On Xanax, but has a short term effect...shoud I switch?
2006-08-02 18:27:05 · 8 answers · asked by Jen N. 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Ativan has a more lingering effect I found.
2006-08-02 18:30:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...isn't THAT a kick-in-the head:
Benzodiazepines work by slowing brain's activity. When an individual stops taking them, brain's activity can rebound and race out of control, possibly leading to seizures and other harmful consequences
Excerpt:
"Xanax is a benzodiazepine...categorized Central Nervous System depressant. CNS depressants slow normal brain function....
...During the first few days of taking a Xanax, a person usually feels sleepy and uncoordinated, but as the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug, these feelings begin to disappear. If one uses these drugs long term, the body will develop tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. In addition, continued use can lead to addiction and—when use is reduced or stopped—withdrawal. Because all CNS depressants work by slowing the brain's activity, when an individual stops taking them, the brain's activity can rebound and race out of control, possibly leading to seizures and other harmful consequences. Although withdrawal from Xanax can be problematic, it is rarely life threatening, whereas withdrawal from prolonged use of other CNS depressants can have life-threatening complications. Therefore, someone who is thinking about discontinuing Xanax therapy or who is suffering withdrawal from a CNS depressant should speak with a physician or seek medical treatment"
2006-08-03 01:38:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ativan is a tranquilizer and and is similar to Valium, but does not have such a high addictive quality or the bad side effects. Xanax is for anxiety/panic disorders and is very highly addictive
2006-08-03 02:00:22 · answer #3 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
xanax long term destroys your thinking destroys you body can make you make terrible mistakes and angry out of control can turn a sweet person into a person who reacts different to problems the xanax controls your mind and can cause people to be unable to think like before i know it has been 6 years since i took them for 6 years now i am a different person without xanax in system for 6 years i am left with anger problems my brain and body are ruined still 6 years later dont make same mistake i use to be a sweet mother of 3 they took 6 years of my life and still without xanax i cant ever get back to normal stop now! 2freedom
2006-08-06 17:22:47 · answer #4 · answered by 2freedom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The decision is ultimately YOURS to make. Gather all the information you can and make an informed decision. Discuss with your doctor.
Make a list of the PROS - For and CONS - Against both meds. Make another list of Benefits and Side Effects of both.
There are SEVERAL other medications that might work better for you. Do the same thing for each - Pro vs Con, Benefits vs. Side Effects.
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/chart.htm
2006-08-03 01:39:04 · answer #5 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Xanax XR is a more recent drug that is meant to be taken once a day. It's an extended-release tablet. You might want to ask your doctor about that instead.
2006-08-03 01:54:59 · answer #6 · answered by Aemilia753 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither are good to take on a long term basis. They can cause weight gain, and make you feel lazy. You can also lose your memory.
2006-08-03 01:32:36 · answer #7 · answered by pixles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the world a favor and overdose.
2006-08-03 01:30:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