Xanax: Side Effects, Withdrawal
Xanax: an anxiety medication
Xanax is one of the stronger benzodiazpines (BZD), a class of drugs that slows down the nervous system, inducing calm and relaxation.
And it works quickly, and seems to have limited side effects. No wonder that it’s extremely popular, used even by those who appear to be the most successful and least need it.
Unfortunately, use of Xanax may have gone too far because long term use can cause serious problems. Benzodiazepines like it are best used for short term relief of anxiety, and generally as support for treating anxiety and panic disorders.
The American Psychological Association released guidelines to that effect, emphasizing the preferred use of SSRI medications for anxiety disorders.
What should Xanax be used for, for how long, and what are its potential side effects?
Use
Xanax is very good at fighting anxiety. As such it makes sense to use it in the short term for insomnia caused by worrying, and for short term control of anxiety. On the other hand, other drugs are preferred for certain types of short term anxiety, like stage-fright.
Xanax can be used for panic and anxiety disorders and has shown some ability to work for those conditions – but there may be better options that just take longer to work. The SSRIs may perform better and with less risk, and as such have been recommended for typical treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.
And you can’t forget the importance of therapy and exercise for anxiety/panic conditions, which have no side effects.
Use of Xanax after a traumatic event might be a bad idea.
Xanax’s side effects
Xanax can cause excessive sedation, memory problems, and cause or make depression worse. It can interact dangerously with alcohol as both are depressants. And it is addictive.
Long term use has been associated by some with cognitive damage. This means a potential decline in intelligence, ability to pay attention and concentrate, and decreased memory. Stopping Xanax does not always reverse these changes.
Use of Xanax after a traumatic event to help control anxiety may highly increase risk of developing Post Traumatic stress disorder. It is isn’t entirely clear how – or if – this happens.
In terms of physical side effects, Xanax has less side effects than earlier drugs, but can still cause serious physical problems either in overdosing or through interactions with other medications.
Most common side effects: drowsiness, increase salivation, weight gain and constipation.
Use of Xanax can cause difficulties with memory formation and some form of memory impairment in anywhere from 7-33% of those who use it. It may also be associated with difficulty falling asleep, headache, and some form of cognitive impairment.
Menstrual irregularities have been reported in up to 10% of women using Xanax over an extended period of time.
Addiction and Withdrawal
We know Xanax is about as addictive as cigarettes; we just aren’t fully clear on how long dependence takes.
One study showed that 1/3 of people who used any BZD for just a month became dependent to some degree. Another showed a similar rate of addiction over a two months span, and another study put the time-line at 3-6 months.
Use of Xanax over an extended period of time may lead to serious problems upon stopping. The milder problems include anxiety, unpleasant thoughts, and disorientation. Rarer but more serious discontinuation issues include extreme sense-sensitivity, seizures and psychosis.
Do you have any thoughts on Xanax?
What this article does not mention is how dangerous SSRIs are. Even though many will say they don’t produce dependence, this is simply not true. Some research says it may be safer to stay on them rather than stop.
I agree with what FM states above. I’ve been in the medical field for 20 years and am often baffled at what I see now – seizure medications being used as pain medications, never mind the fact that a lot of them can have potential complications. Often, pain goes uncontrolled, such as recently when I broke my foot and saw a foot doc, they said there was no need for narcotics, never mind the fact that almost my entire right foot was black and purple, swollen and the toes were numb. I was in agony but because of the pressure to prescribe “non-addictive” medications by the government and other such places, and since I cannot tolerate Ultram due to a seizure disorder (Ultram started it all and started me speaking out on some of these things), I was left to suffer for almost 10 days before the swelling went down enough for my foot to stop thumping.
We’ve got medications like Lyrica and gabapentin being used for chronic pain when they are designed to help relieve diabetic neuropathy and really, from experience, I can tell you that they don’t do much (for chronic back pain anyway) but make you care a little less because they make you a little sedated.
Rather than treat my severe chronic lower back pain adequately while it took me 2 years to find out what was causing it, and undergoing needless injections, physical therapy and nerve ablations to try to make it stop, I was left to suffer every day, all day long. Thankfully, eventually I was found to have a large fibroid on my uterus (doc said it was the size of a softball) and since my uterus was retroverted and the fibroid was on the posterior surface of my uterus, the fibroid was pressing directly on my spine, which would have never been found if it weren’t for a prolapsed uterus. I put all those worthless (for me) drugs like Cymbalta, Neurontin and Lyrica, along with some others, into my body and the only thing that really helped was Vicodin but nobody was willing to prescribe it because I was “still young”. I understand the addiction complications but I would have risked them to have adequate relief which, 2 years postop, after the nerves calmed down from being impinged for so long, I now have. I am very thankful to have an active, pain-free life again but I am very upset at how all of this was handled. I know my body pretty well and can tell you when something does not work.
