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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on July 5, 2004, at 19:10:56
Ever since I started taking Xanax XR (3mg twice daily) for social anxiety, the anxiety has been almost completely eliminated. However, since then (1 month ago) I have had 2 speeding tickets, and 2 nights ago, I crashed and got a DUI. these are the first 3 tickets of my entire life! It seems too coincidental to not be Xanax related...Any comments or info on Xanax causing me to be more reckless...?
(I would like to talk to the judge for my DUI about it because of this but need some advice first). Thanks
Posted by 1980Monroe on July 5, 2004, at 21:55:06
In reply to Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 5, 2004, at 19:10:56
goodness, that does sound serious.
Xanax could be imparing similar to alcohol, in being less alert, sometime a side effect of being relaxed is being careless about general things, this is why i dont like to relax. Tell your doctor definetly about this and see if he will find somehting to equalize you back to normal with Xanax.
Xanax is a pretty stong sedative, or tranquilizer, so this is not uncommon to here this. Be careful on the road, and if you have to, start drinking more starbucks coffee with it until you talk to your doctor.
Posted by Buckeye Fan on July 5, 2004, at 22:07:29
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by 1980Monroe on July 5, 2004, at 21:55:06
and if you have to, start drinking more starbucks coffee with it until you talk to your doctor.....
LOL! Good "remedy" Monroe! As a long term Xanax user..I really HAVE drank StarBucks to get me fired up when I needed to drive and/or stay alert!
6 mg of Xanax is a pretty hefty dose...especially if the XR version I have studied
is slowly released into ones system.I do not take the XR version myself....but I DO
take 2 mg at night to help me go to sleep.Every label on xanax contains a warning about not "operating a motor vehicle" or other functions UNTIL you seee how the medicine effects you individually.
Since Xanax is a hypnotic-sedative...it does impair judgement and slows down the Central Nervous System..therby lowering your reaction time.Sounds to me like a direct coralation between the
6m,g and the taffic accidents.Be careful...and drop the dose if you have to.
God bless
Buckeye Fan
Posted by Simcha on July 6, 2004, at 2:15:10
In reply to Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 5, 2004, at 19:10:56
Wow, when I first started Klonopin (Clonazepam) I had two car accidents (I rear ended two cars) and I had a speeding ticket. I've been off of it for almost two years now. I haven't had an accident or a ticket (knock on wood) since then. I wonder if it was the Klonopin for me?
Wary interesting...
Simcha
Posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:54:59
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by Simcha on July 6, 2004, at 2:15:10
yeah, this is all very interesting...i've got to meet with my lawyer soon about the DUI hearing...I'm definitly hoping to bring up the Xanax as I'm hoping it will play a big role in saving myself a bit...needless to say, whatever happens, I have decided to quit drinking 100% for quite some time.
Slightly on a different note, I have been extremelly pleased with how the Xanax has eased my social anxiety. How does Klonipin differ from Xanax...or any other related benzos for that matter.
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Posted by xraverchic on July 6, 2004, at 20:28:11
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:54:59
I don't know about bringing up the Xanax as part of your defense. Everything I have read about Xanax says clearly and specifically to avoid alcohol because it increases the "drowsiness and dizziness" that Xanax causes.
Given my user name, I am definitely in no position to lecture people for their recreational activities, but use caution when using this as a defense - you don't want to seem like you are abusing your prescription or using your Xanax in recreational ways.
I was on a combination of Klonopin and Zoloft for about six months. It was definite blue skies all the way! :)
Good luck with your case.
Posted by Glydin on July 6, 2004, at 22:41:41
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:54:59
> yeah, this is all very interesting...i've got to meet with my lawyer soon about the DUI hearing...I'm definitly hoping to bring up the Xanax as I'm hoping it will play a big role in saving myself a bit...needless to say, whatever happens, I have decided to quit drinking 100% for quite some time.
+++It's good you have decided to not use alcohol and a benzo as from what you describe, it's an unsafe bad mix for you. I agree with xraverchic that using the fact that you mixed alcohol and Xanax as a defense for DUI doesn't sound like a good plan.>
> Slightly on a different note, I have been extremelly pleased with how the Xanax has eased my social anxiety. How does Klonipin differ from Xanax...or any other related benzos for that matter.+++Xanax(regular) works faster but for a shorter period of time. Klonopin is slower to take effect but works for a longer period of time. Klonopin also does not tends to cause a euphoric feeling that some can experience with Xanax and that is thought, by some, to make Klonopin less likely to have abuse potential.
