Xanax Question

raze

How much Xanax is ordered by your physician?  This is a good question for your physician or a pharmacist.

( maximum daily dose of 4 mg, divided into smaller doses is noted in PDR)

Kitt

I take 4mgs a day for Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia. Been on that dose for 6-7 years.

Maz XX

I see Maz, I also have agoraphobia.

ThatsMzTaz2U said...
I have been on for at least 20 years and it helps me to get out of the house with out it I would be totally housebound. I look at it like a diabetic needs insulin.

YES! i could not have said that better myself. well said, exactly how i view it also.

Maz XX

I'm amazed at how long these doctors prescribe Xanax on a daily basis. These meds are not meant to be taken for long periods of time. I would suggest talking to your docs about other, non-addictive drugs to take the place of Xanax.

Sorry to disagree with the 2 previous post but for ME I would rather be addicted then to spend another 6 months housebound like I was 20 years ago, that was hell couldn't even open the front door. for me xanax saved my sanity, sure I still get a lot of panic attacks and have bad health anxiety but I can at least go into a store for a little while a day this is just MO

I suffered for almost three years, because I did not want to be taking a "pill" to control my anxiety. Diet, Therapy, Exercise, Meditation.....etc., etc., My anxiety was so out of control, that I could not walk into a store to buy groceries to cook a meal....walking into a McDonald's to order something was out of the question....even waiting to see my Dr. was so, so difficult. Xanax plus an Anti-depressant have given me the chance to function again. Perhaps, one day I will be able to control this debilitating illness without the help of medications. I envy people that could take life without being medicated, BUT at the same time, I am very grateful that these meds. exist and that we are able to take them. Just my opinion.

Hello all!   I too am prescribed xanax, however I don't take them it very often because of the habit forming tendency.  My doctor tells me I should be taking the xanax more often.  Even though I rarely take xanax maybe once every other month, I always have my pill bottle with me.  Just the notion that I have the pills in case I need them has really helped me.  I am extremely scared of becoming addicted to any type of prescription drugs, because if I am I would very easily lose my career.

I understand the arguement from others in this forum that they would rather be addicted and functioning, and that makes sense.  However, if it comes to the point where someone is doctor shopping because they need more or are using someone else's meds then that is illegal and is reason for true concern and something else should be considered.

CC

raze,

Physical dependence is a result of your body becoming dependent on a medication (or substance), where slowly tapering off the substance is necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction is entirely different than physical dependence. Addiction is an emotional dependence of a substance, where the addicted person will abuse a substance, regardless of the consequences, for a non-medical purpose.

The two terms are frequently confused as often people may have both a dependence on a drug as well as an addiction.

Kitt

I didn't mean that people should suffer and not take medications. I was just voicing my concerns regarding the long periods of time some people are taking Xanax. I've spoken to numerous doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists who have said you should not be taking drugs like Xanax for years.

Of course, it's not my business what anyone chooses to take. I was concerned because after having gone off Xanax cold turkey (per doctor orders), I almost died. It was the worst time of my life.

Anti-depressants work well to control anxiety/panic attacks and they're not addictive.

I'm not criticizing anyone or their doctor for prescribing xanax the way they choose. I'm just stating that it can be addictive and I've seen the effects of all types of addictions on people that I love dearly and its not pretty. I'm just saying be careful we are here to support each other I commend everyone who takes their meds because for me, after a small side effect I'vexperienced I'm scared to try anything else. So at least you've taken a step further than I have.

Aries8 said...


Of course, it's not my business what anyone chooses to take. I was concerned because after having gone off Xanax cold turkey (per doctor orders), I almost died. It was the worst time of my life.

No doctor should expect you to go cold turkey off Xanax. Ive been told by my Pdoc that when im ready to come of the Xanax, i will be doing it in a private pysch facility as the withdrawals are a living hell. And im on quite a high, daily dose.

Having said that, my pyschiatrist is in no hurry to take me off a med that controls my symptoms so well. Ive tried antidepressants by themselves- didnt work for me. i need the combo of both to cope on a basic level. I am not addicted per se, but i am physically dependent and aware of that, but the prospect of going back to days packed full of terror that never seemed to end is enough to keep me on the Xanax.

Thats just my personal experience.

Maz XX