Guest guest Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Oh, you're talking about Xanax. I was talking about Lexapro. I couldn't understand what on earth only .25 mg of Lexapro would do. Colleen kim allred <kimallred3@...> wrote: I'm sorry, but YES it does! I have a low tolerant for anything and if I have a big attack I take 2 and my xanax was " as needed " MsTigerHawk wrote: You might as well take none as to take .25 mg. It's not going to do anything. Sounds like a placebo effect to me. One of the big no-nos is not taking a prescription exactly as prescribed. Colleen kim allred wrote: I had been on the same low dose of .25 for @ 2 or 3 years it worked for me from the first day to the last every time! I didn't need it every day, it worked right away (not 4 to 6 weeks) I didn't have to " wean " off of it! I don't understand!! I wasn't depressed I have anxiety! I never wanted a pill that you have to take everyday for....I don't even know for how long. lexapro does stop the anxiety. But if you run out? lord help you. To me " THAT " is addicted! I'm not the same person. I don't feel much of anything anymore. yeah, I'm happy....but it doesn't feel real. I was never worried I would run out of xanax. I'm scared to death to run out of lexapro again. I thought I was going to snap or go insane and its not a joke. I'm a naturally happy person. when i asked my doctor why i couldn't just stay on my low dose of xanax? she said ( " we just don't like for you to do that " ) so she put me on lexapro? I guess you could get addicted to xanax I have heard of people getting " high " off of it, but I feel like its the doctors responsibility to watch me. If I wanted to be addicted I would simply go to another doctor. Its helps to know that im not alone in my thinking mike jones wrote: Hi Kim - I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " Quote from Wikipedia --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Because Xanax is highly addictive and Lexapro isn't. Colleen kim allred <kimallred3@...> wrote: Ok, but do you have any idea why its " short term " ? and lexapro isnt? MsTigerHawk wrote: Xanax is generally only presribed for very short term use. Colleen mike jones wrote: Have you considered finding a doc who will let you stay on xanax or buying it online? I found that lex at 10mg a day reduced my anxiety - increasing the dose to 20mg actually seemed to give me more depression - they say everyone has to find there own level I am now wondering if xanax would be more effective for my anxiety ............... Mike --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 She was talking about Xanax. :-) Barbara Re: Re: new here help I was talking about Lexapro and thought she was too, but maybe I was mistaken and she was talking about Xanax while I was talking about Lexapro. That would make a big difference. Colleen mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote: girls dont get your knickers in a twist - there seems to be some confusion here - are you talking about lexpro with doses in the 10 to 20 mg range or xanax with doeses in the 0.25 to 1.0 mg range --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 LMAO!! I was wondering the same thing being that the usual dose for Lex is a max of 10mg. I *think* Colleen was talking about Xanax but I'm not for sure. Barbara Re: Re: new here help girls dont get your knickers in a twist - there seems to be some confusion here - are you talking about lexpro with doses in the 10 to 20 mg range or xanax with doeses in the 0.25 to 1.0 mg range --------------------------------- Sent from . The World & #39;s Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Because it's seen as highly addictive. People can become addicted to it in 2 weeks of regular use. Barbara Re: Re: new here help Ok, but do you have any idea why its " short term " ? and lexapro isnt? MsTigerHawk <tigerhawksoars@...> wrote: Xanax is generally only presribed for very short term use. Colleen mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote: Have you considered finding a doc who will let you stay on xanax or buying it online? I found that lex at 10mg a day reduced my anxiety - increasing the dose to 20mg actually seemed to give me more depression - they say everyone has to find there own level I am now wondering if xanax would be more effective for my anxiety ............... Mike --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 As you said, Colleen, .25 of Lex, not much. :-) Barbara Re: Re: new here help Oh, you're talking about Xanax. I was talking about Lexapro. I couldn't understand what on earth only .25 mg of Lexapro would do. Colleen kim allred <kimallred3@...> wrote: I'm sorry, but YES it does! I have a low tolerant for anything and if I have a big attack I take 2 and my xanax was " as needed " MsTigerHawk wrote: You might as well take none as to take .25 mg. It's not going to do anything. Sounds like a placebo effect to me. One of the big no-nos is not taking a prescription exactly as prescribed. Colleen kim allred wrote: I had been on the same low dose of .25 for @ 2 or 3 years it worked for me from the first day to the last every time! I didn't need it every day, it worked right away (not 4 to 6 weeks) I didn't have to " wean " off of it! I don't understand!! I wasn't depressed I have anxiety! I never wanted a pill that you have to take everyday for....I don't even know for how long. lexapro does stop the anxiety. But if you run out? lord help you. To me " THAT " is addicted! I'm not the same person. I don't feel much of anything anymore. yeah, I'm happy....but it doesn't feel real. I was never worried I would run out of xanax. I'm scared to death to run out of lexapro again. I thought I was going to snap or go insane and its not a joke. I'm a naturally happy person. when i asked my doctor why i couldn't just stay on my low dose of xanax? she said ( " we just don't like for you to do that " ) so she put me on lexapro? I guess you could get addicted to xanax I have heard of people getting " high " off of it, but I feel like its the doctors responsibility to watch me. If I wanted to be addicted I would simply go to another doctor. Its helps to know that im not alone in my thinking mike jones wrote: Hi Kim - I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " Quote from Wikipedia --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Most SSRI's and SSNRI's have an anti-anxiety component. That's why they're used for anxiety. But as you pointed out, for some people they need something like Xanax. But only a psych doc can make that determination. Barbara Re: Re: new here help I must admit I am wondering whether an anti anxiety med would be better for my anxiety than an anti-depressant - it helped but anxiety is still ruining my life this further quote is interesting too " However, long-term maintenance therapy on alprazolam (xanax) is not unheard-of in the medical community, and, if a genuine therapeutic need exists, benefits must be weighed against risks. " Wikipedia you say you are coming of lex - is that because your anxiety was gone ? How are you taking the Alprazolam doseage wise and what effect has it has? Thanks - Mike trapper47562 <trapper47562@...> wrote: > > Hi Kim - > > I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? > > Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: > > " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. > Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. > > However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long- term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5- year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " > > Quote from Wikipedia > > > Mike i have been going off lex for almost 3 weeks, was given a script of alprazolam to help get me thru it.I feel i should have been on this from the start, will be talking to my doc tommorow.Who i have faith in, but worried about addiction > > --------------------------------- > Sent from . > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Breakdown can be whatever it is for *you*. If you're at the point of not being able to function normally on a daily basis I'd say that qualifies. After all, you've had a breakdown of normal daily life for you. If it's gone on this long, 3 years, than you do need help. We all grieve at our own pace. But there are lines drawn between what they consider normal grief and pathological grief, or grief that goes on too long in an extreme way. My breakdown actually started or occurred before he died. Long and involved story... I got angry at my late husband. I think that helped me. The anger was there anyway but rather than turning it inward I turned it out at the person I was actually angry with. Granted that was a bit difficult being as he wasn't here to vent at. But I used to cuss him for being stupid, on a daily basis. I even threatened to dump his ashes in the cat litter-box because he hated cats and I was so angry at him. I thought it a kind of poetic justice. ;-) But, no, I didn't do it. Just the thought made me laugh at the irony and it was actually healing in a way. You do what you need to do for *you* to get through the grief. