concerned for his safety and the safety of everyone around him (he was still allowed to drive even though he would just blank out for long periods of time). I don't know if he was taking the meds improperly or if he was taking some drug to interact with it or if it just had that affect on him. I'm sure others have had more positive experiences or I don't think it would be on the market but maybe cases like his are what makes docs hesitant about it.

[Sedona]

4. I'm a fan. I'd of never made it thru my divorce without it.

It was quite a shock when unfaithful husband of 30 years left for the other woman I was clueless about.

Was on it for about a year five years ago. Haven't had a need or want for it since.

[Hoyt]

5. It is very good for anxiety. Unfortunately, too many people abuse it. That has led to laws

that can bring even good docs under suspicion for over-prescribing. It's effective and cheap.

[CTyankee]

11. I thought that might be a reason. I'm going to ask him directly.

[Fluothane]

6. Benzos as initial treatment for stress and/or anxiety

It is difficult to give you a definitive answer without knowing your full history and having a physical. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (xanax) are not first line treatment for long term maintenance of stress or generalized anxiety disorder. We are hesitant to prescribe due to concerns of dependence and elevated risk of self harm. Typically, individuals that do not respond to first or second line treatments are referred to psychiatrists for further evaluation. In my institution, psychiatrists are the physicians handling extended dosing with benzos.

[CTyankee]

9. I will ask about the first and second line of treatments for my stress. I don't care

if it takes care of my constant stress from being a caregiver full time. I am already doing meditation on a daily basis. I don't think I need a psychiatrist for something as ordinary as that.

[leftyladyfrommo]

12. xanax just makes me sleepy.

My doctor won't prescribe it at all. People do get dependent on it and then start taking larger and larger doses. And it can be really difficult to wean yourself off. There are lots of side effects when you start to lower the dose again.

I do use it for my dogs on the 4th. It settles them right down.

[CTyankee]

13. Yes, even the low dose makes me sleepy but I am more often stressed in the middle

of the night sometimes, partly as a result of my arthrtic back pain which gets pretty painful. I take the OTC Tylenol Arthritis Pain which is really just a big dose of Tylenol and half a low dose xanax and just go back to sleep. But I am seeing my rheumatologist on Tuesday about getting more coritsone injections (I am due for them!). I have no adverse reactions to the cortisone. Doing my back exercises regularly is helpful, too. Sometimes I synchronize them with the meditation breathing and that's good.

But I think of all the people who REALLY suffer from life threatening illness and that makes me calmer and more humble about all this.