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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Snowie on October 15, 2004, at 13:46:33
In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR, posted by Squiggles on October 15, 2004, at 12:44:37
I'm glad you no longer have panic attacks! By the way, Tranxene also comes in a sustained released formula, which I haven't tried. If the regular Tranxene doesn't do much for social anxiety, I doubt I'd have much success with the extended release, especially since Tranxene is supposedly a longer lasting benzo in the first place! Anyway, I have an appointment with my pdoc on 10/21, so I'll bring up the Xanax XR question again and see what he says.
As for the diarrhea question, I have no idea. I guess you could try it and you would find out. I occasionally have it myself but I don't take Thyroxine. However, I noticed I started going more often after my gallbladder surgery in 2002.
Snowie
> > I don't think regular Xanax will be replaced by the XR since, if nothing else, they do act differently. Also, Xanax XR has been available in certain parts of Europe for many years prior to the States obtaining FDA approval, but to my knowledge it hasn't replaced regular Xanax in Europe.
> >
> > Snowie
>
>
> Thanks for the information Snowie. I no longer
> take Xanax myself- no longer have any panic attacks, thank God. Speaking of XR, i have heard that Lithium comes in that form. I wonder if it would help with diarrhea or if diarrhea is an effect of my Thyroxine dose - a btw question, i know.
>
> Squiggles
Posted by jacot on November 13, 2004, at 20:17:46
In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR » Squiggles, posted by Snowie on October 15, 2004, at 13:46:33
Has anyone out there taken Xanax in xr format?? I'm currently on Klonopin, and thinking of switching over, as it really makes me feel tired. Does Xanax have the same effects?? I have mild to moderate GAD, no panic attacks or depression.
Posted by awatts on November 14, 2004, at 8:59:27
In reply to Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by jacot on November 13, 2004, at 20:17:46
> Has anyone out there taken Xanax in xr format?? I'm currently on Klonopin, and thinking of switching over, as it really makes me feel tired. Does Xanax have the same effects?? I have mild to moderate GAD, no panic attacks or depression.
I'm on Klonopin .5mg twice a day. I have tried Xanax XR, and did not like it. It's nothing like regular Xanax. Xanax XR is also very expensive. Generic clonazepam is cheap.
Posted by jacot on November 14, 2004, at 13:03:27
In reply to Re: Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by awatts on November 14, 2004, at 8:59:27
> > Has anyone out there taken Xanax in xr format?? I'm currently on Klonopin, and thinking of switching over, as it really makes me feel tired. Does Xanax have the same effects?? I have mild to moderate GAD, no panic attacks or depression.
>
> I'm on Klonopin .5mg twice a day. I have tried Xanax XR, and did not like it. It's nothing like regular Xanax. Xanax XR is also very expensive. Generic clonazepam is cheap.
>How was it different for you than regualar xanax?? And what did you feel like it when you were on it compared to Klonopin. Just curious...
Posted by Daky on November 14, 2004, at 16:20:11
In reply to Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by jacot on November 13, 2004, at 20:17:46
Hi Jacot,
I could have written your post. My pdoc wanted me to try the Xanax-XR instead of the Klonopin for the same reason you stated. She believes some of my fatigue is related to the Klonopin, although I think the dose is quite small (I take .5 in the a.m. and .25 at bedtime, along w/Lexapro 10 mg.). This is only day two of 1 mg. Xanax-XR and I don't know if it's a placebo effect or not but I don't seem as tired. Maybe I should wait a couple of weeks and report back to you. One of my other concerns w/ Klonopin is memory loss (but then again that could be age/meno related, who knows??)
Posted by jacot on November 14, 2004, at 16:31:03
In reply to Re: Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by Daky on November 14, 2004, at 16:20:11
I too am on a very small dose..only .5mg at night, but I usually feel so tired the next day..it's awful. I also feel "out of it" and spacy..it's almost an "apathetic" feeling. I don't know how else to describe it, but it does help for the anxiety part. Please let me know how you are doing on just the xanax. I think I may try mine this week, and hope for the best....was once daily enough for you and did you feel anxious at all being on it???
Posted by awatts on November 14, 2004, at 16:43:47
In reply to Re: Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by jacot on November 14, 2004, at 13:03:27
> > > Has anyone out there taken Xanax in xr format?? I'm currently on Klonopin, and thinking of switching over, as it really makes me feel tired. Does Xanax have the same effects?? I have mild to moderate GAD, no panic attacks or depression.
> >
> > I'm on Klonopin .5mg twice a day. I have tried Xanax XR, and did not like it. It's nothing like regular Xanax. Xanax XR is also very expensive. Generic clonazepam is cheap.
