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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tepiaca on April 30, 2006, at 1:33:54
Hi , can you tell me if you have found
and effective solution to treat the somnolence
caused by benzos.Mine is pretty bad . Got depressed , cant do
anything , my memory is horrible , I can´t organize my activities . I do stupid things like
going to the store and buy something that I dont
need . Im totally desorganized . I drove a car
today and I received like 10 times the word
"ey stupid, f""ck u , what r u doing " learn to
drive assho"#$%" .This happens the first 2 hours then I feel better
Anyway I haven´t augment my xanax dose Im still
on 2 or 3 mg. 1 mg 3 times per day or sometimes more .
For moments I feel great , Im afraid of tolerance
however. The only think I can think of if on cofee , but I know is gonna be worst later.I dont wana change benzo- klonopin doesn´t work
nor ativan or valium . Xanax is the oneTime has happened and that doesn´t
seem to help
with somnolence. Reducing the xanax dose doesn´t
help . I even believe I need more , its just that
I dont have money to buy itwhat do you think ? I feel bad now. just got
.5mg of xanax like 1 hour ago . I mdrinking coke
too.Help
Posted by bassman on April 30, 2006, at 12:11:01
In reply to Benzos users, posted by tepiaca on April 30, 2006, at 1:33:54
How long have you been taking the Xanax? I found it took about 6 months before I wouldn't get pretty dozy in the evenings. It does sound a little dangerous if it is affecting your driving a car. Yeah, coffee-also a short (20 minute) nap during the day might perk you up. Coffee runs the risk it might make you anxious, though. You sound scared-please talk to your doc or someone you trust and that knows you well.
Best of luck.
bassman
Posted by yxibow on April 30, 2006, at 13:03:52
In reply to Benzos users, posted by tepiaca on April 30, 2006, at 1:33:54
>
> Hi , can you tell me if you have found
> and effective solution to treat the somnolence
> caused by benzos.The huge somnolence, fighting to stay awake goes away over time fairly quickly. The reaction time, and the somnolence that causes memory impairment may not.
> Mine is pretty bad . Got depressed , cant do
> anything , my memory is horrible , I can´t organize my activities . I do stupid things like
> going to the store and buy something that I dont
> need . Im totally desorganized . I drove a car
> today and I received like 10 times the word
> "ey stupid, f""ck u , what r u doing " learn to
> drive assho"#$%" .I don't know driving styles in Mexico (I think that's where you're from ?) but certainly no different than what we receive every day in Los Angeles, whether you're a "good" or "bad" driver [which is totally subjective, since everyone makes mistakes], the horn has gone Italian style (no offense to residents of Italy where in some places one foot is on the gas and the other is on the horn.)
But seriously, though, if you are experiencing any erratic driving habits, maybe its time to wait for the Xanax to adjust itself in your body and take public transportation (if its safe enough there) until you know how you feel.
> This happens the first 2 hours then I feel better
> Anyway I haven´t augment my xanax dose Im still
> on 2 or 3 mg. 1 mg 3 times per day or sometimes more .
> For moments I feel great , Im afraid of tolerance
> however. The only think I can think of if on cofee , but I know is gonna be worst later.Coffee defeats the purpose and makes you want another quarter of Xanax, really.
> I dont wana change benzo- klonopin doesn´t work
> nor ativan or valium . Xanax is the oneCurious -- that sounds like some deep anxiety situations. I assume you have been through other medications (including a few of the benzodiazepines they dont allow here in the US). Have you tried Serax (oxazepam ?)
Are you taking any other medications -- because only Xanax is metabolized by the liver CYP 3A4, the other two aren't affected. Is something boosting or affecting the level of Xanax in your system ?
> Time has happened and that doesn´t
> seem to help
> with somnolence. Reducing the xanax dose doesn´t
> help . I even believe I need more , its just that
> I dont have money to buy it
>
> what do you think ? I feel bad now. just got
> .5mg of xanax like 1 hour ago . I mdrinking coke
> too.That, like coffee, will just create a cycle of jitteryness, which feels like anxiety, and more Xanax. I don't mean to be pejorative but that is setting yourself up for problems.
You are on 3mg of Xanax, which is about 30mg of Valium and 1.5mg of Klonopin, which is only a modest dose of benzodiazepines for panic and other anxiety disorders. The problem is the very short half life of Xanax and how immediately gratifying it feels.
There are other benzodiazepines out there, in the dozen or so depending on what country and the like. Have you been through any other than Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin ? As mentioned before Serax (oxazepam) is not really metabolized by anything in the liver. Have you tried clorazepate (Tranxene)? It is less "rewarding" but still more immediate than Xanax. Over time, according to what Ed posted (though I never saw this), you may be able to reduce a 3x daily dose of Tranxene to one.
