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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 52. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tepiaca on April 8, 2006, at 20:25:00
Guys , this is the first time in my life
that I try more than 1.5mg of Xanax. At
this moment has helped me more than Klonopin
for Social Phobia. I can´t believe it.
I feel more comfortable around people.
I dont wanna go into details beacuse Im a little
superticious about telling something good about
a drug before its the real time to do so.I only feel very sedated afeter my 1mg in the
morning and 1 mg in the afternoon . Very tired
and thats avoid me to be more prosocial even If
I could .I have taken some coffee cups in the last days
but I dont know if this is a good solution.
I also take a lot of coke.Worst of all is that it migth be thinkable that
Im sleeping very well in the nigths , but that is
not my case. I am not sleeping well, I close my
eyes very late and wake up very early . And I wake up a lost of times during the nigth.What do you recommend to do ?
please help meTEPI
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 8, 2006, at 20:46:17
In reply to Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Tepiaca on April 8, 2006, at 20:25:00
Hi,
Just an idea, but why not split your 2mg dose of xanax into 4 separate doses.... it'll be a bit of a pain but that should lessen the sedation while allowin you to maintain the social effects... good luck!
bps
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 0:37:13
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by bipolarspectrum on April 8, 2006, at 20:46:17
Caffeine will keep you up. I know you don't want to be tired during the day. I cup in the am okay. Love Phillipa
Posted by TylerJ on April 9, 2006, at 10:14:23
In reply to Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Tepiaca on April 8, 2006, at 20:25:00
>
> Guys , this is the first time in my life
> that I try more than 1.5mg of Xanax. At
> this moment has helped me more than Klonopin
> for Social Phobia. I can´t believe it.
> I feel more comfortable around people.
> I dont wanna go into details beacuse Im a little
> superticious about telling something good about
> a drug before its the real time to do so.
>
> I only feel very sedated afeter my 1mg in the
> morning and 1 mg in the afternoon . Very tired
> and thats avoid me to be more prosocial even If
> I could .
>
> I have taken some coffee cups in the last days
> but I dont know if this is a good solution.
> I also take a lot of coke.
>
> Worst of all is that it migth be thinkable that
> Im sleeping very well in the nigths , but that is
> not my case. I am not sleeping well, I close my
> eyes very late and wake up very early . And I wake up a lost of times during the nigth.
>
> What do you recommend to do ?
> please help me
>
> TEPI
>Hi Tep,
I thought extra Xanax would help with anxiety and social phobia. You're just experiencing the common side effect of Xanax(drowsiness), it really will go away with time..it'll be gradual and all of a sudden you'll just be nice and calm, but not feel drugged and sleepy. I wouldn't do too much caffiene-one or two cups in the morning. Caffiene can cause anxiety, and undo the benefits of the xanax. Try to be patient and keep doing the right things..you really do sound better! God bless.Your friend,
Tyler
Posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 9:55:21
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it........... » Tepiaca, posted by TylerJ on April 9, 2006, at 10:14:23
I have used Xanax twice throughout my life for extended periods of time. Due to the short half life I would take it in 1/2 or 1/4 mg amounts every 3 to 4 hrs. This would include the standard 2am wakeup. 1mg at one time was far too sedating for me even after taking 3-4mg day for 6 years. It will become a rollercoaster for you progressing in time and most likely end up taking 6 mg daily which is hellish to withdraw from. I have never heard of a doctor recommending 1mg pills taken initialy. Go to Xanax website. The manufacurer recommends slow build up in 1/4 mg doses. I fear you are on a potential rocky path. I am not judging you or your doctor but this is highly uncommon. I would get a second medical opinion. I swithced to Klonopin. You can take 2 mg at night and it last for 24 hrs. Benzos intake and the right benzo is nothing to take lightly (I am pro-benzo). Many people have suffered extreme suffering from improper Xanax use. Do a google search.
Posted by Phillipa on April 10, 2006, at 10:13:45
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 9:55:21
That bad pdoc was worse than I thought. He had me on 4mg a day of xanax plus klonopin and chloral hydrate at night. Before the chloral hydrate he let me and knew I drank4-6 beers with the xanax when I got home from work. He was arrested last year for insurance fraud and illegal distribution of constrolled substances. Now I only take 20mg of valium at sleep. Love Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on April 10, 2006, at 14:08:57
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 9:55:21
Hi G
Do you find that clonazepam lasts 24 hours?
