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Serious Question Please - Doctor Is Stopping My Xanax

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Posted 6/19/2014 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
My newish PCP already cut down the low dose of xanax I was taking without saying a word to me. I know she will cut me off the next time. Why else this change without saying anything?

Prior to this I've taken it sporadically (seeing various Docs who took cash, until I finally got health insurance for what I thought was a heart attack last year, and I guess it was stress after several tests)

She had said from the start: "Skip them every few days so you do not get addicted" .. So something told me, this wouldn't last long. :(

I got a WHOLE two 90 pills prescriptions from her so far, 5 weeks apart, to take 0.75mg 2x a day..

I didn't think that was very much.

Now? Go to get my prescription refilled from her office and... 60 pills and take 0.50 2x a day. That's not a high enough dose!! I told her before.

So, she's cutting me off already.

Now the panic attack arrives once again. I knew the moment I found something that worked, that somehow it would be taken away from me.


My question: Should I go see a psychiatrist? Will s/he prescribe me this low dose as I need it almost daily? Because each Doctor I saw seemed reluctant to give me even one prescription. ugh...

This is making me panic. Other people here on this forum seem to get xanax if they need it without hassle, or did they have to skip the Doctors and go to the psychiatrists???

Please no negative advice about xanax... I'm freaking out right now...

Thanks for your opinions!!!

Post Edited (My Anxiety Life) : 6/18/2014 7:10:09 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/19/2014 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi My Anxiety Life,

How long have you been taking the Xanax? Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, is not used long term to treat anxiety. It should only be used for a few weeks maximum if they are being taken on a daily basis. Also, I would not consider your doses as a "low dose" of Xanax. Low dose would be 0.25 mg daily or some would argue 0.25 mg up to three times a day.

What you should do is go see a psychiatrist or even your primary doctor and get on a SSRI. I have had anxiety for almost 10 years now and been using Xanax 0.25 mg as need for anxiety attacks. Recently, my anxiety has changed from random panic disorder to a more daily generalized anxiety. I just started taking Lexapro 10 mg today.

Your doctor is doing the right thing and weaning you off because Xanax is not used for maintenance therapy for anxiety. Now if you start an SSRI (zoloft, lexapro, celexa,etc) your doctor or psychiatrist will most likely give you another script for Xanax to take for 4 weeks as a bridge therapy until the SSRI kicks in. This is always recommended in those who are having daily or frequent panic attacks.
Posted 6/19/2014 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
I was taking xanax rarely over the past year, only the past 10 weeks have I had it every few days..

I tried .5 and it did nothing for me, so being responsible, I took .75 rather than jump up to 1 mg.

I've read here in this forum and others how some people have been on xanax for years. So I don't understand.

Ugh so now I have to do the russian roulette of anti depressants? Seems like everyone here has all kinds of problems with them.

This sucks :(
Posted 6/19/2014 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I am in the same situation as you.. I would rarely take my xanax over the years and over the past few months I have been needing it more and more as my anxiety has become an almost daily occurrence. Because of this, I started my self on an anti-depressant. Others who are taking daily xanax for many years are not properly being treated for their condition. It is because their prescribing doctors aren't treating the disease per the anxiety guidelines. It is up to you if you want to start an anti depressant or not, but doctors who are truly following recommendations would not prescribe them for long term use.
Posted 6/19/2014 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Well gee, this doesn't make make me feel good after reading the many serious issues people have here trying to find meds that work and all the bad side effects... :( I don't understand how some can get xanax for years and I can't get it even for more than 10 weeks or so???


Hopefully someone with more positive suggestions will reply.

Post Edited (My Anxiety Life) : 6/18/2014 11:55:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/19/2014 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
No one? :(
Posted 6/19/2014 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I will deal with it, the same way I have dealt with all the other challenges in my life. It just... Hurts to FINALLY get help, then have it taken away so soon.

