How much is too much Xanax?

[alvaa]

The psychiatrist prescribed me 0.5 pill once daily as needed. Last Monday I had to take 1/2 of the 0.5, and then a couple of hours later, the other half, but then about another hour later I took another half of a 0.5.

This Monday (today) I took a whole one (0.5) right when I got to work and another half about 2 hours later (2 hours ago). Just in case, how much more could take? It's been a very stressful day at work.

Other than that I normally don't take any, with the exception of maybe a half of a 0.5 during the week sometimes.

[alvaa]

Today we were out of work because we had around 4 inches of snow (cripples us here in Alabama :) ). I have had absolutely no anxiety! I haven't had to take anything. We are supposed to get another 8 inches tonight and tomorrow! I am excited!

[alvaa]

Mondays are always stressful to an IT guy. Today was extra bad due to everything going on. Last week was pretty bad too. I think only 2 more times in the last 3 or 4 months I have had to do more than the 0.5. I told my psychiatrist in my last appointment (January15th). He didn't think much about it since I have not used any more than I have. He gave me like a prescription of 60 since July and I still have like 40 left. Between work stress and SAD, I think I am doing ok. The other girl that is in my department is on 1.0 mg of Xanax per day. I feel I am doing better than her. I never had to take another one after I hit the 1.0 today. It was just a bad day.

[nursegirl6572]

Also, I wanted to add, why are Mondays in particular so stressful that you're needing the medication and not needing it the rest of the week?  Is there anything you can do to make your Mondays less stressful?

I worry about a pattern starting where you're adding doses that really aren't prescribed.  Especially like today, you took two doses just two hours apart, then were already asking if you could take more.  PLEASE be cautious, as that kind of self medicating, going outside the prescribed instructions, can balloon into bad things.  

[nursegirl6572]

Hi again my friend!!

If I understand correctly, your doc prescribed the Xanax to be taken 0.5 mg, one pill, once a day as needed, right?  If so, then you need to communicate with your doctor that occasionally, you feel you need a higher dose.  I wouldn't recommend just upping the dose yourself.  In a sense, logic would state that there are many days you aren't taking it at all, so it would kind of all come out in the wash, but you have to be careful taking liberties with these kinds of meds.  

It's just best if you tell your doc that the 0.5mg isn't enough when you DO need it.  

How are you doing otherwise?  Update us when you can!

[alvaa]

Usually only on Mondays. I took the other half of the 0.5. Now I've taken 1.0 total. I think and pray that this is all that I will need to get through the Monday workday.

[remar]

You're fine. As long as you don't take them every day several times a day.