Posted by nolegirl23 on February 28, 2007, at 16:27:48
In reply to Xanax XR, posted by jealibeanz on February 28, 2007, at 14:56:53
> I have been taking alprazolam daily since last May. I began with a starting dose of .25mg t.i.d. Then increased after about 6 weeks to .5mg t.i.d. After a few more months, I increased to 1 mg t.i.d (at this point I switched to brand name Xanax, since I was using several pharmacies and noticed major difference. I prefer brand name). And finally, for the past few months, I've been taking 1 mg q.i.d.
>
> Yesterday, my doctor got the idea that I would like taking Xanax XR since it would last all day. Since the largest pill made is 3mg, that's what I got.
>
> I was very sick, so I didn't argue because I have laryngitis, I just wanted to go home.
>
> So I didn't ask about how much of a difference he thought the decrease from 4mg to 3mg would make. I didn't tell him to make sure the write DAW, so I'd get brand name. I didn't ask how long it's supposed to last, and then remind him that the extended release meds tend to be much shorter than expected with me.
>
> So, anyway I filled it, and of course it was generic. I'm not pleased. I don't think he knew there was a generic. I also don't think he's trying to wean me down to a lower dosage without making it obvious. He doesn't play games. If he wanted that to be a goal, he'd tell me.
>
> Well, I'd like some input from those who has tried either alprozolam ER or Xanax XR. How did it feel? Sedating? Relaxing? How long did it last? Are the IR and XR doses equivalent?
>
> I've taken it today and I definitely feel different, not terribly anxious at all. Haha, but I took 2 of the 3 mg pills plus Lunesta plus regular Xanax yesterday evening, so that may have carried over (bad night!)But I woke up feeling that way. I also just began taking Provigil, that's another unknown.
>
> Next time I go back I will ask about:
> 1. BRAND NAME!
>
> 2. the possibility of 2mg Xanax XR b.i.d. if I think it's necessary (or maybe 1mg and a 2mg if he wants to see if I can handle the lower dosage)
>
> 3. A one month supply of regular Xanax, so I can supplement if necessary (for those super-freak-out moments!). I wouldn't plan on using this much at all. And thankfully I still have a little bit of regular left.This is a great post; I have always wondered how to approach my Pdoc about getting a small supply of regular xanax to supplement my xanax XR.
I take 4 mgs of XR xanax per day. I am prescribed 2 mgs in the am, and the next two mgs 12 hours later. HA!
I feel the effects of the xanax XR (generic) wear off about 4 hours after I take my initial morning dose. Later on, about 6 hours after taking the XR (which is SUPPOSED to last 12 hours) I get soooooo drowsy.. I can't keep my eyes open.
So, my solution has been to take 2mgs' in the am (after I have had my coffee) and I take the next two mgs' at about 4 or 5 pm.
I just don't last when I take the 2 mgs' in the morning -- my anxiety is back by mid afternoon/evening.
Before I started taking the 2nd 2 mg dose earlier than prescribed, I drank wine. Too much wine ?
Perhaps. But the wine helped give me a soothing, antidepressant feeling.
But, then there is the whole 'self medication' factor which comes into play..I have often wondered about generic vs. brand name. Every pharmacist has assured me that brand name is = to generic. You have raised an interesting question, and I appreciate that.
Maybe I will try the Brand name of Xanax XR and determine whether or not I notice a difference.As for now, I can't get my pdoc to give me 6 mgs' of Xanax XR per day (i'm thinking 3 mgs' in the am , 3 more at night..). He thinks that 4 mgs' is a 'high dose.' (He is quite conservative).
Sooo, maybe the REAL DEAL xanax XR will do the trick.
Thanks for the post!~ Shanon ~
poster:nolegirl23
thread:737081
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070224/msgs/737088.html