Hi everyone! I have been on 100mg zoloft now for about a month. I don't notice any difference, more anxiety actually. I just don't like it and want to swith AGAIN (sigh). Instead of a ssri, which I have tried almost everyone there is, I was thinking about asking for the xanax xr. Has anyone tried it and did it work for you?

AMerican Dancer,

I think I saw you in the PMDD post. Listen, I am here to tell you that XANAX XR is an absolute miracle drug. I take 2 of the .5 time release tablets in the morning and never think about it again. And there are absoultely ZERO side effects....and I mean no sedation, no nausea no nothing. In fact, I would say that I feel more energized and sharper mentally. I was NOT and have never been depressed. But something post-partem happened after the birth of my third child in September and I began to feel anxiety and panicky...totally unlike me. I tried the PROZAC and it made me sick as a dog. I think my seratonin was fine but clearly chemically something else causes anxiety. It is my opinion that some SSRI's can make panic and anxiety worse. You've got to try this and find a doctor who understands this medication. I had to get over the fear of benzos but the point is that we have to function normally. I have a wonderful doctor and hope you find someone as understanding.

Will your doctor let you stay on in it indefinately?

Bondgirll, are you taking it for the pmdd or just for anxiety? And you are no longer taking the prozac?

I am off the prozac completely and take nothing else except a daily vitamin. Yes, my doctor feels that we will re-evaluate in 2-3 months and see where things go from there. He said that it could be life-long therapy and has seen it successfully in many, many patients without EVER having to increase dosage...he has a wait and see attitude but is not opposed to staying on it if needed. He seems to think there's a lot of hype and misinfo out there about these types of medications but for certain people it's a godsend and I'm telling you I am now a believer. I never in a million years would have ever thought I would take a medication daily...have never smoked, taken drugs, I work out and am very healthy. There's a stigma attached to Xanax and for the life of me, I just don't get it. I really do feel that the key is finding someone who understands what you need chemically to be yourself. You know they say that with SSRI;s, you're just supposed to feel better and not like someone else BUT I felt like I was someone else...it was terrible and scary and I would never go back there.

I meant to address your earlier question...while taking Xanax XR there is no PMDD and no anxiety so I would say I am taking it to alleviate both!!

I have been on xanax for 10 years. I have an anxiety disorder and migraines. When I went perimenopausal :p the I had to have the Dr. (new one since old one was being a pain) changed my dosage from .5 mg three times daily to 1 mg am and pm. Now I get through the day pretty well and can sleep (some) at nite. I agree that you must find a Dr. that doesn't think that if you take a benzo you are a druggy. My old GP was old school and hassled me all the time about the xanax and said to just teach myselft to calm down when stressed. I wish there was a pill to give the Dr. that would mimic a full blown panic/anxiety attack! :eek:

I didn't know that xanax came in an extented release form. Can you tell me any more about it? It would be nice if the calm I feel until early afternoon, then I get the jitters a bit, could be extended without taking a more frequent dose of meds.
BB - Magna

Dancer,

I recommend tried and true diazepaam (Valium) over Xanax. It is really good for anxiety even if your doctor looks at you like a "junkie" when you mention it.
They always like when you mention MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE drugs instead.
For a real oldie, meprobamate is also quite good.

I have the regular xanax, 1mg. I take only as needed and 1/2 at night. It works great! That's why I'd like to try the xr. I just don't seem to be having any luck with the ad's. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow and will ask, but I am kinda afraid to. He's given me the xanax every time I see him because he knows I don't take it all. I get it filled and save it for when I need it. There has to be something that will help with all this anxiety.

Oops, I forgot one thing.....my doctor does believe that if you have an anxiety disorder, you really don't become addicted to a benzo. He says when you are really and truly anxious and not just stressed, that the effect of xanax is totally different than for someone that is not. So, he may be open to the xr. I don't know about the valium....I don't want to be totally sedated, just have something to take off the edge.

Absolutely I agree 100%...{REMOVED} At first I started on the regular xanax but I hated the breakthrough periods you mentioned in the afternoon. With the time release, you NEVER think about it. This is new to the market...released only one year ago. My doc says many docs don't even know about the XR....you must ask about it. I hate to say it but some docs just aren't as informed. And you're right, people with true anxiety react completely differently to a benzo than someone who genuinely doesn't have anxiety. That is precisely what my doctor said and he agreed that the old school docs....just "Don't get it". This Xanax XR is a miracle....I thank God every day for this...

Hi :wave: ,
Just wanted to add some info here. I have been on 5mg of Xanax XR for over a year now, I think it is great.
Now they have Klonapin as a quick dissolving tablet (wafers) for Panic Disorders. My Doc say they are now working on doing the same thing with the Xanax XR.
It would be great to get off this stuff after over 12 years. And the immediate Dissolving Tablets (Wafers) can help others to not get addicted to it as well, but just using it as needed.
Stardust :cool:

stardust, do you take the xr everyday or just as needed? I have constant anxiety from when I wake up to pretty much at night. I think that is why he has always pushed an ad. I would like to be able to take it everyday and just make it through without losing my mind and yelling at my hubby and kids.

