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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 13:45:16
In reply to Re: Thanx P!, posted by Shortstop on May 4, 2007, at 13:29:15
> I don't know about doctors, but I've been using Xanax as needed for, oh, I think it's around three years now. If I haven't started using it habitually -- that is, taking the pills when I don't really need them -- by now, I doubt addiction will become a problem for me at any point. One of the things that keeps the impulse to reach for a benzo, for me anyway, is that they make me sleepy. I hate being sleepy! My pdoc's advice when he first wrote the scrip was: Always wait to see if your panic or acute anxiety passes within an hour. If it doesn't, go ahead and take a Xanax. That's what I've been doing and so far, so good.
>
> Having said that, I will readily admit to taking a Xanax if I'm wide awake at bedtime and need to sleep in order to be well rested for work the next day. Those are the only times I take Xanax when acute anxiety or panic isn't bowling me over. I'd say this happens around 6 to 8 times a month. (I'm a bit of a night owl.) If a lot of people are addicted to Xanax, surely that's because people are reaching for it when they don't really need it.
>
> I know that this is anecdotal evidence, the weakest form of evidence, but I offer it for what it's worth.The sleepiness always helped me patrol myself too. I said before that Xanax doesn't make me tired. It can, just not knocked out like Klonopin.
I always tried to live on the edge of having too much anxiety because I needed to be awake and alert more than I needed to be relaxed. I had far too many classes to complete and couldn't be sleeping through them.
I actually remember telling my doctor that once. That I was very very careful about deciding whether or not I needed Xanax and whether I was too tired to take a given amount.
I think some thought needs to go into who Xanax is being prescribed for and what their daily activities consist of. In my opinion, a person who is very active and working full-time, going to school, or parenting will not want to over use Xanax because they can't afford to be unproductive.
Posted by Cynthia_Greene on May 4, 2007, at 18:24:35
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 11:18:03
Most doctors in my area love prescribing Xanax. I know several people who take it and I had no problem getting a practically bottomless prescription for it whenever I wanted to. In my opinion, Valium is the hardest medication to get a prescription for.
Doesn't make much sense, considering that Xanax is the most addictive benzo out there.
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 19:43:01
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by Cynthia_Greene on May 4, 2007, at 18:24:35
I really think it's the person and not the med seriously if you have an addictive personality you will probably become addicted to any med or alchohol or whatever. Back to Jelly I wonder if it's the different binders in the long acting xanax that makes it not work for you. Oh and also a little piece of a regular xanax would solve the problem of productivity do you think? Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 19:43:04
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by Cynthia_Greene on May 4, 2007, at 18:24:35
> Most doctors in my area love prescribing Xanax. I know several people who take it and I had no problem getting a practically bottomless prescription for it whenever I wanted to. In my opinion, Valium is the hardest medication to get a prescription for.
> Doesn't make much sense, considering that Xanax is the most addictive benzo out there.My god! What state/area do you live in?!
Posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 20:32:33
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 4:33:37
>Why?! Because I see no point! It's like doing something just for the sake of doing something. I've actually been proud of myself for getting my doctor to prescribe Xanax for the past year at appropriate levels. It's the only thing that's ever helped and I was proud of myself for allowing myself to get what I needed.
Maybe you would feel better about yourself, your treatment protocol and your relationship with the pdoc if you were to come off Xanax XR? Wouldn't that be an accomplishment? I'm just wondering because you've posted quite a lot recently about your struggles with this med and as you say, it no longer seems to be having any therapeutic effect. The next logical step would be to make an appointment with your pdoc and explain in person about your experiences and dissatisfaction with Xanax XR and ask to go back to Xanax IR, only then can you truly know what he thinks about the situation you're in. If he refuses to reinstate Xanax IR then coming off Xanax XR or switching to another benzo is probably the best thing to do.
Q
Posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 20:37:27
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Klavot, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 12:11:47
>I've never taken nor wanted more than 2mg of xanax.
I remember you taking 6mg Xanax XR a short while ago Phillipa.
>Contrary to what you read I cut 5mg at a time without any side effects. No withdrawal.
I don't know what to say.
>As most of the serotonin is in our gut how can they help our brain? At least Gaba is in the brain?