All this use of neuro and psychiatric drugs for uses other than originally intended worries me. Now they have a prescription med that “grows lashes”? It’s a glaucoma medication, folks. Are you willing to take that kind of stuff early in your adult life for longer lashes? Without knowing what the long term effects may be? Sure, it may have been out for awhile under a different name but how many people under age 30 use glaucoma medication long term? Do research and weigh the facts.
Two things need to happen, in my opinion: 1. Patients need to do research and not blindly take medications prescribed. Research your condition and alternate cures. If something is not working, tell your doctor. If he ignores it, ask to be referred to a specialist and purse it! 2. Doctors need to ignore the pressure from the DEA (yes, I’ve worked for enough doctors to know how many of them are actually afraid to prescribe controlled substances because the DEA is stepping on their necks not to give out too many for fear of risking losing their licenses) and treat their patients how they know, in their hearts, is right. Patients also must be educated when being given a medication that was formulated for another purpose. They should know that they are being given the medication for a new indication.
As for me, I’ll stick with what has been out there awhile. I am over 40, an intelligent adult, and very capable of making my own decisions. If the doctor feels addiction is becoming an issue with a patient, they can address it then. I’ll go with the older stuff that I know works.
Sorry for the rampage. Touchy subject.
My wife has been on Xanex for sever al years to deal with daily Migraine headaches. Three weeks ago she had spinal surgury. The hospital didn’t give her her xanex for two days and I told them there wa ssomething drastically wrong with her. She couldn’t focus or speak It was like she ha a stroke. then they realized there error and started it up. They had to put her back in the hospital because she can’t function nothing she saws makes since . They say there is noothing medical wrong and are tarnsfering her to a Behavioral health center. Is there anyone I can talk to about this ? 574-453-1619
I have taken Xanex as prescribed to me for 2 years. I have had a positive treatment reaction with this medicine.The above articles,although may have some valitiyto it, does not make this drug the anti-christ. I am saying lighten up and let people that need this medicine be treated without your bias and tirant feelings that scare people for noreason, but to feed your on political agenda!
I was taking Xanax for insomnia on and off for 2 years. I recently went off it cold turkey for the past few week (I taking it about once a week) and I am now convinced that it was actually making my insomnia worse. Xanax was also excessively increasing my food cravings/appetite. I would literally binge on food every time I too Xanax, I was so hungry whenever I took it! The first week or so totally off Xaxax was horrific – migraine headaches, anxiety, terrible insomnia. I felt sick! But I stuck it out, and now no more food binges, my anxiety and sleeping is better, and I am so thankful to be off this drug! Natural remedies helped me get off it – research those alternatives before turning to dangerous and highly addictive prescription meds! Also, exercise is the best stress reliever in the world!
worst drug ever. i am ashamed of doctors perscribing this long term. it has changed my wife completely and will be the cause of or divorce. worst part is she doesn’t even remeber why everyone is fustrated with her. taking a drug will never help you deal with your life it just makes you numb to it. so numb in fact you don’ t reliese or care now that you are now the stress in all of your loved ones lifes. I have lost my intire family standing up for my wife and she still does not see the change in her self. work out or talk to someone. becoming a drug addict instead of not feeling anxiety or sleeping? worst drug ever. good luck to any one who is taking it. I doubt you will notice or truely care how much you hurt others when your numb to the world.
to jones: ive tried a lot different psych meds, some made me a zombie others made me restless. Different drugs affect people differently dont give up have faith and hope in your wife and life.
Can Xanax/Alprazalam withdrawal cause irregular heartbeat? I have taken it for several years and was not aware of the addictive nature of the drug. I am stopping it, having realized I was exhibiting some of the symptoms mentioned. I am finding that I am experiencing dizziness and irregular heartbeat along with mild OCD. Any comments? Thank you.
Jones: I know exactly what you are going through. I lost my brother to these things and then not too long after, my mother was hooked on them and still is 3 yrs later and to make it all better- now my younger sister is on them. Its horrible! Both my mom and sister has tried to get off of them by themselves and they both had seizures. They both are not the same and never will be after this. This drug is horrible! I wish there was something else out there that wasn’t so harsh! And you’re right, they have no clue at all how much they are hurting everyone around them. It seems like everyone I come in contact with takes them and all have the same dumb drunk/high stare on their face. I’m so sorry, Jones…. I just keep the faith and pray that they realize and make it through.
