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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cache-monkey on March 17, 2005, at 18:41:31
Hey all,
For people who've used both Xanax and Xanax XR, a few questions:
* Was interdose rebound anxiety a substantial problem for you with the immediate-relase version?
* Are the doses really equivalent?
* Is it easier to wean off of than the regular version?
* Is the half life really that much longer? I.e., is it really once daily or do you need to go to twice a day??
* Do you think it's worth the extra money?
Any input is greatly appreciated!
Best,
cache-monkey
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2005, at 19:51:14
In reply to Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by cache-monkey on March 17, 2005, at 18:41:31
Both my daughter-in-law, and my old pdoc said that there was gaps in the effectiveness of the long-acting version, and that you had to supplement with extra regular zaxax. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by CareBear04 on March 18, 2005, at 17:14:15
In reply to Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by cache-monkey on March 17, 2005, at 18:41:31
hi there,
i took xanax 1mg four times a day. i could feel one dose wear off, so every four hours, i popped the next. i tried xanax xr to avoid the frequent dosing and to minimize the dependence, but i wasn't pleased. i took xanax xr 2mg twice a day. at most, it lasts 12 hours, so if you want your whole day covered, you need two doses. in my experience, the doses aren't equivalent; xr feels much weaker than regular. i couldn't even feel it work, but the upside of that is that i didn't feel it wear off, either. in my opinion, xr isn't worth the money. when i took it a year ago, xanax xr was not a preferred brand name drug under my insurnace, so it cost an arm and a leg. i dont know whether it is now, but it's definitely expensive, especially if you take it twice a day. if you're set on a long-acting benzo, you might try klonopin. it doesn't feel the same and can make people depressed at higher doses, but it can last up to 8hrs and is pretty convenient.
Posted by cache-monkey on March 19, 2005, at 14:00:09
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » cache-monkey, posted by CareBear04 on March 18, 2005, at 17:14:15
Hey,
I do want a long-acting benzo. I'm on Klonopin now, but find it far more sedating than when I was on Xanax. I'm also experiencing some sexual dysfunction, which, amongst the common benzos, I've read is most caused by Klonopin.
Interesting to hear your experience with the XR. I wonder if part of the reason the XR felt weaker is that there isn't a sharp spike up at dosing? Or did it simply just leave you more anxious at an equivalent dosage?
Best,
cache-monkey
> hi there,
> i took xanax 1mg four times a day. i could feel one dose wear off, so every four hours, i popped the next. i tried xanax xr to avoid the frequent dosing and to minimize the dependence, but i wasn't pleased. i took xanax xr 2mg twice a day. at most, it lasts 12 hours, so if you want your whole day covered, you need two doses. in my experience, the doses aren't equivalent; xr feels much weaker than regular. i couldn't even feel it work, but the upside of that is that i didn't feel it wear off, either. in my opinion, xr isn't worth the money. when i took it a year ago, xanax xr was not a preferred brand name drug under my insurnace, so it cost an arm and a leg. i dont know whether it is now, but it's definitely expensive, especially if you take it twice a day. if you're set on a long-acting benzo, you might try klonopin. it doesn't feel the same and can make people depressed at higher doses, but it can last up to 8hrs and is pretty convenient.
Posted by dms777smd on March 20, 2005, at 3:25:50
In reply to Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by cache-monkey on March 17, 2005, at 18:41:31
I've never been on the XR, but I take 1mg of the regular three times a day and that isn't enough because it only lasts about 4 hours. Also, like care-bear said, the XR does not last a whole day like it's supposed to. I've heard that alot of people have to take that 2 times a day. It definitely is not worth the money. You need to switch to a longer lasting benzo. Maybe Valium? Librium is good at a high dose. 25mg is the highest mg that Librium comes in, but if your anxiety or panic is bad enough you would probably take two at a time at least. I've found it to be weak so I would need at least 2-3 25mg Librium at a time to calm me down. Now Valium is different(at least for me)and it will work for a major attack quicker than Xanax and last longer. For me it's 10-15mg of Valium and I'm calm within 30-45 min. With Xanax it takes 2 hours sometimes,,crazy. Just try to get on a longer acting benzo and you should be good. Also, the half life with Xanax XR is the same as regular Xanax. It just takes longer to dissolve so you're supposed to feel it for alot longer(24 hrs). Not the case. The half life is still the same. Don't waste your money on some brand name b*llshit when the generic does the same thing. Just think about the longer acting ones. Valium, Librium, Klonopin, and Tranxene (I forgot about that one).Try something else if you don't get what you want off of Xanax. I know what you're saying about the Xanax not working for long. Try Valium. -"Why won't someone just fix our brains?" -DMS
Posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » cache-monkey, posted by dms777smd on March 20, 2005, at 3:25:50
dms-- hey. i've never tried valium. can you maybe compare it to how the other benzos feel? i've heard mixed things about it, and it doesn't seem like doctors prescribe it much anymore. i've also heard mixed things about how long it lasts. some have said that it is quick about working out of your system, while others have said that it has a long half-life. how long does it take to start working? is valium as sedating as klonopin or as strong as xanax? how many times a day do you take it? thanks!