There are definitely serotonin receptors in your brain and they influence your mood, and SSRIs can have antidepressant effects because of this.
Q
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 20:58:28
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 20:37:27
Q yup for one week when I went back to my old pdoc who lowered the dose as I didn't want that amount of xanax. So is there a problem?
Whatever I seem to do better withoug any serotonin except what my body produces on my own. When you add a serotonin agent in soaks in the receptors and the brain figures out it doesn't need to manufacturer as many. Why would I want to do that? I am getting further with the therapist and exposure therapy. Thanks for caring. As far as Jelly is concerned not to speak for him but I think it's the generic he doesn't like and would rather have regular xanax back instead. Which I feel is reasonable. Love Phillipa yes still loving everyone remember I am and was a flower child. Peace to all.
Posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 21:06:12
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » jealibeanz, posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 20:32:33
> Maybe you would feel better about yourself, your treatment protocol and your relationship with the pdoc if you were to come off Xanax XR? Wouldn't that be an accomplishment? I'm just wondering because you've posted quite a lot recently about your struggles with this med and as you say, it no longer seems to be having any therapeutic effect. The next logical step would be to make an appointment with your pdoc and explain in person about your experiences and dissatisfaction with Xanax XR and ask to go back to Xanax IR, only then can you truly know what he thinks about the situation you're in. If he refuses to reinstate Xanax IR then coming off Xanax XR or switching to another benzo is probably the best thing to do.
>
> QHaha... ohhh I wouldn't even consider coming off Xanax XR an accomplishment because I feel like it is not a pleasurable or beneficial drug... however, I haven't asked to go off yet because it probably gives me some relief and I'm slightly scared since I've heard the withdrawal horror stories.
But... I wonder what would happen if I just stopped without a taper. I think I could do it. Maybe I'll get my refills next week, just so I have a back up. Then, I could see how long I could go without the XR.
I have to have a physical some time this summer, so I will be seeing my foctor for real in person. I guess that would be a good time to tell him again, about my thoughts/feelings about his plan and ask what he has in mind for my future.
Posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 21:10:21
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Quintal, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 20:58:28
>Q yup for one week when I went back to my old pdoc who lowered the dose as I didn't want that amount of xanax. So is there a problem?
No problem, just thought maybe I had it wrong.
>Whatever I seem to do better withoug any serotonin except what my body produces on my own. When you add a serotonin agent in soaks in the receptors and the brain figures out it doesn't need to manufacturer as many. Why would I want to do that?
I don't really understand what you're saying here Phillipa? I thought you were still taking Luvox?
>I am getting further with the therapist and exposure therapy. Thanks for caring.
Well that's good to hear, and probably more likely to lead to lasting changes than meds. Good luck with the therapy.
Q
Posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 21:17:26
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Quintal, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 20:58:28
> Q yup for one week when I went back to my old pdoc who lowered the dose as I didn't want that amount of xanax. So is there a problem?
>
> Whatever I seem to do better withoug any serotonin except what my body produces on my own. When you add a serotonin agent in soaks in the receptors and the brain figures out it doesn't need to manufacturer as many. Why would I want to do that? I am getting further with the therapist and exposure therapy. Thanks for caring. As far as Jelly is concerned not to speak for him but I think it's the generic he doesn't like and would rather have regular xanax back instead. Which I feel is reasonable. Love Phillipa yes still loving everyone remember I am and was a flower child. Peace to all.
Wait... Phillipa, are you speaking of me or my doctor's concerns and preferences?It is true that I prefer brand name over generic. I also prefer immediate release over extended-release.
So, in other words I like brand Xanax IR... my doctor... hmm... recently doesn't seem to care for it, but never had a problem in the past.
I'm uncertain of his intentions, but it is possible that he's not totally against my going back IR and has been forcing me to give the XR an adequate trial. Either that or he intends to never rx IR again and want me off all formulations of the drug.
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 21:19:55
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on May 4, 2007, at 21:10:21
Q taking low dose luvox as my brain has adjusted to that so I will stick with what works for me. I still would like to try EMSAM as it is a patch not as much interraction with my liver although I Know there is still liver envolvement. I will keep soaking up knowledge who knows one day I may write a book about med? You never know where the Road Less Traveled will take you. Love Phillipa ps Scott Peck I know no double quotes
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 21:22:12
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 21:17:26
Jelly misunderstood my apologies. I certainly hope he doesn't plan on taking you off what works for you. Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 21:39:21
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 21:22:12
> Jelly misunderstood my apologies. I certainly hope he doesn't plan on taking you off what works for you. Love Phillipa
He already did. :)
That's my problem!