I'm a bit reluctant to go to a psychiatrist for fear of being labeled "mentally ill". Is this ever a concern for others?


Still very stressed this morning over the pulling of my xanax.

But... I suppose it's my issue to deal with....
Posted 6/19/2014 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Wait, wait, wait!

I went through that whole shebang about doing everything I could to avoid having anything "psychiatric" put in my "file."

Please hun, don't do this to yourself. Your well-being is way too important. Yes. Yes, see a psychiatrist (an MD who prescribes medication) and discuss your situation. And do it swiftly. Do not wait for the last minute and run out and panic.

Some doctors and some people have phobias and fears around benzos, most often because of people who use them irresponsibly or illegally.

Many of us have used them for years, we take them as prescribed, we are monitored....

Don't give up hope. Mental health is a very big part of who we are.

I'm not suggesting you abandon self-help and coping skills, as they're there to be used as an adjunct (or the other way around, but you know what I mean!)

Have you asked her directly, specifically about this? Word of advice, when you do, it's so important to remain calm and not present in an excited or agitated manner.

Hang tight!








M.
Posted 6/19/2014 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
*whew*

THANK YOU Merrida!!!!

Thank you!!!

Blessings, I needed to hear that!!

I love my Doctor, she HERSELF said she gets panic attacks, but she cautioned me to "not get addicted".

After two scripts of xanax 5 weeks apart, not sure how she feels I need to be weaned off already (my panic issues have NOT been addressed by her at all and I know, she is an MD, not a psychiatrist) , but this script is cutting me back on number of pills and mg prescribed, so i AM assuming...

But regardless, I will go see a psychiatrist.

It seems there are only TWO in my local area, covered by my insurance, so... That's not encouraging.

But, I NEVER seek help, I self help, but this is too much for me...

Thank you again for your advice, I REALLY appreciate it!!!
Posted 6/19/2014 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Remember MAL, there is a huuuuge difference between "getting addicted" to a drug, and "being dependent" or "reliant" on one!! Big difference! Huge!

I would sincerely doubt that a psychiatrist would even use that term so loosely.

I understand the fear they have, but if we are responsible patients and demonstrate such,....if we can have open communication and dialogue, then we can also be taken seriously and our condition monitored.

Don't suffer in silence and try to bite the bullet to get through this without professional care. For what it's worth, my PCP "would prefer" not to see me not on the meds I am on, however, I have taken the burden off of her for prescribing them. I see a pain management doctor for related meds and issues, and I see a therapist, and I see someone else with regards to all of my psych meds.

I meet with her regularly to review my medications and we discuss in person, and in advance, making changes, so nothing gets sprung on me.

This can be done, and it can be a gentle process.......



(((((hugs)))))






M.
Posted 6/19/2014 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Ahhh I can't tell you how much this is helping me Merrida!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Funny they don't seem to worry about dependence on drugs for things like high blood pressure or diabetes for example, so I find this a bit odd.

I am a bit... Incensed that there is an assumption, that I will become some crazy xanax/drug addict.

I think PCPs are under pressure to NOT prescribe psych meds, so they pretty much make you see a psychiatrist.

ok, I understand. I just wish my Doc would be a bit more pro active with me ... Her surly receptionists were the ones who told me my biopsy results, Doc is too busy I guess.... Also the reason why she said nothing about cutting my xanax... I'd have to make an appt, pay more, just for that 5 min talk. I dunno.

I don't know, she was so nice about my cancer scare, but this doesn't make me feel good. Her staff sucks big time...

I have suffered on my own, my whole life, and thankfully with affordable insurance, now I can finally deal with the medical & emotional issues. You are right.

(I tried to get health insurance as self employed before the ACA, it was FAR too expensive and many denied me when I said I'd taken a FEW xanax)... Thankfully, I have to now to get help.

