What is the big hype about Xanax I have a prescription for it but afraid to take it for my anxiety and nerves?
594576
Hello:\nThis answer is in response to your question posted about anxiety, xanax and trazadone.\nTrazadone is an atypical anti-depressant, quite ancient in pscyhopharmacology. It was originally used strictly for depression, but the main side effect was sedation and drowsiness. Many doctors today now use it to help people suffering from insomnia, however it will give you a hangover effect the next day, some people worse than others. If you have been on trazadone for a while, more than a few weeks, you will want to taper off the medication. I dont know what dose you are on, usually somewhere between 50 and 150 mg at night. Taper from 150 to 100 for two weeks, then taper down from 100 to 50 for two weeks, then taper down from 50 and break the pills in half so you get 25 mg and take that for a week. That way you wont have the side effects of coming off the med too quickly.\nNow as far as xanax (alprazolam) this is in a group of sedatives called "benzodiazapines". They have been around a long time, and have been used for ages for anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia. The problem with this class of drugs are that they are controlled by the DEA which means they have potential for abuse, tolerance and addiction. Be careful with this class of drugs though, they really cause sedation. I dont know what dose you were given but as a physician I never start someone any higher than 0.25 mg one to three times per day depending on how bad their symptoms are. These will definately cause sedation, incoordination, dizziness, loss of balance and you absolutely cannot drive or operate any machinery until you know how your own body is going to be affected by them. They are wonderful drugs if used as prescribed and used appropriately. They are falling out of favor with new drugs like Effexor-XR, paxil, zoloft, cymbalta, all of which are used for depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and sometimes obsessive compulsive disorders. I would talk to your doctor about your symptoms and you both can make a decision together as to the appropriate therapy for your symptoms. A lot of physicians are becoming "scared" to prescribe the benzodiazepines because they are DEA controlled and the docs are afraid they will lose their licenses if they over prescribe them. My point of view on these drugs are that if a patient really needs them, then it is in the doctors oath to help the patient. The benzodiazepines include not only xanax (alprazolam) but valium (diazepam), ativan (lorazepam), halcion (strictly for sleep because it so incredibly sedating, dalamane (also for sleep but bad hangover effect the next day) and klonipin (clonazepam). They all act in the same fashion but some work very quickly some work very slowly on the body.\nWhen I do use one of these drugs for anxiety disorder or panic attacks, I usually use xanax very low dose or klonipin at a low dose to take ONLY AS NEEDED when you feel an attack coming on. The benifit of xanax is that is rapid acting (half an hour) as opposed to klonipin which takes an hour or so. The best thing is discuss this with a physcian you feel comfortable with and who is amenable to prescribing this class of drugs.\nI hope this helped answer your questions and alleviate some of your concerns.\nRegards,\nWarren Shaffer, M.D.
191087
The top three side effects of Xanax is drowsiness (76.8%), fatigue/tiredness (48.6%), and impaired coordination (40.1%), according to the Xanax official website.  The numbers in the parenthesis are the percentage of patients who reported those side effects during Phase III studies performed by the drug manufacturer Pharmacia (these are huge numbers).  As you can see, these side effects are very similar to those when you're drunk.  \n\nThe reason is because benzodiazepines (the class of drug which Xanax falls under) affects the brain signalling pathways in your brain.  These same pathways also control many other neurological functions such as sleep, consciousness, and memory.  Often, your body is not used to such a "jolt" in your brain, so the symptoms that you feel are part of the transition as your brain adjusts to the drug.  \n\nNow your brain may never get used to it, but while Xanax by definition is supposed to alter brain function (likely prescribed by your doctor to improve brain function in some way), the unfortunate truth is that no drug comes without side effects.  Ultimately it's up to you to see if you can either tolerate a lower dose, or ask yourself if Xanax is really causing more harm than good for you.  Best of luck.
1157327
I agree with that whole nasty cylce thing above.  It for sure is.  It is not easy to deal with.  If your PCP(primary doc) knows you better, it is probably better to take the medication they prescribed.  Those anxiety attacks are hard to deal with, they are scary.  The sooner you start taking it the sooner it will start working.  \n\nYour working out and eating healthy should have helped keep you on track, but sometimes extra stresses in life will bring this on.  Stress can do so much to a body physically, even when you are healthy.  \n\nMaybe try to meditate.  Just take a few minutes for yourself each day to clear your head of the stressful things in your life.  try to picture something nice during this time a relaxing beach, or nothing at all.  something right for you.  good luck.
