Aa
panic attacks
ive had panic attacks for 15 years and take xanax 0,5 for 15 years i started at 3 a day now 6 a day but its not better i get up in morning it starts im afraid my wife sees me like this so it seems to get worst what to do?
I don't think you're understanding what I'm saying. Long term, regular use of a short acting benzo like Xanax will end up making your anxiety worse in the long run. When your tolerance builds, you'll need a higher and higher dose to maintain the same level of effectiveness.
As for your Dad, while Klonopin is also a benzo and shares some of the same issues as the Xanax, it's a more appropriate choice for longer term use, due to it being long acting, with a long half life. Klonopin works in a slightly different way, when it's taken daily (usually 2-3 times a day), it builds in the system, to allow for a more steady state of calm, versus Xanax which peaks quickly, and then wears off quickly, leaving your body wanting more to control your anxiety.
You said in your OP that the Xanax isn't really working, and obviously you're still having issues with your anxiety, or you wouldn't have reached out here. I'm just giving you factual info to help you, before you end up a year from now being on a high dose of Xanax that will be very hard to come off, and still having anxiety (and possibly much more severe anxiety).
The BEST way to manage anxiety is by learning how to retrain the way you think and react. Learning how to cope. As for medications being part of a treatment plan, they absolutely can be very beneficial, but there are considerations. If you're set on using a medication, you'd be better off trying an antidepressant, or asking to be switched to something like Klonopin, for the reasons listed above.
Xanax, when used as needed, for when anxiety spikes (here and there)....is actually usually very effective. It's just not designed to be a long term medication to be taken daily.
I wish you well.
As for your Dad, while Klonopin is also a benzo and shares some of the same issues as the Xanax, it's a more appropriate choice for longer term use, due to it being long acting, with a long half life. Klonopin works in a slightly different way, when it's taken daily (usually 2-3 times a day), it builds in the system, to allow for a more steady state of calm, versus Xanax which peaks quickly, and then wears off quickly, leaving your body wanting more to control your anxiety.
You said in your OP that the Xanax isn't really working, and obviously you're still having issues with your anxiety, or you wouldn't have reached out here. I'm just giving you factual info to help you, before you end up a year from now being on a high dose of Xanax that will be very hard to come off, and still having anxiety (and possibly much more severe anxiety).
The BEST way to manage anxiety is by learning how to retrain the way you think and react. Learning how to cope. As for medications being part of a treatment plan, they absolutely can be very beneficial, but there are considerations. If you're set on using a medication, you'd be better off trying an antidepressant, or asking to be switched to something like Klonopin, for the reasons listed above.
Xanax, when used as needed, for when anxiety spikes (here and there)....is actually usually very effective. It's just not designed to be a long term medication to be taken daily.
I wish you well.
oh i just saw the other comment yes the doc prescribe me 6 a day its only 3mg some people take up to 5 mg
yes i no that thanks. but im pretty convince its a family thing my dad has it a lot my mom a little now my daughter and son as it so i think its genetic and i need medication its too hard without it i no its not the best thing but no choice!!! my dad been taking clonazepan for like 20 years and hes ok.. thanks again
You should not try to wean yourself down or off without the guidance of a doctor. Where are you getting the Xanax, as I'm assuming your doctor didn't prescribe it as 6 pills/day.
u should no that are u a doc?
No, I'm not a doctor, I'm a registered nurse. You cannot say that there's NO danger. Tapering reduces the risk of seizure, but it has to be done properly. If you cut your dosage too fast, and/or drop the dosage too dramatically, then you can run into issues. Even if you don't have a seizure, benzo w/d can be miserable to say the least.
Good luck to you.
u should no that are u a doc?
No, I'm not a doctor, I'm a registered nurse. You cannot say that there's NO danger. Tapering reduces the risk of seizure, but it has to be done properly. If you cut your dosage too fast, and/or drop the dosage too dramatically, then you can run into issues. Even if you don't have a seizure, benzo w/d can be miserable to say the least.
Good luck to you.
yes ive had hypnose a while a go didnt do much but if i gradualy take less each day like a week i take 5 the next week 4 and gradually go down my doses theres no danger u should no that are u a doc?
6 doses of Xanax is a day IS a lot. Xanax is typically taken either "as needed", or 2 or 3 times a day, for short periods of time.
You have to be careful playing with your dose. Benzos need to be slowly tapered, preferably with the help of your doctor. Abrupt decreases in dose, or abruptly stopping a benzo can actually be dangerous, with risks of seizures.
Essentially, you're self medicating, but unfortunately, you're going to end up causing yourself more problems in the long run. The more of a tolerance you build to the Xanax, the more the Xanax will INCREASE your anxiety, rather than help it. It creates a roller coaster effect, with lots of ups and downs.
Really, you need to discuss all of this with your doctor, there are MUCH better ways to address the anxiety and panic. The way you're doing it is only going to lead to you feeling worse than what you started with.
Have you been in therapy?
You have to be careful playing with your dose. Benzos need to be slowly tapered, preferably with the help of your doctor. Abrupt decreases in dose, or abruptly stopping a benzo can actually be dangerous, with risks of seizures.
Essentially, you're self medicating, but unfortunately, you're going to end up causing yourself more problems in the long run. The more of a tolerance you build to the Xanax, the more the Xanax will INCREASE your anxiety, rather than help it. It creates a roller coaster effect, with lots of ups and downs.
Really, you need to discuss all of this with your doctor, there are MUCH better ways to address the anxiety and panic. The way you're doing it is only going to lead to you feeling worse than what you started with.
Have you been in therapy?
but like i said its worst when my wife is around or when i go places where theres a lot of people dont want them to see i tried the acceptance thing doesnt work i no i have agaraphobia to..
no it helps me 6 a day isnt that much i tried everything nothing seems to work but thanks for the info i can try taking a little less
Hello and welcome.
Is your doctor directing you to take that many Xanax in a day?
That's one of the main problems with benzos like Xanax. They work great for a while, until you develop a physical dependency and tolerance. Now, unless you continue to frequently increase your dose, it's not going to be as effective, and in fact, could be causing a lot of anxiety because of the tolerance issues.
The answer isn't to continue taking more. You need to find new ways to cope, and also address how you're going to get off the Xanax when that time comes. You need to have a discussion with your doc about this.,
Let us know how you're doing!
Is your doctor directing you to take that many Xanax in a day?
That's one of the main problems with benzos like Xanax. They work great for a while, until you develop a physical dependency and tolerance. Now, unless you continue to frequently increase your dose, it's not going to be as effective, and in fact, could be causing a lot of anxiety because of the tolerance issues.
The answer isn't to continue taking more. You need to find new ways to cope, and also address how you're going to get off the Xanax when that time comes. You need to have a discussion with your doc about this.,
Let us know how you're doing!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
