Sunday, May 23, 2010

Is my doctor on drugs? Xanax confussion!?

My doctor gave me xanax to help me cope with panic attacks. He said only take it when your having one. But i heard you cant just take one pill and stop or you will go in seizures and get withdrawrls. HOW THE HELL am i supposed to just take it when I need to and then stop?. Also im on coreg to slow my heart rate, and dosnt xanax SLOW DOWN your heart? I think its time for me to get a new doctor..this is clearly not right. Or im just reading too much on the internet. Any ideas?
Answer:
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Taking a Xanax is a lot like taking a shot of booze. It will slow down your heart if you're anxious and calming to helps you past the adrenaline surge that has your heart racing, but it has no direct cardiac effects. If you're an alcoholic and stop drinking you can have seizures and go into DT's. The way to avoid this mess is to take the Xanax only when you need, and don't get hooked on them.
Does your doctor know about the other medications you are taking? If so, he shouldn't have prescribed you something that could have a possible interaction. There are websites (sorry I don't know the names, but you can browse and find them easily) where you can enter in the med and how many mgs you take with another and it can give you POSSIBLE interactions. If you are worried, call the pharmacist and ask also - they are totally underrated, and are aware of possible drug interaction that could happen. You also will get out of having to pay for a visit just to ask a question.
If you feel that you aren't being taken care of with your current doc, then you need to find one that you are satisfied with. No one is ever happy in the end if they put up with a mediocre physician.
Take care.Edit: Here, I'm leaving you a link to one of the drug interactions search sites I found. I hope this helps. :)
http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/drugint...
You are reading too much into the info on the internet. Taking an occasional Xanax will not cause seizures or withdrawl symptoms. That happens when someone has been taking large doses for a long time; they can't quit cold turkey.
I don't think Xanax has an effect on your heart rate. Double check with your pharmacist to see if it does or if there is a known interaction w/ Coreg - I'm pretty sure there isn't.
Rather than dumping your doctor, why not ask him more questions. Find out if he can/will address your concerns. After you've tried to had your concerns addressed, then decide if this is the doctor for you. You can't expect any doctor to be mind reader - you need to tell him what you need from him. If he can give it - great. If he can't address your needs, then look for another doctor.
You heard wrong. Xanax is an ideal drug to take for panic attacks and where you heard this junk about seizures and withdrawal, well it isn't true.
I also take xanax. I take it when i feel an attack coming on. Not when the attack gets here. If you take it only when you need it you will not get dependent on it like some people do. People that get addicted usually do not take it like they should. I have never had a seizure nor have I ever went through withdrawals either and i have quit taking them when i had my youngest daughter so i would not worry about either of those just take them when you feel an attack coming on.
GOOD LUCK!
Your doctor should certainly be aware of the other drugs you are taking. I can't imagine a doctor not looking at your chart BEFORE prescribing a medication for you. You should have asked that question when you were in his office. I have been on Xanax for years for panic attacks. I am also on other meds. You could have problems getting off Xanax if you are taking it daily and large doses. If you take it only when you feel an attack coming on or during an attack, you are not addicted to it. Prepare a list of questions on paper for your next doctor's visit. As someone else said, you can check with your pharmacy too. And they are free.They are very helpful. Any time I have a drug question I ask my pharmacist.

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