The fact that you feel your Xanax use may be causing you problems with your judgement and given the driving history you describe---- I urge you to discuss these issues with your doc. It's your safety and other's safety involved, too.
Posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 0:54:35
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by Glydin on July 6, 2004, at 22:41:41
i can totally agree. i wasnt boozing or anything and to tell you the truth the clonezapam wasnt making me feel too wobbly. But when I got behind the wheel of the car... whoosh! one minute youre shoulder checking and the next minute you've almost gone right under that semi so i dont think benzos and cars mix. pitty.
anyways, i just started clonazepam for SP. I can talk to strangers now no problem, but small groups are still an issue. its not as perfect as what i was expecting. i feel a little mushy, depressed, and a tad uninterested... in anything. My short term memory is also completely gone so I now carry around a small pad and paper. weird.
i was hoping to get dexedrine and have that be the major SP killer and then just use the clonezepam to round off any resulting anxiety. I was thinking it might be a more realistic combo of cocaine and booze.
You know how the docs can be though, so now im just stuck with the benzos. I guess Ill try the xanax/paxil route but i dont have too much faith in the ssri's. I go to www.paxil.com and I feel like I'm being sold amway. Can any person here tell me FOR REAL that paxil has REALLY helped them with SP?
Posted by becksA on July 7, 2004, at 1:24:09
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 0:54:35
I'd like to hear ONE person say that ANY ssri has helped them with severe social anxiety. If there is somebody, I would consider it a miracle.
Posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 2:46:33
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 7, 2004, at 1:24:09
No kidding. All I ever hear from doctor's and pharmacists is that "it really works well." What the hell does that mean? What's working? Where can I see these "tests" that suggest that paxil/seroxat are "extremely" helpful? I look for them but all I ever find is things that say "about 25 percent of participants felt relieve." Some dumb doctor gave me prozac about ten years ago and i just felt like i was eating plastic smarties that made my eyes twitch, and made me feel dizzy sometimes.
When I take benzos - BOOM - I can feel the effect.
When I take amphetamines - SHAZAAM - i can feel something happening.
I know doctors are concerned that I will become a drug addict, so they want to give me plastic smarties istead (of which they have no idea of how they work).
I'm 28. I have no history of drug abuse or addiction. I hate SP - it has/is ruining my life.
I want my Xanax/Klonopin and I want my Dexedrine NOW. If you can't do this simple task for me, quit charging me that rediculous "consultation" fee. Why the hell should I pay some guy 80 bucks just to say "no?"
I know there's risks involved with these drugs; but there are also benefits.
Basically, I wish the doctors of the world would quit crying and let me benefit from modern science.
If they love paxil, prozac, serzone, peeoxzamatine, fluoxaopanezam, galvarenonerine, and generalwellbeingBSplasticsmatrycrap, etc. so much, then they can take them themselves, give them to their kids, neighbours, etc. whatever.
IS THERE ONE PERSON OUT THERE THAT CAN TELL ME ANYTHING ELSE THAN THESE DRUGS MAKE THEM "FEEL OKAY?"
Because as far as I'm concerned, I'm just hearing the optimism required to have faith in these drugs being of any value (whatsit? the placebo effect?)
Sorry for the rant, but I wish I had a magic ball that would tell me where to find "a good doctor."
And while I'm complaining: to all you yanks who think that the Canadian medicare system is so great, try imagine the sublime thrill of being told that you've been put on an 8 month waiting list to see a psychiatrist.
Goodnight.
Posted by bluebird on July 7, 2004, at 6:52:47
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 0:54:35
> i can totally agree. i wasnt boozing or anything and to tell you the truth the clonezapam wasnt making me feel too wobbly. But when I got behind the wheel of the car... whoosh! one minute youre shoulder checking and the next minute you've almost gone right under that semi so i dont think benzos and cars mix. pitty.
>
> anyways, i just started clonazepam for SP. I can talk to strangers now no problem, but small groups are still an issue. its not as perfect as what i was expecting. i feel a little mushy, depressed, and a tad uninterested... in anything. My short term memory is also completely gone so I now carry around a small pad and paper. weird.