I thin it is the worst. To those who love it, try getting off of it before you comment. ;) I am starting to think that it’s causing worse symptoms than it was for (insomnia). Now I get tremors and other issues when I stop it. I am pretty sure it’s related to that. Ug.
wow, who ever says it ok to take this drug is wrong!!! it has messed up millions of lives. all the drugs do is mess you up and cover up your feelings. All who want help should contact U Turn for Christ. Thats where you will get help. Truly amazing things have happened at U Turn for Christ. They have them all over the united states. God Bless you all.
I took Xanax for too many years. Suddenly, I could not control the amount I was taking. My brain wanted more and more. I was up to 3 mgs. per day and felt awful. I decided to get help to wean off of them and am in that process now. My psych. is weaning me off of Xanax with Klonapin and it is working! I had cut back to 2 and 1/2 mg. on my own but didn’t know what to do after that. The first week took 1 mg. Klonipin, 1 mg. Xanax and 1/2 mg. Xanax at bedtime. Now on in the 2nd week with 1 Klonapin at 11:00 a.m. and 1 Klonapin at 5:00 p.m. and 1/2 Xanax at bedtime. Usually 6 hrs. apart. Next week I will be on just 2 Klonapin a day and then will begin weaning off them. I must say it has been much easier than I thought after reading all the horror stories other people had reported. Klonapin has a much longer half-life than Xanax so less is needed. I had minor withdrawal such as itching and stomach ache occasionally. But I feel beeter already and it was worth it! And I also had the help of God to see me through this. If you are on Xanax go to a doctor and get off. It should not be legal because it is so addicting. (I have panic disorder and panic attacks).
I just cold-turkeyed it, understanding what it was this time around and taking into account how long I had been on it (under a year) and the amount I was on. I don’t want it in me, period, and I made sure to stay vertical (symptoms worsen when on your back, laying down) and to keep my head off my body (neck brace helped). It has been far smoother than last time, especially without the panic that I was suffering from something far worse. I haven’t had any in 4 or 4.5 days now. Can lay down, but wear neck rest, can drive again (first couple days, I won’t). Never again!
I have been on Paxil since 2001, dr. added xanax in 2006 and I started out with 1mg 4 times daily but i am now down to 1 and a half mg daily. I have not had any panic or anxiety attacks at all.
Tapering is by far the most recommended and smartest route, especially for those who were on it for longer periods. I was on it about 9 – 10 months, and mainly at 2mg at night. Right at the end about 3 to 4mg—I was going through what is called interdose withdrawal for months, apparently. Good for you Susan, keep at it and you’ll be off that garbage in no time.
I was taking 10mg of prozac due to depression from a death in the family…been on it for years…gradually had my dose increased because of compulsive eating. No wonder I’ve gained 30 pounds…I’ve been taking xnax at night. I’m so hungry all the time, compulsively. The doctor gave it to me to take before bed to help me sleep, with all the crap going on in my life at the time. But actually, I woke up alot through the night, had vivid dreams also. I told him about the compulsive eating and he increased my prozac….OMG…I started exercising and got myself off Prozac. I noticed I was still thinking about eating all the time…and HUNGRY. It was the Xnax…now I’m done with it all
I really believe that the pharmecutical industry is all about the dollars. These drugs alter people’s lives for the worst! It leaves you with more problems then you started off before ingesting them. There are probably a few percentage of people it may have benefited. I have started taking it only for two weeks and have felt myself turn into someone I no longer know. I am experiencing tingling sensation all over my head. I would get angry before, but now I can turn into the incredible hulk. I am will be looking for alternative (natural) sources for my anxiety/depression. My mother in law has been taking this for over two years now and she is no longer the same person. She is hostile and has even become abusive (verbally and physically with her spouse). Please, if you haven’t started taking this, look into other options before starting up. Doctors and the pharmecutical industry are out to make MONEY not out for your well being!
Absolutely the pharmaceutical comapnies are a for profit business. Their wouldn’t be medications toe help people if there is not a profit. And most doctors are motivated by making a good living, not saving people at the expense of their own family’s economical disadvantage.
That is the only way it works as well as it does.
That is why drugs that help disease that effects a small majority are not pursued, there is no profit. To get a cure for a small number of sufferers takes grants and contributions from people who have money and want to see a cure.
