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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 dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 16:18:38
I've been using a very small dose (0.25mg) of Xanax since about mid-October to help me relax to get to sleep. I only use it during the week and skip Friday and Saturday nights. Do I run the risk of developing a tolerance? And, would Xanax XR be less risky in terms of developing a tolerance? I tried Klonopin about 2 years ago and didn't like it at all. It made me feel sluggish and down, so that is not an option for me. I also find Xanax pretty good for mood. I am on a very low dose of an antidepressant, which my pdoc feels I don't need anymore, but doesn't want me to wean off of until the dark, winter months are over. I would prefer to stay on a low, maintenance dose, but think I need to switch to something else because what I am taking doesn't seem to have any effect at all, even at a higher dose.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by dbc on November 28, 2006, at 16:27:17
In reply to Xanax tolerance - how long does it take, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 16:18:38
> I've been using a very small dose (0.25mg) of Xanax since about mid-October to help me relax to get to sleep. I only use it during the week and skip Friday and Saturday nights. Do I run the risk of developing a tolerance? And, would Xanax XR be less risky in terms of developing a tolerance? I tried Klonopin about 2 years ago and didn't like it at all. It made me feel sluggish and down, so that is not an option for me. I also find Xanax pretty good for mood. I am on a very low dose of an antidepressant, which my pdoc feels I don't need anymore, but doesn't want me to wean off of until the dark, winter months are over. I would prefer to stay on a low, maintenance dose, but think I need to switch to something else because what I am taking doesn't seem to have any effect at all, even at a higher dose. <
Using benzos to sleep is a tricky thing. Usually doctors want to avoid it because it creates a two fold problem. Benzos usually do create tolerance quickly but in small therapeutic doses i wouldnt worry to much. 0.25 is absolutely nothing. I know of a guy on another board that uses over 10mg daily for anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2006, at 17:03:55
In reply to Re: Xanax tolerance - how long does it take, posted by dbc on November 28, 2006, at 16:27:17
10mg??? I thought 8 was the max? Love Phillipa
Posted by dbc on November 28, 2006, at 17:59:10
In reply to Re: Xanax tolerance - how long does it take » dbc, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2006, at 17:03:55
> 10mg??? I thought 8 was the max? Love Phillipa
Talk to Ultrashy over on http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/index.php
The guys a legend of sort.
Posted by notfred on November 28, 2006, at 18:32:45
In reply to Xanax tolerance - how long does it take, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 16:18:38
> Do I run the risk of developing a tolerance?
Tolerance always happens to anything you take regularly.
Posted by fenix on November 28, 2006, at 18:33:57
In reply to Xanax tolerance - how long does it take, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 16:18:38
> I've been using a very small dose (0.25mg) of Xanax since about mid-October to help me relax to get to sleep. I only use it during the week and skip Friday and Saturday nights. Do I run the risk of developing a tolerance? And, would Xanax XR be less risky in terms of developing a tolerance? I tried Klonopin about 2 years ago and didn't like it at all. It made me feel sluggish and down, so that is not an option for me. I also find Xanax pretty good for mood. I am on a very low dose of an antidepressant, which my pdoc feels I don't need anymore, but doesn't want me to wean off of until the dark, winter months are over. I would prefer to stay on a low, maintenance dose, but think I need to switch to something else because what I am taking doesn't seem to have any effect at all, even at a higher dose.
>
> Any advice would be appreciated.This kind of thing depends from person to person. The answers are pretty common sense: be mindful of your body, if the effects of the drug seem to be wearing off even though you are taking the same dosage then this could be a sign of tolerance happening. But just be mindful of your body.
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 21:25:59
In reply to Re: Xanax tolerance - how long does it take, posted by fenix on November 28, 2006, at 18:33:57
I appreciate the responses. I am very cautious when I use it because I am paranoid about developing a tolerance. But, I also find it really helps in ways that an AD does not. It actually tends to boost my mood moreso than the Paxil I am taking. I am going to talk to my pdoc about the XR version to see if he would be willing to let me try that for use during the week.
