Just started Xanax...anyone have experiences to share?
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.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.
Out of curiosity why is your dad’s doctor wanting him off this drug at age 90?
All I can say is I’ve been on Xanax for a long time, different doses. I’m taking .5 at bedtime. I’m planning on going off it as I’m taking Medical marajuana! 1/2 CBD &1/2 THC. I have a medical card and it’s all legal. It’s the BEST thing I’ve ever taken for anxiety!!! It helps me relax and I’m also less depressed! It also helps with nerve pain! I am take CBD in the morning as well.
Drugs that share this are Berberine, CBD, THC, Xanax, BENZOs, Gabbapentin, Grapefruit, other opioids. Seach P450 interaction. I stopped taking my berberine after almost going to the emergency room yesterday. No alcohol should be taken with Xanax type drugs.
Research P450 drugs and Cannabis and Xanax.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/grapefruit-and-cbd-can-block-or-increase-other-medications/?pg=1#comment-789031
What do you take for sleep?
Dear alanism@alanism,
I totally can relate to the terrible feeling of not thriving at all, and feeling that moving to a new place was a huge mistake. I have been feeling like that since I moved in August last year. I wanted to move because I do not drive, and this new house was very close to some stores - which made me hope my life would make a turn toward something better. I have a lot of different health issues. The one I find very hard to (survive) live with is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the horrible depression that follows as a consequence of feeling terribly weak for 6-7-8 months in every given year. I have never used Xanax. I use a minimum of Clonazepam (I cut in 4 a 0,5 mg tablet) when depression and anxiety become unbearable. I know it's a yucky feeling when we take something that we would hope we did not need to take. On the other hand, see it this way: Meds were invented because sometimes they are necessary. They don't always work. Sometimes they even make things worse. But if you have found something that is a good crouch and is helping you in this moment of need and difficulty ... well, I would say keep using it. When you get better you won't be needing it anymore (I am not a doctor, but since you use a very low dosage of Xanax I am sure it is not going to be a big problem getting off it later on :>)) Good luck. Don't give up. You are not alone. All my best to you. Happy 😊 New Year!!
Gosh! After using a lot of energy writing this post of mine, I now realize alanism@alanism wrote his or hers back in 2019 (!) :<(( This happens when I am not well. My concentration unfortunately is not there and ... well, I am sure alanism@alanism might not be needing my post/comment anymore, but maybe someone else will (at least I hope so, or it would have been a total waste of time and energy on my part). Anyhow, one thing at least I have learned today, and is to always, always check the date of the post/comment before posting anything.
Melatonin. But I also take Trazadone 100 mg. I was on 200 mg. I’m hoping to get off of it all together. Honestly, I really don’t need the melatonin. Hope this helps!
I am realizing that I did some things right in not drinking at all during the period that I took the Xanax. Living with alcoholism and its bad effects made the thought of drinking alcohol disgusting and repulsive. Years later I can enjoy a glass of wine with pasta and it doesn't affect me or bother my attitude at all. i do not think that I sacrificed much to get better health so that is a blessing. I do miss eating much ice cream but am responsible about the matter. So addiction doesn't get me going down the wrong health path. I must avoid donuts, however.
That is another story. Dorisena
I remember questioning my doctor about why I should take medication when I did not have an addiction problem and suggested that my husband with the problem should be taking medication instead of me. But we could never get any treatment for him to happen, and I continued the Xanax treatment basically for preventative purposes, so that could be part of the reason why it was so easy to discontinue it at the end. It kept my dysfunctional marriage in tact and I was never out on the streets or any bad consequences. I am a very content widow working on chronic aches and pains that come with an old, worn out body.. I feel a little better than expected so that provides contentment at age 87.
My headset is I should be able have my medical oils and salves and cannabis products cover all my issues, as that is what they all do. I am trying to get off that .5 xanax and I'll be there. With my chronic pain, this has been quite a challenge. For others maybe its no big deal. I think muscle, gastro issues, and liver problems could result with long term use of both. If damage has already occurred, that may be part of my fight. Look into melatonin for sleep.