I have been prescribed. 5 Xanax twice daily for six weeks now waiting to get in to see a new psychiatrist. My anxiety is excruciating at times and its hard to do almost anything I have some agorophobia and I'm wondering if I should try and deal with the fact that I took too many and ran out early or be forthright and explain how this isn't enough medication. Its a toss up I don't want to appear as abusing it I'm clearly not. I'm trying to function, any advice?
I have been taking Xanax for panic disorder and anxiety? After 6 weeks will I suffer withdrawal?
Question posted by Bearcat315 on 2 Oct 2013
Last updated on 11 October 2013
6 Answers
chuck1957
12 Oct 2013
Bearcat I would say yes even just 6 weeks you are not supposed to stop xanax abrubtly as a tappering is required with that does it does not take long to taper it off but you really need to talk and be honest with the doctor.I am a bit supprised that xanax is the only thing they put you on.but all benzodiazipines you have to be tapperd off of even if it is 6 weeks..give your doctor a call and good luck..Chuck Wise Sr. Retired pharmacy Techneician Cpht.
Bearcat315
12 Oct 2013
Thanks Chuck, I learned long ago about tapering and I did taper the dose, I tried to stretch it until my next appointment, it didn't quite make it. I ended up going a week without it which wasn't pleasant by any means. On the second day I thought I was gonna lose it I was hypersensitive to everything so I decided to go to a psychiatric ER. Needless to say a cop questioned me who was on site and asked me if I was a threat to myself or anyone else due to my Bipolar 1 dx. I wasn't I just needed relief from the anxiety. They kept me in an observation room for 4 hrs and then discharged me without as much as a bridge for my script. It was pathetic I just held on fgor another week saw my new psychiatrist and he prescribed clonazapam 1mg once daily and 5 xanax .25 for the onset of panic attacks. He was absolutely professional and yet easy to talk to he listened. Sometimes thats how life works gotta crawl through the worst to get to the best.
Anniebananie12
5 Oct 2013
I see you've gotten a lot of advise already, Bearcat!
I know what it's like to run out of Xanax! I once ran out due to an error by my pharmacy, and I was actually crying to the pharmacist. I didn't know how bad I needed the pills. It's a good thing that you did what you did by taking half a pill for a few days. By now you should be through the withdrawals, but you still don't have anything for your anxiety. Do you have a general practitioner that you could ask to give you enough Xanax to last you through 8 October?
There have been times that my general practitioner has written a prescription for me and other times my pain management doctor writes it. The pain management doctor I have now doesn't want to write it, so my general practitioner writes it again.
Hope this helps!
Annie
Bearcat315
5 Oct 2013
Thank you Annie, yeah I tapered it down for a week, the anxiety is intensified, I'm pushing through I feel horrible though. I was going to a GP when I first moved here to Texas and the nurses are terrible there as was the doctor. The nurses treated people like cattle lol. The doctor lied first off I just moved here and brought my bottles of medication I already paid for treatment my office visit and she told me she wouldn't fill them. Now I was told before I left I could take my medications anywhere in the country even ER and have them rewritten at least until I found a psychiatrist she then wrote them. She also raised my dosage which I didn't ask her to. The following visit she raised it again to 60 mg of adderall I was taking 30mg the first time I saw her. 2 months it was raised 30 mg that's a huge increase. It's fine I only take 1 and a half so 45 mg a day. She referred me to a psychiatrist in the same office.
The psych dr saw I had anxiety issues and tried convincing me to take anti depressants after I told her they trigger psychosis in bipolar patients it has done it to me when I was younger. She refused me benzodiazepines, wrote my scripts and told me to get ready for testing then scheduled me 3 months until my next appointnent. I had 2 panic attacks in that time period in public no less. I have already had all my tests twice in the last year because I had a mental breakdown I wanted to see what caused it. I never once thought of anxiety disorders I had panic attacks but I never once thought it was a big deal I figured it would get better. It didn't it got worse I struggle to function everyday it's so stressful. I see people around me no problem for them easy to talk to others and function normally. I don't it sucks I honestly feel like I'm trapped within my own skin like I'm lost. Xanax was a relief I could function normally I need help to see a counselor and work through this. I honestly thought I could get through this alone I was wrong. I have to find a new general practitioner and start building a good support network.
