Xanax ? - quick help, please!

[Sheila]

You may want to suggest to her that she speak w/her pharmacist in that her dr. seems...ah,....ah...

[eekysign]

That's a great idea. *smacks self on forehead* I always tell my friends to do that! I was just surprised enough this time that I didn't even think of it. I feel a whole lot better. That relieves me of the worry 'bout the breathing problems. The other, well, that's up to her, not me.

[DaisyFace]

Hello!

I have also taken Xanax on occassion for stress/anxiety/trouble sleeping---but unlike some of the other testimonials here...I had problems if I took the pills too often. I found that the addictive qualities of Xanax took hold very quickly--and if I took a few Xanax in a row (as needed)...and then did not take another dose...I would get what I describe as a "slingshot headache". I experienced a rebound of anxiety...coupled with throbbing in my head. Almost enough to force me to take another dose...

Xanax may be just the thing...but use it very cautiously.

--My two cents

[flutterbee]

I also want to point out that there is a big difference between addiction and dependence. I'm dependent on a lot of meds and if I miss a dose, I have withdrawal. And these aren't meds that you would consider 'addicting' - lexapro (AD), lamictal (seizure med), prilosec, to name a few.

When I was taking vicodin for pain during my last flare, I became dependent. I wasn't addicted. I wasn't seeking it out or getting a high. In fact, it was 3 days after I stopped the vicodin before I realized that my symptoms were withdrawal. I thought I was having a side effect to another med. Do you see the difference? If I had been addicted, I would have been 'jonesing' right away instead of going 3 days without craving it or needing it before I realized I was going through with withdrawal.

As long as she takes them as prescribed, she shouldn't worry. She should use the lowest dose needed for effectiveness.

[Lothlorien]

I take a half (.25 mg) at night and it makes me zonk out. If I take it during the day, it makes me sleepy.

I would tell her to start out with 1/2 pill and see how she feels.

[susiestar]

You are a very caring friend. She is lucky to have you to help with this. I can see the worry with the sinus troubles causing breathing difficulties. I did take xanax during several sinus infections. The most effective things for MY sinus infections were drinking 1 GALLON of water a day and using a sinusrinse bottle. You can buy them at most pharmacies and you make a saline solution that you squirt up your nose and let run out - you bend over the sink of course!. This sinus rinse bottle was given to my by my allergist and it was the first time I was able to get rid of a sinus infection w/o months of problems.

I still use it any time I have sinus issues and every member of my family has one and uses it. It is similar to a neti pot in function - either will do the trick. Just thought I would mention that.)

Pharmacists, esp ones with Ph.D's are AWESOME sources of info. And there is a HUGE difference between dependence and addiction. I am dependent on narcotics - w/o them I am in so much pain I can barely breathe it hurts so bad. If I am late applying the patch that I wear, I know it. I get some physical problems including digestive issues. BUT I do not go seeking out drugs, I insist that only ONE doc does the prescribing, and I CAN get through if I run out. If I were addicted I would be stealing them from others, having multiple docs write rx's, etc...

So there is a big difference. And if she tries the xanax and feels that there is an addiction risk, it does come out of the system VERY quickly.

I hope your friend can talk to someone who can reassure her. IMO the rx was appropriate, but I do not have her whole medical history and do not know the entire situation. But from your description, starting with 1/2 of a tablet may give her a whole lot of relief very rapidly.

Again, she is lucky to have a friend like you. I hope my description of the sinus rinse bottle wasn't too disgusting.

[susiestar]

Oh, forgot to mention this eeky. After the sinus rinse (or neti pot if that is your choice) I use a q tip to put some Ayr saline gel in my nose. For some reason it gets very dry after the cleaning out. The saline gel really helps. And it keeps the area moisturized, which means fewer cracks and places infection can sneak in.

Just thought I would mention it.