I'm on week 3 of a low dose of zoloft 12.5 mg. I know that's a low dose, but that's how we decided to start. My anxiety was INTESNSE yesterday, so I decided to go ahead and up to 25 mg today. My anxiety got MUCH MUCH WORSE. It was probably the worst I've ever felt and I had a couple of episodes that lasted about 1 1/2 hours. It was really bad. I called the docs office and they called me in a script for xanax. Believe me, this morning I would have taken one for sure. Now that I'm feeling ok, I'm a little freaked out to try it. Of course I'll only take it as needed, and will wait for a really bad spell to take it. Anyone who uses it, please put my mind at ease that it's not going to make me feel weird, or worse! I'm really pill phobic, but the anxiety has gotten bad enough to turn to ad's & xanax!

It is fine.I took .25 xanax back when my anxiety was bad and it helped so much.GOD-bless and get better.

i think the a.d is more apt to make you feel "weird" than the benzo..... please woman up and dont me scared...

Thank you nc, sometimes you just need a slap in the face! I feel better now.

I'm probably too late for this replay seeing as how the day is almost done, but I take .25 mg of xanax when I need it and lately I've needed it quite a bit. I too hate to take medication as I think 'what's it going to do to me? how will I feel when I take it?', but it really calms me down. It actually makes me quite sleepy, so if you have to go somewhere I'd wait to take it when you know you'll be home and can see how you react to it. My system is VERY sensative to medications and when I took Zoloft and then Lexapro, both gave me such anxiety I had to quit. No one told me at that time I could take xanax to get over the hump, until the AD kicked in and started to make me feel better. Hope you're doing better now.

Absolutely, take your xanax. Start with 1/4 or half tab and see how that does. Don't wait until it gets too bad, that way you can use a smaller dose to keep it under control. I just took .75mg of ativan myself because I'm at work and couldn't stop crying. I've considered asking for xanax XR from my doctor but xanax makes me kind of sleepy. I had the same reaction when I went up on my zoloft dose, but it got better after a couple days.

its ok to take xanex .. or tequila ,, you choose !!

Thanks you guys. I knew you'd help me get my confidence up!

I HAVE BEEN ON XANAX FOR OVER 20 YEARS OFF AND ON AND I AM OKAY. FIRST OF ALL I TAKE 50 MG OF ZOLOFT A DAY AND GO SOMETIMES FOR THREE DAYS WITHOUT XANAX. AS LONG AS YOUR NOT TAKING LIKE 3 MG A DAY YOU WILL BE OKAY. AS FOR MAKING YOU WEIRD I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT SOMETIMES A LITTLE SLEEPY. I TAKE ONLY 0.25MG WHEN I DO TAKE IT AND IT MAKES ME FEEL JUST RIGHT. I CAN TELL I AM NOT ADDICTED BECAUSE I BEEN ON IT THIS LONG AND STILL 0.25MG STILL TAKES CARE OF MY ANXIETY. I WISH YOU THE BEST. TERRY

i have that pill phobia thing going on, too, and actually fought my doctor about taking xanax for five years... he kept trying to get me to take them and i just wouldn't or couldn't. however, after one really, really bad 'episode', i had no choice but to bite the bullet and try one. it was either that or go to the ER, which would've been even worse. since that time, i take them on a regular basis to help take the edge off and to restore some sort of normalcy to my life. wish i wouldn't have waited so long to try them! btw, i'm also taking an AD and have absolutely no bad side effects.

here's hoping you find what works for you!!

hugs,
gyz

Take it> just break it up at first until your survive the first few doses

I take Xanax .50. I just started Lexapro 2 weeks ago and have taken it in conjunction according to where I am at anxiety wise. I am lucky the Lexapro did not exasberate my anxiety. Even when I upped my Lexapro from 10mg to 20mg I didn't have too many side effects and really very mild anxiety. So I have a feeling I will be needing less and less of my beloved Xanax, lol (it has gotten me through some terrible spells). Well, at least I hope so, I really hope it is the Lexapro working on not my hormones just deciding to be nice to me making me think it is the Lexapro....lol..... hmmmm still some wacky thinking going on here isn't there. Anyways, take the xanax if you need it, people like us who are so afraid of the pills are generally pretty careful not to get too emeshed in them. Not to say people don't get addicted they do. But, there are plenty who don't and use if within the guidelines intended and as needed.