MacIntosh12
6 Oct 2013
Bearcat, sending good thoughts your way, all the way to Texas.
Lara
Bearcat315
6 Oct 2013
Thank you Lara, I'm a wreck I can't sleep more than 4 hours at a time. Can't stop shaking everything seems more than it is, and I don't want to leave my apartment. I have to go to work though despite what I've been through they don't care it's all about their schedule. 2 more days and ill see a new psych dr I don't know what I'm gonna do if he decides not to write my scripts. They will institutionalize me if I lose it so I'm trying to keep it together. It's a lot of pressure. This is what led me to my last mental breakdown the stress trying to get through it all. It's exhausting.
Bearcat315
9 Oct 2013
Went to the psych dr today. He put me on 1 mg klonopin and xanax as needed. He was a great guy he didn't probe my history just asked if I drank or did drugs, I don't so it went smooth. It's nice to not battle to get what I need. I feel 100% better.
Anniebananie12
10 Oct 2013
Bearcat ~ Praise God! I just came online to check and see how you were doing, and I'm glad to hear that the new psychiatrist is helping you out!
I have over 200 emails, and most of them are from drugs.com conversations. LOL!
Anyway, you're the first person I checked on and you have a good outcome so makes it easier for me to go forward opening my emails.
This could take all day and night!
:)
Take care, and keep coming back and updating us on your progress. I really hope that this new psychiatrist helps you out more than the other doctors have. No one should have to go through what you have been through!
Annie
Bearcat315
11 Oct 2013
Thank you Annie, and yes he is much better. He's not handing over his prescription pad or anything but he's working with me on point and not forceful. I like the guy he's easy going and he listened to me. He gets my point. The problem I always face is I know psych DX too well, so when I see p docs a lot of them think I'm rehearsed and med seeking. When that's not the case I just chose to educate myself. I like to have a good understanding of things. I have had a couple therapists suggest I had narcissistic personality disorder. Because I didn't agree with their ideals they were jealous, I didn't care I wasn't going back to a therapist who can't remain objective anyway. I've been through horrible treatment in the past. I have horror stories a few of them but the thing is you grow wiser every time. Thank you for the support Annie.
Kitty
3 Oct 2013
If work is giving you trouble you can ask for a "Family Leave Act" until
you get under control. It sounds like you need something more stable than Xanax.
angel1662
3 Oct 2013
hi Kitty
I agree, even though they have the er in xanax..I have been on both and I thought the er sucked..in my opinion..I was worse..but hey that's me..been under mh for years and when they put me on klonopin after several times of being in the hospital cause the xanax reg..and er wasn't working..they put me on the klonopin/clonazapam and ever since I haven't been in hospital..but like they say everyone is different..hope all is well with u...
chuck1957
12 Oct 2013
I had the same problem after years on xanax and tr,,, now on clonopin and no problems it holds in you system longer,it is a great drug and works well with my other medications... Chuck Wise Retired Pharmacy Techneicain Cpht. we are all different what works for one does not always work for others keep a open mind...
angel1662
2 Oct 2013
hello Bearcat315
I have to agree with the second poster aquase... I also have been on xanax in the past and yes in my opinion you can have withdrawal symtoms only taking them for 6wks... I am now on klonopin/clonazapam..I prefer it better for I get 1mg 3x's daily an it works up to eight hrs so it works around the clock with me... with the xanax in my opinion you take it and it works quicker but the down sign is it also wears off quicker and u r left with not only your panic/agoribia but rebond anxiety..and then you want to take more... in my opinion you should try the clonazapam..but that is your doc's decision and yours not mine..just telling u my experience... I have ever single diagnosis u have and then some..I wouldn't go in telling them you toke more..just be honest and say they r not working well enough..and see if he wants to try u on clonazapam or u can read up on it and decide if it's something u would be interested in trying...
panic/agoriphobia alone with anxiety is no fun trust me I landed in hospital many a time..but since I went from xanax to 1mg of klonopin/clonazepam which is generic for klonopin..it has kept me out of the hospital at least... so I wish u luck..keep us updated and we r here for support..anytime u need it..I will add u as a friend... feel free to pm me anytime if u need someone to talk to I no this isn't easy, been there...
