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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 42 to 66 of 115. Go back in thread:
Posted by Coachnanci on January 3, 2001, at 8:09:13
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal » shellie, posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:23:53
> > But I've tried so many meds in the last year that I've got to take a break and this worked for me last year so I'm trying (not succeeding) to not be upset about my weight.
>
> Don't worry. I'll still love you.
>
> :-)
>
>
> - Scott... you are doing all the right things for yourself ... please keep me posted. Somtimes feeling better is more important than the weight ... I am learning, too ... and I love you, too ...
Nancy
Posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » FLMALE, posted by LesaH on November 29, 2000, at 23:49:43
Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so. I am currently in the process of examining legal methods to have them removed but cannot stop any past posters/viewers from referencing my email address, nor those who have already obtained it. Please, again, consider this a notice to cease any contact to the email address associated with clicking on the FLMALE references held ANYWHERE within this website.
Posted by pat123 on March 15, 2001, at 17:38:11
In reply to RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
> Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so.
You have the power not to post your e-mail address. If you post your e-mail address then expect to get e-mail at it or don't post it.
Pat
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 16, 2001, at 0:27:19
In reply to RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
> Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE...
This should have been, and any additional follow-ups should be, posted to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Bob
Posted by Jude on March 28, 2001, at 18:35:30
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » FLMALE, posted by JudithC on June 2, 2000, at 17:36:14
> Hi to all-
I too am withdrawing from Xanax. After almost 10 years, of being mis-medicated and never told about the highly addictive nature of the drug. I am being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I changed psychopharmacologists at the suggestion of my regular therapist. New doc tells me I am addicted and Xanax does not treat symptoms of PTSS. I was on 4mg/day. I was switched to the Klonopine regime and have been detoxing for 13 months now. I have .5mg to go and the worst in terms of withdrawal symptoms. My doc also told me that I may never be able to be totally off the benzos, also he told me that withdrawal symptoms can last up to a year after you are off the shit. So far my detox, utilizing Klonopine in place of the Xanax has been ok. I can't figure out why the doc who originally prescribed and continued to do so has absolutely no responsibilty or liability for this. Anyone have any suggestions.
Thanks
>
> Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
>
> If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
>
> JudithC
Posted by Jeff on March 29, 2001, at 16:31:07
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Jude on March 28, 2001, at 18:35:30
Hi Jude,
I'm doing the same with Valium and have had a tough time when not going slow enough. Did the Xanax work for you? If so why are you getting off. The Klonipine isn't much less of an addictive drug, but I guess it has a longer half life. Valium has one of if not the longest half life and I had trouble at first, but have since slowed my taper. I am assuming it is you dr.'s intent to get you on a drug with a longer half life while you detox. If the benzos give you your life back do be dissin' em. Later, Jeff> > Hi to all-
>
> I too am withdrawing from Xanax. After almost 10 years, of being mis-medicated and never told about the highly addictive nature of the drug. I am being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I changed psychopharmacologists at the suggestion of my regular therapist. New doc tells me I am addicted and Xanax does not treat symptoms of PTSS. I was on 4mg/day. I was switched to the Klonopine regime and have been detoxing for 13 months now. I have .5mg to go and the worst in terms of withdrawal symptoms. My doc also told me that I may never be able to be totally off the benzos, also he told me that withdrawal symptoms can last up to a year after you are off the shit. So far my detox, utilizing Klonopine in place of the Xanax has been ok. I can't figure out why the doc who originally prescribed and continued to do so has absolutely no responsibilty or liability for this. Anyone have any suggestions.
>
> Thanks
> >
> > Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
> >
> > If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
> >
> > JudithC
Posted by Amy Blue on April 1, 2001, at 16:49:58
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Jeff on March 29, 2001, at 16:31:07
I am also getting off Xanax using Klonopin. My former pdoc prescribed me Xanax to take "as needed" for anxiety, which primarily began from a high dose of Prozac. But once the anxiety was up, I couldn't get it down. Some people can deal with Xanax better than others, it seems, but I got addicted VERY quickly and was taking it all the time, about 4 mgs/day, to escape from life. My former pdoc gave me what I consider a HUGE amount w/ refills for someone who needed "occasionally" for panic. (120 tablets .25 mgs/month)
My new pdoc never prescribes Xanax because she thinks the addiction potential is very great. However, she does prescribe Klonopin, Ativan, etc. She is very cautious with meds and I trust her immensely - so I would have to disagree and say that the addiction potential of Klonopin is not as great. Yes, it's addictive but the highs and lows (when the drug starts working and then is out of your system) are not as rapid with Klonopin as with Xanax. I am still having a very tough time getting off Xanax even though I haven't taken any for almost 3 months. I still crave it desperately at times. I had to give my boyfriend my Klonopin to "ration" it to me, because I was afraid to have too much in the house at one time.