But regardless of which you choose it sounds like you are experiencing a lot of anxiety and adding caffeine and cola just increases the temptation to quench it with more Xanax. Its tough to say, but when that happens you just have to bear it, because you will become habituated to larger and larger doses of Xanax if you add caffeine to the mixture of deep anxiety.
Its probably a little dull to say, but have you considered relaxation therapy as an addition to your medication, whether through pre-made tapes by actual psychiatrists or your own, to set aside half an hour and lie down at home and try to sit through it? It can be as effective as another Xanax.
I hope you feel betterCheers
-- Jay
Posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 13:36:52
In reply to Re: Benzos users » tepiaca, posted by yxibow on April 30, 2006, at 13:03:52
Tepi did you get your nardil yet? Love Jan/ Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on April 30, 2006, at 15:30:17
In reply to Re: Benzos users, posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 13:36:52
i think you should maybe try adding in a different benzo--like, use tranxene or klonopin or valium or librium as your base benzo--and then use the xanax strictly as-needed for "flare-ups". But..there's also a xanax xr.
Posted by Declan on April 30, 2006, at 18:07:24
In reply to Benzos users, posted by tepiaca on April 30, 2006, at 1:33:54
Hi Tep
With me benzos have led to problems with anger control and cognitive disorganisation. Memory, organising capacity and mood can be affected. The doses you would need to control your fear will likely make these worse.
I think you might be best to take the lowest dose of Xanax that helps just a bit. And Nardil.
Drink green or black tea instead of coke and coffee.
It won't be enough, I know. Maybe in the future you will be able to get some really good medical attention that will get to the bottom of this.
Declan
Posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 1:53:20
In reply to Re: Benzos users, posted by bassman on April 30, 2006, at 12:11:01
> How long have you been taking the Xanax?
for about 25 days bassman . But klonopin for more than 3 years and no sedation like this
>I found it took about 6 months before I wouldn't get pretty dozy in the evenings.
6 motnhs !!! wow that´ss a lot of time
>It does sound a little dangerous if it is affecting your driving a car.Yeah I always thougth drugs makers were exagerating because I could drive on klonopin . This xanax is diferrent
Yeah, coffee-also a short (20 minute) nap during the day might perk you up. Coffee runs the risk it might make you anxious, though.so a little bit of coffe? just little?, I could take a nap now, but the fear I suffer is in the streets
You sound scared-please talk to your doc or someone you trust and that knows you well.
> Best of luck.
> bassman
Yes Im very confused , I dont know what to do . Dose schedule , amount of Xanax , tolerance , afraid that xanax fails , money problemsI cant pay a doctor in this moment, neither can I pay enough medicine to take the correct dose .
Thanks bassman !
Tep
Posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 2:06:53
In reply to Re: Benzos users » tepiaca, posted by yxibow on April 30, 2006, at 13:03:52
>
> The huge somnolence, fighting to stay awake goes away over time fairly quickly. The reaction time, and the somnolence that causes memory impairment may not.=(
> I don't know driving styles in Mexico (I think that's where you're from ?)
YES
but certainly no different than what we receive every day in Los Angeles, whether you're a "good" or "bad" driver [which is totally subjective, since everyone makes mistakes], the horn has gone Italian style (no offense to residents of Italy where in some places one foot is on the gas and the other is on the horn.)
>
> But seriously, though, if you are experiencing any erratic driving habits, maybe its time to wait for the Xanax to adjust itself in your body and take public transportation (if its safe enough there) until you know how you feel.
>I will consider that yxibow, aybe also wait 2 hours after the dose when I feel less sedated
I know is gonna be worst later.
>
> Coffee defeats the purpose and makes you want another quarter of Xanax, really.That is so sad =( . I need to be alert
So lets say a combination of Ritalin and a benzo would not work ?
>
> > I dont wana change benzo- klonopin doesn´t work
> > nor ativan or valium . Xanax is the one
>
> Curious -- that sounds like some deep anxiety situations. I assume you have been through other medications (including a few of the benzodiazepines they dont allow here in the US). Have you tried Serax (oxazepam ?)
mmmm, not that one
>
> Are you taking any other medications -- because only Xanax is metabolized by the liver CYP 3A4, the other two aren't affected.what other two?
Is something boosting or affecting the level of Xanax in your system ?
I take Nardil 45 mg. It also make me feel more somnolencent afeter every dose>
> That, like coffee, will just create a cycle of jitteryness, which feels like anxiety, and more Xanax. I don't mean to be pejorative but that is setting yourself up for problems.
>=( =( =( =(
> You are on 3mg of Xanax, which is about 30mg of Valium and 1.5mg of Klonopin, which is only a modest dose of benzodiazepines for panic and other anxiety disorders. The problem is the very short half life of Xanax and how immediately gratifying it feels.