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks about the things this may lead you to do. I did some odd things after my husband died but it was because I felt I needed to do those things and it really helped. You're still alive and must live in the world. You will find a way to go forward. We all do. And it sounds like you need to talk to your doc that the Lex isn't really doing what it should for you. What you need it to do. Barbara Re: new here help Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so silly... I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe anxiety > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc had > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but then > things started to improve. > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative therapies > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the lex > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start to > see a way out. > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found that > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more depression > with the higher doses! > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really experienced > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start taking > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which may > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > Good luck > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Sent from . > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Awww! Thank you for that! :-) I do try. Barbara Re: Re: new here help > > > Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just stay on the xanax? > > bethcatenenery <bethcatenenery@...> wrote: Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot > understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems > then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so > silly... > I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i > had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got > bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 > o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over > two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, > what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am > getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my > job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going > through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then > i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing > anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and > feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me > whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. > I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... > my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of > whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... > Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more > than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... > ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe > anxiety > > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc > had > > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but > then > > things started to improve. > > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative > therapies > > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the > lex > > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start > to > > see a way out. > > > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found > that > > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more > depression > > with the higher doses! > > > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really > experienced > > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start > taking > > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which > may > > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > > > > Good luck > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Sent from . > > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Yes! Thank you, . That was a good description of how SSRI's affect the brain chemicals, etc. And why there are so-called withdrawal symptoms when suddenly stopping the drug. Barbara Re: Re: new here help > > > Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just stay on the xanax? > > bethcatenenery <bethcatenenery@...> wrote: Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot > understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems > then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so > silly... > I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i > had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got > bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 > o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over > two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, > what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am > getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my > job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going > through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then > i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing > anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and > feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me > whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. > I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... > my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of > whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... > Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more > than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... > ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe > anxiety > > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc > had > > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but > then > > things started to improve. > > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative > therapies > > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the > lex > > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start > to > > see a way out. > > > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found > that > > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more > depression > > with the higher doses! > > > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really > experienced > > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start > taking > > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which > may > > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > > > > Good luck > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Sent from . > > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 For me, my anxiety and depression was brought on by specific events. " Severe prolonged stress " . It took me about 3 years to get to the point where I crashed and burned. Went suddenly numb it felt like. Yet I had terrible anxiety. I was afraid *all* the time. If they can determine the cause of your anxiety they may have better results in treating it. If they can't determine that for certain, and many times they can't, then perhaps seeing a psych doc is what you need. They have access to meds GP's don't. In some cases of extreme anxiety Xanax *is* the best choice. But only a psych doc can make that determination. I hate it for you that you have that kind of anxiety. I can surely relate. As for how long....that varies from person to person and the cause(s) of the anxiety. Mine was a simple brain chemical imabalance that was corrected with the use of Effexor. I've been off Effexor for well over 6 months....probably closer to 8 months and I feel fine. So it can and does happen. :-) One other thing....has your doc gotten a hormone level on you? You could be in peri-menopause as that would cause some of the symptoms your talking about: Not being able to sleep as well, etc. And being in peri-menopause is well known for causing anxiety as is full blown menopause. Why do they call it 'pause' when it really indicates a cessation of something? O.o Barbara Re: Re: new here help Mike- well, I had very bad anxiety 2 times in my life. once