Posted by ed_uk on March 22, 2005, at 17:27:02
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » dms777smd, posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
Hi!!
>some have said that it is quick about working out of your system, while others have said that it has a long half-life.
Diazepam is often quite short acting at first, a few hours. After regular daily use it's long acting- longer than Klonopin. I sometimes take 15mg diazepam 'when required'.
I've taken diazepam many more times than I've taken any of the other benzos, many doctors here only prescribe diazepam- the other benzos aren't used much.
Ed.
Posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 17:51:55
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » cache-monkey, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2005, at 19:51:14
Valium is the only benzo that works for me. I take l0mg at night to sleep along with 7.5mg of remeron, and 5mg during the day. When I originally took it years ago, I was on 5mg three times a day. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 18:05:13
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » dms777smd, posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
Call Ed_uk. He can give you all the facts on valium. Fondly, Phillipa PS It's a muscle relaxant too. Doesn't make me feel sleepy just not anxious,and able to sleep.
Posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:06:20
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » dms777smd, posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
> dms-- hey. i've never tried valium. can you maybe compare it to how the other benzos feel? i've heard mixed things about it, and it doesn't seem like doctors prescribe it much anymore. i've also heard mixed things about how long it lasts. some have said that it is quick about working out of your system, while others have said that it has a long half-life. how long does it take to start working? is valium as sedating as klonopin or as strong as xanax? how many times a day do you take it? thanks!
All three are prescribed a lot in the US. I can tell you how they effect me:
Xanax - takes effect in 20 minutes - best thing in the world to stop a panic attack - works for only 2 or 3 hours and then I feel really down - if you abuse it you can get high on it, but develop a tolerance very quickly and rapidly need more and more for the same effect - avoid it except for full-blown panic attacks
Xanax XR - that stuff does nothing for me, and I've taken as much as 3 mg twice a day - I don't understand this
Valium - works in about 45 minutes - mentally and physically relaxing - makes me feel the most normal of the three - great for anxiety - I'd still be taking it, but I develop a tolerance to it - a great choice for anxiety if you are only going to need it for maybe 3 or 4 months
Klonopin - it doesn't really "kick in" like the others - when you first start taking it you may start to feel a reduction in anxiety in a few hours - sedating for 2 or 3 weeks of regular use, then sedation goes away and it's very effective for anxiety - got to take it at least twice a day unless you use it as a sleep aid for only the 2 or 3 weeks that it works as one - Klonipin is the best choice for me. I've taken it for years and not become tolerant. In fact, I've been able to reduce my dosage several times. I take only 0.25 mg twice a day, now.
Just a few things about how benzos effect me. It may be different for you.
Side note: SSRIs and Effexor/Cymbalta all suck for anxiety. Benefit only the drug companies when taken to treat anxiety disorders.
Posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 20:12:14
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 18:05:13
I didn't like klonopin at all. It really made me feel stupid. I took valium and as my anxiety symptoms began to go down, i decreased it until I was only taking a small amt. Then they came out with ativan, xanax. I'm now back on it years later, and I neve abused or developed a tolerance for it. They use it a lot to detox pts from other benzos, and alchol. Because of its long half life, they can then taper you down and off of it [if appropriate] very quickly without rebound anxiety. I agree about the AD's. They simply don't relieve anxiety. They created it for me. They are expensive and unnessary if anxiety is creating your depression. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:57:44
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 20:12:14
You are very fortunate. I would love to be able to take a moderate dose of Valium for ever - but I just can't because of tolerance developing.