1053977
Better check with your pharmacist if you're not sure.  I gather they were prescribed by different doctors.  It depends on several factors- how controlled is your blood pressure?  How much xanax are we talking about?\n\nI wouldn't take them within an hour of each other.  If you're going out into a situation that could bring on a panic attack, make sure you've taken you atenolol at least an hour before you go out.... just in case you find you need a xanax.\n\nUsed with caution, they're probably ok.  Your medical doctor and psychiatrist should each know what the other has prescribed- make sure you inform them.
943801
Xanax is an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety compound. It does not alter your metabolism but rather works on your central nervous system\n\nIt is not dangerous to do physical activities with Xanax in your system but it might be harder to perform on them. The "Pounding" sensation you experienced was probably more of a panic attack, not directly brought on by the drug.\n\nIf your daily regimen involves strenuous dancing then I would bet that your heart is healthy.\n\nIf you are really concerned it might be advisable to have your physician order an ECG to put your mind at ease.\nSo get back on stage and break a leg.
51806
Ativan is in the same class of medications (benzodiazepines) as Xanax.\n\nWhile they work for anxiety, they are usually best taken AS NEEDED, not long term. Other drugs (SSRIs like prozac/zoloft/lexapro) are often better long term anxiety treatments.
1173867
i was atvan for more tha 2 years after my divorce. My doctor took me off because of addiction. But they do work,I took 2mg a day 1 in the morning one at night. get off of xanax up the dosage of ativan but be careful.Talk to your doctor
115427
I TOOK IT ALONG WITH PROZAC. I COULD'NT SLEEP, FELT NERVOUS, GAINED WEIGHT AND COULDN'T STOP SHAKING. I WOULD TELL YOUR DR YOU CAN'T SLEEP AND IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH HIS ANSWERS OR HELP FIND ANOTHER DR.
937866
I've had GAD for probably my whole life, but had it clinically diagnosed about two years ago.  It's really tough.  I get anxious about things "normal" people wouldn't, and vice versa - for instance, I can speak in front of hundreds with no problem, but am sometimes scared to death to go out to dinner because I'm afraid I'll get sick while I'm there.  Crazy, isn't it?  But that's GAD - and it's different for everyone.  \n\nI was first put on Lexapro to help with the GAD, and it was wonderful for over a year.  My doctor saw the improvement, and we decided to take me off any drugs for a while.  I was okay for several months, but the anxiety came creeping back until it had returned in full force.  I am now on Paxil daily and Xanax for situational anxiety (such as days I have to travel, etc.)  I am feeling so much better - these meds help me a lot and so does keeping a positive attitude!\n\nBest of luck to you - fight those monsters!
12882
It increase ur anxiety.
875124
I know of no OTC meds for anxiety. Xanax IS an anti-anxiety med however! If it isn't working, ask your doctor to change you to ativan or vallium.For me Vallium works wonders.Most doctors are hesitant to prescribe them for longer than a few months however due to the risk of addiction to them. Hope this helped. :)
1001029
I started suffering from panic disorder after my father's death - I heard this can happen after a traumatic event.  I had them for 5 years, tried all kinds of medications until finally they put me on xanax.  That is the ONLY thing that worked for me.  I did get addicted and had to get help to get off (as I was on them for so long) BUT if the panic attacks came back, I would go through that again if I had to - the xanax addiction -- because panic attacks are absolutely horrible.  I said to someone that had them "yea, you feel like you're going to die" and she said "no, you know you're going to die" -- she went to the ER with every single episode.  People - unless they've had them can never ever understand as the feeling is unexplanatory.  I feel for you big time and hope you can get some help quick for them because I FEEL YOUR PAIN.  People think panic attacks mean you are panicked over an event but that isn't the case - they come on at all times and for no particular reason.  I'm glad you brought this up.  It might help people who don't understand, understand how serious they are.  BEST OF LUCK TO YOU.  As for the xanax - it is worth it - just not too many doctors wanting to give it out.
1147134
I take clozapine,I find it really calms my nerves,I've become addicted to it though,so be careful!!