Ramble... I guess my point, if I have one, is that Jude is probably better off getting off Xanax even if it did work wonders.
> Hi Jude,
> I'm doing the same with Valium and have had a tough time when not going slow enough. Did the Xanax work for you? If so why are you getting off. The Klonipine isn't much less of an addictive drug, but I guess it has a longer half life. Valium has one of if not the longest half life and I had trouble at first, but have since slowed my taper. I am assuming it is you dr.'s intent to get you on a drug with a longer half life while you detox. If the benzos give you your life back do be dissin' em. Later, Jeff
Posted by peterg on April 15, 2001, at 19:43:21
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Mary Jo on March 22, 2000, at 1:02:52
mary jo...i too am on 2 mg. per night of xanax and am having a very hard time reducing or withdrawing. i want to get off it completely. has anything worked for you since your last posting? thanx peterg
Posted by FLMALE on May 12, 2001, at 18:14:17
In reply to Re: RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by pat123 on March 15, 2001, at 17:38:11
> > Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so.
>
> You have the power not to post your e-mail address. If you post your e-mail address then expect to get e-mail at it or don't post it.
>
> PatThank you for your VERY intelligent response. However, one has the right to be willing to assist others in areas but to change his or her mind in the event that E-mails become overwhelming or abusive. You need to educate your thoughts quite a bit more. It is amazing that you can be so sarcastic. I am sure it will take you far in life!
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 12, 2001, at 19:59:51
In reply to Re: RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on May 12, 2001, at 18:14:17
> You need to educate your thoughts quite a bit more. It is amazing that you can be so sarcastic. I am sure it will take you far in life!
Please refrain from unsupportive comments and sarcasm, thanks.
Bob
PS: Any follow-ups regarding civility, if not redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, may be deleted.
Posted by ginger C on October 6, 2003, at 15:39:50
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » JudithC, posted by FLMALE on June 2, 2000, at 18:48:26
Anyone out there ever had a problem with xanax withdrawal? One of my employees has been taking 3mg a day for 12 years. She had to change psychiatrists because hers retired and her new doc accused her of being addicted to it. He then brought her down to 0.5mg once a day every other day and she is about to go insane. she is having severe mood swings which include crying spells and depression and angry outbursts. She isn't able to sleep which is not helping either. Has she been dropped too much at one time? Is there anything she could do to help her get through this?
Posted by Bobbi on October 22, 2003, at 23:46:15
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by ginger C on October 6, 2003, at 15:39:50
I am 80 years old and have never been on medication until my blood pressure went up to 188. Dr gave blood pressure pills and xanax. I did not know what xanax was so I did not take as much as directions said. I never took it every day, sometimes three days in a row and then nothing for two or three days. This has only been a little over a month. I deceided not to take it any more and went without it for six days, what up set stomach I had, thought I was going to die. Read the directions and it said not to withdraw suddenly, which I had done. I took half a tablet and stomach settled down. I am getting off this substance. Drugest said to take half a tablet for two weeks and then half every other day for two weeks. I AM GETTING OFF THIS MEDICATION! I am so surprised that I was given this drug and upset that I took it and now cannot stop taking it when I want to. If doctors know it is so addictive why do they give it? Will let you know in a month if I have been successful in withdrawal
Posted by glenn on October 24, 2003, at 4:45:15
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Bobbi on October 22, 2003, at 23:46:15
I am very sorry to hear of your difficulties, you are absolutely right you should have been given much more and clearer information about xanax and your medics are responsible for that!
However xanax has virtually given me my life back after nothing else including exercise, meditation, therapy and cbt were absolutely useless, and it doesn't hit back at you by saying you are not trying hard enough or don't really want to get well!!
Xanax ain't for everyone but please don't dismiss it so out of hand!
Posted by ian24 on October 25, 2003, at 23:46:47
In reply to Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
It is hard to come off of. It took me 8 months. But it saved my mind for 2 years. So the trade off is worth it. I am in AA and it didnt make me want to drin, even during withdrawl. I actually used AA to get off of it. To me its like you get an enormous beneift if you have sever e anxiety and you realize that wehn you stio it'll be hard
Posted by KayLen on November 11, 2003, at 18:27:45
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by ian24 on October 25, 2003, at 23:46:47
I wish I could offer some advice on detoxing from xanax . I can't I need help also.
Has anyone on xanax ever experienced temporary paralysis after long term use of xanax? I lose the use of my legs , there is no pain ...no warning except weakness,but temporarily
I literally can not walk...sometimes it seems to go up to my arms also but I am not sure that it is because my arms get tired of holding myself up on something. Or of trying to lift myself. It has lasted overnight just once and I can walk a few feet or yards if I rest {sitting ..not using my legs at all}
I am seeing doctors but am in the first visits so they are not talking yet ..just testing.
thank you .and good luck to all...being an addict is no fun..
