Xanax concerns

I had my first severe anxiety attack about 8 weeks ago.  From that point they continued regularly.  My doctor put me on Lexapro and then switched to Zoloft 150mg.  He also gave me Xanax to use until the Zoloft kicked in.  I have been using the xanax at low dose (.25mg) because I hear such bad things about becoming addicted.  He says I can take up to 3mg per day.  I just recently started taking .5mg twice a day because my anxiety wasn't reducing at .25mg.  Do I need to be so worried about xanax addiction at this level? Once the Zoloft kicks in, will I have to ween off Xanax at 1 mg per day?  I think my anxiety now is mostly about more anxiety.  I need it to stop.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

[silverberg]

Xanax is a very GOOD drug for people with severe Panic attacks , NOT for people with anxiety! the zoloft is a good switch and for myself when I first started taking zoloft the need for xanax became less needed. Zoloft can take from 4-6 weeks to get the theraputic effect. but remember DRUGS ARE NOT A CURE, they are to help clear your mind to be able to deal with your Anxiety/Panic. I also advise to be real careful from what you hear about a drug, like most HUMANS we will post allot of (-) things abouts something vs. ( + ). and each person is different, are you seeing a Dr. on a regular basis?

Also good for you on your last statement >> " I think my anxiety now is mostly about more anxiety.  I need it to stop." most people take awhile before realizing that this has became the core reason for reocurring PA's!  so work on breaking that cycle.

[Marks470]

Thanks.  Yes I am seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist.  The therapist is helping with ways to cope.  The doctor is monitoring the drugs.  I just hope I can get this to end soon.  It is very fatiguing mentally and I can tell it is wearing on my wife and children.

[silverberg]

I believe you, been there, I have a open journal in this forum, feel free to scan it,(too much to write here) anyway xanax is addictive, but with zoloft, you will wean easy, but really work on spacing your doses out! and take at same time regardless if you go anywhere. I have had two rounds with Panic attacks, the first was the worse, on xanax, then FINALLY took zoloft (which gave me my life back) and then off xanax and off zoloft, then a Move to San Diego. etc.. and had what I call a minor bout with PANIC attacks, I decided not to take zoloft this time and go with CBT, which has worked wonders, no panic Attacks since January and all is well . the mental fatique is normal, allot of mental work is the same as physical work! good luck keep posting, allot of help and stories and  advise from the people in this forum.!!

[Marks470]

Thanks again.  I'm new to this site.  How do I scan your open journal on this forum.  I would like to do that.

[silverberg]

just click on my name, anywhere and it will show you how many post I've had etc and below that my Journal entries.

[LauraAsh21]

I have a pretty bad case of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).  I have had anxiety for a long time, and I currently take Xanax.  The only reason there is a warning of addiction to Xanax is because if you take it for an extended period of time, your body builds a tolerance to it, making it not as effective.  In return, you may need to increase your dose and again, over another long period of time, you may build intolerance to it... hense, become addicted.  

I have taken Xanax for anxiety for about 2 years now.  I am not addicted to it, sometimes I take a .25 when im a little anxious and it prevents me from becoming more anxious, .25 does not help some people, its a really low does, .5 is safe.  The Zoloft should start working in about 6-8 weeks and taking Xanax daily for that length of time isnt going to hurt you and I seriously doubt you will be addicted within that short amount of time, its usually ppl who take the stuff for a long time.  Not only that, but when the Zoloft kicks in, you could still take xanax every once in a while if things get bad, but you wont have to take it everyday.  

That's kind of where I am at this point... sometimes i dont take it for a whole week or two, but then some days i may need to take it once or even twice in one day... its nothing to worry about.  and let yourself be the judge, your doctor gave you this medication to relieve your anxiety, dont wait too long to take it, its only going to help you from getting in more anxious...  

i hope this helps...

[Marks470]

Thanks Laura,

This was a very good and helpful answer.  I'm sure that I am over reacting to the xanax.  I have never been one to drink or do any kind of drugs or medication.  No one has ever described what it means to be addicted to xanax, just that it is horrible.  Sounds like it is not as much of a problem as I fear.  Thanks again.