Anyone have experience with the XR vs the IR? And, anyone notice a difference between the effectiveness of generic Xanax and brand-name?
Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions.
Posted by laima on November 28, 2006, at 21:49:52
In reply to Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 21:25:59
I've tried the XR as well as the regular- my amateur suspicion is that the "XR" wouldn't have any advantages over the regular for developing a tolerance, but don't know for certain. I think it just means you metabolize it slower over a day. However, I never found it as potent or effective.> I appreciate the responses. I am very cautious when I use it because I am paranoid about developing a tolerance. But, I also find it really helps in ways that an AD does not. It actually tends to boost my mood moreso than the Paxil I am taking. I am going to talk to my pdoc about the XR version to see if he would be willing to let me try that for use during the week.
>
> Anyone have experience with the XR vs the IR? And, anyone notice a difference between the effectiveness of generic Xanax and brand-name?
>
> Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions.
Posted by BIGDaddyachmed69 on November 29, 2006, at 4:14:54
In reply to Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 21:25:59
> I appreciate the responses. I am very cautious when I use it because I am paranoid about developing a tolerance. But, I also find it really helps in ways that an AD does not. It actually tends to boost my mood moreso than the Paxil I am taking. I am going to talk to my pdoc about the XR version to see if he would be willing to let me try that for use during the week.
>
> Anyone have experience with the XR vs the IR? And, anyone notice a difference between the effectiveness of generic Xanax and brand-name?
>
> Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions.You lose that sense of "well-being" rapidly, speaking from personal experience. I continue to take Xanax on a daily basis, 1 mg twice a day, and find that it has continued to do what my Paxil hasn't: treat my anxiety. Generic and brand-name Xanax in my opinion aren't too far apart as far as which one is more potent or whatever. Generic Xanax XR, on the other hand, was much less effective than the brand-name product. With Xanax XR, you're avoiding the peaks and valleys associated with the IR version. It's very subtle. You don't feel it coming on and likewise, it's not all that noticeable when it starts to wear off. When Xanax IR peaks, that's when you get the "boost" you mentioned in your post, obviously. But you can tell when it's starting to wear off, it's not pleasant. I found Xanax XR to be very sedating, much more so than the original. Ultimately, I went with Xanax IR because the sedative effects of the XR were just too much for me. Xanax XR is probably better if you're taking it long-term as it's convenient (once a day vs. three or four times a day). It's antidepressant properties could very well augment the Paxil.
Posted by bassman on November 29, 2006, at 6:33:11
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR? » dreamboat_annie, posted by laima on November 28, 2006, at 21:49:52
I agree completely-Xanax XR seems like a different drug to me, again showing how important formulation is to a drug. I think Xanax IR is an excellent drug, and at 0.25 mg and not taking it on weekends, it's possible you'll never become dependent-but if you do, no big deal. I really didn't like Xanax XR at all-it made me sleepy, too, and didn't seem to have the antidepressant effect I find it has in combination with an AD. Summary: IMO, forget XR and leave things alone; they seem to be working. Remember the phrase "it worked until I fixed it" :>}
Posted by BIGDaddyachmed69 on November 29, 2006, at 9:21:06
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by bassman on November 29, 2006, at 6:33:11
> I agree completely-Xanax XR seems like a different drug to me, again showing how important formulation is to a drug. I think Xanax IR is an excellent drug, and at 0.25 mg and not taking it on weekends, it's possible you'll never become dependent-but if you do, no big deal. I really didn't like Xanax XR at all-it made me sleepy, too, and didn't seem to have the antidepressant effect I find it has in combination with an AD. Summary: IMO, forget XR and leave things alone; they seem to be working. Remember the phrase "it worked until I fixed it" :>}
Yeh dude, forget Adderall XR, Xanax XR..the IR formulations are or appear to be much more effective. I guess because of the fact that the concentrations of the drug in the XR formulations build slowly throughout the day, so you don't even notice that the drug is working half the time. It's too subtle.
