Use of xanax for fear of flying etc

[iahflyer]

   Hello All,

   My question centers around the use of xanax as needed for flying.    I was "grounded" as I like to say for many years until I took a job that required traveling.  Unfortunately the only thing I found that could get me on a plane was using xanax (.5mg per flight).  This seemed to do the trick.  Over time I reduced that dose to .25mg until I stopped.  At that point the only time I used xanax was for long haul trips.  Recently my fear of flying as returned a little stronger than I had hoped. (life circumstances have changed as well).  So I find myself using .5mg per flight again.   I have, on occasion, used .25mg or .5mg to help me sleep after a particularly stressful week.  This practice began in 2006 (new house, first marriage and new job in the span of 4 months.)   Right now I would say an RX of 30 .5mg tab's will last me three to four months.  

  So I have two questions.   1.  is there a risk of addiction wth this use pattern?    2.  Should I feel uncomfortable asking a physician for a refill (I feel quite uncomfortable as I don't want to be viewed as a "druggie").

Thoughts??

Thanks,
IAHFlyer

[JSGeare]

Sounds to me like you're using the Xanax exactly as intended -for those occasions where the stress level demands it. Addiction? Its not really just the frequency or amount or the pattern -it is also the person taking the drug. If you don't find yourself wanting one "just because" you are probably not addicted. But if more and more situations seem to be stressful, then I would pay attention a little more. As currently used, I doubt that any doctor who is familiar with your history would suspect you are absuing the med.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

if they last 3-4 months than i see no reason your dr would not give you more . tell him why you use them, not sure about the addiction, seems like your taking very little , i also take ativan like that just now and than and my dr always gives me more .if they help and thats only time you use than i say dont feel bad about it take them when you need them, a longer term would be klonopin it last a lot more hours than xanax and i know you dont need more of that. my mom and i have took when anxiety was really bad it works great , am off of them but my mom takes as needed, it takes about 45 mins to work so you would have to take a little sooner than xanax. good luck,talk to your dr.

[tostressed]

You are not abusing the drug in any way and it is just for your flying. I think you should be alright to ask your doc for some for that reason. I have been on xanax for 3 years on and off. I only use when absolutly neccessary. I get a 60 count and that lasts me almost if not a year. I have had them expire on me. No addiction worries if you use them that way. You will not be viewed as a druggie. My doctor asks me when I go in, If I need a refill for my xanax. I always say NO. I'll tell you when I do. Your doctor will know if you are abusing by how fast you use up your script. Since my anxiety has been going so well I sometimes don't even use a xanax for a couple of months.
Good luck to you.
Tara