Xanax for controlling anxiety?

Question

I am considering taking Lexapro for anxiety, but I was wondering if anyone has had success using Xanax alone? I am just so nervous about the possible side effects of taking an SSRI.... I was wondering if it might be equally effective to take a low-dose of Xanax daily instead of an SSRI?

I know you guys are not doctors, but I am just looking for other people's personal experiences... Thanks!

Answer 1

Lexapro is one of the drugs that really has a low incidence of side effects, nausea being most common. I think you're better off preventing with it. Xanax should be used sparingly and only if absolutely necessary as it is a scheduled narcotic and can be addictive.

Answer 2

Xanax is a very good at helping anxiety disoreders. I was on it for a long time and when I went to detox it was the hardest drug to free myself of. I would suggest that anybody who takes any benzodiazam, as it is highly abusable and very addictive. I finally quit taking the xanax and did nothing for my anxiety until a month ago when I asked my doctor if I could get some ativan for my anxiety and he said yes. Ativan, though related to xanax, is quick to work and quick to leave your body, which makes it easier to stop if that day comes. I am waiting for a liver transplant and my anxiety has risen in the last 3 months and I don';t believe that the addiction I may get is such a problem, as I may be getting too sick for a transplant. Having been off of all benzos for 6 months gives me a little relief about how much it would really hurt me. My days here are numbered and the doctors are giving me the ativan as well as some pain medicine that I need. At first I was told if I wanted a transplant I shouldn't use any pain meds or benzos, but as time is passing they are no longer asking me to not take a little something just to keep me in mental health as well as physical health. I do also take lexapro as an anti-depressant, and I hadn't been on any of those for years. It is my good luck to be attacked by a virus that is killing me. All I can do is to live my life honestly, and not sugar-coated, like we all want to do. I say if you absolutely need a drug for anxiety try anything that they offer without being addicted, but if you don't want to give up the xanax just be sure that you are taking the time to weigh the pros and cons. Good luck to you. TerriK

Answer 3

I don't quite understand why your doctor would switch you from Effexor xr to Lexapro, they are both antidepressants but different kinds. Effexor is an SNRI while Lexapro is an SSRI. Both will hit seretonin in your brain but Effexor also hits norephinephrine. Had Effexor stopped working for you? What was the reasoning for the change? I can tell by what you wrote that you are extremely hard on yourself. I bet you're very nice to other people though. I had a huge phobia of pregnancy when i was growing up. I figuered it was because I had a strict catholic upbringing. But then I saw that it was more than just a pregnancy phobia. I was paranoid of creating a new life. Of making someone innocent have to suffer in this world like I do. And I didn't want to be responsible for that. I also knew if I got an abortion, I would never live with the guilt, even though I am not opposed to abortion at all for other people. I didn't want to be guilty of playing god with someone else's life. Maybe you feel the same. As far a Xanax - get yourself some. You deserve it! You should be able to have some Xanax available for yourself at all times. Yes, it is addictive bla bla bla - but you have to use it regularly several times a day to become addicted. You should be able to have some around for emergency use though. And make sure you get Xanax and not another benzo like ativan or klonipin. It is true that they are in the same drug class but nothing acts faster than Xanax, which is why Xanax is the best for panic attacks. Meanwhile Lexapro seems like it's not for you - maybe try a different antidepressant. Notice I say try a "different" antidepressant rather than try a "new" antidepressant. That's because the older ones sometimes work better. Doctors are always given tons of samples for 'new' drugs because drug companies make money when the drug is new and only available in brand-name form, so they are hoping to get lots of new prescriptions. Once a drug goes generic things change. My main point is, it's very possible one of the older type of antidepressants will help you. Like a tricyclic antidepressant. And if you don't have one, I highly recommend seeing a good therapist tht you like. Especially one who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. They will teach you skills to cope with panic attacks, so eventually you'll need less medicine :) Hang in there -R-

Answer 4

I've been taking Xanax and Wellbutrin for anxiety and depression for almost a year. It works great, but I would NEVER suggest for someone to start taking xanax. It's the miracle drug, but the worst drug. I'd advise you to try a few other medications before trying xanax.