Posted by zmg on November 29, 2006, at 13:50:35
In reply to Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 21:25:59
I read somewhere that with SR and XR the difference is about 4 hours (XR 12 vs SR @ 8):
[xxx]
I'd never even heard of XL.
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:20:54
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR? » dreamboat_annie, posted by laima on November 28, 2006, at 21:49:52
Thanks so much. I have heard others say that the XR is not as potent as the regular Xanax. I like the idea of once a day dosing, but not if it is not going to work as well.
> I've tried the XR as well as the regular- my amateur suspicion is that the "XR" wouldn't have any advantages over the regular for developing a tolerance, but don't know for certain. I think it just means you metabolize it slower over a day. However, I never found it as potent or effective.
>
> > I appreciate the responses. I am very cautious when I use it because I am paranoid about developing a tolerance. But, I also find it really helps in ways that an AD does not. It actually tends to boost my mood moreso than the Paxil I am taking. I am going to talk to my pdoc about the XR version to see if he would be willing to let me try that for use during the week.
> >
> > Anyone have experience with the XR vs the IR? And, anyone notice a difference between the effectiveness of generic Xanax and brand-name?
> >
> > Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions.
>
>
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:26:42
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR? » dreamboat_annie, posted by BIGDaddyachmed69 on November 29, 2006, at 4:14:54
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. If I do start using it more regularly, I think it would likely just be at night, just before bed to help me relax and turn my mind off (it really goes into overdrive when my head hits the pillow). So, perhaps the XR wouldn't be bad. With respect to the Paxil, I'm finding that it is not doing much of anything for me, but I am on a very low dose. Even at a higher dose, it really didn't do much. Since I would like to stay on a low, maintenance of an AD, I am thinking of asking my pdoc if I could try Lexapro, but I am not sure yet. Perhaps the Xanax would also augment the Lexapro well, but who knows with these things.
Thanks again.
> You lose that sense of "well-being" rapidly, speaking from personal experience. I continue to take Xanax on a daily basis, 1 mg twice a day, and find that it has continued to do what my Paxil hasn't: treat my anxiety. Generic and brand-name Xanax in my opinion aren't too far apart as far as which one is more potent or whatever. Generic Xanax XR, on the other hand, was much less effective than the brand-name product. With Xanax XR, you're avoiding the peaks and valleys associated with the IR version. It's very subtle. You don't feel it coming on and likewise, it's not all that noticeable when it starts to wear off. When Xanax IR peaks, that's when you get the "boost" you mentioned in your post, obviously. But you can tell when it's starting to wear off, it's not pleasant. I found Xanax XR to be very sedating, much more so than the original. Ultimately, I went with Xanax IR because the sedative effects of the XR were just too much for me. Xanax XR is probably better if you're taking it long-term as it's convenient (once a day vs. three or four times a day). It's antidepressant properties could very well augment the Paxil.
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:32:33
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by bassman on November 29, 2006, at 6:33:11
Thanks a bunch. I am a bit med-phobic and am particularly concerned about dependence (I had a problem with alcohol and have been sober for over 10 years now). But, I have been prescribed Xanax in very small doses for 10 years (given when I first started Paxil to help with the start-up anxiety and then for panic attacks if I had them) and, until this year, never used more than 1/2 of a .25mg pill in a day. A script of 10 would last sometimes 6 months, so I don't think I need to worry about escalating my dose, but I do because of all the horror stories I have read over the years about Xanax and other benzos. Anyway, I am going to discuss it with my pdoc at my next appointment in a couple of weeks. I find Xanax helps me more than anything else I have used recently, so I would like to see if I can use it more regularly. We shall see.
Thanks again.
> I agree completely-Xanax XR seems like a different drug to me, again showing how important formulation is to a drug. I think Xanax IR is an excellent drug, and at 0.25 mg and not taking it on weekends, it's possible you'll never become dependent-but if you do, no big deal. I really didn't like Xanax XR at all-it made me sleepy, too, and didn't seem to have the antidepressant effect I find it has in combination with an AD. Summary: IMO, forget XR and leave things alone; they seem to be working. Remember the phrase "it worked until I fixed it" :>}
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:33:46
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the » dreamboat_annie, posted by zmg on November 29, 2006, at 13:50:35
That's helpful information. Thanks for the links.
