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Prozac and xanax as a "cure"

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Posted 1/31/2007 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have been trying for quite a while to get control of my anxiety and minor depression. After two other SSRIs I am now trying Prozac. I started with 20mg...nothing, 40....nothing much.....60....felt good but no effect on the anxiety, so I went to 80mg. It makes me not only more nervous but more funky feeling....no other side effects. As I have never had serious depressive problems I'm thinking 80mg is too much so I told my doc I'm going to cut it back while staying with the two mg of xanax in the morning. That has been the best for me.
Question....can you take xanax and prozac for a long period of time together. I have no side effects from either, even if Ambien and codeine is added at times, or they only for short term use. I am to the point that I want to find a combo that makes me feel ok, even if I can't get back to the happy camper that I was all of my life. Any info would be appreciated.....morning anxiety and minor depression.
Thanks,
b
Posted 1/31/2007 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, you can take Xanax and Prozac together, but it should be done cautiously since Prozac is a potent inhibitor of various liver enzymes that may increase the blood level and side effects of other drugs, including Xanax.

Prozac generally takes the longest when evaluating whether a particular dose will show effectiveness. This is the blood level builds up very slowly due to its long half-life and the fact it has a very active metabolite.

I don't why you're taking codeine, but that should be monitored closely with your doctor given the other meds in the picture.
Posted 1/31/2007 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply. The codeine is for five leg operations in five years, the last being complex knee replacements. Not a fun five years!

b

Posted 1/31/2007 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I found the problem with taking xanax long term is that it has a short half life and you will often find you need to keep upping the dose to get the same result.  For short term it's just great for anxiety though.  I eventually ended up on 6mg a day just to stop panic after starting out at .5.  My doc then switched me on Valium which has a longer half life and doesn't seem to be as hard to come off.  It's not as quick acting but doesn't taper off as quick.  Maybe discuss with your doc other med options if you are going to be on it long term. Best of luck with lowering the Prozac dose.  Cheers

Posted 2/1/2007 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Great input all thanks
Havent been around too much today .....sorry
I take ativan( when needed) and Morphine so I am sure xanax and some codeine would be fine ......
Glad you got some answers '
Take care all
Lyn
Posted 2/1/2007 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
Jzz
I took Prozac for 17 years for my OCD. Anxiety disorder so it's relevant to your situation.

I took 20 mgs with great success for about 8 years. Went up to 40 for awhile then 60 mgs for a short time. No problem. Eventually went back to 20 and it worked just fine. Until last May. Got breakthrough anxiety and resultant OCD. They said up the dose. 40mgs. side effects, but no relief. 60, 80 mgs. Same result. Prozac "poop out." Switched to 20 mgs. of Lexapro. No help. Now on Day 11 of 100 mgs. of Luvox. seems to be working well. You may need to switch SSRIs.

I also take .25-.50 mgs. pf Klonopin to deal with the side effects of break in period. As long as you don't exceed your Doc's recommendations you should be fine. As others have said, there may be better alternatives than Xanax long term.

Post Edited (porridge) : 1/31/2007 11:03:19 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2007 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
I took prozac in my teen years for depression but I had to go back to docs cos I felt agressive towards ppl I didnt even know........but seen as they think I am BP I'm not surprised as SSRIs can be bad news for BP.

Posted 2/1/2007 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Smiler-
I have heard that Prozac tends to have that effect sometimes in people/
Posted 2/1/2007 8:09 PM (GMT 0)

to jzz

its apparent that no SSRI type antidepressant will work for your anxiety, this does sometimes happen but there are many other types of antidepressants to try, but this never occurs to some docs who go on prescribing the SSRI type, one after the other for years

wellbutrin and effxor are 2 other types, you have to try them for 2 to 6 weeks to see what happens, also theres no guarantee that 1 that does work for your anxiety will also help with the depression

often if one type of AD doesnt work, another will, its about time all docs knew this

the xanax will always help but its short acting so if having or expecting an anxious day, divide the dose into 3 and take morning, lunchtime and at about 4 pm

dont take it or any benzo just before bed on a regular basis as you may lose the ability to fall asleep naturally

Posted 2/1/2007 9:23 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the info. The Prozac with the xanax seems to work as the anxiety is pretty much an early morning event and if I take the xanax when I wake up, the day goes OK. I don't know if I can do this trial and error any more...three times has been enough for the moment. I'm going to stick with a smaller dosage of prozac and the xanax and go from there.

Thanks again,

Barbara

Posted 2/1/2007 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in there and give the Prozac time to do the job. Sometimes we all get impatient with the medication, but slow and steady wins the race.
Posted 2/2/2007 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Barbara sounds like just the ticket.
Unlike what Harry said, you may find another SSRI works better than Prozac. There are people who need to try two, three, four SSRIs before the correct one is found.

Harry, please support your statement with clinical evidence that if one SSRI fails all will fail. Otherwise, be advised you are passing on false information.
Posted 3/28/2014 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
I was 25 when I had an incidence of major depression and anxiety. I can tell you that the use of Prozac and Xanax saved my life. Do I believe this combination is a cure? Yes, absolutely. I have been taking Prozac and Xanax for 25 years (20 mg Prozac per day and 1.5 mg Xanax per day - i.e 0.5 mg morning, 0.5 mg noon and 0.5 mg 5 pm). You may also try Xanax/alprazolam extended release rather than taking in increments.

In terms of mood stabilization and increased antidepressant effects you can add Lamictal (you will need to ramp up to 200 mg). With this combination, you will be impervious to depression and anxiety. You will also maintain a normal life and be able to deal with tremendous pressure with poise.

I hope this helps - again it saved my life. Sincerely, - Ray
Posted 3/28/2014 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
XRay,

I am glad that you have found what works for you. That is great, as everyone is unique and different, and we must all strive to find what it beneficial for us in terms of anxiety management.

This may include medication, therapy, self-help, holistic/alternatice treatments, ect..

Good job on advocating for yourself and finding your best treatment for your continued health.

I am going to lock this thread now as it is and older one...please feel free to start a new post of introduction with us if you feel comfortable doing so.

Scaredy Cat
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