Posted by Viridis on March 9, 2004, at 4:43:40
In reply to How to ask doctor for Xanax?, posted by Fred23 on March 7, 2004, at 16:00:13
Xanax is very helpful, but many doctors aren't at all comfortable prescribing it. I'd use the drug name (alprazolam) and just say you've found it helpful in past without it causing problems (you can be somewhat vague about the details) . Somehow saying "Xanax" can label you as a "drug seeker", and generally, telling a doctor that you've been using a friend's meds is not a good idea (plus it really could be dangerous!). I'm not suggesting that you lie, but you don't have to tell your doctor everything about something like this.
It's your call re: how much to get into brain chemistry etc., based on how good your rapport with your doctor is and how authoritarian they are. Some appreciate the fact that you've taken time to investigate potential meds, while many others are irritated or even threatened by this.
There is some justification in the caution, since Xanax has more of a reputation than other benzos for causing tolerance, and being abusable. Real problems seem to be limited to a small proportion of patients, but these rare dangers have been highly publicized, and this, coupled with the fact that it was probably over-prescribed at first and has a street value, has led to a backlash.
I use it occasionally, but developed tolerance quickly (not dependency or "addiction"; I just needed to take more to get the same anti-anxiety effect). So, I limit its use to situations of extreme anxiety, even though it was never a problem for me and I have plenty.
I find Klonopin (clonazepam) extremely effective, and doctors are more comfortable with it. If your doctor offers to prescribe this benzo but not Xanax, or if you can convince him/her to do so, I'd definitely give it a try for a couple of weeks (note: you may feel a bit sleepy at first, but this usually goes away quickly). I've done well on the same low, daily dose for almost three years and find it great for anxiety relief without causing any side effects (beyond the brief, initial sedation). It's definitely worth a try and (based on my experiences at least) would recommend it over Xanax for regular long-term use.
Good luck!
poster:Viridis
thread:321684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/322331.html