The FDA requirements make sure that drugs are helpful to at least 85% of the people needing them. When they don’t work well that means we have fallen into the minority percentage with conditions or even other drugs that prevent a helpful outcome.
If you and family members have problems it is your responsibility to contact your doctor and tell the doc you do not want to take the medication with those side effects. There are usually other drugs that help the condition but from a different chemical approach. One of those will probably help you better. Don’t give up because one isn’t helping, demand a change to another medication.
Vioxx got taken off the market because a minority complication caused harm. I had just gotten my life back, I could stand, sit, walk again without constant pain and muscle spasms. I had my energy and strength back and could go to the grocery, cook meals, do laundry again after 5 years of beibg bedridden.
Doctors need to know more about the drugs, but most do not. They hear that this is the new best thing and say, ok, cool. If I could get my heart checked out for the condition that might cause Vioxx to be harmful, I would gladly sign a paper agreeing not to sue jsut to be a part of my family’s life again.
It is odd, but basically we only hear from people who have a bad experience, which seems to indicate there is a ton of problems with the drug. But actually those with problems are a minority, people feeling good and helped by the drug have no reason to be on here. They are out living their lives at last.
concerneduser, please contact your doctor and ask for a change of medication, or check with a second doctor for an opinion. You do not have to take this drug if it gives you side effects worse than the original complaint.
Make sure you are taking it as directed, check the FDA dosage recommendations. Do Not Take this medication unless you really really need it. This is not a drug that needs to be taken everyday to build up in your system. It is an emergency drug. Take half a tablet if it is not a slow release. Ask your doctor for smaller dose tablets and the option of increasing to your normal dose if needed.
Only you know what is going on, what is needed, your doctor can only guess from what the norm, the majority, experiences.
I have taken Ativan off and on as needed for over 25 years, some months none, some months up to 30 or 45. I controlj the drug, don’t let the drug control you.
Even taken exactly as directed you can becomje physically dependent which may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you take them other than directed you can become addicted.
Drugs are helpful to nobody, period. That’s an illusion. The FDA is corrupt. Even if you cannot “feel” side-effects it’s damaging you. There are much better ways to go about solving these issues like removing the cause of the unwanted symptom instead of drugging it, period.
I am alive because of Thyroid drugs, diabetis drugs, and a B12 supplement becasue my body won’t make B12 on its own. However, I support the right of people who do not like drugs to die young.
Many diseases have no cure, doctors can only treat the symptoms to make life bearable. I am glad there are doctors and researchers looking for these medications to help.
Wow, its amazing to read these comments and see how xanax had negative effects as well. I was prescribed Xanax back in April due to having anxiety attack (no history of having it ever) so the doc prescribed .25mg for only 30 days. I didn’t want to rely on it so i was able to control by anxiety myself. Now 6 months later, another added stressful situation to my life, the anxiety returned full force!! I went to ER and found nothing wrong with me (blood work clean). I started to take my xanax 1/2 around 10am, 1/2 around 3pm, and 1/2 before bed like at 8pm. It helped out with my sleeping and I started to excercise, i couldn’t sit still. I had a f/u appt this past Friday and the doc told me Xanax isn’t meant to take daily, long term because it may become addictive. She recommended me to the mental health dept to see a doctor, but she prescribed me 30 day supply of xanax just in case my anxiety kicked. I left there scared, i didn’t want to become addicted to it and have to rely on it. I only took if for 2 weeks and stopped on Saturday. Im already having withdrawals, (migraines, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting) It scares me, but I don’t want to rely on it at all and become dependant. I had this withdrawals and I was taking a low doe of .25mg for only 2 weeks. I cant even imagine what its like to stop taking it after 2 years.
I have been taking xanax for 30 yrs, .5 mg 4 times daily. my life became a disaster, i lost my job , my fiance’ , numerous auto accidents , along with bankruptcy. my health was failing rapidly. Insomia, weight gain, depression worsened, severs muscle and joint pain, nightmares, confusion and more !!! Dec.0,2011 i ran out of xanax, my physicain refused to refill my prescription. My withdrawl wa so severe that 1 was vomiting every 1/2 hours for 16 hours, My stomach was & still is very sore. I even have brusing from dry heaving so much ! Tomorrow will be 30 days since my last dose!! I just hung in there , i knew i had to get off this awful medication, it wasn’t easy, it honestly was a nightmare. Thank God for helping thru this, i never would have made it alone. My life & health have changed for the better. No more confusion, depression has lifted, nor more joint or muscle pain, insomnia is gone & i feel alive again. Life is beautiful, its wonderful to be back on earth again !!! If you want your life back, make an appointment with your health care provider immediately, don’t wait, tomorrow might be to late. I did it, and so can YOU! It,s the best present you can give yourself and those that you love. You won’t be sorry, you will just wish you had done it sooner! GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS !!!!!