I could not leave my house for 5 years, then cut out my mountain dew, because of the caffiene and found a specialist close to home, Am really glad I did.
Yes, I take the Xanax XR daily, I have taken it (the older one) every 4 hours around the clock, then I was given the XR version and I take 3mg in the morning and 2mg at night, my doc says people tend to panic in thier sleep and don't even know it.
Naturally I didn't believe him so he let me take all 5 tablets in the morning. One day I tried it his way and he was right. I slept better, no nightmares, no insomnia, etc.
But yes, I do take it on a regular basis and have for 12 years.
I actually have a life again.
Klonapin is a generic form of Xanax, it doesn't work as well either.
Stardust

Actually the generic version of Xanax is called Alprzolam.
The generic form of Kolonapin is called Colonazepam.

Yes, I know the generic words for both, just didn't want to spend an hour trying to spell them. But it is all good. My point is just that Klonapin doesn't really work very well.
But Thank You for the Clarification.
Stardust :cool:

I have the alprazolam, but I guess the xanax xr doesn't come in generic? The alprazolam seems to work for me. My appt. is today, so I'll let you know this afternoon what he says! I have hope again!
Kelly

no, xanax xr doesn't have a generic. and it takes a day or 2 to get used to it, not having to take it so often and also there are no ups and downs to deal with, you get a steady release of medication, let me know what you doc has to say.
stardust :cool:

Ok, friends. I went to the dr. today and he said he would give me the xanax xr and that it was very good by itself for panic disorder. But, he said he would like to try me on effexor xr first and let me give that awhile and if I don't like it, then we can change to the xanax xr. He also told me to take the alprazolam for right now. He said he didn't think I was a druggie at all and knew I was careful with the alprazolam. He said it is very hard to become addicted or build up tolerance to the xanax when you truly have an anxiety disorder. He wanted me to try the effexor for now because of my pmdd issues. He told me last month he didn't really believe in pmdd, but has done more research since he saw me, and said it might help me. So, I feel positive and I know if I don't like it, I can try the xanax xr. Thanks everyone!
Oh, also, he is making me an appt. with an endocrenologist (sp?) since my periods are so out of whack. So, we'll see.

Thank You for letting me know, Sounds like you have a wonderful caring Doctor. The best of luck to you.
Stardust

No offense, but your doctor really didn't know what he was saying there.
You're going to become addicted to Xanax overtime. It's just inevitable.
It wouldn't be so bad to become addicted to a benzo because they really work wonders for anxiety suffers but most doctors never want to keep you on it over a month and they start weaning you off of it. That's when things get stressful and the other thing is that it's so hard to get because all benzos are a controlled substance and the pharmacist and pharmacy techs guard them like they're bars of gold. Everytime I try to get my refill they always give me a hard time and act really stupid. That's one of the main reasons I'm taking myself off of Ativan.

I think maybe what my doctor was trying to say was that if you truly have a panic disorder,and are not just "stressed out", then you will not find the need to keep upping the dosage. If 1mg works to knock out the panic attack, then that amt. will usually work for the long haul. My doctor has been wrong on lots of issues over the years, and this may be one of them. But he is willing to prescribe the xanax as long as he knows I am not abusing them, which I am not. Actually, right now I am taking effexor xr before I try the xanax xr.

I have to respectfully disagree with Sharpie.
It's not inevitable that you'll become dependent on Xanax.
It's true that some people do, but not everyone does.
I'm living, breathing proof of the fact that you can take it and not become dependent on it.
I took it for a very long time at a low dose and not once in all that time did I ever up my dose.
I weaned off of it and didn't have any trouble doing that either.

It's the same with any drug, some people have problems while others don't.

Hi, I'm new to the Anxiety board. I usually post on pain managment and Fibromyalgia, but I have to agree that people don't really get addicted to their meds. I take Percocet for bt pain, Klonopin for the FM (RLS and to help me sleep) I also take the Duragesic patch 50mcg ( I have a lot of different pain issues, and A LOT of pain), but I've also been down that SSRI road, did the Effexor XR 225mg for nearly two years. I hated it, I hated all the ones I tried. I either had no mood what so ever, or my moods were all over the place. When you have FM they throw those anti-d's at you to help increase your Serotonin level. They give'em to you like candy! I won't ever take another one, too many side effects, and no one told me how hard the wd would be coming off Effexor. So I want to know about this Xanax XR. I have heard that Xanax can also help FM patients. I'm not depressed but I feel anxious a lot. Like your coming out of your skin. I just want to feel calm. I have a new Psyc. and a new Therapist who I think I will like. My other therapist mostly talked about her son and exhusband mistreating her! LOL I thought I was there to talk about me! LOL And my last appt. with my Psyc. was to discuss changing from Klonopin to Xanax so I can take it throughout the day and at night to help me sleep. FM causes you to have very sleepless nights. Or just to use my Klonopin, like I am doing, for night time, cuz I still have the Restless Legs, and use the Xanax as needed when I'm having one of "those" days! I feel nauseated a lot of the time, because I can't control my anxiety.