> >
>
> How was it different for you than regualar xanax?? And what did you feel like it when you were on it compared to Klonopin. Just curious...
>
2 mg of Xanax XR did not help much with GAD. If I take 1 mg of regular Xanax, it will stop a panic attack in 20 minutes and relieve ALL anxiety - but it only lasts maybe 2 hours. Regular Xanax gives me a drugged, high feeling that I don't like. However, I still carry Xanax for panic attacks and that's the only time I take it.
It's been a while, but the clonazepam sedation went away after I think 3 or 4 weeks and is no longer a problem.
Guess we all react differently.
Posted by theo on November 14, 2004, at 17:31:02
In reply to Xanax-XR reviews...., posted by jacot on November 13, 2004, at 20:17:46
Xanax XR is great. It doesn't make you tired like Klonopin. To make it work right, you need to take it twice daily, I took 1mg every 12 hours.
Posted by mattw84 on November 14, 2004, at 20:31:52
In reply to Re: Xanax-XR reviews.... » jacot, posted by theo on November 14, 2004, at 17:31:02
I have trialed Xanax, Xanax XR, and Klonopin; each for about a month in duration. Everyone responds differently to any given medication -- but often there are numerous similar reactions to varying degrees...
Xanax (Alprazolam immediate release) .5 mg 4x Daily
- Almost immediate onset of action, making it great for those who will take it prn (as needed) for panic attacks.
- Compared with other benzodiazepines, my objective opinion is that this form of Xanax has the highest potential for abuse/addiction.
- Most will develop a tolerance rather quickly to it, even though it loses it "euphoric" effect it still retains the anxiolytic.Klonopin (Clonazepam generic) -- .75 mg 2x Daily
- Long acting, and can be heavily sedating. Most say the sedative effect wears of after a couple weeks of continuous use.
- Highly effective for social anxiety at lower doses; panic disorders may require higher dosing, thusly increasing the likelihood of sedation.
- Cognitive side effects not present for me (memory impairment, motor skill functionality, etc...)Xanax XR 4mg 1x Daily
- Much slower onset of action than the IR version (1 to 2 hours)
- Claims to last 24+ hours, my guess would be somewhere between 8 and 10 hours of effective coverage.
- Similar sedation to Klonopin, occasional short-term memory anomalies.
- Overall quite similar to klonopin with once daily dosing, though some may require twice daily.Any of the above are viable options for anyone with anxiety disorders. I had to go through the SSRI/SRNI loop for a while before finally getting to these effective treatments. So.. Xanax IR great "as needed" -- XR great if insurance will cover it and sure beats the ups and downs of taking the IR and having to tote your pillbox around with you. Klonopin is probably the best alternative to Xanax XR IMO. Good luck!
Matt
Posted by violetskyye on November 30, 2004, at 20:37:32
In reply to Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..), posted by mattw84 on November 14, 2004, at 20:31:52
It seems like most folks on this site tout Klonopin for anxiety. I found Ativan [Lorazepam] to be the absolute best, and have no side effects.
As I've said elsewhere on this site, I am a trial lawyer, and have to be sharp and not too nervous in court, and Ativan has been perfect for me. If I am having a bad panic attack, and just dissolve a .5 mg in my mouth, it works quickly with no sedation.
Your mileage may vary, but for those considering Benzo's, I'd give this one a try.
Posted by ed_uk on December 1, 2004, at 8:23:41
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..), posted by violetskyye on November 30, 2004, at 20:37:32
Xanax makes me too spaced out! I prefer Valium or Ativan. Hate clobazam (Frisium). Yuck!
Ed.
Posted by Daky on December 1, 2004, at 10:21:02
In reply to Re: Xanax-XR reviews....for Daky, posted by jacot on November 14, 2004, at 16:31:03
Well I am happy to report back after a couple of weeks that this has been nothing short of amazing for me. On the advice of my pdoc I went from the once a day dosing on the Xanax XR to twice a day and that made a world of difference. I take 1 mg. in the morning and 1 mg. in the evening, along with 10 mg. of Lexapro. The fatigue/apathy I felt on Klonopin is totally gone. I never realized how bad it was and that it probably was contributing to some depressive symptoms. At this point I'm just hoping it lasts.
Posted by jujube on December 1, 2004, at 15:27:42
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..), posted by ed_uk on December 1, 2004, at 8:23:41
I use Xanax occassionally, and have been fortunate enough not to feel spaced out when I take it. It's the only benzo I have ever tried, and I find it makes me feel relaxed and somewhat confident. I have a question though. Are all benzos, including Xanax, good for anticipatory anxiety?