when I was @24 and once at @38 (I'm now 41) when I was 24 I had no idea what it was, I thought I was dieing! I went on xanax for about 6 months and my anxiety just went away and I stopped taking it. I don't have a clue why it went away or what brought it on in the first place....now at 38 I knew what it was and got on xanax again it helps me in many ways. first: I got my worst anxiety in the morning at work. I took my xanax before bed and didn't have an attack in the morning. also I had trouble sleeping (the older I get?) and I cant have a drink like most people I know. so xanax helped me sleep through the night If I had to fly or go someplace I wasn't comfortable I would take one and not feel " buzzed " just " normal " my first doctor told me that " just knowing you HAVE THEM can help " and that was true. However this time it didnt go away and my doctors answer was Wellbutrin (too many sides) then Celexa, again too many sides. Now its Lexapro. No sides until I run out!!! Barbra has good points I guess you could get addicted, I have never gotten " a buzz " off of xanax but I can see how some one with anxiety would get hooked...it works! and noone will say how long you have to take lexapro, just how hard it is to get off? so I still dont get it...really. mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote: I must admit I am wondering whether an anti anxiety med would be better for my anxiety than an anti-depressant - it helped but anxiety is still ruining my life this further quote is interesting too " However, long-term maintenance therapy on alprazolam (xanax) is not unheard-of in the medical community, and, if a genuine therapeutic need exists, benefits must be weighed against risks. " Wikipedia you say you are coming of lex - is that because your anxiety was gone ? How are you taking the Alprazolam doseage wise and what effect has it has? Thanks - Mike trapper47562 <trapper47562@...> wrote: > > Hi Kim - > > I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? > > Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: > > " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. > Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. > > However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long- term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5- year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " > > Quote from Wikipedia > > > Mike i have been going off lex for almost 3 weeks, was given a script of alprazolam to help get me thru it.I feel i should have been on this from the start, will be talking to my doc tommorow.Who i have faith in, but worried about addiction > > --------------------------------- > Sent from . > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Not really. But yes I concede it would feel that way. However, you're not engaging in drug seeking behavior. I wasn't trying to be funny. I was trying to indicate that I wasn't being hateful with the statment I made about " what part of.. " . The state of healthcare in this country is a disgrace. When people have to choose between *anything* else and taking their meds that's flat out wrong. I'm hoping and praying that whomever takes office next will see about fixing this situation. I'm ever the optomist. ;-) What happens is that you stop taking the Lex and your transmitters and brain don't have time to adjust to taking up the job again that the Lex was regulating. That's what causes the problems. It's not addictive in the way that we use the term addictive in connection with other drugs such as heroin and others. But your brain has become dependant on the Lex to regulate those chemicals and must have time to get working properly again. Lex and other AD's don't bind with receptors in the brain the way Xanax or heroin or anything considered addictive does. Have you seen the newest quit-smoking commercials? Where they talk about the nicotine receptors in the brain? That's what the difference is. Barbara Re: Re: new here help > > > Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just stay on the xanax? > > bethcatenenery wrote: Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot > understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems > then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so > silly... > I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i > had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got > bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 > o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over > two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, > what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am > getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my > job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going > through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then > i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing > anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and > feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me > whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. > I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... > my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of > whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... > Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more > than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... > ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe > anxiety > > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc > had > > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but > then > > things started to improve. > > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative > therapies > > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the > lex > > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start > to > > see a way out. > > > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found > that > > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more > depression > > with the higher doses! > > > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really > experienced > > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start > taking > > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which > may > > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > > > > Good luck > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Sent from . > > > The World 's Favourite Email. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Those brain zaps are so weird. Colleen Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote: I never did have the brain zaps. Not with either drug, Celexa and Effexor. Now if I'd suddenly stopped taking either of them I might have. But since I weaned off both very slowly I never had a problem with them. Barbara Re: Re: new here help > > > Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just stay on the xanax? > > bethcatenenery wrote: Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot > understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems > then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so > silly... > I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i > had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got > bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 > o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over > two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, > what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am > getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my > job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going > through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then > i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing > anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and > feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me > whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. > I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... > my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of > whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... > Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more > than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... > ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe > anxiety > > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc > had > > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but > then > > things started to improve. > > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative > therapies > > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the > lex > > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start > to > > see a way out. > > > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found > that > > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more > depression > > with the higher doses! > > > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really > experienced > > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start > taking > > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which > may > > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > > > > Good luck > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Sent from . > > > The World 's Favourite Email. