Posted by IsoM on May 20, 2002, at 1:04:00
In reply to Re: Benzo question for all users » IsoM, posted by Franz on May 19, 2002, at 15:47:42
> "What happens if you take coffee to avoid benzodiazepine sedation during the day?. Does caffeine interfere with the anti-anxiety effect too?."
Yes, it can. Caffeine does help you stay alert, but has a *much* stronger effect physically than mentally for most. The amount to keep alert will probably leave you feeling jittery instead, negating much of the calming effect of a benzo.
> "e.g. can I take a low dose Xanax with the morning coffee and still get the anti-anxiety effect with less sedation than without coffee?. I need to lessen anxiety but be fully alert."
How much does the caffeine in one cup of coffee affect you? For most people, it's not that much & if you can normally have a morning coffee without feeling a little wired or jittery, I see no reason not to have it just 'cause you're taking Xanax. If you do feel wired with a morning coffee, do like katekite said & drink decaff.
> "Also, as alprazolam has a short life, will a morning dose only be not enough and cause a rebound of anxiety. I am thinking on using it for the more anxiety provoking times of the day and avoid regular use and dependance (if this is rational)."
I didn't notice a anxiety rebound myself when it wore off, but I found that my more anxious time was later in the early afternoon, so I saved my dose for that time. Another way of doing it may be to take a whole tablet in the morning & then mid-afternoon, take a half-tablet. I did that for a while before I tapered down & it worked well, keeping me calm throughout the day.
poster:IsoM
thread:106961
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020517/msgs/107036.html