Xanax and Paxil together

I am a 66 year old female who has been under the care of the same family doctor for the last 10 years. After recovering from breast cancer, I was prescribed a series of medications to treat depression and anxiety. I was put on Zoloft at first and then switched a few years ago to 40mg of Paxil along with 25mg of Xanax daily. I still feel anxiety and depression, however, and am afraid these drugs no longer work or that I have become immune to their effects.  Should I be expecting the dosages of these medications to change over time? Is it normal to prescribe these drugs together?  I am also on toprol for my blood pressure. A different perspective on these drugs would help. Thank you.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

This is a very common combination, and I think you mean 2.5 mg of xanax. I would ask your doctor about increasing the Paxil if it has worked for you these last two years, or switching to one of the many other antidepressants. I would try to avoid increasing the dose of xanax, and possibly ask about switching off xanax to klonopin. You might also consider therapy to look at the source, rather than the symptoms.

[Jaquta]

The dosage can vary for each individual depending on various factors and may either increase or decrease over time.
I expect it wouldn't be considered abnormal to prescribe them together.  In some situations I expect it would be appropriate.

My advice extends outside the strictly drug realm.  I hope that isn't unwelcome.
I would recommend seeing a psychiatrist.  I think family doctors have limits regarding their ability to appropriately treat some patients.
I would be seriously concerned if the quantity of xanax medication isn't a typo.  25 mg sounds like a very high dose.
I would also be looking at psychotherapy to address underlying issues.  Long-term I would hope that you would find this more effective than medication alone.
The need for blood pressure meds also makes me feel like you may need to make some lifestyle changes.  Maybe in terms of stress management, diet and exercise.

Just from what you write it sounds like you could get a lot of relief from your anxiety and depression by speaking to a psychotherapist.
You mentioned being put on these meds after recovering from breast cancer so I'm wondering if that life event was significant.  Maybe there are unresolved grief issues there?  ??
I've undergone breast cancer treatments in the past year and have pushed thoughts and feelings from that aside.  I don't necessarily think that is the healthiest thing to do though.  Maybe in time I will confront it.
I think treatment can leave us feeling a little insecure though if we allow it too.

Underneath your post you may see Related discussions.  You may find some more info by reading though some of those.

[Jaquta]

The doctor's responded since I started to write my post.  Mum was just showing me her cardiovascular risk.  (My parents had heart health checks yesterday.)
Increasing the paxil and decreasing the xanax seems like a good idea.

[Marg1943]

Thank you for all the replies.