Alprazolam.......

[andy]

How long have you been using it? And how many times you use it a day? My doctor gave me .5mg tablets, and it started to work when I first used it, then couple of days later, it just didn't work as good as the first time? :| This anxiety is killing me!!!

[Phil]

Look Andy, they ain't gonna work straight away. Time is the key It may take 3 weeks 3months or a year before you really feel back to normal. Xanax is a very effective med so stay with it!

[andy]

the thing is, I heard to many stories that this type of medication is addictive, and that is will harm me later down the road. I don't want addiction! I just hate to rely on meds (for this anxiety). And some times when I take it (I don't take it all the time, only when I need it) it doesn't work :roll: Maybe a stronger dose? I hope NOT! I started getting this anxiety like 3 month's ago, and I hate it! Im not worried about anything in life :| . My chest has tightness, hard time breathing, and have this "lump" feeling in throat area, and have aches and pains around my chest cavity and upper back.. ugh.... I went to like 2 specialist (heart and asthma doc's) and it wasn't causing these problems.. :shock:

[Phil]

The symptoms you describe are certainly anxiety related But when they occur you have to, as the song says, ROLL WITH IT! Its uncomfortable, I know, but whats the worst that can happen? You wont collapse in a heap, you wont die suddenly, you wont run around out of control! One has to feel it and work with it. The more you fight it the longer the agony continues.
You sound as tho your nerves could be shot, if its the case take the prescribed meds for as long as the doc prescribes, they aint addictive and when you or your doc decide to come off them you can do it on a steady basis thus avoiding withdrawl symptoms. For now, hang in there.

[andy]

ok, here's an update...

I've been exercising alot and my anxiety got better. I've been on and off the Alpraz. Now, the question.. I completely STOPPED using the drug for 3 days, and I noticed that at night (well last night) I felt "trembling" in my body. Like cold shivers?.. :shock: I was properly dressed (sweats and sweater and all ) but then again I was still "shivering"! Can it be symtoms of withdrawls? :cry: How am I supposed to cope with this? Should I continue the meds? Or should I try using smaller dosage (.25mg instead of the .50mg?) Im trying to stop taking this meds before my future career starts in Corrections.. Remember, I only take these meds at night ONLY! Not during the day. Once a day.. HELP. :cry:

[isis2383]

I just started alprazolam this past weekend. I was on klonopin .5mg (I usually cut the pill into smaller bits because .5mg was too much for me to tolerate, it knocked me out). Im on .25 mg of the alprazolam and I take it at bedtime with my 2.5mg of lexapro (I just started taking the lexapro 11 days ago and since I am so sensitive to meds I started at a low dose and will gradually increase). I also take the alprazolam before leaving for work in the morning and then once again at about 6pm (I start to get really warm, clamy, and anxious at about that time). It seems to be doing ok for me so far but then again I havent been on it for a long period of time yet. Im still experiencing side effects from the lexapro so it's hard to say if the alprazolam is working for me (I still get anxiety). I'd suggest taking your concern to your pdoc and make he/she aware that your anxiety is still present. On another note dont stop taking the alprazolam cold turkey you will feel withdrawl symptoms depending on how long you have been on it and how frequently you use it. Have you considered taking anti-anxiety medicine such as an antidepressant (Effexor, Lexapro, etc) in combination with the xanax? It could be something to check into with your pdoc. Hang in there. I know it is tough. I would definitley suggest an appointment with your pdoc at least to gain some piece of mind.