Hugs back my dear, thank you....
Posted 6/19/2014 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
MAL,

I am sorry I did not get to this until right now. I am going to try to word this so nobody assumes I am pushing a drug. redface You should carefully weigh the decision to go off Xanax with medical counsel - in other words you should be included in the decision. Is this a stressful time?  If so, it only makes sense to me to wait until a calmer time or until another medication has had the time to start working, I.E. an antidepressant.

Are you being pressured into going off Xanax prematurely by well-meaning people who value your "being off medicine" than they do the relief or your suffering with panic attacks? Panic disorder is not a trivial thing. 

From what I have read, panic disorder patients seem rarely to abuse this medication.  Compliance problems with panic disorder patients on Xanax are rare; and, when seen are most often a matter of the patient not taking as much medicine as prescribed rather than taking to much. JMHO 

I wish you peace, Mal, and hope your appointment with the Psychiatrist goes well.  I am here for you.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 6/19/2014 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
aww blessing my dear stkitt...

That's good to know that people with panic attacks rarely abuse. I certainly have NO intention of that.

My panic attacks have not subsided. It seems to be attaching to every little thing that comes along, sort of "jumping" from one thing to the next, by proxy, so they seem to be getting a bit worse despite my efforts to try all sorts of things to cope.

I guess by lowering my prescription my PCP is trying to wean me off without asking me about it at all. The bills from all the tests I had lately are coming in, so i can't keep running back to her for more appts unless I think it's important. Now the Psych will cost too, so... I have to weigh where it's important to spend my money.

I felt from the start that my PCP would cut me off sooner than later from xanax. I have an intuition about these things. So, onto the Psych guy. Hope he's good!!

Hugs Dear I hope you having a good day yourself....
Posted 6/20/2014 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
MAL,

You know I am thinking of you and I have been in your place way to many times but somehow I always survive even when I am pretty sure I am to deep in the hole to pull myself up.

The toughest part of having a mental health dx is we are completely dependent on the DRs. to make the decisions of which meds will work for us and which ones they "don't" like to prescribe.  How they are sure what we need must be some sort of magic as they cannot possibly know how we feel and what is really going through our minds and heart in a 20 minute visit?

Keep on advocating for yourself. (((((((((((((((MAL)))))))))))))))))

Gentle Hugs and I am keep you in my prayers hoping you will have a string of good days.

Blessings,

Kitt

 

Posted 6/20/2014 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
awwww thank you SO much Dear stkitt!!! How are you doing? I think of you often and send you warm thoughts daily.

Yes yes!!! The part I hate, is being dependent on Doctors for anything, hence why I never have liked the idea of being on meds. We are at their mercy, which is why I was over-reacting to this. I'm a bit calmer now, thankfully.

Taking action is the key, even though that brings (me) anxiety too. Still, better to try, than sit back doing nothing. All the good stuff is never easy.

Hugs my Dear...
Posted 6/20/2014 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I really hope you consider seeing a psychiatrist and set up some sort of therapy for yourself. You need this.
Basically you are not wanting 'advice' you are wanting confirmation as to what you think you want and need.
We've all been there and done that...I am not trying to criticize you altho you will might think so....
If some people have been on Xanax long term it means their doctor is NOT paying attention to what he or she is doing!
I think if you talk with a professional to get at what is the CAUSE of your anxiety, it would be a huge relief to you... you owe giving that chance to yourself.
Good luck always.
Posted 6/20/2014 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a little confused. I thought there were many people who have been on benzos for a long period of time. I am one of them....have been on lorazepam for 15+ years.  This is the only med that has worked for me all these years.  I think it depends on the person and not everyone will develop an addiction to benzodiazepines. For some, benzodiazepines can be very effective. EVERYONE is different and react differently to medication. What may work for one may not work for others. The important thing is to understand how your body and mind works...and to know what you need.  No one understands what you are feeling or going through. Only YOU know. You must decide what is best for YOU.
Posted 6/20/2014 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you melodee... You are right.

:)
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