Factfinder411
2 Oct 2013
Klonopin doesn't always work as well as Xanax.
Factfinder411
2 Oct 2013
They make a Xanax XR that last longer than regular Xanax.
Bearcat315
2 Oct 2013
Thanks I think I'm gonna try Klonipin, just to stabilize. I have been thinking on it all day. I'm developing a tolerance fast and that's how I am. I need something all the time. It would be a good start and if I still have panic attacks add Xanax to it if need be. Xanax helps its so much better than this but the doctor asked me if klonipin might be better I declined. I think she was right but I won't know until I try it awhile. Thank you angel 1662
Bearcat315
2 Oct 2013
Thanks fact finder 411 I'm just doubting the psych unit in the ER will write me a new Xanax script and I'm 6 days early I don't know that the pharmacy will fill it. If its changed they will. I'm just bugging out about the fact that I have to go.
Factfinder411
2 Oct 2013
They'll fill it, totally different drug just say you need a longer lasting pill. Don't drop names bc it makes you look like your drug seeking. I tried klonopin it didn't really work for me and my ex asked for it. He was given Xanax XR so it depends on the doctor.
angel1662
3 Oct 2013
hello Bearca315
yes there is a xanax er... I was on that also and it did nothing for me..but everyone is different... I have come to find that klonopin worked the best for me..taking 1mg 3x's daily... when they put me on xanax er I felt worse, but hay that's me..u do u..because all can agree or disagree etc..but what it comes down to is if u do try the klonopin which in my opinion works better then the instant and er release of xanax..and u like it u stay with it if u don't like it then u go from there..I am not a doctor and only telling u my experiences on both xanax and xanax er... so you and your doc are the one who will have to decide just gave u my experience on being on both meds... good luck..wishing u nothing but the best...
Bearcat315
3 Oct 2013
They shut me down, sat at the ER for 4 hours and they told me they don't refill scripts. I told them the situation it didn't matter they denied me. Sick and all let me go out the door and now they are gonna bill me for no treatment whatsoever. Only observation. This really sucks I don't know what I'm gonna do. This is why people lose their minds, take a prescription bottle to an ER and they deny me. A psych ER. All I needed was enough for a week to hold me over until my appointment. How is that legal? To deny someone treatment with a legitimate disorder because they don't want to. Oh well I'll deal with it for now one week until I see the new psych dr. My girlfriend and I had a massive fight of course my disorders ruin everything. I'm in pain my kidney keeps hurting. Sharp pain. Maybe it's just muscles in my back. Sometimes it's best to quit ill suffer it out I hope it ends somewhat quickly.
MacIntosh12
3 Oct 2013
Bearcat, my heart goes out to you!! You should have been prescribed something until your doc appointment, that's just damned cruel, IMO.
I hope your new doc is prepared to up your dose AND give you Xanax ER.
Can you call your new doc and tell her/him what's going on, maybe you can get an earlier appointment? I pray that will be so!
Lara
Bearcat315
3 Oct 2013
I got lucky he was able to give me an earlier appointment. I was supposed to wait 3 months. I feel better this morning but I still don't want to leave my room. This hospital I went to is bad news, any hospital that needs half as many cops as doctors has a problem. Now they're gonna bill me and ill dispute it they didn't treat me at all. Told me they were gonna bridge my script then didn't. I didn't flip out just waited to leave I know better they set me up for the fall. Then when I lose it I get to stay overnight or for a week. These places do more damage than anything else. Ill wait to see my new doctor and explain what I've been through. Thank for the support everyone. Ill have to just deal with it.