Ed
Posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 20:52:35
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by bipolarspectrum on April 8, 2006, at 20:46:17
> Hi,
> Just an idea, but why not split your 2mg dose of xanax into 4 separate doses.... it'll be a bit of a pain but that should lessen the sedation while allowin you to maintain the social effects... good luck!
> bpsThat´s a good idea =) thank you very much !
Tep
Posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 20:53:51
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 0:37:13
> Caffeine will keep you up. I know you don't want to be tired during the day. I cup in the am okay. Love Phillipa
Hi dear Phillipa, I took twice cups the other day
and it helped me . Thanks !
tepi
Posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 20:57:44
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it........... » Tepiaca, posted by TylerJ on April 9, 2006, at 10:14:23
> Hi Tep,
> I thought extra Xanax would help with anxiety and social phobia. You're just experiencing the common side effect of Xanax(drowsiness), it really will go away with time..it'll be gradual and all of a sudden you'll just be nice and calm, but not feel drugged and sleepy.I hope Ty !
I wouldn't do too much caffiene-one or two cups in the morning. Caffiene can cause anxiety, and undo the benefits of the xanax. Try to be patient and keep doing the right things..you really do sound better! God bless.
>I feel a little calmer ! . I Still have a long way to surpass, more medicine adjustements until I became very very happy ( if this is possible )
I hope!
Tepi
Posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 21:12:28
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it..........., posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 9:55:21
> I have used Xanax twice throughout my life for extended periods of time. Due to the short half life I would take it in 1/2 or 1/4 mg amounts every 3 to 4 hrs. This would include the standard 2am wakeup.
You mean 1/2 or 1/4 from 1mg ???
A 2 am wakeup xanax ?? wow , this isn´t normal....
1mg at one time was far too sedating for me even after taking 3-4mg day for 6 years.So you decided to take 0.5mg in split doses until reach the 4mg???? . and you did it 6 years ? why did you stopped it ? . I don´t like how this sounds
It will become a rollercoaster for you progressing in time and most likely end up taking 6 mg daily which is hellish to withdraw from.Did you reach the 6mg ?? . I have reach only 2mg per day. I take in this moment 1mg at 10 Am and another 1mg at 4 PM more or less. Sometimes I split my afternoon dose to fall asleep better 0.5 at 4 M and 0.5 at 8 PM .
I have never heard of a doctor recommending 1mg pills taken initialy. Go to Xanax website. The manufacurer recommends slow build up in 1/4 mg doses. I fear you are on a potential rocky path. I am not judging you or your doctor but this is highly uncommon.My pills are 0.5mg but I take two at the same time. So you think 1mg is alot at the same time?
Im scared ! . I dont wanna suffer from withdrawal symptopms ! . And even worst I dont wanna stop taking Xanax !!! . It has helped me more than any other benzo in my life !! . I wanna keep taking it for all my life !I would get a second medical opinion. I swithced to Klonopin. You can take 2 mg at night and it last for 24 hrs.
Klonopin was not as good a Xanax for my Social Phobia =( . I din´t feel calm . And I couldn´t even raise the dose more than 1mg because I get very depressed. Xanax is a lot better at this moment !! . what am I suppose to do??
Benzos intake and the right benzo is nothing to take lightly (I am pro-benzo). Many people have suffered extreme suffering from improper Xanax use. Do a google search.
Im scared ! . I need Xanax ! . Tell me what do you think I should do? .
what about Xanax XR ????
answer pleaseTepi
Posted by Phillipa on April 10, 2006, at 21:52:39
In reply to This has scared me........ » Greif, posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 21:12:28
Tepi xanax is a med you don't go up on if it's working for you and it sounds like it is now at the dose you're on. You are doing and sounding great!!!!!!Love Phillipa/Jan
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.
Posted by TylerJ on April 11, 2006, at 6:05:29
In reply to Re: Xanax sedation how to handle it........... » TylerJ, posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 20:57:44
>
> > Hi Tep,
> > I thought extra Xanax would help with anxiety and social phobia. You're just experiencing the common side effect of Xanax(drowsiness), it really will go away with time..it'll be gradual and all of a sudden you'll just be nice and calm, but not feel drugged and sleepy.
