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A Xanax Alternative?

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Posted 9/10/2013 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Ok so I have been off my Buspar for 2 weeks. ( side effects were horrible). So I started taking half of a 0.25 mg Xanax 3 times a day. I feel good with that dose but am afraid of the addictive property of it. So my question, what have other peopled tried besides Xanax? Not short term like Ativan but something more long term. Thank you in advance.
Posted 9/10/2013 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Chris I must tell you that I feel the fear of addition is unfounded, of all the people I have ever known
that became addicted to a Benzo used it recreationally, If one really needed xanax and quit taking it
yes you would really miss it but the addiction would not be to a drug but to the results of using it.
I started with the strongest xanax 4 times a day, over a period of time I moved down to the smallest
as needed, I have not needed one in over 2 years, but if I feel the need I will not hesitate, I am through
losing time and life to PAD! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 9/10/2013 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
MC,

Have you ever tried of considered an SSRI or SNRI?  This may be something that you want to look into, and read up on as far as the pros and cons.

I do agree with Larry however. If taken responsibly, if you are working on coping skills alongside taking your Rx...and if you have no pre-existing addiction issues, I see no harm in taking a benzodiazapine.

It is a completely personal decision however, and one that I recommend talking with your doctor about.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/10/2013 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I wish you guys were my neighbors lol. You always give great advice. My wife is doing great helping me get thru all of this. I have never tried any if the SSRI's or SNRI's. I'm only 4 months into realizing that I do have GAD. It's a long road I'm sure, just hoping I can find the non- scenic route.
Posted 9/10/2013 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
:) If you find the non-scenic route, by all means, let me know!

Seriously though, I agree with the others. I don't take Xanax, I take Klonopin, which to my understanding works much like Xanax. I take it whenever I'm having a panic attack or feel one coming on. I tried Buspar first and it seemed to help for a few weeks, but after that, it was about as useful as skittles. lol (Works great for hubby, though.)

Any medicine like this does carry some risk of addiction. I agree with the others, though, that it isn't a big risk if you're using the medicine responsibly.

If you find yourself thinking, "Gee, I'm having a good time - I bet Xanax would make it even more fun!" then you might have cause to worry.
But if you find yourself thinking, "Oh no, I can't breathe!" or "Is this a heart attack!" or "I'm going home, I can't face this!" then taking it - well, you're using it for its intended purpose.

People abuse and become addicted to Klonopin, as well. In fact, I have a number of friends with addiction issues and I haven't told any of them that I take it, and I put it in the safe if they're at our home. I'm not afraid of becoming addicted to it, personally, though.

Does that make any sense?

I also agree that this is a concern that it would be wise to speak about with your doctor.
Posted 9/10/2013 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
I have tried 3 different benzos and had allergic reaction to all them so I can't take these. However I try to pop a benadryl if I feel an attack coming and it calms me. I think Larry takes it daily too. My problem though is I hardly ever feel them coming until I'm full blown in one
Posted 9/10/2013 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
When mine were bad I never ever had more than the second or two it takes to say Oh ssss and then
they would hit, I was fortunate enough that I could dissolve a xanax under my tongue and drink a diet coke and in about 15 minutes it would be down to a slight aggravation but not panic. One benadryl at bedtime
knocks my lights out! Peace

Larry ***

Post Edited (lgm1942) : 9/9/2013 10:52:25 PM (GMT-6)

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