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 21:44:42
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 21:39:21
Jelly I still think you should call him and tell him you don't want sedation during the day only at night. Maybe then? love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on May 5, 2007, at 4:19:13
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2007, at 21:44:42
> Jelly I still think you should call him and tell him you don't want sedation during the day only at night. Maybe then? love Phillipa
I'm not sure that would get me very far. He'd probably lower my dose to 2 mg.
Posted by Roy from Shrink Rap on May 5, 2007, at 9:13:52
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 5, 2007, at 4:19:13
Jeali- I think you have taken what I said ( http://psychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-docs-dont-like-xanax-some-of-us.html ) in the original post to an extreme. I'm not saying NEVER prescribe it. But the title of the post is "Why Docs Don't Like Xanax"... so it is about the Risks, not the Benefits. That is not to say there are no benefits, or that some people cannot benefit from Xanax. There are lots of reasons why docs don't rx clozapine, but it's still a good drug for some people. They are both still (in my book) 3rd-line agents.
Here were the tips I mentioned (not to say you don't break the rules for folks who use it responsibly on a daily basis and benefit from it):
"So, here are my rules of thumb about Xanax:
1. Avoid it.
2. Keep the doses small.
3. Do not use in older folks or forgetful folks (more likely to forget it, thus more likely to have problems).
4. Do not use in anyone with a history of alcoholism or addiction (yes, that means you have to ask).
5. Tell folks to avoid from daily use.
6. If they are on it, warn them that stopping it suddenly, even for a day or two, can result in confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and even death."
Posted by jealibeanz on May 5, 2007, at 10:52:47
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax )Reply from ShrinkRap, posted by Roy from Shrink Rap on May 5, 2007, at 9:13:52
> Jeali- I think you have taken what I said ( http://psychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-docs-dont-like-xanax-some-of-us.html ) in the original post to an extreme. I'm not saying NEVER prescribe it. But the title of the post is "Why Docs Don't Like Xanax"... so it is about the Risks, not the Benefits. That is not to say there are no benefits, or that some people cannot benefit from Xanax. There are lots of reasons why docs don't rx clozapine, but it's still a good drug for some people. They are both still (in my book) 3rd-line agents.
>
> Here were the tips I mentioned (not to say you don't break the rules for folks who use it responsibly on a daily basis and benefit from it):
>
> "So, here are my rules of thumb about Xanax:
>
> 1. Avoid it.
>
> 2. Keep the doses small.
>
> 3. Do not use in older folks or forgetful folks (more likely to forget it, thus more likely to have problems).
>
> 4. Do not use in anyone with a history of alcoholism or addiction (yes, that means you have to ask).
>
> 5. Tell folks to avoid from daily use.
>
> 6. If they are on it, warn them that stopping it suddenly, even for a day or two, can result in confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and even death."
>
> -Roy
> http://mythreeshrinks.comHahaha!!! I can't believe you just answered me. I feel like I'm being stalked.
Hmm... who knew it's such a small world now?
Thanks for the response though. :)
Posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2007, at 18:49:18
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax )Reply from ShrinkRap, posted by jealibeanz on May 5, 2007, at 10:52:47
Funny but in the last month I had a new pdoc prescribe to much xanax for me and only took it for a week. 35 years on benzos and always took less than prescribed. How does this fit into your equation? After a while it just made me tired and so I switched benzos to valium. And the less I take the better I like it. Love Phillipa
Posted by rvanson on May 6, 2007, at 5:04:12
In reply to Doctors = The-Anti Xanax, posted by jealibeanz on May 4, 2007, at 4:29:42
> I found this psychiatry blog. It's not like I didn't know that doctors didn't love prescribing Xanax, but I've never actually heard their opinions flat-out and unfiltered. It's very upsetting to read.
>
> http://psychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-docs-dont-like-xanax-some-of-us.html
>
> None of them said they'd ever written the first script for Xanax with a patient. They'd either never prescribed it, or only done so if they were continuing another doctor's care.
