Xanax anyone? michaeld: Read this,
http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/2006/go_ask_alice.htm
and then this site,
http://www.benzo.org.uk/
Scary stuff!
Re: Xanax anyone? PiscesGoddess: Ok.. I have to play devils advocate here.. as this is a very informative article and does carry some very valid information.. I cannot stress enough that benzo's are sometimes vital to the quality of life of someone with severe panic and anxiety disorder.
Any doctor worth his salt would hopefuly be following up with his patient to make sure addiction is not occuring..and that the medication is still needed or if an alternative therapy is available.
As I feel sorry for the womans experience in the letter, I have to say as a person that has taken an anti anxiety drug regulary for about 4 years..that without it my quality of life would be very poor. I would not be able to leave my house..function in society..and be in the ER every week with a panic attack. I have tried every method out there and this is the only one that has worked for me. Now I may be a little different as I am allergic to most anti depressants designed to help with anxiety so this is my only recourse.
I did have to withdraw from the medication when pregnant and my doctor had me do it slowly..because yes..most doctors should know that seizures and death are a possibilty with sudden withdrawel..I was aware of this. And yes the symptoms werent fun by any means..but even after being on the med for 3 years at that time my withdrawels symptoms only lasted about 5-7 days if that.
I do not feel I am "addicted" ..I know there are people that are out there that do use it as an addictive drug..just as there are people that sniff airplane glue for kicks..but that doesnt mean people are going to stop building model airplanes.
Im not trying to argue..I think this is a valid article..but I would hate for it to "scare" off someone that may SERIOUSLY need a benzo for severe panic and anxiety disorder. I of course am not a dr ..this is only my experience from a different perspective.
I think anyone considering medication should discuss THROUGHLY with their doctor the risks..whether it be a benzo, anti depressant..or heck anti-inflammatory. Everything has risks..it just depends on if the benefits outweigh the risks. In my case..they do.
Just my 2 cents ;),
Pisces Goddess
Re: Xanax anyone? seyfert: I knew Xanax was addictive when it was prescribed and use it only when I haven't slept for 3 ro 4 days or when I know I will be in a face-to-face with my stbx.
I use it maybe twice a month and when I need it, it really helps. Lots of stuff can be abused. Thanks for taking the time to educate us about this potentially dangerous drug.
Re: Xanax anyone? BONILLAK: All I can say is thank God for my xanax. I take it only when highly stressed, feel too much anxiety or the start of a panic attack but I need them at certain times.
Re: Xanax anyone? Mooneyes: yeah thank God for it. I'd be dead without it.
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