xanax

My doc just said that I should avoid xanax.  Anyone know why?  I thought it would help with anxiety. starting tx friday.

[w.c. missy]

honestly, the only reason i could think of why your doc doesn't want you to take xanax is because of it's addictive properties.  having said that, all my docs, (from pcp, gastro, & hepatologist) all agree that a very common sx of tx is anxiety, and i don't know how i could get through tx without it - they perscribed it, they moniter it, and it definately makes tx much more tolerable!  all of my care team is in agreement that tx is hard enough, so if there is other medications to ease sx, then i should have them - they also prescribe a sleep aid for me due to the riba induced insomnia.  hopefully your doctor will be compassionat to your needs, and help ease all these side effects!  it is very common for people on tx to be taking anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, sleep-aids, in addition some meds for nausea.  wishing you all the best!
be well,
w.c. missy

[Alady1620]

Xanax is one of those drugs that ends with -pam.  They are incredibly hard on the liver and should be avoided by anyone with any kind of liver issues.  At least, that is what my doctor told me.

[missy60051]

I take xanax and zoloft.  Aparently your Dr. is concerned of addiction.  It is highly addictive, but if you have self control you'll be ok.  As my retired Dr. friend say's everything effects the liver.  Mayb he wants to see how you do without it first, but if you start going through depression and high anxiety,as many of us it is normal to be perscribed to help us through tx.
Missy

[cat_9]

Cognitive thinking?

[orphanedhawk]

I had encephalopathy, ammonia build up from cirrhosis. My doc said to take zanax sparingly because of that.
  I used to do yoga. When I feel anxiety, I do slow breathing, just relaxing and focusing on the in and out of my breath, and it goes away. Works for me.

[Forseegood]

I've had anxiety problems for years and years, hormonal stuff, and probably the hep too...I also avail myself of all kinds of natural things, cognitive thinking, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation...I find this stuff works incredibly well if you work at it...be well...

[Forseegood]

he's probably talking about addiction stuff, if he isn't, ask him about Ativan...seems people either take ativan or xanax....it says on the ativan literature that it's the best tranqulizer in terms of your liver, whatever that means, best of luck...

[elizabethanncothron10/9/63]

hey everyone, i also take xanax, i'm in stage 4 & on tx. of course any meds r going 2 effect the organs in 1 way or another, but xanax does not specifically attack the liver. like all other meds, u just have 2 b careful how u take them. it's the same with pain meds, alot of stuff is addicting, & if u take enough it probably will cause some kind of damage 2 more than just the liver. take care, & good luck  elizabeth