965434
Hey Mikey,\nBeing on Xanax is not very good to begin with unless you have a severe anxiety problem.  2mgs and 4mgs is a Pretty high dosage.  However I believe that there are people out there that need such high dosages of Xanax.  I am not sure about the health affects that could cause. And YES withdrawel is  difficult and  very dangerous !  Are the Xanax precribed to YOU??  That is the  BIG no.# one "?" The only way to withdraw from Xanax is only with a doctor's guidance- he can withdraw or wein you down slowly-Or is you go in to a drug rehab place.  These are the only two ways you can get off Xanax!!!  I am really serious.  If we try to wein ourselfs off , we can easily have drastic and deadly affects!!!!!  It affects our heart, our blood pressure can skyrocted or declien so drastic it can cost you your life.   Also a doctor or rehab  "can" sub with another med.  they monitor your heart-your blood pressure and any other vitals.  I hope this is some help-  I really am concerned for you. keep in touch my e-mail add. is\ncjydawn@yahoo.com\nGOOD LUCK FRIEND! AND GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!!
354532
Just tell them that you took a Xanax and have a prescription for it.
490569
I feel sorry for your anxiety caused by your phobia and for the other people writing about their phobias in your answer column. I to have suffered with many different phobias; as a child it was injections (both dentists and doctors), and Dogs; now it is the feeling of fear itself that I fear. (Because of years of panic attacks)\n\nI can tell you what helps, if you need to take an oral pill (tranquilizer) if you are really bad (one every night before going to bed for a short time) or (half an hour before you need to go to the doctor for an appointment involving an injection). \n*However this will not teach you too become brave or help you cope with your underlining fear which has become a phobia. \n\nI suggest you learn to relax through different sources.\n\nFirstly you can do positive self talk as your fear comes from negative thoughts causing you to have a chemical release in the brain which in turn causes the physical sensations of heart racing, sweating, feelings of faintness, fear, anxiety, nausea, light headedness, numbness, and so on…..oh yeah feelings of unreality is another one.\n\nNext learn relaxation or meditation either through physical participation in yoga classes or by listening to these sorts of cd, tape, or videos. There are hypnotic and relaxation available through JB Hi Fi stores designed to relax and strengthen your subconscious.  Cost $22 on average per item.\n\nYou can see a professional hypnotist or a physiatrist who will help you work you through your fear in a safe non threatening environment.  However this option is the most expensive and time consuming because it takes many sessions and time to feel you can trust or open up fully to another person.\n\n\n\n*If you use drugs as a crutch you can become addicted and that would start a whole new problem. \nP.S. the side affects of many tranquilizer drugs are feelings of anxiety and panic which you don’t want anyway.\n\n*The body is affected the same with legal and illicit drugs (downers or relaxants) like tranquillizers, sleeping pills or (marijuana, heroin, and alcohol) \n*Stimulants which are (speed, & cocaine) (cigarettes = nicotine), (tea & coffee =caffeine), and (ice & ecstasy which is often a combination of both stimulants and relaxants). \n*Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Marijuana are most accepted by the general public however they cause the most disease related deaths. Through internal organ diseases, like *Cancers and Blood clots (causing amputations, strokes and heart attacks) \n*Lung diseases from asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and cancer.  \n*Liver diseases from damage trying to alienate the body of toxic poisons and chemicals associated with medications and alcohol over years. \n*Hepatitis, sclerosis, and cancers of the liver.  \n*Marijuana has a chemical THC which our body has receptor in our brain and we also store for long periods in our blood and fat cells; (up to one month each time you smoke just one joint). Regular bong smokers and users will cause many different chronic health problems including lung disease (as the same toxic chemicals are in tobacco and marijuana excepting nicotine which is a stimulant) mental health suffers with paranoia, anxiety, fear, loss of memory, loss of appetite or increased appetite for sweets, loss of motivation, poor health, poor sleeping patterns and a dependency to use marijuana to get to sleep. Personal hygiene problems like sweating, bad breath and rotting teeth and the best for last you only feel mellow for a short time the rest of the time you are short tempered and unbearable to be around.\n*All drugs both legal and illicit have one thing in common the same side affects which is anxiety and withdrawal symptoms.
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Fear.  \n\nNo, seriously...Dr. Fred Palmer makes a good one, and you can get it at Walgreens.