My first post re Xanax

Hi, I'm fozza and this is my first post here.  I have anxiety and currently take 2mg Xanax three times a day.  In the morning when I'm ready for my first dose, I am virtually jumping out of my skin with anxiety symptoms.  It seems the time between last dose at bedtime (approx 10.30pm) and first dose in morning (approx 9.30am) is too long a stretch and the drug seems to have totally gone from my system.  I've asked my Doctor if their is a longer acting Xanax and he said no.  I've only been on the Xanax since January which I guess really is quite a while as it says it is only meant for short term use?  The only time I feel any relief from the anxiety is about half an hour after the morning dose.  The other two doses don't seem to do much for me at all.  Any advice of information that can be passed on to me about Xanax would be most appreciated - thanks.
fozza

[ILADVOCATE]

Xanax is generally used for short term anxiety attacks. You might about a longer lasting benzodiazepene (anti-anxiety medication) such as Klonopin which I've taken for ten years without a problem. Speak to your psychiatrist about other medications in the same class that are longer lasting.

[silverberg]

you are already up to 2mg, xanax? get another Dr. I am sorry this is may and you should of started on a lower dose! if you read my open journals, you will see what I did concerning xanax. Xanax is a good drug for short term use and if your PAnic Attacks are very acute. but therapy or other less addictive drugs. feel free to read my open journals, I talk allot obout my Panic and xanax use. wish you luck.

[CJane24]

Hi I take Lexapro daily for my anxiety, and Xanax only as needed. So I only take it when I'm having an anxiety/panic attack. I was under the impression that Xanax should only be used when you're feeling severe symptoms, not something that should be taken daily as a way to treat anxiety.

[fozza]

Hi and thanks silverberg and others for your replies.  I realised last night when thinking about my post that I'd written that I take 2mg - three times per day which is wrong.
I take 1mg - three times per day.  The Xanax is affecting my memory quite noticably and I have to be careful of that.
thanks
fozza

[Salford66]

That sounds like alot. I take half of a 0.25mg 'when I need it' although the doctor prescribed every 4 hours I don't follow the instructions, they dont really care if you get hooked, you have to be smart. I would ask for something that regulates you constantly. I have just started a very low dose of Lexapro which i was opposed to but sometimes you have to get yourself out of the panic rut. Don't abuse these pills, they are drugs after all.

[Ariom63]

Ask you doctor about Xanax XR...stays in the system a little longer due to being extended release.  I have never tried it, but have heard from others. 6 mg's seems like a lot..but it is your doctor who prescribed them...so not getting in the middle of what or what not you should be taking.  

Good luck to you and I certainly hope you feel better.