Bearcat315
3 Oct 2013
The 8th is the earlier appointment. Btw I was supposed to wait until November.
Factfinder411
3 Oct 2013
That's great, docs are just scared bc of the DEA right now. They cut everyone I know scripts back to half except for me. I got a court order thru my lawyer bc when I didn't I had seizures.
Bearcat315
4 Oct 2013
I hope this new psych doc I see on the 8th honors the previous script. So I can get back on track. At this point I'm at my peak of stress level. I had a mental breakdown before and it was caused by stress, trying to deal and cope with everything and 19 credit hour semesters, recording and production, learning computer science in free time I was tapped out. Went off meds and tried to keep up with that lifestyle and my mind gave out. I'm still recovering treating this panic anxiety and disorder is the next part and I'm stuck, hopefully not for long.
aquaseafoamchange24
2 Oct 2013
Well, going off 3 years experiece in being prescribed xanax and knowing what the come downs are like even after taking for just a month, you will most likely go through withdrawal symptoms. They aren't pleasant as you probably know, so I would be forthright with your doctor and just tell him the dosage he has you on isn't working for you. Explain your situation and I'm sure he will understand as long as your really not abusing them. I know all too well about those withdrawals and they are quite honestly very painful, for me atleast. Good luck to you.
Bearcat315
2 Oct 2013
I was prescribed 60 . 5's by an urgent care physician to get me until my appointment with my intake with my new psychiatrist. So I'm stuck with a massive headache, no sleep, anxiety, abdominal cramps (IBS) I'm just afraid to go to the urgent care early to be sent out. She mentioned changing it to clorazepam then, I should have listened but I wasn't sure what to do. My girlfriend can only think about how it may appear as drug seeking behavior and if I call in to work. I had a nervous breakdown a year ago I am getting close again because my mental health is in bad shape. Stress management is poor. It's hard to find a psych dr and go to work with anxiety and having panic attacks, bipolar disorder it's insane. I told my HR dept. they screwed with my schedule worse. I told them I have bipolar 1 and severe anxiety disorders, I'm struggling to seek help. I'm not getting it. It's just stress upon stress and the P.A.
at the ER I went to told me never to come back for xanax, then wrote I was dependent on my discharge notes. It's too much this is the treatment people get for trying to help themselves? I'm so stressed out I don't dare do anything for fear of snapping again. Too much stress did it last time I just lost all ability to function could barely shower or eat it was a massive task. I don't know but it's not easy getting the right help.
aquaseafoamchange24
2 Oct 2013
My advice to you would be to google doctors in your area who are well experience on anxiety disorders, they will probably help you out a lot more than the ER doctors that's for sure. And some doctors can even get you in within a few days. I just went to my new doctor today (I'm in the Katy/Houston area) and I just told him I've been prescribed xanax 2mgs for the last 3 years and he had no choice but to write the script (although not suggested mixed with my other meds) because there's high risk for seizure. You need to mention to your doctor you've had panick attacks and suffering from chronic anxiety. You are not an addict you just need this medication to keep you stabalized, especially being bipolar as well. I am bipolar too and I know its not an easy road, but with the right doctor who really understands, it will make life for you a lot more easy going. Hope some of this helps
Factfinder411
2 Oct 2013
You shouldn't because you have taken a small amount. Are you going through a situation?
Bearcat315
2 Oct 2013
I don't even want to leave my bedroom. I was panicking in the phone earlier trying to confirm my appointment for a therapist. I'm getting a headache that's about it I tapered down for almost a week from 1mg a day to. 05 a day but yesterday was the last pill. Its a week until I see the psychiatrist and I have to work tommrrow Im just hoping it doesn't get worse.
Bearcat315
2 Oct 2013
Its not easy I'm shaky and when I go anywhere I'm extremely anxious. I'm hoping I sleep tonight. I still had anxiety when I was taking it, now its gonna be harder to cope at work. I just drove to get something to eat and it was hard to do, difficult to focus. I'm not physically feeling it but the anxiety is a bit worse.
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, withdrawal, disorder
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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