1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Just started Xanax...anyone have experiences to share?

Posted by alanism @alanism, Jan 31, 2019

I recently moved to a new house I am not liking, and have always struggled with anxiety. My anxiety has spiked and has been out of control over this move which I feel was a mistake. My doctor prescribed sertraline, but I understand I will not feel the affect of the sertraline for 6-8 weeks. For the past couple of weeks I have been taking two .5 mg of Xanax a day, which has really helped. My doctor said Xanax is not a long term solution but that this is a safe dose. I am afraid of addiction and of Xanax, but right now it seems to be the only thing calming me down. Just wondering what others have experienced with Xanax.

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amy4nick | @amy4nick | Jun 11 8:50am
In reply to @wiggins32 "This is a highly unpopular solution for a lot of good reasons. I know way more..." + (show)
Profile picture for wiggins32 @wiggins32

This is a highly unpopular solution for a lot of good reasons. I know way more than I care to since I was initially Rx Xanax 30 yrs ago for stress and anxiety. No one knew then. I do still suffer from anxiety and panic disorder. And I remained a Xanax patient for all that time. #1) contrary to popular belief, increased dosage being required is not always true. It wasn't for me. #2) It helped me through major life challenges which I had to deal with alone. But there came a time, when I had two back-to-back traumatic brain injuries from car accidents. The accidents were not my fault and occurred 6 mos apart. The concussions changed how my brain functioned. The Xanax became my enemy. I was never told about the damaging effects of Xanax. Bottom line is that it was evident that it was not okay. Honestly, you will always face challenges in life that cause anxiety. Naturally, we want that anxiety to go away and stay under control. Xanax does a great job of that. But it also holds your brain hostage. It's no longer your natural brain. Xanax is in control and it can turn on you in true monster fashion. I nearly died because of it. Please find other ways to cope with your anxiety. Xanax is not your friend. Hugs.

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@wiggins32 Xanax ruined my life.....caused alienation from my daughter who I haven't spoken to in 10 yrs and not able to see my grandchildren. I was on it for 30 years, but you are not your true self when you are addicted to Xanax. I entered a 30 day inpatient rehab facility to get off of it, the toughest thing I had to do, it was very difficult to do, but in the long run saved my life. I still struggle with anxiety but have no regrets of getting off of it, I am more my true self now. Don't get on the xanax path.......all the best to you!!

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bealillie | @bealillie | Jun 11 2:34pm
In reply to @ginger123 "I’ve been on .5mg in the evening for twenty yrs. Never increased, but dependent. Sometimes I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ginger123 @ginger123

I’ve been on .5mg in the evening for twenty yrs. Never increased, but dependent. Sometimes I cut to .25mg. No problems. I say stop worrying about it, and take to calm yourself. I use for RLS and works great.

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@ginger123 me too take .25 nightly sometimes to .5 for sleep think it's ok as well so low

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david707 | @david707 | Jun 12 3:16pm

I came to rely on Xanax some years back. To get off it, I switched to Valium, which is easier to reduce. This was a recipe I learned from a British Psychiatrist who became renowned for getting her patients off Benzos. I hope you can find a way to make your house more comfortable for you.

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sandwalk | @sandwalk | Jun 16 5:51pm

I have taken Xanax for many years and have not found it. Addicting. If you stay with the directions given to you, you should be okay. And again when the antidepressant kicks in you won't need the Xanax and I never got addicted to it. I now have been taking 1 mg of Klonopin before bed and that helps too. It also helps with sleep and it has a long half life so it carries into the next day so that might be a long-term solution if the anxiety doesn't go away when you start your antidepressant. Hope you feel better soon. Right now I am going through a medicine change and I have a lot of anxiety but I just have to wait and see how the new antidepressant works. .5 is an extremely low dose so don't worry. I'm allowed to take 1 mg of Xanax twice a day as needed .

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sandwalk | @sandwalk | Jun 16 5:54pm
In reply to @sandwalk "I have taken Xanax for many years and have not found it. Addicting. If you stay..." + (show)
Profile picture for sandwalk @sandwalk

I have taken Xanax for many years and have not found it. Addicting. If you stay with the directions given to you, you should be okay. And again when the antidepressant kicks in you won't need the Xanax and I never got addicted to it. I now have been taking 1 mg of Klonopin before bed and that helps too. It also helps with sleep and it has a long half life so it carries into the next day so that might be a long-term solution if the anxiety doesn't go away when you start your antidepressant. Hope you feel better soon. Right now I am going through a medicine change and I have a lot of anxiety but I just have to wait and see how the new antidepressant works. .5 is an extremely low dose so don't worry. I'm allowed to take 1 mg of Xanax twice a day as needed .

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@sandwalk

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ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jun 16 11:47pm

@alanism and all.. . Xanax is an excellent drug for me. I was on Valium for years when younger, as docs gave it women for everything they complained about. I'm 79. Life was different then...Valium was highly addictive for me. I've been on Xanax for years now, lowered dosage , easily reduced no issues. I can increase if going through extreme stress. It allows me to be myself. Valium changed my personality. Not Xanax.

And can Emily adjust doses. But it as they are all must be handled carefully. I settle inside well with Xana not drugged. Clear brain.
Keep dose low as possible.
Thankful for this med.
Blessings, Elizabeth

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