Anybody have experience with Xanax

[harper]

My mother is dying with metastatic lung cancer. I'm the primary caregiver. My dad, while doing his best, has a long history of bi-polar disease and depression. I am also functioning as his caregiver. I work a demanding job and then drive 50 miles one way to care for the folks. Needless to say, I'm under a lot of stress.

One of my cousins has recommended Xanax...his side of the family has problems with anxiety attacks and are swimming in the stuff. Anybody here had experience with the drug? The only thing I know about it is that folks here joke about Laura Bush's Xanax smile. I don't want to look like Pickles, but therapeutic massage can only take me so far.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. I use it to sleep

I take 0.25 mg every night, having fried my internal clock with too many years of flying from one time zone to another.

It is a lifesaver for me, and I can't believe it won't be very helpful for you. Just watch your driving - don't take it if you're going to drive. It does make you a little drowsy at first. Start with a small dose.

Good luck with all you're doing. You're one of the angels.

[Worst Username Ever]

2. I have a prescription

I only take it for emergency stress situations, a couple times a year. One dose does me just fine and I feel much more relaxed. I recommend.

[harper]

6. Thanks for the input

I think I'll get some. I just need a good night's sleep.

[Jara sang]

3. Don't take it.

I don't trust big Pharma. Try to find another outlet.:hi:

[BlueIris]

4. Love it, use it, recommend it.

I mean, to each her own, of course; if you try it and it's not for you, keep shopping. But I adore it--when it's necessary. All things in moderation. You won't end up like Laura.

Also, none of my business, of course, but I hope you are getting all the emotional and other sorts of support you need from sources other than DU. I once had to briefly (three weeks) care for a parent who was totally bedridden with a serious back problem. She needed round-the-clock care and we hadn't been able to arrange for at-home nursing help yet. After a mere 21 days of being the only person taking care of her 24-7, even though she was conscious and lucid, ("just" immobile and in a lot of pain) I was ready to jump off a bridge. I can't imagine what you are going through, dealing with two parents who need your full-time assistance. If you can at all, and you haven't already, you should look into procuring whatever help you can get with regard to taking care of them, in addition to the Xanax.

[kedrys]

5. I'm taking light doses of it

Not daily, but when I feel especially anxious or freaked out. I take very small doses, unless it's near bedtime and I know I won't have to drive or anything, and then I might take a slightly larger dose.

It's flattened my affect a little bit, but I generally feel more relaxed, sleep better, and have far fewer "dark thoughts" about what bugs me in my life.

Discuss any side effects with your doctor. This is not a recreational drug, and it can engender dependency if abused.

Good luck! :hug:

[Ilsa]

7. Talk to your doctor first. Not all drugs work well for everyone.

You might want to find out what your alternatives are before requesting a specific med, especially if you have to take other medications for other conditions. Above all, you need to pursue this while availing yourself of your doctor's knowledge and experience in order to be safe.

We had to put X under lock with the other high dependency drugs when I worked the floor at a hospital. Too many people, possibly nurses, were getting into patients' Xanax on the drug carts.

[baby_bear]

8. Different doses

Xanax can be take in a small dose; sort of like a mini-Valium. 0.25 mg may make a big dent in your anxiety without making you funky in any sense of the word.

For sleep, when help is needed, I would recommend Ambien, a related drug. One-half a standard dose is plenty for me. No hangover effect.

I sympathize with your family situation. It sounds really, really tough. Hang in there and check in here with your DU friends for support any time...


b_b

[harper]

9. Thanks for the advice

I think I'm going to turn down my cousin's offer of free Xanax and instead make an appointment with a therapist and discuss my situation and options. I really appreciate all of your input...it's been helpful in clarifying my thoughts.

[Floogeldy]

10. No. But I always wanted to.

:hippie:

Seriously, I was prescribed Xanax back in the late 80's when I was having panic attacks, but my doc wouldn't let me take hardly any; like a half of a low dose pill. So I don't think I ever really felt the full effect.

He was EXTREMELY PARANOID about his patients becoming addicted. It is very, very addictive if you take enough regularly.

[EC]

11. it's good

I only need half of one for job interviews and other extreme stress, a whole one to get to sleep...


But when I worked in Medical records, I did notice that it is additive, I don't think physically, but psychologically. There was one patient that became pregnant so her script was canceled, she threatened to cut the baby out herself if they didn't give her, her Xanax...so don't use it as a crutch...just when really, really stressed.

[Redstone]

12. Holy Mary, Mother of God, you deserve whatever it takes

to lighten your load...you're smart to talk to a psychotherapist first, because Xanax might not be specifically what's best for you.

I do hope things get easier for you soon; that's a hard road you're traveling.

Redstone

[Ladyhawk]

13. Klonopin works better for me. :)

But I think I might be addicted. :(