Anyone taken xanax?

I took my first xanax  (generic) yesterday for my 3 mri's and it must have worn off after the first four hours, I had a lunch break between the first and the last two. During the 3rd mri I had a great deal of tailbone and leg pain.

It might have helped me deal with the pain, I'm not sure, I for the most part don't take any medications except for tylenol. I felt pretty dopey. I couldn't have driven.

Does any take xanax? Or have any of you taken xanax in the past? Did you get any side effects?

Thanks!

I used to take xanax in very small doses (.25-.5). I didnt notice any loopy or drowsy, just a more relaxed pace. Not as tense from dealing with pain. It never helped the actual pain. Tension in muscles didnt get much better. It relaxed my mood and emotions that were to their breaking point from being in constant pain and constantly sick. Before X I would want to bite like a dog if someone sat down hard on the couch. With xanax, I was more of a kitten. : P

I take lorazepam, now. higher dose (1-4mg) I sleep great with 4mg (occassionally, as needed) and when I feel a growl comming on, I take 1mg. Lorazepam starts faster and ends sooner. That workd for me. (DR. has me on 2mg 3x a day-I couldnt function like that).

Hope your tests went well


But I think that it is important with this type of med, that you dont use it the same EVERYDAY. You body builds a tolerance and they are addictive.

My neuro put me on Xanax (.25) about 8 years ago to deal with the pain, to be used on an as needed basis.  Honestly, I did not use it for the first year and the bottle sat in the cupboard due to fear of addiction.  Finally I decided to try it.  I have had no negative reactions, which for me is a miracle since I cannot tolerant most medications. 

For me, when the nerve pain from the cervical stenosis, pinched nerves or what ever feels like acting up that day kicks in, I will take one.  I never use more than 1 mg total in a day and never use it for longer than 3 days in a row at any level.  I have avoided addiction by managing it this way.  For me to use it, my pain has to over a 5 or 2 or more nights with less than 4 hours of sleep. Neuro is pleased and amazed I have not needed to increase the dosage. Rheum feels that since this is working for me, go for it!

I agree with URSilly.  I have held a prescription with refills for .5 xanax for about 3 years now. It was given to me the same time I was diagnosed with fibro.  I usually take 1/2 flexeril at bedtime to help my pain and help me sleep but whenever I am having a really bad anxious day, I take the xanax.  It relaxes my entire body which in turn relieves my pain, calms the shaking inside my head which I frequently have and helps me sleep.  I never take it more than three nights in a row and only if needed and I don't have any side effects so I don't believe I am addicted.  I have never needed to take more than one per day either and sometimes I can go months without taking one. 

Sawa, I'm glad it's working for you. Can I ask what you mean by shaking inside of your head? Inside my head, my thoughts are forever changing, I believe it's due to PTSD.

Good luck to you Yrsilly. My chiropractor who is very knowledgeable about fibro and taking good care of yourself, keeps my neck in check. But if I do something like lift a little bit too much it's back to having lots of pain.

I have xanax .50. They only give me enough for one a day. It does help me not want kill anyone, but I can not say it helps with the real pain. Just helps me cope a bit better. Wish they would let me have it at least twice a day. I take it at bedtime now.