>
> i was hoping to get dexedrine and have that be the major SP killer and then just use the clonezepam to round off any resulting anxiety. I was thinking it might be a more realistic combo of cocaine and booze.
>
> You know how the docs can be though, so now im just stuck with the benzos. I guess Ill try the xanax/paxil route but i dont have too much faith in the ssri's. I go to www.paxil.com and I feel like I'm being sold amway. Can any person here tell me FOR REAL that paxil has REALLY helped them with SP?Hi, I have had SP severe all of my life I am in the process of switching from Paxil to MAOI probably Parnate. Paxil in the beginning gave me relief, also taking clonazepam, I have to take fairly large amount of the clonazepam when in situations to get me through. Also, when an event is coming up I up my dose of Paxil. I have zip on motivation and I am constantly tired. I have sleep problems at night (staying asleep). Then I need to sleep during the day. I have had all of the counceling and so forth. So, in all of my reading it is said that MAOI's are the way to go if you have SP. So I figure I will try them. I am willing to do the correct diet and so forth. Xanax made me agitated pretty bad. Very uneasy feeling. Prozac helped depression but did nothing for SP. Sorry this is so long. Hope this helps. Good Luck, Bluebird
Posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 8:49:27
In reply to please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???..., posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:56:12
> posted it a bit up the page yesterday...just reposted today, please follow up. thanks....
hello there, chemist here...xanax is a bit different than the standard meds that would be prescribed for anxiety - ativan, klonopin, and valium being the most common - in that there is a clear antidepressant effect that is seen in patients taking xanax vs. the other meds mentioned above. i cannot comment on a coherent legal strategy in that i am not an attorney. however, i do have a friend who was recently dinged for shoplifting. not your usual case in that she had just taken a rather significant dose of valium, went to the grocery store (no alcohol or other meds involved), and wandered out with a toothbrush (yes, a toothbrush) in her hand. she claims she ``spaced out;'' i believe her, as she is a responsible person and to my knowledge doesn't make it a point to fleece the locals of toiletries. this actually mande it into court, where the ``valium defense'' was sucessful in knocking back the charge to some lesser offense that still cost her a few hundred dollars, a hefty price for a toothbrush indeed. all of this said, your reaction to xanax is not surprising, as it can be activating in some people - hence your speeding, etc. - and does impair judgement (the other alternative to xanax being activating). and perhaps xanax has ``loosened'' you up to the point where - at least at the outset - you are not really aware of how the drug is affecting you. hope some or part of this helps, and all the best, chemist
Posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 8:49:27
In reply to please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???..., posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:56:12
> posted it a bit up the page yesterday...just reposted today, please follow up. thanks....
hello there, chemist here...xanax is a bit different than the standard meds that would be prescribed for anxiety - ativan, klonopin, and valium being the most common - in that there is a clear antidepressant effect that is seen in patients taking xanax vs. the other meds mentioned above. i cannot comment on a coherent legal strategy in that i am not an attorney. however, i do have a friend who was recently dinged for shoplifting. not your usual case in that she had just taken a rather significant dose of valium, went to the grocery store (no alcohol or other meds involved), and wandered out with a toothbrush (yes, a toothbrush) in her hand. she claims she ``spaced out;'' i believe her, as she is a responsible person and to my knowledge doesn't make it a point to fleece the locals of toiletries. this actually mande it into court, where the ``valium defense'' was sucessful in knocking back the charge to some lesser offense that still cost her a few hundred dollars, a hefty price for a toothbrush indeed. all of this said, your reaction to xanax is not surprising, as it can be activating in some people - hence your speeding, etc. - and does impair judgement (the other alternative to xanax being activating). and perhaps xanax has ``loosened'' you up to the point where - at least at the outset - you are not really aware of how the drug is affecting you. hope some or part of this helps, and all the best, chemist
Posted by becksA on July 7, 2004, at 11:27:15
In reply to Re: please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???... » becksA, posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 8:49:27
thanks for the advice chemist.
Posted by becksA on July 7, 2004, at 11:27:15
In reply to Re: please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???... » becksA, posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 8:49:27
thanks for the advice chemist.
Posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 11:37:38
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? pinky, posted by bluebird on July 7, 2004, at 6:52:47
so whats the diet again? no beer, no wine, no cheese, no coffee? Yipes. Sounds rough, but good luck if you're giving it a try. Why did you choose parnate over nardil?