>
> I hope Ty !
>
>
> I wouldn't do too much caffiene-one or two cups in the morning. Caffiene can cause anxiety, and undo the benefits of the xanax. Try to be patient and keep doing the right things..you really do sound better! God bless.
> >
>
> I feel a little calmer ! . I Still have a long way to surpass, more medicine adjustements until I became very very happy ( if this is possible )
> I hope!
>
>
> Tepi
>
>Tep,
Wow!! You sound great my friend. Keep up the great work..this is the best you've sounded in months. Always remember (this is what my pdoc tells me) You don't have to be perfect, some days will be better and some not as good..that is normal! Man, I am so happy for you. I pray for you daily, and will continue to do so.Your friend,
Tyler
Posted by TylerJ on April 11, 2006, at 6:13:37
In reply to This has scared me........ » Greif, posted by Tepiaca on April 10, 2006, at 21:12:28
> > I have used Xanax twice throughout my life for extended periods of time. Due to the short half life I would take it in 1/2 or 1/4 mg amounts every 3 to 4 hrs. This would include the standard 2am wakeup.
>
>
> You mean 1/2 or 1/4 from 1mg ???
> A 2 am wakeup xanax ?? wow , this isn´t normal....
>
>
> 1mg at one time was far too sedating for me even after taking 3-4mg day for 6 years.
>
> So you decided to take 0.5mg in split doses until reach the 4mg???? . and you did it 6 years ? why did you stopped it ? . I don´t like how this sounds
>
>
> It will become a rollercoaster for you progressing in time and most likely end up taking 6 mg daily which is hellish to withdraw from.
>
> Did you reach the 6mg ?? . I have reach only 2mg per day. I take in this moment 1mg at 10 Am and another 1mg at 4 PM more or less. Sometimes I split my afternoon dose to fall asleep better 0.5 at 4 M and 0.5 at 8 PM .
>
>
> I have never heard of a doctor recommending 1mg pills taken initialy. Go to Xanax website. The manufacurer recommends slow build up in 1/4 mg doses. I fear you are on a potential rocky path. I am not judging you or your doctor but this is highly uncommon.
>
> My pills are 0.5mg but I take two at the same time. So you think 1mg is alot at the same time?
> Im scared ! . I dont wanna suffer from withdrawal symptopms ! . And even worst I dont wanna stop taking Xanax !!! . It has helped me more than any other benzo in my life !! . I wanna keep taking it for all my life !
>
> I would get a second medical opinion. I swithced to Klonopin. You can take 2 mg at night and it last for 24 hrs.
>
> Klonopin was not as good a Xanax for my Social Phobia =( . I din´t feel calm . And I couldn´t even raise the dose more than 1mg because I get very depressed. Xanax is a lot better at this moment !! . what am I suppose to do??
>
>
>
> Benzos intake and the right benzo is nothing to take lightly (I am pro-benzo). Many people have suffered extreme suffering from improper Xanax use. Do a google search.
>
>
> Im scared ! . I need Xanax ! . Tell me what do you think I should do? .
> what about Xanax XR ????
> answer please
>
> TepiTep,
Don't be scared. I've been on Ativan for about 20 yrs now( it's a benzo like Xanax) and i can go off it anytime i want, i just have to taper very slowly and there is no withdrawel...it's much, much easier than going off booze ( I've done both). Besides, if you have to take it for the rest of your life that's okay..lot's of people do. Relax my friend, you're doing great, so please don't change what you are doing, IT'S WORKING!! :)your friend, Tyler
Posted by Tepiaca on April 11, 2006, at 19:46:46
In reply to Re: This has scared me........ » Tepiaca, posted by TylerJ on April 11, 2006, at 6:13:37
Today Xanax effect dissapeared . I went to 2
job interviews . I took 1 mg before the first
one at 8 AM , but it didn´t helped me . I was
scared and very unsecured . Oh no please !
Then I got another at 2 Pm , so I took another
1mg at 1Pm , but again it didn´t helped. I felt like the previous days before xanax ! .
