I've been on xanax goin on 7 yrs, 2mg 3 a day don't work anymore thinking of trying ativan?

It would take 2 mg tablets to take care of your problem every 4-6 hours but the bad thing about Ativan is that it will cause behavior problems like you getting mad over a simple thing or you be mad for no apparent reason. But don't get me wrong the benefits greatly out weigh the side effects in some people. But that would be the only drawback of the behavior side effect in 96% of patients! You can try it and see how you feel! I wish you the best and feel free to ask me any or more questions if you have any more! Take care!!!

Hello jimrig. I would rule out Ativan. It works identically to Xanax, just a bit slower. and not by much. One is often substitued (option on rx) for the other when not in stock. Regards, pledge

I personally think you are going to have to make a decision what is more important to you. If you are bipolar you need to be on your meds. My hubby is bipolar & went undiagnosed for years & years. During those years he tried to commit suicide several times. Now he is on Zoloft & wellbutrin & is a changed person. He no longer has those horrible feelings. Yes they have affected his sex life along with all his other meds for HBP, & heart disease, but at least he is alive & well mentally. Xanax alone is not going to control your bipolar symtoms. I will try to get a friend who is an expert on these meds to answer your question better. I wish you the best... Mary

I would recommend talking with your doctor about your concerns. As long as you have been on xanax, I can tell you withdrawal is a * I T C H! and quitting without tapering is extremely dangerous. Your mention of left side numbness concerns me as it could be indicative a TIA. Stopping xanax suddenly, can cause seizure and strokes. Please talk with your doctor. I didn't think my xanax was working either, as I still have panic attacks, but without it, it's just dangerous, for ME. Please, discuss concerns with your Dr.

I also take xanax and have been on it for 8 years. Currently 1mg 3 times a day. When I first started on it back in 2004, I was taking .25 mg 3 times a day. After a few months it stopped working. My doc switched me to 1mg Ativan and for ME it did nothing for my panic attacks... I now take the Xanax as needed with Buspar 15mg 3 times a day. Another med that has worked for me in the past for panic attacks was Klonopin, but it made me too tired whereas the Xanax does not.

Is it possible that stopping the other meds has made the xanax not work as well?