Thank you Michu and Lizard, I was hoping to hear from you!. Gyz you really made me feel better too. One big plus, my husband went to pick it up for me and when he got home he said, "guess how much those pills cost", and I started to get scared, like it cost $100 or something. It was $2.49! That's a cheap way to feel better. I've spent thousands on docs, supplements and self help books!

Joining the chorus of encouragement. In fact, I think I posted a very similar question here a couple of months ago. SSRIS put me into terrible anxiety/panic when starting them. They can make you feel worse before you feel better. Now my body is used to them and the SSRIS are helping me feel much better, like my old self again (KNOCK WOOD!!)

I took xanax as needed when starting the SSRIS but was very nervous taking them--would I get addicted? would I need more and more? was I "weak" to need them? In fact, xanax were just the right antidote to the adrenalin panic I was having. Quieted the anxiety so I could relax and not pace! I took a one or two of .25 most days for a few weeks. I have only needed one once or twice this last month but feel better just knowing they are in my medicine cabinet.

Also xanax are short acting and wear off after a few hours if for some reason you don't like their effects.

Ok, so I took a 1/2 of a .25 awhile ago (I'm such a baby), but I think it actually made me feel better. I had moderate anxiety this am, and decided to try. I think it worked! Thank you thank you all. You truly are lifesavers!

Hello
I used to take xanax but it does wear off quick. My doctor had me try Klonopin and that works alot longer so you don't have to keep popping pills. I only take when needed but I do take it at night (insomnia).
char

Hi,

I take half a Xanax when the anxiety is way high and it helps me feel normal again, so I can think straight. I am so thankful I have it when I really need it.

Take care, God bless,
Deb

I have heard as long as you aren't taking more than 3 mg maybe even 4 mg, your taking a low dose and shouldn't have any problem weaning of them even if you were taking them every day. I know each person is different. I don't find myself craving them. I did wake up this morning with a bit of panic at about 5:00, I took a melotonin, but it didn't work couldn't get back to sleep took .50 and 1/2 of a .50 and fell asleep until 9:30. Woke up feeling a little anxious, but decided to ride it out. I had my nieces first birthday to attend and I was really worried I was going to go full blown anxiety, however, I chose not to take a xanax. I only allow myself to take it at the most twice a day, but, that's my thing. I did fine the anxiety dissipated and I enjoyed the party. I'm not afraid of the Xanax, but, I am careful. It's "comforting effects" can sneak up on you, sometimes I just have to allow myself to ride out anxiety. The trick is not waiting too long so that it turns into a full blown panic/anxiety attack. I'm glad you decided to give it a try and that it helped. No reason to suffer if you don't have to.

I'm somewhat med phobic too and always hesitate when I have to take a new drug. I've taken Xanax for years.....most of the time I just bite off a half of one or a little piece and it really helps me. You're probably being tougher on your body by NOT taking the Xanax than you would be by taking what the Dr. prescribed <smile>. It's not going to hurt you - try taking just a small piece and work yourself up to the recommended dose eventually. It will make you feel better.....it just simply calms the exciteability part of the brain.