I thougth I was finally found a good med for my
fear. But what is this??? . It was just a placebo
effect , or a tolerance or what ???Believe me I was doing things like talking by phone , chatting in msn , or walking in the streets a lot better . Very selfconfident ! like
a 70% of my capacity.
I also was sending my resumes to the best companiess , because I felt I was gonna do a good
interview and that I was goona be able to be a good worker. I even called to one company director
(he is a far friend from an uncle, not mine) . I didn´t
hesitate to call to his office to tell him I was
going to an interview , and asked him for help.
I would never has done this in the past, believe
me never ever ! . I also called uncles, exfriends
, visited some relatives , and I was fine !
I could live like those days.But now again !!!! The fear has return !!!!!!!!!
Im here alone at my house. I dont think I can´t
work. I dont wanna send more resumes , I dont wanna be called by companies . I dont wanna get
online on msn . I feel very scared . Im planing
to stay here at home since today to sunday.Ey what is wrong !! . I took Xanax same schedule as the previous days. I can´t believe this is a tolerance to the med, I have been on it nearly a week . This can´t be tolerance ! . its too early
I really don´t care If I have to augment it to 10 or 12 mg per day. Im not afraid of withdrawal !! . and why would I withdrawal if it would be working ???. Don´t tell me to be afraid
of Xanax , this benzo gave me peace
for almost a week , That is a lot for me !!
No med had done this in my last 10 years . No
benzo before. Klonopin doesnt work , neither
valium , nor ativan , nor tranxeneI am most scared of this fear to return than
taking the Xanax with his low half life even
8 or 10 times a day !. This fear is worst !!!!
I want xanax forever if it helps !! I need
to work !!!!I had stopped drinking, but now I am planning
to buy 6 beers in this moment and drink them
all ath the same time.
This things only happen to me !. Im a rare person with rare reactions to the meds . Im a freak !! . Peace never gonna come to me !.I COULD LIVE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF DEPRESSION
BUT NOT WITH FEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .
I DONT WANNA START THINKING IN SUICIDE AGAIN
EVERYTHING IS A MESS NOW !!
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2006, at 20:12:30
In reply to Re: This has scared me........ » Tepiaca, posted by TylerJ on April 11, 2006, at 6:13:37
Tepi you are not a freak and don't drink all the beer with all the xanax. And if you are suicicdal get help now. Call a crisis line, go to the police dept, go to a hospital preferrable in the states you live near them or one there . And do no I repeat do not be alone . Get with someone now!!!!!! And let them help you get help. I care about you. And you are so handsome if I were younger I'd be knocking your door down. Suicide is serious. Get help now!!!!!!Love phillipa
Posted by Greif on April 11, 2006, at 20:39:48
In reply to Re: This has scared me........ » TylerJ, posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2006, at 20:12:30
I agree with Phillipa. Paradoxical effect not uncommon. Go to urgent care. Get immediate help. We are all with you on this buddy. Have you called your Pdoc? Dont drink... Haqng in there. I dont know anything about your diagnosis other than fear. 1 mg of Z should calm your fear and then some. I could never go to job interview on 1mg of Z after only a week. I take an occasional 1/2 mg and it is powerful. Where do u live?
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2006, at 21:25:42
In reply to Re: This has scared me........, posted by Greif on April 11, 2006, at 20:39:48
Grief he lives in Mexico. That's one of the problems we don't even know if he has a doc as a lot of meds are sold over the counter in Mexico. Love Phillipa
Posted by Greif on April 11, 2006, at 22:52:53
In reply to Re: This has scared me........, posted by Greif on April 11, 2006, at 20:39:48
Mexico, easy to obtain...no wonder he was taking such large a dosage. No US doc would prescribe it that fashion. Tepiaca. You need to get medical help. I hope taht is where you are now. I have friends in Mexico. They can help you. Let us know what we can do. I can have someone from Mexico City call you. Sounds like you are having some type of psychosis (not being judgemental)rather than panic or fear. What city do you live in? Signing off tonite. God bless you and hang in there.
Posted by tepiaca on April 12, 2006, at 1:04:11
In reply to Re: This has scared me........, posted by Greif on April 11, 2006, at 22:52:53
Ey guys Im not becoming suicidal again.... I´m just
afraid I can become because this situation has affected me again a lot.
