Anxiety, Prozac and Xanax

[pdw36]

For the past several years, I have been developing anxiety which at first I believed to be a form of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), but more recently appears to be related to seasonal changes (SAD), since the pattern of anxiety begins in September and gets worse as the days grow shorter.  My doctor has prescribed Prozac, 20mg daily for about 6 months and Xanax, .5mg twice a day as needed, 40 total.  I interpreted the "twice daily as needed" to mean "take up to two Xanax a day if you need to".  If I take the Xanax sporadically, is there a chance that the anxiety can worsen when it wears off, or is this dosage too low and short-term to be of any concern?  I have been on the Prozac for about 2-1/2 weeks and I am subject to bouts of anxiety that seem more pronounced than before I was taking the medication.  The Xanax helps, but I'm concerned about the potential addiction.  Thanks!

[cj29]

Xanax is a fairly potent benzo that is prescribed short term.  Many doctors will prescribe it short term on an as needed basis especially when you start and SSRI like Prozac.  I was prescribed it and used it for couple of months while I got used to the SSRI...just work with your doctor when you come off of it; for me there was a little rebound anxiety but it helped that I cam off of it slowly, and furthermore, I was not on it that long.  Keep us posted!

[pdw36]

cj29, thanks for the information.  Is there a down-side to taking Xanax sporadically?  I'll let you know how it goes.  

[Paxiled]

Prozac can be stimulating to some people.  All ssris can.  So for some, it will increase, not reduce, anxiety.  Just keep an eye on how you respond over time, since it does take a few weeks for these to work.  And you won't respond the same to every one of them.  You might also want to consider melatonin if the medication doesn't help; it helps set the body clock, and melatonin is believed to be implicated in SAD.  

[pdw36]

Thanks Paxiled, I bought a sun lamp last year and it seems to help a little.  I think I've got a number of things going on all at the same time, so every little bit helps.  I've been on the Prozac and Xanax before, and noticied similar issues at the beginning, but I never had corroboration of the connection between starting the meds and the increased anxiety until this forum.  I suspected it, but it's a relief to learn that I'm not just imagining things.  Once the Prozac kicks in (4-6 weeks for me) it's smooth sailing.