Xanax

Lighthouse_7 said:

I wonder why some docs give
I wonder why some docs give this and some, like mine, gave me Ativan. I know it's the same class of medicine but does anyone know the difference?
Just wondering because until my DX I was never on anything. Ativan has helped me through some rough times. I did have a Xanex given to me once for a flight and I found it made me sleepy.

Just wondering.

laughs_a_lot said:

Xxnax and ativan
My mom was on Xxnax and I know it helped her with the nervousness she expreinced as the result of her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You can get pretty panicky when you don't think you'll be able to catch your breath.

Ativan is also an anti anxiety medication. I know that it washes out of your system quickly. Let me assure you of this much. When you are on a medication and you develop a dependence or addiction to such medication, the doctor is the one who is best qualified to help you wean off it.

I suspect that Xxanax and Ativan are prescribed to certain individuals as some medications are not a good match either with your other medications, or sometimes with some of your other health issues. I have seen first hand how hard the doctors try to think through which antidepressant or which anti anxiety drug will work well in combinatin with other medications and physical ailments. When one drug does not work well they often ask probing questions that get at why you did not think it worked well or what it was that bothered you with taking the medication. When you are truthful with the doctor on these issues he can make a good decision on which drug to try next.

If your doctor suggests that you go on an anti anxiety drug or an antidepressant please the suggestion seriously. Often many have a negative view of this which is a held over negative attitude towards those who have mental health difficulties. This continued negative stereotype of mental health issues stands in the way of a better life for many whether they began with mental health issues as thier first problem or if they developed it as the result of a very difficult to live with disease. I think it is a good idea to keep an open mind on these things as we are in a difficult battle. It would be hard for even those with a strong constitution.

CypressCynthia said:

Xanax can be addicting Jean,
Xanax can be addicting Jean, but, if you need it right now, take it--just understand that when you are ready to wean, do it super slowly. There are many different ways to do this. You can take 3/4 of your regular dose one day and then the full dose the next day and alternate like this for a week. Then the next week try 1/2 dose one day and full dose the next, etc. Going really slowly is the best way to avoid withdrawal. Before you wean, talk with your physician first. He/she may be able to help set up a schedule for you.

Another thought might be to ask about an antidepressant for your symptoms as antidepressants are less physically addicting than benzodiapenes. But you may still have to wean slowly, slowly off of the xanax while starting something else. A psyciatrist can be very helpful with the ins and outs of these meds. My psychiatrist sister knows all of the meds inside out.

Feel free to pm me if you like.

This from epocrates:

"Your symptoms may return when you stop using alprazolam after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using alprazolam. Withdrawal symptoms may include blurred vision, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, muscle twitching, numbness or tingling, or increased sensations.

Do not stop using alprazolam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely."

Jean T. Szabo said:

Half
Thanks to everyone answering this question. Talked to onc. He said to take the 1/2 doseage pill, new lower dosage prescription, every other night for a week and then try to go without for the next week and only use it when needed. Just started to do that. He also said there is no hurry in taking the Arimidex. He wants we off of this before starting Arimidex. My nights sweats and hot flushes are back. Have to change pj's in the middle fo the night. Wake up during the night, sometimes twice a night. Now have a cold and that makes me feel very weak. Any suggestions on dealing with all of this? Treat the cold, night sweats?

CypressCynthia said:

Yes, ativan too. But I
Yes, ativan too. But I stand by what I said before. Sometimes it is ok to be addicted depending on your personal history and prognosis. Also, addiction is a very complicaed subject as there may be a genetic component. If you are taking a low dose and not increasing your dose, you may no issue or have less of an issue when tapering off.

BetsyJane said:

I take Xanax from time to time with no problems
My doctor prescribed Xanax for me before my chemo began. I do not take it every day. I only take it when I am overly stressed. Going thru cancer treatments is no picnic and I take it when needed. I was prescribed .50 but usually split the pill in half (lowest dose) when needed. I have not become additive to it at all. I also take Arimidex and Xanax does not interfere with this medication. Xanox can sit on my shelf for weeks at a time and at times, I may take Xanax a couple times in a week. It all depends. I never was one to take prescription medications and was hesitant to take it at first ..... but one of my best friends who has been a pharmacist for years convinced me to take Xanax when I needed it. As long as you don't abuse this drug, you should be fine.