Posted by CareBear04 on March 23, 2005, at 0:03:13
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:06:20
thanks awatts! that helps a lot. and i'm glad you've been able to reduce your klonopin dose. i hope to do the same.
Posted by CareBear04 on March 23, 2005, at 0:05:18
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2005, at 20:12:14
thanks phillipa. i tried ativan first and then klonopin and xanax. i'm on the latter two currently. i'd like to try valium, but it's never even been proposed by my doctors. those seem like the most common three now, and one suggested tranxene, which i'm only heard of a few times. why not valium anymore i wonder?
Posted by cache-monkey on March 23, 2005, at 5:03:33
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily?, posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:06:20
<< Xanax XR - that stuff does nothing for me, and I've taken as much as 3 mg twice a day - I don't understand this >>
I actually tried my first dose of XR today. I found it really sedating and not very anxiolytic. Granted it was a small dose, 0.5 mg, but I'm not very hopeful. (Also, whatever anxiolysis I achieved wore off after 6 hours. Much quicker than the advertised 10-15 hours...)
<< Valium - works in about 45 minutes - mentally and physically relaxing - makes me feel the most normal of the three - great for anxiety - I'd still be taking it, but I develop a tolerance to it - a great choice for anxiety if you are only going to need it for maybe 3 or 4 months >>That's too bad about the tolerance. Do you know if that's common with Valium?
<< Klonopin - it doesn't really "kick in" like the others - when you first start taking it you may start to feel a reduction in anxiety in a few hours - sedating for 2 or 3 weeks of regular use, then sedation goes away and it's very effective for anxiety - got to take it at least twice a day unless you use it as a sleep aid for only the 2 or 3 weeks that it works as one - Klonipin is the best choice for me. I've taken it for years and not become tolerant. In fact, I've been able to reduce my dosage several times. I take only 0.25 mg twice a day, now. >>I found that even at 1 mg a day, I wasn't getting good anxiolysis. Going up to 1.5 mg, the sedation didn't wear off for over a month. Plus I started experiencing some serious sexual dysfunction. Too bad, since I've heard Klonopin works really well for many.
I think I'm going to try again to convince my doc to switch me over to Valium. Hopefully, I won't experience too much tolerance...
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
cache-monkey
Posted by CareBear04 on March 23, 2005, at 9:40:51
In reply to Xanax XR, Diazepam Tolerance » awatts, posted by cache-monkey on March 23, 2005, at 5:03:33
cache-monkey-- i'm glad xanax xr is working for you. it's so funny how different everyone is. for xanax, wellbutrin, propranolol, and some others, i found the long-acting preps worthless, whereas for ritalin or adderall, i swear by the extended release. others have posted opposite experiences.
to everyone regarding valium-- how is it on your mood? on ativan and xanax, i don't feel any difference in my mood except maybe a tiny boost that accompanies relief from anxiety. i used to take klonopin three times a day, but at my doses, it started making me depressed over time. now, i take it only at night, 2 mg, and i don't get the depression. i've heard about depression from klonopin and highs or good feelings from xanax... any experiences on valium? thanks!
Posted by Phillipa on March 23, 2005, at 18:36:31
In reply to Re: Xanax XR, Diazepam Tolerance » cache-monkey, posted by CareBear04 on March 23, 2005, at 9:40:51
I really think it makes me feel "normal". Not anxious or worried about what will happen next. And it seems that's it's allowing me to sleep and give up the CH. I only take lcc now from l0cc a month ago. I'd call that progress! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by dms777smd on March 26, 2005, at 15:24:00
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » dms777smd, posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
Well we all know that different drugs work different on different people. For me Valium works faster than Xanax but makes me a little more tired, probably about like I feel on Klonopin. Also, all of the benzos work pretty much the same on me except for a couple that last a little longer. But they all just calm me down and make me feel normal. About the half lives of the drugs and comparative doses there's something on here that compares the different benzos. Here's the link http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/bzd.html I think the most potent for me is Klonopin though.
This is the end of the thread.
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