in regards to post written by kathy, i have known her for 25 yrs. This women is an inspiration to life & her friends,!!! She has been thru so much turmoil in her life especially with her peers & family! the sad part being is that she has helped all thru other addictions & problems, only to be be friended & hurt when her time of trouble surfaced. Her losses were a result f no compassion and understanding, people in general took advantade of her good nature. when things happened such as loosing a loves one, accidents,job , it was her physcain who prescribed this medicine along with other medication, at the request of her family, who interferred with her health & personal life as well . Following doctors orders and the advice of family she followed there instructions, causing the symptons to worsen !!! Thank God for her wonderful friends & professional peers that encouraged to stop this horrible & dibilitating drug. Kathy is the stronget , kindest person i know. She had the courage to take matters into her own hands and battle xanax !!! She one strong lady, & despite all, & all that she has endured she is enjoying and living her life to the fullest !!!! So i would like to close with this…….. congratulation Kathy, i/we are all so proud of you & love you. May you be an inspiration to all who needs to get back to a wonderful & normal life!!!!! Kathy was also able to get her finances back in order & bankruptcy was canceled ! Its was hard work, but she never gave up. She has accomplished this and so much more in such a short period of time. With all the respect & admiration i applaude you. May G
May God Bless you and guide you Kathy!!!! As a friend of hers , my advice to all you who have read this, don’t wait, do it now ………..! KATHY DID IT & SO CAN YOU ! GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!!!!
i would like to comment about the last post . I have known some wonderful females who have encountered the addiction to xanax. many whom i have spoken to described this medication as a suppresent to life’s normal feelings. They have said in the beginning it would give them a calming state of mind, but after months & years this medications became less effective, resulting in the desire to take more milligrams. The symptoms that they had , had prompted new symptoms that were devastating. inability to sleep, confusion, forgetfullness, aches & pains, inability to feel emotions. Their libido was greatly affected, to love another just didn’t seem important. Rising to face a new day,became unberable. The nights were full of nightmares!!! Living with these symptoms are a curse in itself. Life is difficult enough, and when bad things happen you will need more than just a pill/xanax to solve your saddest moment or problems. Finding a good friend, therapist, clergy whom you can trust is half the battle. Sometimes be careful with family if you choose to confide in them, you must remember that as much as you think they love you & value their trust, they will always judge you. It is wiser to see a professional whom will protect your thoughts & emotions. People/family mean well, but the deeper the problem the more critical they become. This is not intentional, rather it’s very sad when someone reaches out for help and suddenly no one has the time to really get involved. Xanax is a very dangerous drug. It has ruined many lives, friendships & family. Please don’t let xanax ruin the lives of others. Encourage someone who needs help, be there for them, comfort them, hold their hand & help them see that with the help of God they can win this battle and stop using Xanax. Today you may just save someone’s life. I just did!!!
Commenting on the post from Kathy. She has been my best friend for 53 yeras. I feel that i know her better than anyone, other than her wonderful deceased parents. We have been through so much together. In the past few years, she , as she stated , went through an extremely difficult time. What she neglected to write was what lead her to her most horrific problems, …..her family. She confided in them about the drug , xanax. Instead of comforting her &giving her moral support they tried to destroy her life, using xanax as a means to belittle her. I witnessed , so much that i was shocked at their selfless acts. I as well of many of her other true friends came to her side. Together we re assured her that we would be there for her at any given time. Kathy had given so much of herself to all, only to be betrayed by the very one’s that she helped. Xanax is a powerful drug with serious side affects. Be it known that we all have had hills & valley’s in our life, there are many mountains to climb and many tears to be shed. But through faith & understanding of one’s self we can accomplish anything we put our minds to. A pill/xanax or alcohol is not a remedy for curing life’s problems. Confrontation, head on , is what Kathy accomplished. She had the courage to climb the ladder of resistance & not addiction. A beautiful person inside as well as out, she also is one strong lady that i truly respect & admire. Today, Kathy is surrounderd by loving & positive people. She has accomplished all, inspite of all who did not believe in her. Medications all have side effects, xanax may help others for a short duration of time, however, there is a percentage who have had the need to have their milligrams increased. Please be aware, that increasing any medication can be gravely dangerous. I agree with Tailer’s post, seek out professional help, do not rely on family to help you. They can be critical and may worsen the problem, as in Kathy’s case. Do as she did, be brave & strong. Let no one dictate to you on the subject of xanax or any other drug. Being honest with your health care provider about symptoms that may save your life. Kathy’s family tried to control her, but had forgotten that a few of them also used xanax. So very many people are on this horrible drug & as i write this on the news tonight, Heather Locklear has been admitted to the hospital for taking xanax along with alcohol. This drug will affect the rich ,the poor, the young as well as the old. Only you can prevent this from happening with the help of God and some faithful friends , nothing is impossible!!! I would like to give my best and dearest friend a standing ovation. I’m sure that i will not be the only one to do this !!! Kathy has been a blessing in my life as well as my children, for this i am truly grateful. I think that many of you, and you know who you are ,should apologize to her for trying to destroy her life. She told the truth…… Why Don’t YOU !!!!
