Stress Center Peer Support

Has anyone tried taking Xanax alone, without an antidepressant with it? I have some that my doctor gave me with another prescription and she told me back then (about a year ago) when I couldn't take the Zoloft, to just take the Xanax as needed.

If I take it alone, will it make me feel depressed? I'm not particularly depressed right now except when I'm having a lot of anxiety it makes me worn out and want to sleep. But, I'm really thinking my main problem is anxiety. However I don't want to cause depression by taking the Xanax alone and I saw something somewhere about that. (I should stop looking ha!)

Hi Chris
No, but just wanted you to know that I have been there before. Do I want to take this? Do I want to stop taking this? I don't like being on medication. So you are not alone. I hope you find what works for you.
Colleen

ive just started this regime too, my dr. is pretty certian it will work for me but i'll have to see,I'll let you know and you let me know what your out come is. I think its worth a try as long as we dont allow it to be a perminant thing or become depndent,and if your like me i know you wont let that happen good luck and again let me know. chickie

I love love love xanax. it makes my heart stop pounding and my head stop swimming. that always stops me from being depressed.

Xanax works well but is highly addictive. Furthermore if taken for a long period it can cause siezures if stopped suddenly. Alot of caution here, Bruce

I was prescribed Xanax for anxiety. I usually take 0.25mg on those days when I feel overwhelmed and all of the coping skills I am learning still aren't working. I did have a hard time taking it initially. I was afraid to take it, and i read all of the drug info and scared myself silly. Finally one day I was an emotional wreck and I took a whole pill, 0.5mg. For me, it pretty much shuts off that inner anxious voice and than inner critic. I think it is a great TOOL in our jouney towards better coping skills in life. My Dr also said that taking it three times a week or less is a safe way to avoid problems like dependence and addiction. I would like to say again that it is a wonderful tool, and I try not to rely on it too much. Hope this helps.

Hi Faith

I dont usually post on the medicine forums but I do take xanax exactly as your doctor is prescribing it for you. It does help to stop that excess anxiety that is surging when the skills alone dont seem to be working.

I also try not to rely on the medication as my "quick fix" when I can have the luxury of pushing through my panic in a fairly safe environment I use my skills and come to chat....but when its just too much to handle for instance I had to stand up in a wedding that was hard for me so I took my xanax to stop the feelings and thoughts.

I think the post prior to mine is excellent.
she worded that perfectly. Its a tool in our recovery.

Dodger

i also take xanax, i feel right now with my anxiety it is a helpful tool. i started the program about 10 days ago and i plan to keep it up. it is a great tool too. we need all the tools and support we can get right now, and when i am better i will then think about tapering off meds. but 1 day at a time. please anyone who is struggling very hard right now, contact me i would love to hear from you.
JamiDee

Hi
I am currenty taking Xanax daily as well as Celexa and Wellbutrin. My prescribed dose of Xanax is 2.0mgs a day. Meaning I am supposed to take 4 .5mgs a day. I learned that if you take TOO many YOUR DEPRESSION will increase. I let my body tell me when I need a Xanax. I cut myself back to 2 pills a day instead and the depression is decreasing. I believe due to the added energy I feel when NOT taking Xanax. I agree with others. It's a good TOOL as long as you listen to your body and only use when it is absolutely necessary. To me anxiety is easier to endure than depression.

Faith, I will take a .25 xanax every now and then when I feel extra anxious. I have a med phobia so when I decided to give it a try, I tried it out on the weekend when my husband was around. That way if something wierd happened he'd be there. Of course, nothing wierd happened. It did make me feel better and take the edge off of the anxiety. The only real side effect I have found is that if I take more than .25 and just sit around I will get really tired. Also, it will give me a slight headache but nothing I can't handle.