Xanac addiction

My wife is on Xanac (actually the equivalent I think called Aprolozam or something  like that) with a dosage of .5 mg and has been for more than a year and a half.  I read somewhere else that you shouldn't take this medicine long term because it's addictive and has withdrawal symptoms.  Also, sometimes she appears intoxicated but I haven't seen her drink, can the Xanac do that?  I know she is mixing it with alcohol sometimes, too and she is currently on a binge (not at home but somewhere else) and I'm afraid she's in danger if she's taking the Xanac and drinking alcohol.  Can anyone help?

[Jennifer375]

Yes, xanax can do that... if you know where your wife is and you think she may be endangering herself, I would get her and once she is clear headed have a seriouse talk prefferably with a counciler present.

*bows with respect and apprication*   Jenn

[BigWill79]

You are correct on all your assumptions.  Xanax is addicting and it is difficult to come off of.  Withdrawal should be done with a doctors supervision as seizures can occur if not done correctly.  Alcohol is not a good idea on this medication or any medication for that matter.  Xanax can cause folks to look intoxicated but it usually occurs if you take more than .5mg.  I would have your wife visit her doctor or a new doctor to discuss the situation and see what their advice is.  Hope this helps.  

[Jacqui805]

Yes, Xanax, which is a brand name for the drug alprazolam can do that.  I'd be interested to know why she was originally prescribed the medication and whether or not she's seeing her physician regularly.  There are medical uses for the med., but if she's taking more than she is supposed to there is a real danger and an addiction whether just physiological or both that and psychological as well.  If she's seeming to be intoxicating and is not drinking, it sounds pretty clear.  Mixing the med. with alcohol is a major no no by the way and could lead to a fatality.  Esp. if she's taking more than she's supposed to.  You gotta talk to her and find out what's going on.  If she absolutely refuses to deal with this, to possibly save her life, I'd contact the physcian directly myself.

Jacqui

[dove3053]

Not good to mix xanax with booze. I hope she is not driving. I speak from experience here. When I stopped taking xanax, and a few days later I had a major seizure. Good thing someone else was driving that day.

You say she is currently on a binge. Get her is safe hands.

Dove

[lostmarbles]

Xanax should only be taken on a short term basis 2-4 weeks maximum. After that the user is automatically addicted. Alcohol should definately not be mixed with Xanax as it increases the effect of the medication. In order to stop using the medication it should be done with doctor supervision, ie the doctor should know and a taper plan will be put into use as the user could have a seisure and die. I as prescribed xanax for three years by my doctor (i have since changed doctors) and I was put on to a taper plan and went into withdrawels. It is not pleasant but the outcome is worth it. I was originally put on xanax as I was depressed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown plus having sleepless nights. Xanax was the worst thing to be given but as the patient, I simply did not know. The underlying cause is still with me and something I have to work through without the use of something like xanax which blocks everything. I also would drink heavily with the meds, not all the time, but when I did drink it was a binge. It is very dangerous. Try talking to her but with no pressure. Give her alot of support and love and maybe she will tell you what she is afraid of. As a user of xanax, taking any kind of critisism would make me worse but I have had the support of a couple of good friends who always kept an eye on me whilst I took the meds and have been a great support while I have been off them. Xanax can make someone seem intoxicated especially if they are taking more than their prescribed dose. After a few months the user generally takes more as the usual effects of their prescribed dose does not work anymore. Again the reason for this is because xanax is quite simply not meant to be used long term therefore the body and mind becomes immune to the dosage. Good luck and please let me know how you get on.