I believe we become "dependent" on our meds, simply because they offer us a better quality of life. It's like becoming dependent on water or food to survive and give you your basic needs so that you can maintain a good quality of life. But becoming dependent on something that helps us, and becoming addicted are two different things. Becoming addictive, IMO means that you often abuse your meds, run out early, and don't take them for what they were originally intended for. That's addiction, when the drug controls you, you aren't in control of the drug. And yes, your doc is right, those of us who need the meds whether they be benzos or opiates for pain, for a better quality of life usually don't become addicted. We use them responsibly so that we can try to function normally. It's when we begin to abuse them, and let them take control of us is when we get into addiction problems. But yes, by all means, I hope I am dependent on my meds for as long as I need be, just as I am dependent on my husband or my friends to take care of me, or love me, so that I feel human and worthwhile.

And, that's my two cents! LOL
? for you all, do you get your Xanax from your PCP or from a Psyciatrist? My rheumy writes my Klonopin but that's because of the FM, and I would rather my Psyc. take over that med, I don't like my rhemy any way! LOL


Here's wishing you all a good spirit,
tk

I am sorry, but I have to disagree with Sharpie as well, "respectfully".
I have been on Xanax for 12 years solid, I am not addicted to it. I do have a dependency I was told, but not an addiction, Addition is where you would take them whether you need them or not, I take them for very severe Panic Disorder. I didn't leave my home for 5 years, and finally got help, my body DID ADJUST to the dosage and it had to be raised, so I take 5mg a day now. I do get tired of it at times, and the Pschyiatrist and I work together and lower it down to 2mg, Then when the Panic breaks through, we need to up the dosage again. I hate taking meds and he really understands that. I cannot take SSRI's, everyone of them have terrible side effects and he finally gave up trying them on me. The last one he wanted to try, I laughed and told him to try it out on someone else then get back to me in about a month and let me know how it went ;)
I have a medical card from my Phsciciatrist stating I have a DEPENDENCY and when I have surgery they cannot stop it, due to the possability of seizures from rapid withdrawal. But it is definatly NOT an addiction.
Stardust

tk, I get my xanax prescription from my family doctor. Stardust, I am so glad the xanax works for you. I don't want to do the ad thing anymore either, but I am trying this effexor for now, knowing my doctor is open to the xanax xr. I agree that the xanax helps panic disorder, just as other medications help other diseases. That is why we can't become dependent.

Oops! We do become dependent, just not addicted! Sorry about the typo. :)

I'm sorry you felt you were attacked, but stating different views is not the same as attacking someone. Everyone stated their opinions on the subject. Because someones view differs from yours that does not mean that they are in denial. Nobody here is an expert!

I guess there are some lucky people in the world, who take Xanax and never have to up the dose. I wish I knew if I was one of the those lucky people because I would really like to take the Xanax every day. I'm afraid if I do, I'll develope a tolerance and have to go up and never be able to get off of it. If most people could get by on a nice, neat small dose, I doubt so many with panic disorder would resort to SSRIs like Lexapro - which is what I'm on now. :(

Sharpie,
I hope you stay here at the boards and keep asking your questions, I know some, you might not want to hear and others I know can be taken the wrong way, which is what I think happened here.
Yes, When I get a tolerance on the 5mg and it stops working for me, I mention that to my Doc and we lower the dose for awhile and when the panic breaks through I have to go back up on it again. However I do have my limits and never take more than 5mg, ever.
I am not addicted and never use them wrong. I do get tired of taking them and ask my doc to work with me to lower the dose for awhile.
Yes, People CAN become addicted to Xanax, the same as other drugs. But I was saying that I am not. I am dependant on them to live a normal life.
Developing a Tolerance to the Xanax is when I go back down to a lower level for awhile, but I am dependent on them as well.
I do not abuse them and they are controlled by me and my Doc, so I keep it at a comfortable level without going higher and higher.

Stardust

This thread is now closed!

Everyone has different opinions and they are entitled to voice them.
If you disagree with a post, stating your views in your own post is fine, done in a respectful manner...but state it only once.
Likewise if you make a post and someone disagrees with it, there's no need to repost your views on the subject again.

If someones views differ from yours do not assume that they are in denial.
If a drug or other form of treatment worked for you, it's fine to state that.
If you had a problem with a drug or form of treatment it's fine to state that too.
Don't assume that your way is the right way.
Nobody here is an expert!