Xanax / Caffeine / Anxiety

[billstrong1969]

I've been on Xanax 1 mg tablets for about 2 years and I've found that my anxiety will start to set in once I get to work unless I take one in the morning when I wake up.  I am also a regular coffee drinker and here lately I'm starting to think that the caffeine is counter acting the effects of the Xanax.  I get constant headaches thru out the day and when lunch approaches I take another tablet otherwise the anxiety will come back.  My anxiety effects the upper left side of my chest (tightness, tension, feeling it in my nerves running up the back of my neck).  As a matter of fact when I stretch it feels SO GOOD and I could just stay in that position.  A neck or back massage would be ideal but being at work makes that hard.  Now I realize that I have probably become pyhsically addicted to the Xanax and taking it now is more "preventative" rather than "as needed".  If I don't take it it'll trigger the above symptoms and the anxiety will ultimately set in.  At first I thought it could be the coffee; but I specifically remember years ago before I ever got on this stuff that I didn't have to take Xanax every single day, hardly ever.  I'm so tired of "HAVING" to take this everyday but I realize I just can't come off of it at this point.  What do I do and what are some thoughts out there?  Please respond.......Thanks much.

billstrong1969

[Tina1127]

Hi Bill,

I am also taking xanax twice a day 2mg and get that pain up my neck all the time from stress.  My suggestion is dont stress about it, there is nothing wrong with taking the xanax if you need it, there are so many people that think you shouldnt be on it, its addictive, etc.  It is made for a reason and dont beat yourself up if you need it.  Talk to your doctor about it but try chiropractor first for the neck pain that was a suggestion someone gave me but as far as the meds... do what you feel yo uneed to do why add more stress worrying that you have to get off this medicine... you will know when you are ready to get off it... or maybe one day try taking motrin instead of the xanax and see how that works it might be a mind thing.  then at night take the xanax cuz you cant quit cold turkey it can be dangerous seizures and stuff.  It might be mind over matter only you know that.

T

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  Here is the thing with xanax.....maybe you can't get off of it cold turkey, but you CAN do a taper.  Ask your doctor.  I would get off of it asap.  It is very addictive.  Maybe there is something else you could do to treat your anxiety that is healthier??  I used to take it....or rather EAT it as fast as I could!  I got off of it a few years ago and haven't had one since then!

You can do it!!!

TH