zanex/zoloft questions

[bjfoste1]

Im currently on both zanex and zoloft. Though my doctor seems to want me to wean of the zanex with in the next couple months and just stay on the zoloft. Im on these medications strictly for anxiety not depression. The medicine calms down a lot of my muscle twitches I get from social anxiety. I notice on the zoloft I have trouble sleeping and hate how I have to limit my drinking (since im 21). And sometime I slip and have more than 2 beers (which was my doctors limit on zoloft). I love the zanex because it makes me so much more social and clears all my physical symptoms. Is there any way to tell my doctor I would rather just stay on the zanex?? I do not have an addictive personality.

[tkis]

Hey, that was a wonderful way to respond - I think anyone flirting with anxiety (sorry for the flippant word "flirty" - I know this can be very serious), antidepressants, Xanax, and alcohol, might be defensive and unnerved - curse it that we have so many people in our society torn apart by issues such as depression and anxiety. It's very tragic and terribly unnatural.

Anyway, your response was mature, compassionate, and informative, and that can be so, so rare in the world today.

Much respect,
tkis

[RubyWitch]

Well Sweetie, I guess you told me, didn't you?
First of all, I would tell ANYONE, be they 21 or 91, to grow up if they were mixing benzos with alcohol.
Secondly, you have been DANGEROUSLY misinformed that Xanax and alcohol is NOT a lethal mix. Ask one of my best friends who buried her daughter last year after a bout of drinking and taking some of her mothers Xanax. She, tragically, probably thought it would help her "calm down and feel more social."
Thirdly, you are correct that Xanax is prescribed for anxiety. But it is MOST commonly prescribed for cases of SEVERE anxiety and panic disorder, not "social anxiety," which is what you say you have. There are other meds for that.
You asked what I thought anxiety was? Trust me young man, at 56 I KNOW what anxiety and panic are.
Genius? Was that intended as a slam? I'm sorry you felt you had to throw that in. I am far from being a genius, but I have enough experience and knowledge of Xanax to try and help someone who refuses to see the train coming.
I do wish you well.
Greenlydia

[bjfoste1]

first of all do not tell me to grow up!  secondly xanex and alcohol is not lethal. thirdly xanex is a drug perscribed for anxiety and is supposed to make you feel calm and more "social". what do you think anxiety is? probably feeling not calm and out of place in most cases genius.

[RubyWitch]

Your doctor wants you off the Xanax for a very good reason! One does NOT have to have an "addictive personality" to end up in a benzo nightmare! With Xanax, your body becomes tolerant and you either have to keep upping the dose or wean yourself off as it is probably no longer doing what it was intended to do. The Zoloft IS prescribe for depression but ALSO for major panic disorder and anxiety. It is much easier to stop Zoloft than to stop Xanax. And you should not drink AT ALL while taking either medication! That your doc said to limit yourself to two beers is only half-responsible in my book. That you said you love the Xanax because it makes you "more social" is quite a frightening statement. One should NEVER take these kinds of meds, ESPECIALLY Xanax, just so you can be more relaxed at a party! And I find it difficult to believe that your doctor did not warn you about Xanax and alcohol. It can be a leathal combination. I highly recommend you do as your doctor has said. Wean off the Xanax, give the Zoloft some more time and for gods sake.........do NOT drink. If you can't stop the alcohol, stop the meds! Get into some therapy for your social anxiety. At least talking and alcohol won't accidentally put you into a coma, or worse, kill you. I know you're only 21, a great and fun age, but in regards to these meds and drinking....GROW UP!
Greenlydia