R2

Thank you Retriever! I was taking a 1/4 of a .5 tab. Seemed to help a bit. This morn at 4am I woke up with that terrible stomach knot, so I took .25 and was able to back to sleep. Bad day at work, very anxious, saw the doc and he said to go ahead with the .5. I took .5 when I got home and slept for 3 hours! Maybe .5 is too much, but I'll keep trying the .25 during the day and maybe try the .5 on the weekend, in case I konk out!

didgens, I LIKE the way you think! My new favorite summer time drink is a Juan Collins (that's what we call it anyway). It's a glass of ice, a slice of lime squeezed and tossed in the glass, a healthy shot of tequila and some Squirt. Voila! a very refreshing alternative to Ativan or Xanax. Use with caution if you're still ovulating as I hear it can cause pregnancy! In all seriousness though, I just got a script for xanax from my Dr. on Friday. I've not had to take it yet but I'm happy to know it's there if I need it. the tequila is sitting on my kitchen counter just in case too! ha ha

That drink sounds yummy and refreshing. I wish I could drink, it just makes me feel like crapola. I was never much of a drinker, but, I was willing to give it a try, lol. I even tried other "natural" remedies i.e. think of the "60 hippi era" was never one for that stuff either but I figured I would get it legally and try it, well I'm the 1% of the population that it does not work for, it always made me a little paranoid even back in the day, well even in this day it does the same thing. D@mn!! lol. Everyone else I know who indulges now and again, love, love, love it..... arghhh. So, for me it's lexapro and xanax. Though I feel a little of my health obsession creeping back, but, I barely got over my period yesterday, so usually the week after I am really bad and I'm actually not really bad, so maybe it's actually helping. I'm really over this. Can someone spend 1 year in bed, I'm just wondering, lol....

I am so glad I have Xanax. It is the only thing that quiets my mind and anxiety when I am in panic mode. Today was a little difficult day for me, so I took my usual .75, that is less than 1mg. I just needed to sleep to quiet my mind and it is so helpful for me. I have my high limit. I have never take 2 mg in a day, the most 1.5 mg. I've been taking it for 5 months now. It's been a life saver for me. I'm glad you are getting a little more comfortable taking it. People like us who are so careful and concerned about meds in general (I won't say always) tend to be less likely to become addicted. I hope you start feeling better soon. Take care, Mich

mainemom -

Just take it!

love,
pooks

Sorry to get in on this so late, but I say, TAKE IT!!! I have been very hesitant to do the same, but it is worth it. It is good for your body and mind to be relaxed, think of it as preventative. Better to get rid of the stress now then deal with the consequences of what happens when you do get tensed up. Muscles ache, head pounds, stomach starts in,etc, then it's a vicious cycle. I have a sister in law who says, if you're diabetic, you take insulin, thyroid trouble, take meds, etc, why not take what you need for anxiety? It's really no different than anything else, we just beat ourselves up thinking we have to be strong. For who? Is there a medal we get at the end of the day for not taking it, but being a wreck? No, take it when you need to, believe me, I am the worst at taking pills, but have, and do need it on occasion and it is well worth it.

Feel better.

I say TAKE IT ! too. My story is just like one of the other posts here, i refused it for over 6 years! and boy do i wish i wouldnt have. it took a trip to the ER , for seems like the 100th time, and i hyperventilated to the point of almost passing out and they told me i HAD to let them give it to me or i would pass out in a matter of minutes. i was terrified of taking meds, still am, but when they said i was gonna pass out it scared me and i said ok. well they ended up giving me 2mg in my IV( which i had in me for a scan i was there for) and i felt so much better! lol it was the first time in 6 years that i didnt feel ANY anxiety. i felt clear-headed and "normal" for the first time in 6 years too. i did stagger a bit when i got up to leave, lol but WOW i actually ASKED them for more pills to take home with me. i have been taking them ever since. I started out taking .5mg as needed, which wasnt very often actually because after finding out that there was something for me to fall back on in case i panic, i wasnt so afraid of the anxiety/panic anymore which actually cut my anxiety in half. Anyway, im glad youve tried it and it worked for you.

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I have taken an occasional Xanax when I need it. I do cut them in half. And the half works for me. My Mom has been off and on them for more years then I can count, and has never had an addiction problem. She is 79 and still takes a half pill occasionally when she can't sleep. And she has her Dr permission to use them as needed.
As long as you don't make it an every day, all day thing, you'll be fine. I too was terrified the first time I had to take one. It was like I needed an anti-anxiety pill to be able to take the anxiety pill go figure.
It does take the edge off though.

