Started xanax two weeks ago need help

[lonye28]

My doctor started me on xanax .5 three weeks ago and then raised it to 1.0.. now I feel as if I can't go without it at all even when I'm not having a anxiety attack. I told my doctor that I feel like I just got to have them and she told me that they are highly addictive but I still need to take them because of my anxiety and on top of that I'm taking amphetamine for narcolepsy which is highly addictive.. but it cause the high anxiety... I need to know is there something else out there outside of xanax and buspar because i don't like how I'm really started to become so dependent on these pills they are a nightmare... Please help because I don't want to find myself addict to these pills.. Please Thanks

[MrGreen]

Let's just say if you find one that is non addictive let us all know. Sadly that is the nature of those kind of medications. Habit forming. Even if your anxiety was to stop you would still need to feed the body with the medication. Coming off them is a slow and long process. They are not tablets you can just stop taking. That's just how they are. If we need them we need them and accept what comes with them. Not that we have much of a choice really. Xanax is for short term use anyway. No doubt you have read nightmare stories about the medication. If your anxiety is a 24/7 problem you can discuss other options with your doctor. Medication that has not got the same short term life as xanax. Klonopin and the likes. Difference is you don't feel the same kick in effect on klonopin as you would with xanax. It is not an instant fix. More for long term anxiety use. But that would have to be your doctor's call come the end of the day. Sit down. Have a chat with him. See what comes of it. And good luck to you.

[mammo]

There are other drugs for you, but we are not qualified to recommend any because we are not doctors.  What one has had good results with, another may have had bad, as we are all different. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, he should explain the different medications, what side effects come with each one, which ones he feels will work best for you and why.  Ask him how addictive each is.  Never leave your doctor's office having doubts about what he has prescribed for you, always ask him anything you need and want to know.  You can refuse any drug, and if your doctor shows no regard for what you are concerned about, find a new doctor.  We can share our experiences with you, but this doesn't mean you will experience the same.  When you say you feel like you just have to have them, is it a craving for the medication, or just security in knowing they will prevent you from having a panic attack?  You will hear good and bad about every drug, the final decision is yours, and how you feel while taking them should be a determining factor.  Good luck and take care...