I was very very suicidal , I almost killt myself
a couple of weeks ago . But Nardil kicked in and
the thougths of suicide diminished a lot.
I can control that now , I can do it . No need
to go to ER . This is nothing compared with some
months ago . I am not that depressed , I can wake
up from bed and do things .I sounded bad because of this Xanax situation
and because I need the xanax to work so I can
have a job and do it well, and have a little
bit of peace. I thougth I was finally found the perfect combo . Another thing, benzos are not available without
prescription here neither. I need a prescription
to buy them . It´s not that easy now.
I haven´t seen a doctor here yet , again because
I need to work to pay for it . This is a very
different country. You are blessed having that
health system you have , its nothing like here.
Here everything is a messBut again , this Xanax problem is affecting me.
that is why Im getting like this. If like
if you had finally felt the freedom and then
become and slave again.Do i sound sad? . Im just very dissapointed and
desperate
I am here, thank you for your support
Posted by Declan on April 12, 2006, at 2:29:57
In reply to NOW WHAT IS HAPPENING !!!! ANSWER FAST PLS, posted by Tepiaca on April 11, 2006, at 19:46:46
Hi Tepi
I don't know Xanax but I do know benzos. I don't think you can hope for too much control of your fear from Xanax. Not so your fear goes away. Not so you feel like talking to people easily. Not as much as that. Unfortunately I don't think any drug can give you that for long.
On the other hand you are on Nardil. It helps. And Xanax will help a bit too. But if you take too much of it, or if you drink too much, you will get relief for a while, but you will end up with problems from the drugs.
Anyway, this has been my experience.
Declan
Posted by Caedmon on April 12, 2006, at 9:18:53
In reply to Re: NOW WHAT IS HAPPENING !!!! ANSWER FAST PLS » Tepiaca, posted by Declan on April 12, 2006, at 2:29:57
Tepi,
Hola desde Utah. I wanted to reassure you that Xanax is not something to be afraid of. Xanax does have a fairly short half-life, but it is not that much shorter than other commonly used benzos such as Ativan (lorazepam). You are responding well to it so there is no reason for you to think it won't ultimately work.
A job interview is a stressful experience for everyone. Most experienced benzo patients figure out a "range" of the amount of drug that they can take. For example, I usually take 10 mg Valium (diazepam) per day. However, if I were going to a job interview, I would take more, because it's that much more anxiety-provoking. That does not mean you have developed tolerance. It simply means that the demands on your brain are higher in those situations, so you need more than normal. When it's all over, you can drop back down to the regular dosage.
That is my understanding at least. Espero haberte ayudado un poco. Un abrazo,
- C
Posted by ed_uk on April 12, 2006, at 10:16:58
In reply to NOW WHAT IS HAPPENING !!!! ANSWER FAST PLS, posted by Tepiaca on April 11, 2006, at 19:46:46
Dear Tepi
Xanax can only do so much. A job interview is anxiety-provoking for most people - for a person with social phobia, it's a nightmare. The Xanax hasn't 'pooped out'. You were very afraid because the job interview was so stressful.
Have you increased your Nardil dose yet?
Take care
Ed
Posted by TylerJ on April 12, 2006, at 10:17:44
In reply to Re: NOW WHAT IS HAPPENING !!!! ANSWER FAST PLS, posted by Caedmon on April 12, 2006, at 9:18:53
> Tepi,
>
> Hola desde Utah. I wanted to reassure you that Xanax is not something to be afraid of. Xanax does have a fairly short half-life, but it is not that much shorter than other commonly used benzos such as Ativan (lorazepam). You are responding well to it so there is no reason for you to think it won't ultimately work.
>
> A job interview is a stressful experience for everyone. Most experienced benzo patients figure out a "range" of the amount of drug that they can take. For example, I usually take 10 mg Valium (diazepam) per day. However, if I were going to a job interview, I would take more, because it's that much more anxiety-provoking. That does not mean you have developed tolerance. It simply means that the demands on your brain are higher in those situations, so you need more than normal. When it's all over, you can drop back down to the regular dosage.
>
> That is my understanding at least. Espero haberte ayudado un poco. Un abrazo,
>
> - CThis is good advice, Thank you C!
Tyler
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