I can tell you my experience with xanax. My guinecologist gives me 14 pills per month 0.5 mg (orange ones). At first, I was very hesitant to take them. I was afraid of becoming zombie like or addicted. I use them for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). I only take them halfway through my cycle because my anxiety is somehow worse around that time of month. Anyways, they work wonderful. They just totally calm you down and make you feel normal again. I have been on them for about a year now. For me, I have no side effects whatsoever. The other 2 weeks out of the month I really don't need them unless I have a panic attack which lately I haven't had any. Thank God!
Anyways, just thought I would share this info with you but again, ask your Pharmacist because they are very knowledgable!
I find my doctor somewhat usesless for a bedside manner, she's a bit abrupt, I find everyone here more informative, friendly and I want to talk more here:) as everyone knows I ramble..:)
Thanks for all the inputs again. I am doing ok so far and is not there yet into needing to take it. It's funny how my doctor just hands it to me like nothing and I seem to be able to get more information from others and other sources. Thanks guys.
Keep working through the program and learning about exposure therapy. Through challenging yourself, your thoughts and learning more about your anxiety you may be able to go into stressful situations without medication.
Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, belongs to the class of medicines called benzodiazepines.It
is used for short term relief or excessive anxiety, the treatment of general
anxiety disorder or the treatment of panic disorder. It works by slowing down
the central nervous system.
Alprazolam should not be
taken by anyone who has:
an allergy to alprazolam or any other
medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class
an allergy to any ingredients of this
medication
myasthenia gravis
acute narrow-angle glaucoma
severe liver disease
The most common side
effects are:
clumsiness or unsteadiness
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
slurred speech
abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
blurred vision or other changes in vision
changes in sexual desire or ability
constipation
diarrhea
dry mouth
increased thirst
false sense of well-being
headache
increased watering of mouth
muscle spasm
nausea or vomiting
nasal congestion
problems with urination
rembling or shaking
unusual tiredness or weakness
Physical
dependence has also been associated with benzodiazepines. As always, please
speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more drug information, correct dosages
and if you have ongoing or unusual side effects while taking the drug.
I use Xanax on occasion. I believe it is a muscle relaxer so I am also very cautious when I use it. I actually only take half a pill at a time.That is enough to take the edge off. I believe it can be habit forming so I only take it when it is absolutely necessary. I think last year I had ten pills broke in half and that's all I used all year. I can't take more than a half all day or I think I would fall asleep. I weigh around 110 lbs so more than that and I'm exhausted. I know that is different for everyone! It really does work well for me. I've tried anti-depressants and they upset my stomach and that is a problem I have a very sensitive stomach. I would really prefer to not take it cause I don't want an addiction to form than that just causes a new problem. I do carry one with me when I know I will be facing a situation that overwhelm me or I take one before and am able to cope. The more I'm reading in this program I'm wondering if I should just be facing my fears without it???? Haven't got that answer yet......I'm on session 7.
Well I haven't ever taken Xanax but I have taken medication that come from the same family of medication. Xanax is basically Alprazolam which is a benzodiazepine. I haven't taken Xanax but I have taken Ativan (Lorazepam) and Rivotril also known as Klonopin (Clonazepam) which are both benzodiazepines. Of course they are not exactly all the same. I must admit that Benzodiazepines have helped me a great deal when I needed a little help. I find they act well and quickly when you have the right doses etc. I am cautious with benzodiazepines as many of them can cause addiction if taken long term. But all in all I have taken benzodiazepines throughout my life and have found them useful in times of very high stress. OF course as my therapist always says: Pills don't teach skills.
Anyway, I am no phamacist or doctor. I advise you to talk to your doctor and your pharmacist. The pharmacist can give you a surprising amount of info lol. Anyway, sorry I could not be more helpful.
My doctor gave me Xanax just in case... just to hold on to. I brought it here with me on the trip and I am planning to not use it until I really can't handle the anxiety but was wondering what everyone knows about this medication. Has anyone tried it or is on it presently? And if so, I'm wondering your opinions on it. Thanks.
