How long have you been taking XANAX

[Nanabanana6]

I've had panic disorder for over 11 years now and have been prescribed Xanax. The prescription was for .5 mg  3 times a day (however I always tried to take much less the first 7 or 8 years.) The past few years I have felt the need to take 1/4 mg  2 or 3 times a day just to prevent panic and during panic.  Last year my family Doctor quit the practice and left us without a Doc and my biggest fear was.... Will the new doc believe I need this to survive and will he prescribe for me. Thankfully he does. So... Is there anyone else who has been on Xanax (alprazolam) as long as I have and what dosage works best for you?

Thanks

[RubyWitch]

Please don't take this the wrong way, it's actually my fault for not keeping my post closer to the top, but this is a prime example of what my post was about. I thought I was answering a fairly simple question about Xanax use. It turns out that you have quite a few other issues that would have totally changed my response, which is why I ask that people list all of their issues, symptoms and meds when they first post. Again, please don't think I'm picking on you personally.........your post has only reinforced how important it is for us to understand the whole picture.
I must confess that I've never heard of either of the disorders you live with. I'll be doing some research today!
While I can understand you not wanting to rely on the Xanax so much, it does seem to be working for you. Are you taking it on an "as needed" basis or daily?
I hope there are other's here who can more fully understand what you are living with and offer you some much better advice.
My advice is for you to see your doctor and disuss these fears with him/her and alos get a referral to a pulmanologist who could possibly help you strengthen your breathing ability/lung capacity. I would also, if you haven't already, see a specialist in dysphagia for a swallow eval. Perhaps your fear of choking could be lessened by what they can teach you about how to prepare food differently and the correct position to be in while eating. Also learning how to do the Heimlich maneuver when alone would ease your mind a great deal. Make sure your friends and family know how to respond as well.
You sound like a very strong person who has not allowed these "difficulties" from stopping you to live your life to it's fullest, but you have some concerns and while I'm glad you found us, I believe they need to be addressed to your doctor.
Please let us know how you're doing, OK? We all wish you the very best.
Peace
Greenlydia  
  

[Nanabanana6]

Oh believe me I have had counceling thru the years, and yes it does help very much! I could not have made it this long without it. I guess I should have given more info. Please don't think I am a xanax queen and eat them for lunch. I was born with a rare disorder (moebius syndrome) I have facial paralysis along with throat paralysis and vocal chords. Also I have (Polands Syndrome) which effects the pectoral muscles and some internal organs. Anyway, to make a long story short..... I have lived with difficulties with choking and fear of choking, rapid heart rate intermittantly and fear of it. One fine day while my husband and children were at the lake on a 100 degree outing, I overheated and had a heat stroke. I was rushed to the ER and Have had Panic attacks ever since. My extreme fear of choking while alone has created a problem, I can no longer stay alone in peace.  I have to say this, I am a 43 year old mother of three grown children and I have 6 grandchildren who I spend the majority of my time shutteling them back and forth to this and that event. However, I am never alone I will panic. I have to have the Xanax when I am extrememly tired, because I don't have the muscle tone like normal people which makes breathing harder.  I PANIC when I feel tired.  Xanax makes me feel normal. I have learned alot thru the years about panic disorder, what my triggers are and how I can prevent hyperventilation, most of the time. I would rather not rely so much on xanax!!!!!!!
I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar situation. Thanks for your input!

[RubyWitch]

You need to have a very long discussion with your new doctor regarding the use of Xanax. It is used for short term relief, usually no longer than 4 months on a regular basis, after that time, it will lose it's efficacy. If you've been using it only on an "as needed" basis, it may still be working for you. IF you have been taking the Xanax on a daily basis, all you are doing now is keeping the withdrawl symptoms at bay. In my humble opinion, you need to discuss two things with your doctor. First being a very slow and carefully monitored taper off the Xanax onto a long term antianxiety med.
Secondly, I would ask why he/she has apparently never recommended therapy as an adjunct to your medication. You've been taking Xanax for 11 years now.......it's time to figure out WHY. You need to get to the root cause for your anxiety and deal with that so you can get off the meds.
Your last question is one that we can't answer. We are not doctors. Besides, everyone is different in their dosage requirements.
Please spend some time on this forum reading the posts about Xanax. I think it will open your eyes and give you a better picture of what you are dealing with.
Again I urge you to speak frankly with your doctor about this.
Let us know how you're doing.
Peace
Greenlydia