Hi, I'm new to this board, nice to meet you all. I've been on Xanax to resolve my anxiety for five years now after being involved in a traumatic car accident. After 5 years I've become dependent and the thought of coming off absolutely terrifies me. Recently my doc said he felt I should switch to Busbar and when I did it was horrible, I couldn't deal with the simplest daily issues and I just found myself staying home shaking and nearly jumping out of my skin. A week back a friend told me that I can order my medications on the internet through this (*commercial link removed) place, and now I'm back to taking Xanax against my doctor's will...Is this drug dangerous to take over long periods? Does anyone hvae the same problem? Thanks for your advice.

* Board Administrator: Links to commercial sites are not permitted on these message boards.

Trilithium.....I can not imagine that you can get unprescribed Xanax off the Internet as just a comment.  The quick answer is "yes" Xanax or any other drug not being supervised by a physician can be dangerous.  Specifically to the Xanax is that Xanax is very addictive taken incorrectly or for too long a period of time.  Part of the reason you felt so badly when your doctor changed you from Xanax to Buspar is you were probably having some withdrawal symptoms as one must taper off any anti-anxiety medication very slowly.  Most benzos (i.e. Xanax, Ativan, Tranxene, Valium) are physically and psychologically addictive and must be withdrawn with a doctors advice and guidance.  They are also meant to be taken for short periods of time while exploring other options to control the anxiety.Good luck, blessings and be well.

Had to reply to this post - my doctor says that Buspar will not work after using such drugs as Xanax for anxiety, only if you have not used the other anxiety drugs - better to try something with a longer lasting effect such as Clonazepam, which helps with the 'addiction' possibility.  Please discuss above with your doctor.