Xanax

I have been on Xanax .5 for about 4 months and then I just got my dosage raised to .1 and I like the new script. It's just that I feel like I'm taking a lot to get rid of the anxiety. I can go days without taking Xanax but as soon as I take it 2 days in a row, it increases my tolerance by a lot. I tend to create tolerances with other drugs too, (pain pills when I got my wisdom teeth out) I don't know if it's me that builds the tolerance but I've noticed it significantly with the Xanax. Love it and it's been helping a lot but does anyone have this problem??

CC,

If you are concerned about a tolerance/dependency issue...it speaks to the fact that you likely will not have a problem with any misuse of your Rx...

However, if you would just like to avoid having to further increase your dosage to get the results that you need...

Then the advice by Cindy of using self-help, coping skills, therapy tools ect., is a good one!

Another thought is to ask your doctor about the possibility of using Vistaril (PRN) as an alternative for acute panic/attacks.

This is an antihistamine used off label for panic attacks...and does not carry the risk of tolerance/dependency that a benzo possibly can.

Wishing you the best in finding what works best for you!

S.C.

I am prescribed 3 of the 1mg tablets daily, and I have a script for the.25 mg tablets too for when I need to take it at work. If I need it at work, I take half of a .25 mg tablet just to take the edge off. (I work with people with disabilities and my clients yell at me ALOT). But for the 1 mg tablets, I am very cautious of taking these. I save those for bedtime. I only take half of the 1mg tablet at bedtime to help with sleep. I have tried therapy, but it doesn't work for me. I will say this though... I am very responsible with my medications, and would never misuse it. I have to give a urine test every time I need a refill for my Xanax, but I can make my script last for three months, so doctors know I don't abuse it. I do like my Xanax. It works well. But I will add that if I go somewhere and don't have it with me, I will start to freak out! It is my security blanket. Do you have that issue if you leave it at home? THese meds are my life saver. They are what allows me to live a somewhat normal life, and helps me work a full time job to provide for my family.

CC the only med i used during all my dark days of Panic, Anxiety, and Depression was Xanax, i dont think
i would have survived without it, i always used it as needed, never just took it for prevention, Peace

Larry ***

Hi Cuke!

I totally agree that you should have therapy at the same time. Xanax is easy to increase over time. When I was in my 20s they had me on 4 mgs a day. I only weighed 110 pounds and truthfully I can't imagine how I functioned.

Now I am on .75 a day and am trying to wean off of it. I weigh 70 more pounds and I have been in therapy for a long time. I plan to keep lowering the dosage .25 at a time as my doctor recommends.

Best of luck to you!! I think it is a great drug, but it is better if you can keep it to short term usage.

Cindy