>I want to try more, I dont care if I have to take 8 or 10 mg to feel good
> There are other benzodiazepines out there, in the dozen or so depending on what country and the like. Have you been through any other than Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin ? As mentioned before Serax (oxazepam) is not really metabolized by anything in the liver. Have you tried clorazepate (Tranxene)? It is less "rewarding" but still more immediate than Xanax.I tried only one dose and I felt very very depressed so I stopped it inmediately
> But regardless of which you choose it sounds like you are experiencing a lot of anxiety and adding caffeine and cola just increases the temptation to quench it with more Xanax. Its tough to say, but when that happens you just have to bear it, because you will become habituated to larger and larger doses of Xanax if you add caffeine to the mixture of deep anxiety.
>Oh no , then please tell me how to be alert . Maybe only small coffe?
> Its probably a little dull to say, but have you considered relaxation therapy as an addition to your medication, whether through pre-made tapes by actual psychiatrists or your own, to set aside half an hour and lie down at home and try to sit through it? It can be as effective as another Xanax.
>never heard of that m it doesn´t exist here
>
> I hope you feel better
>
> Cheers
>
> -- Jay
thanks to you for your wise advice !
Tep
Posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 2:08:46
In reply to Re: Benzos users, posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 13:36:52
> Tepi did you get your nardil yet? Love Jan/ Phillipa
Hi dear
I found a cheaper nardil online, Is cheaper than here in Mexico . that are good newsTep
Posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 2:11:10
In reply to Re: Benzos users, posted by med_empowered on April 30, 2006, at 15:30:17
> i think you should maybe try adding in a different benzo--like, use tranxene or klonopin or valium or librium as your base benzo--and then use the xanax strictly as-needed for "flare-ups". But..there's also a xanax xr.
Hi med
the problem is that my fear is 24 hours a day. Other benzos dont work, so basically I will need xanax all day.is xanax xr as good as the normal one? I have heard is not that good
thank !
Tep
Posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 2:16:44
In reply to Re: Benzos users » tepiaca, posted by Declan on April 30, 2006, at 18:07:24
> Hi Tep
>
> With me benzos have led to problems with anger control and cognitive disorganisation. Memory, organising capacity and mood can be affected. The doses you would need to control your fear will likely make these worse.
>
> I think you might be best to take the lowest dose of Xanax that helps just a bit. And Nardil.
>
> Drink green or black tea instead of coke and coffee.
>
Im sorry where can I get those???? what are them???? sounds interesting
> It won't be enough, I know. Maybe in the future you will be able to get some really good medical attention that will get to the bottom of this.
>Yeah maybe in the future DEC , I hope not too long
Thanks
Tep
Posted by ed_uk on May 1, 2006, at 4:03:12
In reply to Re: Benzos users » Phillipa, posted by tepiaca on May 1, 2006, at 2:08:46
Ey Tepi!
You got cheaper Nardil :) Does that mean you can increase the dose now?
RE the Xanax drowsiness. I think it will wear off over the next few weeks. But PLEASE don't drive if it's making you drowsy, you could have an accident.
Greetings
ED
Posted by patrickhh on May 1, 2006, at 9:40:51
In reply to Benzos users, posted by tepiaca on April 30, 2006, at 1:33:54
>
> Hi , can you tell me if you have found
> and effective solution to treat the somnolence
> caused by benzos.
>
> Mine is pretty bad . Got depressed , cant do
> anything , my memory is horrible , I can´t organize my activities . I do stupid things like
> going to the store and buy something that I dont
> need . Im totally desorganized . I drove a car
> today and I received like 10 times the word
> "ey stupid, f""ck u , what r u doing " learn to
> drive assho"#$%" .
>
> This happens the first 2 hours then I feel better
> Anyway I haven´t augment my xanax dose Im still
> on 2 or 3 mg. 1 mg 3 times per day or sometimes more .
> For moments I feel great , Im afraid of tolerance
> however. The only think I can think of if on cofee , but I know is gonna be worst later.
>
> I dont wana change benzo- klonopin doesn´t work
> nor ativan or valium . Xanax is the one
>
> Time has happened and that doesn´t
> seem to help
> with somnolence. Reducing the xanax dose doesn´t
> help . I even believe I need more , its just that
> I dont have money to buy it
>
> what do you think ? I feel bad now. just got
> .5mg of xanax like 1 hour ago . I mdrinking coke
> too.
>
> HelpI know this would be more expensive, but I'd try considering a non-sedating atypical for your anxiety. Abilify and Geodon seem to work well without the sedation, without memory impairment, etc. All benzos cause memory impairment to some extent, although the sedation should lessen with time. The other thing I don't like about benzos is with long term use they really screw up your sleep rhythms.
This is the end of the thread.
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