doctor switch me from xanax to valium?

[Orobinson]

how do i go about asking to switch from xanax to valiums?

[bennyjonz]

The half life of xanax is greater than that of vakium.  I think you would regret switching to valiun.  However I am not a doctor so don't take my word as gospel.
If you are having trouble staying witxin your daily dosege of xanax, talk to your doctor.  Paxil, an SSRI that is now availabe in generic form has proven to work very well with xanax. It is believed to prolong the half life of xanax to an even greater extent.
As a result yo may find it much easier to stay within your dosage,
Paxil is not addictive like xanax, it is much more contollable.
Regular bloodwork ia very good precaution.
Best of Luck.

[JSGeare]

Like Benny says -its all about your doctor. And let us know what he/she says, OK?

[RCA7591]

"how do i go about asking to switch from xanax to valiums?"

^quote

Here are the FACTS - represented below to help you make an informed decision. Always consult with a medical doctor before altering any form of medication, or if you are experiencing difficulty with, or have concerns in regard to a particular medication.

Alprazolam (Xanax) was approved by the FDA in 1981 for the treatment of acute anxiety states. The drug is approved for intermittent, as-needed use only, on a very infrequent basis. The long-term use of Xanax is associated with the development of tolerance and loss of efficacy. Xanax is not approved for the maintenance of anxiety disorders. Xanax carries a half-life of six hours, and the duration of action after a single dose is roughly four hours. Xanax does not accumulate in blood plasma, and has a short duration of action as a result.

Diazepam (Valium) was approved by the FDA in 1963 for the treatment of anxiety states, acute anxiety states, tension anxiety, and muscle spasm. Valium has no affinity for panic states, and is ineffective in the treatment of panic attacks or panic disorder. For all other forms of anxiety, Valium is indicated for both as-needed and maintenance use. Valium's chief metabolite, Desmethyldiazepam, carries a half-life of 200 hours. As a result, Valium accumulates in the blood plasma, and if it is dosed at least twice daily, will accumulate to "steady-state". Steady-state is defined as a consistent blood plasma level. This is not obtainable with Xanax. Valium's duration of action is eight hours, and thus, it is generally prescribed three times daily. Valium prevents the "rollercoaster effect" seen with shorter-acting agents such as Xanax, as the accumulation of the drug in the plasma prevents or minimizes anxiety from recurring. Unlike Xanax, Valium will never lose its efficacy over the long-term, and it is approved for the management of anxiety disorders as a result.

Considering the fact that you were initially prescribed Xanax, there may be a component of panic involved. If this is the case, Valium will not be effective in your case. For the long-term management of panic states, the best option currently available in the Benzodiazepine family is Clonazepam (Klonopin and Rivotril). Like Valium, Klonopin carries a long half-life and accumulates to steady-state. Unlike Valium, Klonopin is specific towards panic.

Xanax, a short-acting agent, cannot be directly replaced with a long-acting Benzodiazepine such as Klonopin or Valium. While all three drugs are Benzodiazepines, the latter two do not work instantaneously like Xanax. The latter two must accumulate in the plasma to replace Xanax, particularly if you are currently taking the Xanax on a daily basis.

In the case of a Xanax-to-Klonopin transition, a period of two-weeks would be required for the Klonopin to accumulate to steady-state and replace the Xanax. Ideally, you would not want to abruptly make such as transition, as Xanax withdrawal would manifest for a period of up to two weeks. A stepped transition program would be more desirable (ie: introduce the Klonopin while simultaneously discontinung the Xanax over a period of several weeks). This would minimize or prevent withdrawal phenomena.

In the case of a Xanax-to-Valium transition, a period of four weeks would be required for the Valium to accumulate to steady-state and replace the Xanax. Ideally, the Valium should be introduced very gradually while simultaneously discontinuing the Xanax very slowly. This would prevent untoward reactions, such as seizure, during the transition phase. Xanax must never be replaced in its entirety with Valium, as severe withdrawal phenomena will result, and may last for up to four weeks. This can be minimized or prevented by using a stepped transition program, as described above.

Equivalency:

1/2 mg of Xanax = 10 mg of Valium
1/2 mg of Klonopin = 1/2 mg of Xanax

Klonopin and Xanax are of equal potency, and each are twenty-times more potent than Valium. This must be taken into consideration, and the dose equivalent must be utilized when transitioning from one Benzodiazepine to another. If this is not taken into consideration, withdrawal phenomena will result. In the case of each drug, abrupt cessation is to be avoided.

If you are experiencing tension states or generalized anxiety with limited physical symptoms (ie: muscle spasm and tension), Valium is a better long-term option than Xanax.
If you are experiencing significant autonomic manifestations and physica symptoms (hyperventilation, numbness/tingling sensations, shortness of breath, elevated heart rate or blood pressure, and dizziness/lightheadedness), Klonopin would be more specific at addressing these issues.

When speaking with the doctor, I would raise the issue of tolerance that is associated with long-term Xanax use. I would inquire about a long-acting drug, one that will not lose its efficacy over the long-term, and one that will provide round-the-clock relief of anxiety/panic symptoms. This is the primary concern.

Ryan