Xanax

[Anneyoung218]

I take Xanax for my anxiety attacks. I have always tried to "wait out" my anxiety for fear if becoming addicted. I have Bipolar Disorder as well so some if my meds are helpful in anxiety as well. Due to an increase in my anxiety lately my doctor has increased my Xanax dosage to 0.5-1.0 mg twice a day. Should I be worried about becoming addicted at this dosage? It is becoming unbearable.

[Paxiled]

Just to clarify, benzos are always addictive if taken regularly.  Dependence is addiction and addiction is dependence.  Habituation is different, but physical dependence is addiction.  Many people take addictive drugs without ever increasing the dosage, whether it be heroin or benzos -- people differ in how they take drugs.  Being addicted doesn't mean quitting will be horrible, though it might be, because again, some addicted people quit the drug quite easily.  Some drugs not classified as addictive can be much harder for some people to quit than others.  Definitions are generalizations, individuals differ quite a bit in how they react both in usage problems and in stopping problems, but that doesn't change the medical definition of a drug.  Definitions become important when deciding which medication to take, because we all want to avoid becoming addicted to a drug, but if it's the only thing that helps, as noted above, then it's the only thing that helps.  The only specific I will add is that normally, clonazepam is used when someone is put on benzos for every day use because they last longer in the body, but that drug is also addictive and quite difficult to stop taking for many people, but it does deal with the problem of Xanax being so short-acting.  

[atljunie]

Xanax is a medication like any other.  If your anxiety or panic is interfering with your every day life, work, etc., it is one tool that doctors can use to help you.  Some people respond well to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, etc.  You need to find what works for you, which can be frustrating when you're dealing with the day-to-day miseries of anxiety.  But, if in the end, you need Xanax or any other medication to treat your condition, don't be hard on yourself about it.  People don't accuse diabetics of being addicts because some are "dependent' on insulin.  

[BluCrystal]

Xanax is a benzodiazepine.  All drugs in this 'family' cause dependence in those who take them as prescribed.  You are already dependent, and if you want to come off this drug, your doctor will have to taper you off it over time.  Addiction is different and defined as taking more of the drug than prescribed.  If you ever feel like you want more of it, or begin to take more of it, that is the beginning of an addiction, and should be brought to your doctor's attention right away.  I hope this helps - Blu

[remar]

I would recommend talking to your Dr about a longer acting med. Even though your Dr did increase your Xanax dose it will not stay in your system for very long. You would need to spread the doses out over the day taking it several times.