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I'm addicted to food... Colleen Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote: Interestingly enough they find the same type of thing with people that take pain killers for chronic pain. But then some people are more prone to addiction than others. In other words some of us are more prone to becoming addicted to most any drug, alcohol, nicotine, pain killers, etc., than others are. I've been seeing research about this for some time now. Genetic components are well known. But there are other issues as well. For example, what is it, specifically, that makes one person more prone to addiction than another? They're learning more and more about this all the time. Barbara Re: Re: new here help Hi Kim - I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " Quote from Wikipedia --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 So I've heard and I was so grateful not to experience them! Barbara Re: Re: new here help > > > Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just stay on the xanax? > > bethcatenenery wrote: Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot > understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems > then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so > silly... > I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i > had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got > bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 > o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over > two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, > what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am > getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my > job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going > through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then > i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing > anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and > feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me > whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. > I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... > my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of > whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... > Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more > than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... > ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe > anxiety > > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc > had > > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but > then > > things started to improve. > > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative > therapies > > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the > lex > > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start > to > > see a way out. > > > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found > that > > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more > depression > > with the higher doses! > > > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really > experienced > > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start > taking > > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which > may > > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > > > > Good luck > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Sent from . > > > The World 's Favourite Email. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Chocoholic, here! I also smoke and I *am* addicted, in the worst way, to nicotine. Barbara Re: Re: new here help Hi Kim - I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed? Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting and seems to tie in with this: " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy. Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly. However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged " Quote from Wikipedia --------------------------------- Sent from . The World 's Favourite Email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I function but my house is a mess & my laundry is piling up...I'm pretty good around people but I live alone and that's starting to get to me. Oh, except for my cats... I was very angry at my husband before he died, too. He was an abusive alcoholic. (long story, of course)... I have Librium that I take most mornings to take the edge off because when I wake up I get that overwhelming OH MY GOD I HAVE TO FACE ANOTHER DAY...feeling. Re: new here help Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so silly... I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe anxiety > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc had > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but then > things started to improve. > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative therapies > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the lex > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start to > see a way out. > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found that > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more depression > with the higher doses! > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really experienced > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start taking > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which may > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > Good luck > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Sent from . > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 Sounds like you're stuck in a rut. BTDT. Ya know, one of the strongest emotions I had after my husband died was relief. Sad to say that. But it was the truth! I'd lived a roller coaster for 12 yrs. And finally he couldn't hurt us or screw our lives up again. I could finally build a life for myself and my kids that he couldn't tear down again. I was free. Finally. It's not wrong or bad to feel that way. But it is good to acknowledge the reality of what my life was like, especially during the last year of his life. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Just because they die doesn't change who and what they were while alive....good and bad. So what do you feel is the main emotion that's holding you in this depression and grief if indeed that is what you feel? I wish I was closer to you...I'd help you with the daily stuff. And I'd listen cause many times that's what we all need. Just someone to really listen. Not fix, just listen. Barbara Re: new here help Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so silly... I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8 o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself, what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor.. I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol... my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek... Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more than .25 mg in a 24 hour period... ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol > > > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe anxiety > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc had > prescribed 2 months earlier > > > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but then > things started to improve. > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative therapies > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the lex > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start to > see a way out. > > > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found that > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more depression > with the higher doses! > > > > I was worried about side effects but havent really experienced > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start taking > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which may > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical. > > > > > > Good luck > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Sent from . > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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