I am late again with my period .. the 2nd time in about 9 cycles .. so yesterday my anxiety was high in the morning .. opted for 1/2 of my xanex.. the best thing about xanex is .. YOU DONT NOTICE IT... what do I mean by that ,, well ,, after a while you just ease into feeling normal.. you dont notice anything ,, no anxiety ,, you just work like you normally do,, go to lunch, shop ,, fix dinner .. have a NORMAL day ,, thats why we take it .. it does not make you feel weird or high ,, it makes you feel normal.. ok .. enough said.

You guys are all so right! It does not make you feel weird or high. I woke up last night at midnight with a bad dream, had some weird racing thoughts and then that terrible stomach knot. Got up and took .25. Went back to sleep. Was very anxious about going to work today (I had to leave yesterday due to the anxiety), so I took .25 at 7:15. Made it to work anxious, but not too bad. Took another 11:15. Felt relatively "normal" till about 3:15, then decided to bite the bullet for the rest of the day. Now I'm super anxious because I just took my first 10mg Paxil ever. Of course I just got done reading all kinds of horrific internet reviews about Paxil and withdrawal (oh, yah, and HUGE weight gain). Holy Cow, what is wrong with me? Why can't I stay off the internet???? So... I guess I'll eat dinner and maybe take another xanax to chill. Xanax is now my friend! Thank you to you all, you are truly lifesavers and give me my sanity EVERY day!

I been on xanax 4 years, very low dose, it is better taken twice a day or once before bed, you choose, either split the dose (0.5 for example) or take it before bed, it is your choice.
Some days you can find anxiety to be more some less, but in general, with xanax, it is better to have a routine, this way it keeps anxiety curbed, sort of. I believe you be better trying one medication at a time, either AD or BZD, if you start both at the same time, it is hard to tell which one makes anxiety worse, my bet would Paxil, as ADs tend to make brain overexited, over the time you willl be able to adjust the dose and your regimen. If paxil alone will work, you won't need xanax at all.
Weight gain is a side effect of any medication that makes your central autonomic system calmer, there is a reason fat burners contain all substances that make your mind and body work on high gear: caffeine, ephedrine, and other stimulants. BZDs and ADs work the other way around. Even beta blockers and BP meds can make you gain weight.
Best,
I.

So glad you are finding the xanax helpful in coping as you start the Paxil. I made myself not read the insert on my Celexa. You are just going to scare yourself, esp if you are in a heightened state of anxiety anyway.

I know ADs are serious drugs and not candy and they can have side effects. But I think the people who have the bad experiences are the ones that tend to post about the drugs: The ones they were useful for have moved on to other things so you get an imbalanced view on the 'net. My sister went off Paxil with no problem at all, my best friend, Effexor, and I went off Celexa when I was first on it with no problem--your doc will advise you on how to slowly taper off. I have heard ADs can cause weight gain, but I have a ton more energy now that I am on them so being more active has kept that from being a problem so far.

Hang in there!

Sissy, I'm so glad you said that... people who have good experiences tend to go on to other things and not post so much. I do that myself! I can tell you that if I was feeling really good this morning, or even close to normal, I would not be here at 6:30 am looking for encouragement. Took my first 10 mg Paxil last eve. At first I was really afraid, but my husband talked me into it, saying "you'll be fine!" At first I just felt a sleepy tired, then I felt this odd sense of calm, I won't say zombie like, but weird, not terrible. Forced myself to walk on the treadmill, that went pretty well. Then the rest of the eve with that weird sense of calm. This morning terrible. Feel tired, a little anxious, maybe even a little dizzy. Of course that just sets off all of the alarms because I know I have to go to work. What a vicious cycle! I'll hang in there because I know that I may feel worse before I feel better. But it ***** to feel tired and weird!