i lost my daughter unexpectedly on april 2 of 2011 . The grief has been very difficult. Last week after three nights of pacing the floor unable to sleep i caved and went to the dr. he prescribed xanax and i slept through the night. the last two nights i have taken it, but already sleeping less. So glad i read these posts. i am laying here starving for more food even tho i ate a healthy and filling dinner. So, maybe its these pills. i am going to throw them away. Thank you for your honesty. I have been sober for many years and have an addictive personality. I was so sad, and anxious i was at the point where i would have done anything to sleep. But, right now its almost two am and i am awake. Calm, but awake and hungry. that is not good. so again, thank you
miss gina, i am so very sorry that you have lost your daughter, my deepest sympathy!! I lost my Mom 3years ago and still & always will miss her ! I hope you did throw away the xanax! You will find out, even tho it may be difficult, that you will sleep much better without them. After taking them for sometime, they seem to work in reverse. Dr’s had prescribed ambien, ambien cr,lunesta to name a few, believe me, i was lucky to maybe manage to sleep approx 2-3 hrs. I know how awful it as not being able to sleep, no one understands how dangerous this can be. Good Luck to you my friend & God Bless, you made the right decision, now just don’t ever give in to xanax again!!
My brother died 4 years ago. He didn’t wake up. Two things were found in his toxicology report…Xanax and alcohol…NEITHER over the limit!! Be careful!! It stopped his breathing while he was sleeping!!
I was put on Lexapro & Xanax about 5 years ago because of being upset over something two of my children had done to me which put me in a panic state and I was rushed to the hospital. Once the ER Dr. found out want had happen and my reaction to it, he described it as a ‘panic attack’ and gave me a little ‘white’ pill. Had no clue what it was at that time but it sure made me feel better. When I took the sheet to my regular Dr. he in turn put me on Lexapro & Xanax without doing a thorough exam I might add, not even blood work. I took these pills for about 6 mos to a year. The only thing he told me then was that it may cause a little weight gain and for me to just eat a handful of nuts to counteract it. O-Kkkkkkk???!!! Well needless to say I blew up like a tree and one of my friends noticed me and commented on my weight gain. I myself didn’t really realize it until that comment was made and I was not only embarrassed but humiliated to say the least. You’ve got to understand something about me, I’m an X-Model, worked for the Airlines, won beauty pageants in college, was the County Queen, need I say more?! I kick those pills “COLD TURKEY” and recently didn’t remember that the Dr. stated to not stop them abruptly. I have been experiencing headaches for years and I began taking over the counter pills with aspirin in it and showing the pill to that same Dr. back then, stated they were fine to take, what he didn’t realize I was popping these things in the middle of night when I woke up to these horrific headaches, obviously on a empty stomach, when in turn made me develop a stomach ulcer. Thank God after proper treatment and two scopes it’s healed but I was pissed that a Dr. could ok me taking even that without explaining the seriousness of them, after firing the Dr. who had me on those drugs, I didn’t remember to tell my new Dr. that I had ever been taking Lexapro & Xanax and he immediately gave me Fiorcets for what he describe as migranes. I became immuned to those darn pills and they don’t even work anymore. I decided to do my own research online last night and came across several websites explaining the dangers of these drugs not to mention the side affects of stopping ‘Cold Turkey’ headaches being one of them. But since I’ve been off of them for years now and the headaches are still very prominent I found that taking 1500mg of Omega3 & Flax Seed will eliminate this and put your body back on track. I happened to have both and took them last night and had the best SLEEP ever in years. Sorry to go on so long, but any Dr. who would put their patients on these drugs without thorough testing first, blood work, etc. should be put out of business. I agree with a few of the post I’ve read, do your own research and ask a lot of questions before taking anything over a vitamin.
