Posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 21:55:55
In reply to This has scared me........ » Greif, posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 21:12:28
I began taking xanax 1/4mg 3 times daily. After 4-5 months I increased the amount 1/2 mg 3 times daily. Zanax is quick acting and provides great relief for anxiety or panic attacks. It is the most potent benzo as to how it affects you. The problem is the short half life. As I continued to take it a tolerance quickly develops where you need more to get the same effect. Soon I was taking 1/2 mg every 4 hrs. After 3 years I was taking 1/2 mg every 3-4 hrs including at night. I would jolt awake every 4 hrs and take another. I am not unique in my experience. I was going through a very difficult time in my life in addition to suffering lifelong GAD. Most doctors will only prescibe(if at all) Xanax to be taken as needed and allow say 3mg month total in 1/4 mg tablets. You can become pysically dependant on it in 10 days or less. Withdrawl is severe and can cause seisures if not tapered properly. I once went on a buisness trip for a day and forgot to take any with me. On the flight home I was sweating, ears ringing and noise would reverberate through me like a hammer....this was after 9 hrs without. I only speak from experience but have read volumes on the topic. I would immediatly get a second opinion from an MD. I have switched to Klonopin (Clonzapam) due to its long half life and the fact that I have not had to increase my dosage over 2mg. There is plenty of info out there and on this site. Zanax with alchohol has a synergistic effect that can be dangerous. You are still in the early stages of taking this drug. I would recommend taking 1/4 mg as infrequently as posssible say every six hrs if you can handle it. See a doctor and get set straight. If you have been using benzos for less than 90 days withdrawl is not as bad. Valium or Librium seem to be the best way to taper due to very long half life. Dont be frightened but be diligent in getting proper advise. I would be the last one to tell you that you should not be taking it. I dont know you.
poster:Greif
thread:630710
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060408/msgs/631584.html