xanax question?

Question

i have panic attacks. i went of paxil in jan (via dr) and tryed new ssri's one that i was hoping wouldnt effect my weight, none worked so i started back on paxil today (via dr). through the time of trying to find the right med i was having panic attacks bad and they gave me xanax and i took it as needed. well i just started a new job and in order to even drive there i have to take a xanax to even be able to get into the car bc im so nervous to drive alone(thats my trigger stop). so last wk everyday i took it bc i cant lose yet another job due to panic disorder. now that its the wknd i woke up both days with my hands shaking bad and feeling really weird. can i be addicted already? i take 0.25mg. once a day when i had to drive last wk. before then i only took it in the mist of an attack. what is going on, what do i do now? i hopeing now that im back on the paxil ill be ok, a lil weight is nothing compaired to what ive been suffering the last couple months its been hell!

Answer 1

Here are the most common(>10%) side effects of Xanax:

Central nervous system: Abnormal coordination, cognitive disorder, depression, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, lightheadedness, memory impairment, sedation, somnolence

Gastrointestinal: Appetite increased/decreased, constipation, salivation decreased, weight gain/loss, xerostomia

Genitourinary: Micturition difficulty

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Dysarthria

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Xanax is a drug you MUST BE WEANED OFF SLOOOOWLY.


Did you take it as prescribed? If so then you should be OK weaning

remember addiction is DIIFFERENT than dependance.


Dependance is a natural reaction and will happen with a medcine like xanax .

THAT is the reason you wean off.


Addiction is something that happens when you abuse a medicne by when you take more of it than you should or alot more often or both OR when you don't even need itALL OF

THIS



THIS is when weaning advice won't work and when you will need to be hospitalized




BUT if you took it the right way you'll be OK for the weaning if you do it slowly

The doctor might not have weaned you right or not weaned at all


here is what to do

LESSEN YOUR DOSE BY .25 mg every 3 weeks

once you are down to just .25 take this for 3 weeks also

then after 3 weeks on this

split it .12.5 mg


take this for another 3 weeks


THEN for good measure take .12.5 mg every 2-3 days for another 3 weeks

then you are weaned

Answer 3

I'd keep taking the 0.25 mg every day, including on the weekends. Don't worry about becoming addicted; that takes higher levels (like 1.5 mg per day). If you feel you need more, ask for an increase from your shrink.

If you have trouble with Xanax causing excess drowsiness, you might discuss Klonopin with your shrink. It's like Xanax, but sedates less.

Regarding SSRIs: have you ever tried Lexapro? That's what I take, and I've had no weight gain from it.

Whatever you do, do NOT stop taking your meds suddenly.

Answer 4

I'm not sure your recent symptoms are indicative of addiction to Paxil. It is possible that your waking up with hands shaking and feeling really wierd could be due to the anxiety too.

Have you considered Cognitive therapy or some other approach to your anxiety? There are a number of other techniques that have better results than medication.

Answer 5

If you are taking it as prescribed you should be ok. However you should discuss your concerns with your doctor if your panic disorder still isn't totally under control as it should be. Good luck.