God’s blessings to you and to the families who have been affected severly by these drugs, my heart goes out to you. That is so sad.
I have taken Xanax, Klonopin and the antidepressant Effexor off and on for years. I have never felt a dependency for any of them, nor have I had bad side effects going on or coming off of them. I think a very small percent of people have problems, and those that do make a lot of noise. Taking these medications has allowed me to have a normal life, a good job, and a successful marriage. Please stop with all the scary stories. All they do is make people who need medical help afraid to take their medications. It really upsets me, because I have a friend in dire need of medication who reads all this stuff and then will not take the medications. He is suffering unnecessarily…. because he is afraid after reading all this stuff.
This is what Whitnet Houston took–hours after drinking excessively. This led to drowning herself in that tub.
Wendy: While I believe that Xanax, alcohol and a lot of other things probably contributed to her death, I do not think for a minute that Whitney Houston drowned herself. She more than likely took the drugs, had a drink or two, got into the tub to relax, fell asleep, possibly had a heart attack and accidentally drowned. As for the reviews of Xanax, every drug on the market today has side effects of some type that will make it impossible for some people to take them. Fortunately, this is the 21st century, not the 14th or 15th, so doctors have an entire arsenal of medications they can prescribe for just about any malady. If one doesn’t work for you, then you can probably try another. That’s what doctors are for; that’s what they are paid for, their knowledge. If you have a bad reaction to any medication, call your doctor and discuss it. Xanax works for a lot of people, and for some others, it doesn’t. That is true of all drugs.
Approximately 9 years ago I had an acute depressive episode along with a mild anxiety disorder which I have had for the better part of my life. I was treated by a psychiatrist with Xanax (.25 mg three times a day) along with 50 mg of Luvox. For the past 7 years I have been on Xanax (.125 mg twice a day) along with 50 mg of Luvox daily. My psychiatric health has been stable for the past 9 years and my intellectual skills don’t seem to have slipped. I am 66 years old. I have had no problems with either medication and have never craved an increase in either drug. As a matter of fact on a recent cruise I forgot to take enough meds to cover me for the entire cruise and went without the Xanax and Luvox for 5 days without a major problem. I had a mild headache on the 5th day. As of now I intend to keep using these drugs as they seem to give me a good life without any obvious side affects.
All I know is that Xanax has recently helped me a lot. I suddenly for the first time ever (I’m in my 30′s) started having anxiety attacks. It was like an asthma attack (I suffer from mild chronic asthma also) but like the worst asthma attack I had ever had, and I was struggling to breath. This happened several more times. It was the second ER visit when they decided to try Xanax. Now whenever I get this severe shortness of breath/chest tightness attacks I take a small-to-med dose of Xanax and it goes away. I can breath! I will likely have to go onto another drug since Xanax is habit forming (been taking Xanax for about 2 weeks), unless things improve and my anxiety goes away. Not sure what med that would be – does anyone out there know?
Hello everyone. I’m sitting here reading all your posts after helping my daughter who is
24 just enter into a treatment center for alcohol and Xanax and pot
First off we went there and they explained that She needed to enter into a detox
Program first not for alcohol but for Xanax. She was on a low dose of 1.5 mg a day.
She was drinking and taking the meds that she got from her Dr. Because they thought she need something to help her sleep. omg we were shocked of the side affects of this medication. I called
Her medical dr that gave her the medication and was shocked that she would not
Take responsibily for getting her started on such a dangerous drug that she had to be
Tappered off slowly or she could have bad side affects or even
Die! I don’t understand how MD dr. Can do this to our young children !
My daughter asked for help with her drinking but was never told about Xanax side affects
Of coming off the medication! Thank God she never die from this drug. Please if you have a young person you know that is taking this medication please get them help to get
Off it safely! My daughter trusted her doctor so shame on any Dr that would put them on some thing they have to go to a detox center to get off of it!
Hello everyone. I’m sitting here reading all your posts after helping my daughter who is
24 just enter into a treatment center for alcohol and Xanax and pot
First off we went there and they explained that She needed to enter into a detox
Program first not for alcohol but for Xanax. She was on a low dose of 1.5 mg a day.