>
> One poster mentions that benzo's are like finding a "shoe that fits". Every patient has their preference and some work better than others. I guess if Xanax is that perfect fit they all think the patient must settle for the 2nd or 3rd best medication for them in that case.
>
> There's one person, an NP, who states that it's very difficult to transition a patient from a short-acting to a long-acting benzo. They struggle.
>
>One of the first questions to ask a Pdoc is if they use benzos like Xanax. If there is any qeustion about it or they are wondering why you are asking, RUN, dont walk away from these fools.
If it were not for Xanax I would not be here right now. It is and was a lifesaver and any quack who wont Rx it gets the boot pronto.
Posted by Roy from Shrink Rap on May 6, 2007, at 8:21:42
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax )Reply from ShrinkRap, posted by jealibeanz on May 5, 2007, at 10:52:47
It is indeed a small world with the internet. Your link to our post got picked up on our site, and I was curious about the discussion (haven't been to Bob's Psycho-Babble site for eons). FYI, I also saw another link to our post on http://BenzoIsland.org . An interesting site, where everyone seems to be trying to come OFF of benzos. Funny. They are not all good or all bad... just need to be used (and prescribed) responsibly. Take care.
Posted by Honore on May 6, 2007, at 9:33:47
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax )Reply from ShrinkRap, posted by Roy from Shrink Rap on May 6, 2007, at 8:21:42
So, Roy. I'm curious as to what you make of the various discussions recenty of this topic on Pbabble.
Honore
Posted by zenhussy on May 6, 2007, at 13:49:54
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax )Reply from ShrinkRap, posted by Roy from Shrink Rap on May 5, 2007, at 9:13:52
>>>>Jeali- I think you have taken what I said ( http://psychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-docs-dont-like-xanax-some-of-us.html ) in the original post to an extreme. I'm not saying NEVER prescribe it. But the title of the post is "Why Docs Don't Like Xanax"... so it is about the Risks, not the Benefits. That is not to say there are no benefits, or that some people cannot benefit from Xanax.
*****There are lots of reasons why docs don't rx clozapine, but it's still a good drug for some people.*****
They are both still (in my book) 3rd-line agents.
Here were the tips I mentioned (not to say you don't break the rules for folks who use it responsibly on a daily basis and benefit from it):
"So, here are my rules of thumb about Xanax:
1. Avoid it.
2. Keep the doses small.
3. Do not use in older folks or forgetful folks (more likely to forget it, thus more likely to have problems).
4. Do not use in anyone with a history of alcoholism or addiction (yes, that means you have to ask).
5. Tell folks to avoid from daily use.
6. If they are on it, warn them that stopping it suddenly, even for a day or two, can result in confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and even death."
-Roy
http://mythreeshrinks.com<<<<;Roy,
With this discussion focused on Xanax (generic--clonazepam) was clozapine a typo (see asterisked sentence above)?
Generic Name: Clozapine
Brand Name: Clozaril
Drug Class: TRANQUILIZERS
Generic Name: Clonazepam
Brand Name: Klonopin
Drug Class: BENZODIAZEPINES
Posted by Quintal on May 6, 2007, at 14:15:18
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » Roy from Shrink Rap, posted by zenhussy on May 6, 2007, at 13:49:54
Generic Xanax is alprazolam not clonazepam zenhussy. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant Schizophrenia refractory to safer drugs, yet it's an excellent treatment for people who do need it. I think Roy was probably drawing a parallel between clozapine and where he believes Xanax should be in the spectrum of benzos; i.e. he believes Xanax should be reserved as a third-line agent in people who don't respond adequately to more benign benzos?
Q
Posted by zenhussy on May 6, 2007, at 15:48:53
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » zenhussy, posted by Quintal on May 6, 2007, at 14:15:18
Posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2007, at 18:06:04
In reply to Re: Doctors = The-Anti Xanax » zenhussy, posted by Quintal on May 6, 2007, at 14:15:18
Q if it was a typo is was a bad one as clozapine is reserved for the tx resistant schizophrenics as far as I know with weekly white blood counts required as it can be a dangerous med. So how does it compare to a benzo? Xanax is weaker than either clonazapine and valium at least it is in me. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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