Posted by dms777smd on November 13, 2003, at 23:08:38
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by KayLen on November 11, 2003, at 18:27:45
I've never been addicted to any kind of benzo,but I know what it,s like because ive been through the worst withdrawals from alcohol(shaking,sweating,agitation,insomnia,hallucinations,seizures and a lot more).It is not fun at all.If you,re gonna stop Xanax,then you're probably going to have to do it with another benzo(sorry to say).Check out this link,it might help. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm
Posted by AmigoMarko on November 14, 2003, at 0:02:44
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Amy Blue on April 1, 2001, at 16:49:58
My Xanax addiction was legendary. I took as much as 10 mg at a time, probably up to 25 mg a day (not continuously because I obviously ran out very quickly and didn't have it for my severe SAD when I needed it.)
My new pdoc substituted Klonapin (1mg x 2/day) for Xanax. I believe it is MUCH less addictive than Xanax. The Klonapin was overly sedating, almost put me to sleep, slowed my mind and gave me total amnesia for the six hour period that it was effective. I couldn't do my job and chucked it.
I had been on Paxil for two years. It was only marginally helpful. The new doc added Remaron as an adjunct. Within three days my mood depression was lifting and the SAD was disappearing. The doc told me I could use Xanax sparingly in an emergancy only. I never did. I have not had a single SAD attack since. Not even close. I use the klonapin sparingly and occassionally for sleep only. I do not crave the Xanax.
It was like when I quit smoking. A hopeless addiction and then...I flipped some sort of switch in my head I hadn't noticed before and the desire was gone.
I honestly don't know how I did this but credit the synergistic Paxil-Remaron combo (which also brought enhanced norepinephrine into play for the first time) as the foundation that facilitated an essentially cold-turkey withdrawal.
I'm not stronger than any of you. I was somehow lucky. I'm also 52 and think it has something to do with changes one goes through at this time of life. Best of luck to all of you!
Posted by KayLen on November 15, 2003, at 3:10:14
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » KayLen, posted by dms777smd on November 13, 2003, at 23:08:38
> I've never been addicted to any kind of benzo,but I know what it,s like because ive been through the worst withdrawals from alcohol(shaking,sweating,agitation,insomnia,hallucinations,seizures and a lot more).It is not fun at all.If you,re gonna stop Xanax,then you're probably going to have to do it with another benzo(sorry to say).Check out this link,it might help. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm
Thanks for the help. I am also an alcoholic....and
I refused to go to the hospital to detox ..for awhile I thought I was going to die. It is encredible are bodies can withstand the abuse we put it through....BTW...while detoxing from alcohol
did your body feel like it was turning inside out?
Its got to be the worst ..when I quit smoking ...about ten years ago....the first six monthes are very hazy and clouded..i dont remember much except eating ice cream. I didnt know xanax was addicting when i began taking it.....I had a "confused"
doctor at the time he wanted to give me valium .
i told him NO im alcoholic and I cannot take an addicting drug so he gives me xanax....and tells me it is not as strong as valium..ya right!!..ok ..thanks again!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2003, at 13:01:01
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by AmigoMarko on November 14, 2003, at 0:02:44
> My Xanax addiction was legendary...
When you're blocked, you're not supposed to post, so I've extended the duration of your block.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Posted by dms777smd on November 15, 2003, at 13:38:53
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » dms777smd, posted by KayLen on November 15, 2003, at 3:10:14
Man,,,,nothing is worse than alcohol withdrawals.I've been to hell and back from that shit.I too felt like I was going to die, and it really is possible to die if you're that bad with it,,,,,or other drugs like xanax,valium.Barbiturates are the worst of pills,I've never taken those before,but sometimes I feel like it would maybe help the anxiety(which I know it would).(Major downer,like alcohol)But anyway,I did go to detox(three times)for alcohol because I just could not take the hell I was going through when I didn't drink.I could barely go 3 hours without feeling like I was going to die.I knew that when I went,they would give me the pills I needed to make me feel a little better without drinking.I always cleaned up for a month or two,but I'm still drinking.But somehow I seemed to get it under control(sounds fucked up)but I only drink 3 or 4 times a month now and I know the conciquences if I drink more than that.I have too much to lose now. JUST BE CAREFUL with whatever you're doing. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD A LONG TIME AGO. SOMEONE is watching over me.
