My doc didn't warn me about the dangers of Xanax.

[Raine9]

My doc prescribed Alprazolam, generic equivalent of Xanax (1mg) to me a couple of weeks ago. It says on the bottle that I may refill 1X until 10/07. So that's like a 6 month supply.  I only took it 3 times and decided to only take it when my symptoms are bad.

I read that it was addictive. I then found out in the "addiction/subtance abuse" forum that xanax has bad withdrawal effects.  Is this true?  If so, why didn't my doc tell me this?  Shouldn't I have found this out from him and not Medhelp?  Does my doc have a LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY to inform me of the dangers of this drug?

[Raine9]

No I don't necessarily have a hard time falling asleep due to anxiety.  I wake up early for my baby and I am tired every night.  I usually fall asleep naturally about 12 a.m. every night.  On days when I did not take the Xanax, I struggled to fall asleep.  Maybe it's not xanax withdrawals but the possibility that I may have been slowly becoming dependent on the xanax to fall asleep.

[flicka250]

If you fall asleep better with xanax then it may be that anxiety is keeping you from falling asleep otherwise, not that the xanax is withdrawing on the "off" nights.

[Raine9]

I only took it 3 times. I kinda felt like I was getting somewhat addicted. When I took it, I slept well.  When I didn't take it, I had a hard time falling asleep.  That's what worried me.  I thought about Elvis Presley.  I heard one time on TV that he needed a pill to go to sleep and a pill to wake up.  I don't want to be that way.  I wanted to be able to fall asleep naturally like I normally do.  Anyway, I keep the Xanax in my cupboard for high stress situations like doctor appointments.  I hate going to the doctor.  

[dengwms]

My personal experience with Xanax is that it has been a great help for me, and I have experienced no side-effects or addictive qualities to using it. I, like you, was given an Rx for it to use as needed, up to 1 mg per day (I have .5 mg pills)x 30 days, with one refill within a year. I take it for occasional anxiety, which I rarely have anymore. It is unlikely (IMO) you will get addicted to a dosage that low, even if you use it every day, without having to go back to your doctor for repeated refills. That would set off alarms with your doctor, at which time he would likely address the dangers of prolonged Xanax usage.

I wanted to put in context how Xanax has really helped me with anxiety. I had panic attacks, which I thought were heart attacks. After much testing, I was finally diagnosed with anxiety disorder, which, for me, was a cure in itself. Once I knew what was happening, I could easily think myself out of the attacks. The Xanax helps break the negative feedback cycle that builds to a panic attack. I only rarely now get palpitations, and usually one Xanax will help me avoid the cycle. And, ironically, knowing I have them if I need them makes me less likely to reach for one. I hope this helps set you at ease.

[spade22]

"Refill 1X until 10/07" Does that mean a 6 month supply??? OR does that mean I can only refill once before 10/07???


It means you are entitled to ONE refill before October 10th (if you were to refill today, you would not be able to obtain any more xanax without a prescription). This is your doctors way of regulating your use of the drug.

In terms of the "dangers" of xanax..... your pharmacist should have given you a data sheet regarding the drug.   This is standard protocol and in some states you even have to sign a waver stating that you have been given this information and understand it. This data sheet gives information regarding: how to use the drug, side effects,  possible interactions etc. etc.  A good pharmacist will also go over certain aspects of the medication and should, at the bare minimum, give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Here is an online link detailing aspects of Xanax your PHARMACIST should have given you:

http://psyweb.com/Drughtm/jsp/xanax.jsp

[dyblue]

doc don't know alot about drugs one doc gave me the patch or pain it was the pharmasist that said thats a little overkill.  Be careul use your comon sense we have to be our own doc to some degree.  I you take that you must taper o don't take it everyday or you will be in trouble.  

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I can't comment on the legal issue, but yes it is very hard to get off of xanax if you have been taking it regularly  each day for weeks, and frequently during the day.  Usually there is not a problem if it is used occasionally as needed.

[Raine9]

"Refill 1X until 10/07"  Does that mean a 6 month supply???  OR does that mean I can only refill once before 10/07???