xanax, help me addiction?

Question

My doctor prescribed me xanax for panic attacks and a trip I had planned. I have been taking a .5 mg tablet for 6 straight days. Worked well for the flying etc. Tonight I have yet to take and and I feel pretty wound up. I'm i going to sieze up ad die here like some do, or our my withdrawls normal? Should I go ahead and tapper down at this point? I phoned my doctor and his nurse called me back, she said I probably amd having some withdrawls, but just to take another pill. I feel the longer I take it, the more chance for addiction. So i don't want to do it. Should I just break one in half, then half again for about .10 mg?? or just ride it our cold turkey? I feel nervous, shakey and borderline paniced.

Answer 1

You are not addicted to them in 6 days. Just don't take the damn things if you are so worried about becoming addicted. You need to chill out. You are letting your mind and worries get the best of you. Just go to bed

Answer 2

First off, I only agree with some people on here. There is no way in hell you are addicted to it already within 6 days. Once you get into your doctor he/she will tell you that you're not experiencing withdrawls. I am on Xanax (.25 mg 2x daily), and have been for almost 3 months, and I am not addicted. Yes, it helps with the "edge", but that's all I need it for. I do not get sick, or weird feeling without the pill. I would reccomend cutting the dose in 1/2 tomorrow, and 1/2 again the following 3-4 days if you believe you're "addicted", but trust me, you're not. It's an addicting pill to people who use it recreationally. Plus I think you're just looking into it too much. You're causing yourself to have a panic attack. Plus if you're having panic attacks, e-mail me and I will reccomend you a book I just picked up today for it, that has made so much sense to me already and I'm only 55 pages into it. You're not addicted though, don't worry. I've done more research on Xanax, Zoloft, Paxil, etc. and panic attacks, you're fine. Hope this works for you, and calms you down : )

Answer 3

You really weren't taking that much Xanax, so it's hard to believe you're having withdrawal. However, try taking half a tablet today and tomorrow. Then take 1/4 tablet for 2 days. By then you should be feeling fine.
Your euphoria could also be due to the fact that you survived the trip with flying colors and you're feeling some relief, joy and excitement about it. Our minds can play strange tricks on us. :)

Answer 4

You do not want to be addicted to the medicine, so I would suggest struggling through the withdrawals -if that is what you are experiencing. I am thinking this is mental right now, since you said you struggle with panic attacks. Lay down and brief slowly. Focus on being calm. Don't take the pill, even if you feel you uncomfortable. The temporary discomfort pales in comparison to what addiction will do to your life. Take the bottle and flush them immediately!

Answer 5

You don't get addicted to Xanax in five days, nor could you be experiencing serious withdrawals. Your dose is not very high either. So take a pill or don't - it is up to you, but know that at this point you are not addicted, not withdrawing, and not going to seize and die if you don't pop another pill. If you are really worried about this take a small dose to take the edge off and have your doctor prescribe you a different drug at first chance.

Answer 6

Sounds like you have more of a psychological dependence than a physical dependence. Xanax can be very addictive, so it's not something you want to take long term (longer than 3 months). You can either taper off the dose starting now, or go cold turkey. If you go cold turkey, you aren't going to die.

Answer 7

hey, I have to disagree with most of the people posting so far-
Xanax is very addictive and you can become addicted in as little as a few days and as little as what you are taking..I know cuz I have been there AND- your nurse is an idiot to tell you to take another pill- I hope she meant just for today....
my advice to you would be to take a pill today, then start to taper off if you can break the pill in half or if it is in capsule form, take one every other day... the first day or so it will be hard to cope but the medicine works this way... it relieves anxiety by tricking your brain into believing it must exist on this drug... that is why you will have the same panic attack symptoms when in withdrawal..your brain now thinks it need to have the pill.
do not go cold turkey!!
try to get an appt. to see your doctor to discuss the seriousness of this drug and why you have to take it
again- it is very very addictive!!!!

Answer 8

I think you should follow advice from the nurse until you can get in and visit with the doctor and discuss your options. I know some medications alert you against splitting in half or any tampering. You might want to be careful and read all the information you received with the xanax. Best wishes.

Answer 9

Don't go off meds cold turkey!
I agree, split the pill, see your therapist , and please, please try yoga!!
It quiets the mind...buy a yoga DVD. I like Susan Dieson .
If you "feel" you can become addicted than you can!
Someone said that u can't die of anxiety..of course you can!! You end up hurting yourself to free you from the stress of it all! The brain is the most powerful of all. You can think your way in or out of many things!
Sorry you have such anxiety...but what helped me is that these feelings r often "self-centered".
You feel that the world is focused on YOU but we're not! Just live YOUR life dear.

Answer 10

No one has ever died from a panic attack, you just feel like you will. Xanax will help you during this time of adjustment to the attacks. A clinical therapist / counseling is the next step to dealing with your anxiety.

So common, but sooo scary when you don't understand what is happening.