dangers of xanax

[Jude444]

I am writing for a friend.  She recently had surgery for cancer of her kidney.  Surgery was successful and she is neither on chemo or radiation therapy.  After surgery she became very depressed and cried frequently.  It has now been about two months since the surgery.  I myself, have gone thru severe situational depression a few years back and have compeltely recovered, so I am familiar with how my friend is feeling. She is now taking Prozac, which has just been upped to twice daily.  Her doctor has also given her Xanax.  The recommended dosage is 4xdaily.  I don't know the strength.  In the beginning she seemed to be coming along fine and getting progressively better. But now she has hit bottom again and it seems when she takes the xanax she becomes more depressed-  she starts shaking. and cries easily.  I know when I had my problem, the doctor did not want me on this drug for more than two weeks, and then put me on Klonopin.  My friend used to be a very strong person-ran a bookstore then a clothing store. Am I correct in thinking that the xanax is not the drug for her?  Is it working against the Prozac?  She was going to call her internist today, whom she has not spoken to about this yet.  I might mention that I took my self off of my anti-depressants on my own when I realized it was causing high blood pressure.  My physiatrist  never once told me to monitor my blood pressure.  My physcian didn't even know that anitdepressants can cause high-only low.  He looked it up and sure enough it could cause high.  It seems that doctors are pushing pills on us without all the facts.

[Milo]

Hi Angelica, I'm glad your appt. went well. Was this a new doctor (I seem to remember your other one was closing up shop?)
Also, I was horrified and outraged to read about your post-surgical "treatment". There's no excuse in the world for that.
My problem is tension headaches with the occasional migraine to keep things interresting. I was unsure for a while, but now I believe I have a doctor who truly cares about his patients. So far I've been able to manage with non-controlled substances. After reading the horror stories of withdrawal on this forum, I'm glad I haven't needed anything stronger!
Very best of luck to you with your pain management-- Milo

[Angelica]

Milo:  Thank you so much.  We have something in common:  My appt was today also, and went very well.  LOL  I hope yours did too.  I haven't been up to date here lately, but whats your chronic pain problem, if you don't mind me asking?  Best wishes to you too!

Kerri:  You have the weight of the world on your shoulders.  Please hang in there......I'll pray for you.  God has a special place in heaven for you.  I can't help but think of the passage "and this too shall pass"  do you know that one?  I will post it for you.

Love

Angelica

[cindi]

Hey there,,sister girlfriends.....just wanted to drop in and say hi...I am on cloud nine  counting down the days till I leave.....and I really wnat to do lunch with the both of you,,can you imagine what heaven will be like when we take em by storm someday?  LOL   love you ladies    cin

[Milo]

Kerrie -- I wish you nothing but the best as you have these tests. I know what a miserable experience they can be...and I know you're worried about what they may find. My thoughts & good wishes are with you!
wildcat -- I had been going to the same pharmacy for years, getting my Klonopin & Paxil. The pharmacist knew me, I knew him. Well, one day in front of God and everybody, he announces that my doctor "wrote a script for a controlled substance and a non-controlled substance on the same form," so he "could refuse to fill them" but would graciously do it this time. How considerate of him! Well, that was my last trip to that pharmacy. The other pharmacies never seemed to care, and certainly never broadcast my medical history to the whole store!
Angelica -- I don't think we have talked before, but I know like me you are dealing w/chronic pain issues and the inevitable problems that go along with them. You have my best wishes in finding the right treatment (which to my mind includes respectful, dignified treatment!) I have an appointment with my doctor today, so we'll see how it goes.
Blessings to all -- Milo

[cindi]

As usual my prayers are with you...I have to make this brief  it is 5 am and i have to get to the center to open ....your diarrhea more than likely is hwat we refer to as "dumping" syndrome or short bowel syndrome the intestional surgery..hon  I hope you have a good day  I get off work at 11 am so i can jump back on later   love to all   cin

[Wizard]

Kerri, I awoke this morning to read your post on your results and I felt compelled to go to Mass this morning before work and to pray for you and your daughter. You've been through so much and continue to keep your head high and your faith strong. Such a lesson for those of us who in our discomfort think we can't see it through for another day. I would only hope that my daughters will have the same kind of inner strength and fortitude as you have. I am reminded of a quote by a lady that I have read lately. Her name is Connie Hunt and I have quoted her before. She said: HOPE IS INSTINCTIVE
                  DESPAIR IS LEARNED.

                       BEING
          BILLIONS OF PARTICLES DANCING FREE
         FLOWING AROUND EACH FLOWER AND TREE
          FORMING THE BORDERS WE PERCIEVE
         CREATING THE FORMS FOR WHICH WE GRIEVE.
          LIFE KNOWS NOT SUCH BOUNDARIES
                   DO NOT DESPAIR
           THE VITAL FORCE OF BEING IS EVERYWHERE.