Answer 5

I take xanax. I started with 10mg then went down to.5. I am so much better. Now I only take it when I need it. Sometime I cut the 5 in half and take it am and or pm. I really works for me. If not, try paxil. Good luck

Answer 6

I have suffered from anxiety. I understand how difficult and challenging this can be.

I had a brief experience with Xanax. Since it is quite addictive, I asked the doctor to prescribe the smallest dosage available, and then I cut that in half with a pill splitter. I only took the drug when absolutely necessary--about 7-10 doses. It was helpful, as it took the "edge off". I have no experience with Lexapro or any other SSRIs. The only reason I took the Xanax, was that my thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas became unstable and my whole endocrine system went haywire. Under excellent nutritional guidance, I was able to bring it back into balance over time (was perimenopausal at the time) through natural modalities, remedies and diet.

Know this: your anxiety has a physiological basis--our emotions are driven by our bio-chemistry. Even if you are going through a difficult life situation--it will be magnified if your body is not in balance and your organs and systems are not functioning at a very high level. Once things calm down, you may want to find a good holistic MD, naturopathic physician, clinical nutritionist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, etc.or combination thereof, in order to effectively treat the underlying cause of the anxiety. Prescription drugs will only cover up the symptoms and not get at the actual problem, and they all have side effects. I've known people where the drug helps for a short time, but the problem always returns. Conventional medical doctors are not educated when it comes to approaching, understanding and truly helping people to heal this kind or, for that matter, any kind of serious health problem. Western medicine excels in emergency care, surgery and acute care--which is great when needed. It has an abyssmal record in preventing and healing diseases and disorders.

It's a good idea to look into the following regarding your situation:

Get your adrenals, thyroid, and reproductive hormones tested. Better to do it by saliva (more accurate) as opposed to blood. (an alternative practitioner can help with this--you can also contact Diagnos-Techs, Inc. in Tukwila, WA, 425-251-0596 to ask them about the tests. They can send the kits (you do this at home, it's very easy) to your health care practitioner or possibly your pharmacist. I've been very pleased with these tests and do this on a regular basis to keep things in balance.

Also, do some research regarding hypoglycemia--a major cause of anxiety. If you eat the B.A.D. (basic American diet), you are a candidate for this pancreatic dysfunction. This is a huge hidden epidemic in the U.S.

Get tested for heavy metal toxicity. This is another hidden epidemic. I know many people who have tested positive for high levels of lead, mercury, cadmium. Again, a holistically-oriented MD will know about this, how to test you and how to help rid your body of these toxic substances.

Avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine. Eat REAL FOOD--lean protein--wild salmon/wild caught fish, organic chicken/turkey, buffalo, lamb, low starch veggies/lots of leafy greens, low glycemic fruits--kiwi, berries, red grapefruit, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, walnuts,sunflower and pumpkin seeds, good quality spring water. Use olive oil for salads; coconut oil is best for cooking and tastes delicious. Avoid all fruit juice, fruit juice drinks and carbonated beverages.

Get tested for food sensitivities/allergies.

Learn to meditate using your breath. Try yoga, t'ai chi or chi kung. Very helpful.

Exercise. Try rebounding. Go to www.urbanrebounding.com for info. Lots of fun!

Get fresh air and a good amount of sunshine (do not sun bathe!)--just get yourself outdoors and make sure you are getting enough sleep.

I realize that this is way beyond the scope of your question but I've seen too many people suffer by not getting to the cause of their problem. Please remember--your health is in your hands and that your healing will come from within if you really desire it and are willing to put in the effort and sacrifice it requires.

Best of luck to you. You CAN heal yourself--with help and wisdom from the proper, experienced professional guidance.

Alternative Healthcare Practitioner


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Answer 7

I HAVE BEEN TAKING XANAX FOR YEARS 4 ANXIETY AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT IT. IT IS ADDICTING BUT SOOOOOOO HELPFUL. EXPIRE WILL HELP ALONE WITH IT.BUT I PROBABLY WOULD NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE IF NOT 4 XZNZX

Answer 8

I have personally taken Xanax and I did just fine on it.
Consult your doctor for your dosage and drug interactions

Answer 9

xanax is a narcotic and very addictive, and by deciding this on your own, you are the type that should not take it, let your dr. decide