Xanax, when to know if you should even attempt to ask your doctor to increase it.

I have been on Xanax for severe anxiety for almost 2 years now, when I first started with my new Psychiatrist he prescribed me .5 mg once a day, that was really a joke, later he did increase it to two times a day. When my panicky became so bad that I had to go to the ER and they gave me a shot of ativan, he finally upped my dose to 1 mg 2 times a day. Unfortunately the 1 mg doesn't even seem to be effective anymore, and at times I have to take One and a half.

I am on Lexapro which I have made great progress, other than the anxiety issue, I am waiting to get into therapy to deal with the underlying issues of my anxiety which I have suffered with since my first episode at 9 years old, I thought I was having a heart attack, my parents took me to the ER and they said I had "bad nerves".

So how inappropriate is it of me to call and ask him if he can at least prescribe me 1 mg 3 times a day instead of 2, and how would I word it to him? He is sometimes intimidating to me, and I know he doesn't mean to, I can tell he really doesn't like to prescribe xanax at all, but I have been in his office and had a severe panic attack so he knows they are more than real. Any suggestions on how to approach this?

I agree with M.A.L.

I would simply say what you have posted above.:)

The fact that you are actively seeking therapy and alternative coping skills to deal with your anxiety may help.

The maximum daily dose for Xanax is 4mg. You would still be under this if you increased like you hope to. However, know that coming down another full 1 mg. will be that much more involved once you want to wean.

Perhaps a temporary increase, just until you get going with your therapy might be something that your doctor can endorse...it is worth a try...all he can do is say no after all.:)

Let us know how your progress is going soon!

S.C.

Just thinking out loud, so bear with me,...

I think an option would be to keep things simple and explain how 1mg does not seem to be effective and ask his opinion on this.....ask what he would recommend.

Approaching in this manner (vs requesting a dose increase, specifically), might be an option.








M.