Posted by KayLen on November 18, 2003, at 0:21:23
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by dms777smd on November 15, 2003, at 13:38:53
I just like you, at one time also had to have alcohol in my system constantly.....I celebrated my 7th year "sober B-day" this year. When you feel like you really are sick and tired of being sick and tired
give AA a chance ....all I will say {don't like to push anything on anyone}....but with the help of AA....my miracle is not that I gave up drinking
but that i do not have in any way shape or form of desire or want or craving for alcohol..i was a hard case though...it must have been four years before I finally began sobriety. I am not ready to quit xanax yet....Idealy i want to be drug free...I would need it even if it was not adictting...thankx for posting
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Man,,,,nothing is worse than alcohol withdrawals.I've been to hell and back from that shit.I too felt like I was going to die, and it really is possible to die if you're that bad with it,,,,,or other drugs like xanax,valium.Barbiturates are the worst of pills,I've never taken those before,but sometimes I feel like it would maybe help the anxiety(which I know it would).(Major downer,like alcohol)But anyway,I did go to detox(three times)for alcohol because I just could not take the hell I was going through when I didn't drink.I could barely go 3 hours without feeling like I was going to die.I knew that when I went,they would give me the pills I needed to make me feel a little better without drinking.I always cleaned up for a month or two,but I'm still drinking.But somehow I seemed to get it under control(sounds fucked up)but I only drink 3 or 4 times a month now and I know the conciquences if I drink more than that.I have too much to lose now. JUST BE CAREFUL with whatever you're doing. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD A LONG TIME AGO. SOMEONE is watching over me.
Posted by Dr. Rod on November 18, 2003, at 1:16:38
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » dms777smd, posted by KayLen on November 18, 2003, at 0:21:23
Thanks to Bill W and the 100 drunks that got together 67 years ago.....
There is a next step and I don't mean a 13th step... You said you have no craving; put yourself in the "objective view" while:
1. Ill
2. Elated
3. Tired
4. Angry
5. Loaded
If you can tell that person you see in the mirror that you have no craving even under these conditions, then perhaps you really have no cravings...Also, give up grumbling forever!!! Eventually you will have to change to seeking out others who are seeking goodness, truth, and beauty... Grumbling is driven by the morality of your childhood which is a collection of shoulds and don'ts... There is nothing good, true, or beautiful about shoulds and don'ts... They are opinions...
Epictitus in 100AD pointed out, "The few control the many by opinion."...
Opinion: information held confident without direct or immediate knowledge...... Dr. Rod
Posted by ditzypixy on November 18, 2003, at 15:00:21
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » dms777smd, posted by KayLen on November 18, 2003, at 0:21:23
watch out with xanax withdrawal,any trank like that,if youve been caning them back and you suddenly stop,you can get a fit.
Posted by JESSsMom on November 19, 2003, at 17:09:42
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal watch out 4da funny turns, posted by ditzypixy on November 18, 2003, at 15:00:21
Anybody see Oprah today (Wed., Nov. 19th)? All about suburban Moms who abused presciption drugs.
In the beginning of the show, Oprah said there are 11 million people addicted to prescription painkillers and benzos. Then she spent the whole show talking about painkiller addiction (percocet, vicodin,etc.)
I really wanted to hear some info about benzo addiction. As a GAD sufferer, I have been taking Xanax for far too long but it's better than the shaking panic. Still, I am worried about tolerance.
Anyway, the show was a disappointment to me today (and I never watch Oprah, just happened to catch the subject today), since it only focused on painkiller addiction.
Anybody else see today's show and feel the same way?
Regards,
JM
Posted by maxx44 on November 19, 2003, at 20:17:43
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » dms777smd, posted by KayLen on November 18, 2003, at 0:21:23
way back in '86 i had my 1st acute panic attack. it came with most symptoms of heart attack--jaw, left-arm pain, extremeties turning blue and cold--wild ekg, elevated cholesterol--i was thrown in cardiac icu until my enzyme report showed negative. both my shrink and gp told me it was panic and strongly advised avoiding meds as drs. were having big trouble 'recovering' clients from the benzodiazapine family---which do stop panic.
i started drinking. it seemed to work, but problems arose. i relocated and entered a laguna beach clinic where i became the subject of a phd candidate's thesis on 'entrepreneurial burn-out'. she was not a dr., but worked under one's supervision. she wanted me on xanax vs. alcohol and it was done. i was on 1mg for the year it took to complete her work. then i moved to san diego, and found their clinic would script no benzo--so i went off, cold-turkey. after a week of no sleep i was given a small quantity of mellaril to restore sleep function. afterwords, i was panic-free for years--no alcohol. then 'disabling panic' hit me again. i was dxed 'chronic progressive panic person' and put on librium, 40mg/day. 3 years later i became concerned with the emotional 'dulling' and just quit. days later all hell broke loose. my old drs. were correct. while rarely, some people may use this drug family and have no major problem stopping, i feel the dose must be low, and usage intermittent. for long-term users a slow taper-down, as noted by dr. heather ashton, seems the only safe way out. you may wish to review her protocol for withdrawal on-line. i'm not a dr., but from my experience and those of many i've met, it's one rough ride---not to be taken lightly. best wishes
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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