She was drinking and taking the meds that she got from her Dr. Because they thought she need something to help her sleep. omg we were shocked of the side affects of this medication. I called
Her medical dr that gave her the medication and was shocked that she would not
Take responsibily for getting her started on such a dangerous drug that she had to be
Tappered off slowly or she could have bad side affects or even
Die! I don’t understand how MD dr. Can do this to our young children !
My daughter asked for help with her drinking but was never told about Xanax side affects
Of coming off the medication! Thank God she never die from this drug. Please if you have a young person you know that is taking this medication please get them help to get
Off it safely! My daughter trusted her doctor so shame on any Dr that would put them on some thing they have to go to a detox center to get off of it! It’s bad enough try to get help for drinking! I’m so proud she asked for help!
I was on Xanax for about fifteen years along with Darvocet. I had become very addicted to both and was taking 12 mg. of Xanax a day as well as 600 mg of Darvocet….and yes this was all prescribed by a physician. I was very high functioning and had a good career up until the last couple years. But finally it all caught up with me and I knew I had to get off all the pills. I unwisely went off everything cold turkey which was very dangerous. I was totally out of it for a little over ten days. My family didn’t think I would ever get my mind back because I definitely lost it! By the grace of God, I survived it all and now am working in a rehab facility. I been younger and better than I did in my twenties and I will be 50 soon. Please know that Xanax is so very addictive and debilitating…it is definitely not worth it. Just don’t start taking it and if you take it already, YOU NEED TO QUIT.
I have been taking Xanax since 1997 when my mom died. I take .50 Mg. every night and the main reason is to sleep. However I noticed now I am having a hard time remembering things which I know is a side affect. I do want to quit but I hate not being able to sleep!! What is the best way to taper off? Any ideas would be helpful. I’m definitely addicted and my husband is now worried about me. Especially since I mix these with wine sometimes. Help!!!
Going thru withdrawl symtoms as I type at 7 AM. Quitted Xanax cold turkey 2 wks ago and have been going thru hell. Slept 2 interval hours last night, but it’s more than I did during the last 13 days. Experimented by taking Benadryl one night and slept 4 hours. Took xanax for 6 years. I quit after forgetting my pills home on a trip. Went to the drugs store and they called the drug store in my home state where I had a refill. The preps was filled. Took the bus home and left the pills in the bus. Knowing that if I went back to the store they would likely not believe me, decided try to do without it. Although I went thru hell the first couple of nights, decided to stick with my abstention. Went to my doctor when I returned home concerned that I may have had a cerebal stroke on my first night without the pill because it was my worst night ever. Dr. order an IKG. IKG done in 5 minutes. Result negative. Dr. suggested I was an alcoholic(am a drinker). I told doctor ” I am a retired now but used to be a sustance abuse counselor at one point in my career. I founded an alcoholism rehab in my old state. I know about withdrawl symtoms of alcohol. I have done detox on both alcoholics and drug addicts. I attended extensive courses at the Rudgers Center of Alcohol Studies. Am an alumni of the Rutgers Summer School of Alcohol Studies attended by more than 400 participants from around the world every summer. I may have a drinking problem, but abstain from drinking for 5 days while taking antibiotics and never had alcohol withdrawl symtoms. I Experimented using the process of elimination by having five drinks on my 7th day of abstention from Xanax and the withdrawl symtoms have not gone away. The doctor properly referred my to mental healh to make the proper diagnostic. Made the appointment, but they can’t see me until 5 weeks from today. Will keep the appointment, but I believe that two weeks already in abtenstion from Xanax and 5 weeks before they see me mental healths can see me wil cleanse my body from that evil pill that I worshipped for 6 years. Will know shortly if my depedence is abated. In reading this aricle I the comments I realized that Xanax fried my brain. I hope I can get my memory back. I pray that will be tha case. PS I have to check Microsoft spelling over 20 times while writing this. You see I even forgot my spelling. I see that some of the people commenting here are on denial. I was. Yet I know that that some medication can have possitive effects on people, until they loose the effect and then it might be to late to recover some of the faculties you have lost for ever. I hope I can get my memory back among others that will go without mention.
Lisa, I was taking xanax since 1998, when my husband died….alot of time has passed since your mom died…so now its just a crutch to help you go to sleep…I tapered off at first one every other day…for acouple weeks, then every two days…etc…your body with eventually sleep without it…but at first you may not sleep good since you have been on it so long…but you body will eventually adjust.. You may want to get some suggestions from your doctor also. I was not only on Xnax but on Prozac also….I’m not taking anything now…and you can do it!