I felt really weird starting Celexa both times--dizzy, digestive stuff, roiling anxiety, sleep problems. But all this stuff went away after a while. A therapist told me that sometimes people have a strong reaction as their brains are so depleted of serotonin to begin with....Hope you feel better soon. And you might want to do as I did and creep up dose very slowly an extra sliver at a time....

Just made an appt with a psychiatrist. He was recommended by a friend. He seemed very nice, and listened to my quick run down on my tale of woe. He said to get off the Paxil and back on the
Zoloft. I have only taken the Paxil 2 times, so it shouldn't be a big deal. Also, just take the xanax 3 times a day, no matter what. I think I feel a little better working with a doc who really knows meds and what they do to the brain. He's expensive, but will be worth it if he can help. When I told him I thought I was headed for the looney bin, he said, "no you're not, you're just really keyed up right now and we're going to fix that." That made me feel better. Can't wait till next Tuesday to see him!

Great! How wonderful to be seen by an expert! It will be such a relief to have someone really knowledgable to answer your questions--I just had a family doc. So good you could get in so soon. Let us know how it goes!

It's okay to take Xanax.....but, only if you need to and for as short a term as possible unless nothng else helps you and under a doctors care of course. I've been on it for long periods of times twice in my life because I tried about 10 AD's now and I get too many side effects. I thank God for this drug. If I didn't have it I would surely be locked up by now.

I'm praying that you start to feel better soon and that this psychiatrist helps you.

It's okay to take Xanax.....but, only if you need to and for as short a term as possible unless nothng else helps you and under a doctors care of course. I've been on it for long periods of times twice in my life because I tried about 10 AD's now and I get too many side effects. I thank God for this drug. If I didn't have it I would surely be locked up by now.

I'm praying that you start to feel better soon and that this psychiatrist helps you.

Hello Ladies!! Wow I am on a roll tonight - lurked here for years and now posting for the second time ever--both tonight! I am so glad you posted this thread because I do get bad anxiety and my doc gave me Xanax 6 months ago. I have yet to try it because I am "anxious" over what it will be like! LOL I too have a system that is very sensitive....and just knowing it is there in the cabinet has been enough to get me through the rough spots. So far. But after reading all these posts and the specifics, I think I may give it a "little nibble" next time I'm over the top anxious and anxiety filled!

DC I do think the xanax really helps. It does not make me feel weird at all. It just takes that knot out of my stomach and that anxiety that flows through the body just seems to float away somehow. I usually take .25, even at work I'll take it because I know it won't make me feel worse, it will make me feel better. I just took at whole .5 this morning because I'm home and wanted to know what that would feel like. I think .5 makes me a little sleepy because I feel like I could take a nap right now. So .25 is probably enough during the day. Believe me I know what it is like to be afraid of pills, but then again, willing to try anything to get past anxiety because it is the worst. I don't know what dosage you have, but my pills are .5 and I started with a 1/4 of a pill, then found I was ok with 1/2 a pill. Give it a whirl when you're having a brave moment!

I saw this post this and just wanted to say I have been taking xanax for 20 years, yes 20 years. I have been off it twice. I have a very, very sensitive system but this medication has made my life "normal". I suffered from severe panic attacks when I was younger and xanax after alot trial and elimination was the only thing that did not make me feel "drugged" and it worked.

I feel just fine, I don't feel like I am on anything, just me.

So, please take the xanax if you need it. I go for regular blood work and am monitored by a doctor..so I am living proof that is not a bad drug.

I hope this helps.

Take Care,

Sunny~

Thank you Sunny! It's nice to hear that it's ok to say on something long term. We always hear so much about horrible withdrawl symptoms from so many things. So, it's like we're afraid to start something because of all of the horror stories about coming off! Good to know that maybe we can stay on something that works and not worry so much about how to come off!

Mainmom, im so proud of you for being brave and taking the xanax, and so happy to see that you are here posting now to encourage others! just a few days ago i bet you never would have thought you'd be doing this... good for you!