> I read somewhere that with SR and XR the difference is about 4 hours (XR 12 vs SR @ 8):
>
> [xxx]
>
> I'd never even heard of XL.
Posted by zmg on November 29, 2006, at 20:36:47
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the » zmg, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:33:46
No problem.
Posted by theo on November 29, 2006, at 22:14:20
In reply to Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 28, 2006, at 21:25:59
I used Xanax XR (1mg 7am and 7pm) with 150mg Wellbutrin XL. I started seeing a new psych who was alcoholic and against benzos. Under her advice, which was horrible, I stopped it. Now looking back, it was probably the best combo I've had luck with! I will probably try this combo again if the Lamictal trial fails.
Posted by dreamboat_annie on November 30, 2006, at 19:46:07
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR? » dreamboat_annie, posted by theo on November 29, 2006, at 22:14:20
Thanks, Theo. I hope the Lamictal works for you, but if it doesn't, you know you can try to the Xanax again.
> I used Xanax XR (1mg 7am and 7pm) with 150mg Wellbutrin XL. I started seeing a new psych who was alcoholic and against benzos. Under her advice, which was horrible, I stopped it. Now looking back, it was probably the best combo I've had luck with! I will probably try this combo again if the Lamictal trial fails.
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 3, 2006, at 21:56:00
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the » dreamboat_annie, posted by zmg on November 29, 2006, at 13:50:35
> I read somewhere that with SR and XR the difference is about 4 hours (XR 12 vs SR @ 8):
>
> [xxx]Sorry, but please don't use this site to exchange information that could be used to import into the US medication that hasn't been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This includes posting a link to a site with sources even if you're doing so for another reason.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please first see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by BIGDaddyachmed69 on December 5, 2006, at 17:24:23
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR? » BIGDaddyachmed69, posted by dreamboat_annie on November 29, 2006, at 19:26:42
> Thanks for sharing your experience with me. If I do start using it more regularly, I think it would likely just be at night, just before bed to help me relax and turn my mind off (it really goes into overdrive when my head hits the pillow). So, perhaps the XR wouldn't be bad. With respect to the Paxil, I'm finding that it is not doing much of anything for me, but I am on a very low dose. Even at a higher dose, it really didn't do much. Since I would like to stay on a low, maintenance of an AD, I am thinking of asking my pdoc if I could try Lexapro, but I am not sure yet. Perhaps the Xanax would also augment the Lexapro well, but who knows with these things.
>
> Thanks again.I was thinking of switching from Paxil to Lexapro as well..kind of ironic huh? What made you decide to give Lexapro a try?
Posted by dreamboat_annie on December 5, 2006, at 19:28:17
In reply to Re: Thanks so much, all of you - Anyone tried the XR?, posted by BIGDaddyachmed69 on December 5, 2006, at 17:24:23
> I was thinking of switching from Paxil to Lexapro as well..kind of ironic huh? What made you decide to give Lexapro a try?It is ironic - small world, I guess. I was actually thinking of trying Lexapro when I had started seeing the pdoc I am seeing now over a year ago, but he felt that, since Paxil had helped me so much previously, that Paxil CR would be a good choice. I had been dealing with severe iron deficiency when I tried regular Paxil for the second time, and his view was that since the iron deficiency had not been dealt with, that may have been why I didn't respond to the Paxil. But, the Paxil CR, even at 50mg, didn't seem to help much, in spite of the iron deficiency having been addressed, so that is why I am thinking about Lexapro. And, I have heard more positive than negative about Lexapro, including with respect to the severity of start-up side effects, so maybe it is time to make a switch. I'm nervous, though, because right now I am only taking a very small dose of Paxil CR, but I don't want to take any chances and go off ADs completely only to get hit again.
Sorry the long response.
If you decide to try Lexapro, I wish you much success with it. Take care.
This is the end of the thread.
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