How you ever tried amphetamines?
Also, i would NEVER promote its use, but have you had any experience with cocaine?
Cocaine of a relatively pure nature, taken in moderate amounts makes you quite uninhibited (albeit onboxious and crazy). It also makes you a little paranoid and nervous, so a few drinks will leave you feeling... completely SP free - at least in a casual social setting. It probably wouldn't be too good for lunch with the boss. Bottom line, coke is a filthy dangerous drug (as is booze); but its comnined effects on my SP are what have led to my interest in a benzo/stimulant combo.
I keep getting a different story from every pharmacist/doctor/internet-pharmeceutical-evangelist that I talk to so who know's what to think?
I wish Dr. Bob was available to answer this question.
Is a disciplined and moderate dose of a benzo like clonazepam taken by a mature individual realistic? In other words, is there such a thing as a "maintenance dose," or can one only use these drugs "as needed."
Likewise with amphetamines such a dexedrine. Does your tolerance continue to spiral upward?
Posted by Glydin on July 7, 2004, at 15:10:13
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? pinky, posted by pinky on July 7, 2004, at 11:37:38
>
> Is a disciplined and moderate dose of a benzo like clonazepam taken by a mature individual realistic? In other words, is there such a thing as a "maintenance dose," or can one only use these drugs "as needed."+++It is possible to have daily maintenance dosing for Klonopin. There are guidelines to follow, to include all the "rules" for approiate use and good followup with a supportive doc is important is my opinion - a supportive doc is something not easily found for some. Benzo's get a bad rep due to a number of factors. Some folks cannot successfully nor approiately use benzo's, but, the class of meds can be a Godsend for some of us and the only thing that makes an impact for successful management of anxiety issues.
Posted by Fred23 on July 7, 2004, at 18:09:31
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 6, 2004, at 16:54:59
> needless to say, whatever happens, I have decided to quit drinking 100% for quite some time.
What was the measured BAC? As others have noted, the Xanax acts as a multiplier, so the actual intoxication would be much higher.
(I posted this last night, but it didn't seem to appear.)
Posted by Fred23 on July 7, 2004, at 19:48:31
In reply to Re: please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???... » becksA, posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 8:49:27
> i cannot comment on a coherent legal strategy in that i am not an attorney.
> you are not really aware of how the drug is affecting you.
The sense I've seen in the laws about drugged or drunk driving is that it is the driver's responsibility to be in the condition to drive.
There have been a number of "Xanax and alcohol" car accidents in the local paper, and the drugs are seen as more of a contributing factor than an excuse.
(I, too, and not a lawyer, though.)
Posted by chemist on July 7, 2004, at 22:07:55
In reply to Re: please follow up on Xanax - HUGE problems???... » chemist, posted by Fred23 on July 7, 2004, at 19:48:31
> > i cannot comment on a coherent legal strategy in that i am not an attorney.
>
> > you are not really aware of how the drug is affecting you.
>
> The sense I've seen in the laws about drugged or drunk driving is that it is the driver's responsibility to be in the condition to drive.
>
> There have been a number of "Xanax and alcohol" car accidents in the local paper, and the drugs are seen as more of a contributing factor than an excuse.
>
> (I, too, and not a lawyer, though.)
>
hello there, chemist here....i concur with you completely in re: the driver's responsibility. my friend was admittedly in a different situation from someone who gets behind the wheel with a cocktail of alcohol and xanax. the ``valium defense'' i mentioned was, i believe, fair in that the punishment was reduced yet the offense was not forgiven solely because a person was out-to-lunch: if people could get away with anything just because they were taking their meds, we'd be living in quite a different world than one where the offender must take some responisbility from their actions. all the best, chemist
Posted by Alazaruso787 on July 23, 2004, at 10:13:35
In reply to Re: Xanax - HUGE problems??? or all in my head...., posted by becksA on July 7, 2004, at 1:24:09
> I'd like to hear ONE person say that ANY ssri has helped them with severe social anxiety. If there is somebody, I would consider it a miracle.<
Actually I was on Paxil CR and it did help but I could never remember to take it every day so I would have to keep starting over. I take Xanax now when I need it though and that has worked out better than anything. It doesn't bother my driving ability or anything though.
This is the end of the thread.
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