Question about Xanax

Lexapro and Zoloft are ssri meds (only work on serotonin). You may want to try an snri (works on serotonin and norepinephrine) like Effexor, cymbalta or pristiq. These worked for me for anxiety while the ssri meds didn't. Then, you can take a benzodiazepine (like Xanax or Ativan) as a rescue med if an anxiety attach starts approaching. The main thing with the snri meds is that you can feel kind of crappy for a couple days within starting them, and you never want to stop them suddenly once you've been on them - you need to wean slowly to avoid withdrawal. Pristiq has been a saving grace for my anxiety issues. Just had to put my two cents in since I'm a pharmacist with anxiety issues

Oh my husband saw first hand what withdrawls will do. He's on a theraputic dosage of Welbutrin, I believe. When he didn't have it in his system for a few days, it was like he became a monster. He was actually violent. That man has NEVER been that way in the 10 years we've been married.

I've been on the Effexor before, but because of the HORRID stomach issues it caused me, I had to stop that one. I will see about getting something like Cymbalta. It's at least worth a shot. Thank you! :)

Please don't try cymbalta either. I was on that for a chronic nerve pain and wanted to get off of it before surgery. The withdrawals were absolutely horrible. The "brain zaps" we're nothing like I have ever experienced and never want to experience again. My PC put me back on lexapro since I was having such bad withdrawals and that stopped them. I did not have any withdraw,s from the lexapro during my hospital stay which I am happy about because it wasn't fun. 

I think we've spoken about this before, but my suggestion is coming from experience.  Whatever you and your doctor decide, please educate yourself on the risks including discontinuance of the drug.  After about 12 years on Effexor, I still can't get off the stuff.  The discontinuance symptoms, no matter how small I taper, are horrendous.  I've given up trying to stop and am at peace that I'll probably be on it forever.  On the other hand, it has really helped me almost to a fault.  I'm not zombied out or anything, but it does turn off my give-a-damn a little.  I've also noticed I'm not so scared to speak in front of large groups, which is a plus.  It's much better than living with constant sadness and anxiety.

Xanax is a benzo so that means it needs to be monitored carefully and if taken every day and then stopped quickly, can cause serious problems like seizures. It's not a first line drug, is my point of telling you that. It's used for specific purposes.

As a psych RN, it sounds like your doctor is trying to find the right SSRI or SNRI for you.

I would encourage you to tell your doctor you feel you are more anxious and not as depressed. Perhaps this will give them a better idea of what meds to look at for you.

Good Luck!!

Thanks guys! I appreciate the info. I'm jotting all of it down so I don't forget. :)

I take zanax to help me sleep my dr prescribed ir of course. It helps me at night.

For me, Effexor is wonderful in stopping my anxiety. I don't have any side effects that I can tell, and I very rarely need Xanax since being on the Effexor. I know it ain't easy (!), but keep working at finding the therapy/med combination that works for you. It's worth it to be rid of the dang panic attacks!

Hi Chica -

I'm not a doctor nor do I claim to play one

My sister had anxiety and her doctor was changing her medication instead of the dose , that can make symptoms worse as it did for my sister . Talk to your doctor , I was put on Prozac for a year when I was in collage for anxiety , worked very well for me . The medications you mentioned are all very good , maybe just taking the time to ride out getting the right dose for you is all you need . hugs !

Good luck and keep us posted !