Sunny, during the 20 years you've been taking it have you had to up your dose much? My mom was on ativan for 28 years and she was only up to 2 mg in the end. ( she died in '06) she was taking it for the anxiety she developed after finding out she had leukemia. i decided i was gonna take it every day no matter what, instead of waiting for the panic to hit me, just to "nip it in the bud". its been the best thing i ever did. at this point i dont plan on ever getting off of it if i can help it. i feel that if you can take something long-term without it hurting you why worry about it? i take 1 mg a day. isnt that the same as .5 of xanax?

Hi Mainemom! I just wanted to tell you to feel free to send a message/email as I have been through a lot of what you have and would be happy to be an online buddy to help you through this rough patch. I wont post the email addy here but my understanding is that if you message me I can get that to you.

Hang in there and know that you are doing all you can do to live better! You go girl!

Thank you getreal. I'll PM you. Xanax is now my friend. Helped me through a social function today and I had a pretty good day at work today. I'm taking .25 x3 per day, as suggested by my psychiatrist. I have not met him yet, tomorrow is my first meeting. Weird. I'm actually excited to see a psychiatrist! I must be wacky!

Hi Ladies,

Wow.....how common this nasty anxiety is!

I'm new to the board & I'm hoping to clear some things up about the different meds to treat anxiety.

What is the difference between Zoloft & Xanax? My doctor gave me a perscription for Zoloft cause she don't know what else to do for me.
I took 50 mgs only one time.....but it made me feel horrible so I didn't take it again. She told me to take just 25mgs....but I didn't cause I didn't want to feel like that again. I see a lot of you favor Xanax for it's calming affect & it makes you feel normal. Wow....I haven't feel normal for almost a year now. My head is all weird.....I don't go anywhere by myself anymore. I don't leave the house much at all. For my anxiety....I take Ativan which I find helps me so much. My doctor don't want me to be on it for too long though & I have no idea why. Does anyone know if Ativan is safe longterm? Is it better to take regularly or just when needed? Please help me ladies!!

Thank you so much.

Patty

Hi Patty---
Welcome! You have lots of good company here! I THINK Xanax is just a shorter-acting tranquilizer than Ativan. It is in the same family as Ativan (benzos), but the effects of Xanax are shorter. Just a few hours vs Ativan's 7 or 8. Zoloft is not a tranquilzer like Xanax and Ativan but is an antidepressant. It takes weeks to have an effect but the advantage is that it is not addicting and can be used long term without addiction being an issue.

With Zoloft, as with other SSRI antidepressants, it can be helpful to "start low and go slow" if anxiety is a problem. I am on the SSRI Celexa. My dose now is 20 mgs but I started with a quarter of a pill--5 mg--and worked up from there over a month. And with SSRIs, you might feel worse before you feel better. I know it took time for my body and mind to adjust.

Celexa, my SSRI, has helped tremendously with my anxiety so I rarely need to take a Xanax. But as you will read on these boards, finding the right antidepressant can take time and sometimes you have to try a couple or fiddle with dose before you find one that works for you without side effects.

Also, have you had your hormones tested? Sometimes these feelings are caused by hormones, tho doctors often prescribe antidepressants before exploring that. Best wishes you are feeling better soon!

boy i messed up that post sorry, the differance between zoloft and xanax are very different the zoloft is in the SSRI family of drugs and is used for deppression and the xanax is a benzo drug and is used for anxiety, 2 different drugs in a class of there own

Right you are--tho I didn't make clear in my earlier post right above that antidepressants (such as Zoloft) are often prescribed for panic/anxiety not just for depression..I'm on one for panic, and it has really helped....

I think the Zoloft (or the xanax) is helping the anxiety for me. Currently dealing with ugly fatigue and general yuckines, but at least I'm not an anxious mess on top of it. I started Zoloft at 12.5 and have very slowly gotten up to 25. Starting on 50 would have killed me!