Tamara
> Xanax makes me too spaced out! I prefer Valium or Ativan. Hate clobazam (Frisium). Yuck!
>
> Ed.
Posted by Daky on December 1, 2004, at 16:43:25
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..) » ed_uk, posted by jujube on December 1, 2004, at 15:27:42
I've never tried regular Xanax but Klonopin and Xanax XR work well for my anticipatory anxiety and GAD. Ativan works well for anticipatory anxiety for me also but since on the Xanax XR and the Lexapro I have not had to take it. When on .5 Klonopin or even up to 1 mg. Klonopin daily I would take Ativan when I had breakthrough anxiety.
Part of my anxiety disorder is extreme fear of taking meds but I'm getting over that. I held back for years without taking anything then when I did take meds I weaned down to the lowest dose and stayed there for several years (.5 Klonopin). Only recently have I been seeing a new pdoc and tweaking meds and I feel so much better!
Posted by darkhorse on December 2, 2004, at 4:49:56
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..), posted by violetskyye on November 30, 2004, at 20:37:32
I'd take lorazepam 1mg twice or 3 times a day or Alprazolam 0.5mg 3times a day any day than go through the extremley apthetic depressive clonazepam.
Oh! and BTW Diazepam brings about a depressive dysphoric feeling quickly unless you take the next fix (3- 5 times a day) so, I stay away from it too.
Best ones for SP,GAD are Lorazepam,Alprazolam & the less popular,but extremley helpful bromazepam.
Posted by paulbwell on December 2, 2004, at 14:29:01
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..), posted by darkhorse on December 2, 2004, at 4:49:56
> I'd take lorazepam 1mg twice or 3 times a day or Alprazolam 0.5mg 3times a day any day than go through the extremley apthetic depressive clonazepam.
> Oh! and BTW Diazepam brings about a depressive dysphoric feeling quickly unless you take the next fix (3- 5 times a day) so, I stay away from it too.
> Best ones for SP,GAD are Lorazepam,Alprazolam & the less popular,but extremley helpful bromazepam.Hi Dark
"apathetic depressive clonazepam"
I have been taking Clono for 2 years, and yer I guess It made me depressed, apethetic, althought you dont really know do you, if you have rough anxiety to start with, until it's pointed out to you, or your life starts to head down the tubes.
You start Clono for anxiety disorder, become depressed, take an AD,-dosn't work try another-up the dose-get anxious again-up your Clono-maybe add more pills to your life then, yer we know where this goes. I have changed to Xanax but a lower dose than Clono, I'm already taking more than the script says, but only searching for relief. Maybe the TCA AD is making me worse after 5 weeks should you be waking up good?. do what the Doc wants-you are a good compliant patient and he his happy-dont, cos you don't like the way things are going-and you are non-compliant, and Doc becomes fed up with you, and is reticent to continue tyring to help.Chase your tail
Posted by ed_uk on December 3, 2004, at 13:50:32
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin (Reviews..) » ed_uk, posted by jujube on December 1, 2004, at 15:27:42
Hi,
If you find Xanax effective for anticipatory anxiety then you will probably find the other benzos similarly effective.
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by jujube on December 3, 2004, at 14:11:04
In reply to Re: To jujube, posted by ed_uk on December 3, 2004, at 13:50:32
Thanks Ed. I guess, in an indirect way, I was kind of asking if other people found Xanax good for anticipatory anxiety or if there is a better benzo for this and to turn off the anxious thoughts before a anxiety-provoking situation.
Tamara
> Hi,
>
> If you find Xanax effective for anticipatory anxiety then you will probably find the other benzos similarly effective.
>
> Regards,
> Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on December 3, 2004, at 14:20:36
In reply to Re: To jujube » ed_uk, posted by jujube on December 3, 2004, at 14:11:04
Hi,
I doubt that any benzo is consistently superior for anticipatory anxiety (but everyone has their favourite benzo so I guess you might prefer a different one.) You could try Ativan or Klonopin....... or maybe a different class of med altogether.
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by jujube on December 3, 2004, at 14:38:43
In reply to Re: To jujube, posted by ed_uk on December 3, 2004, at 14:20:36
Thanks Ed. I am taking Anafranil, which seems to be doing a fairly good job on anxiety and depression even at only 50 mg. I may go up to 75 mg in the next week or so if the natural supplements I will be trying don't help with the residual anhedonia. As for the anticipatory anxiety, I think I will just stick with the Xanax since I am used to it. Plus, my pdoc does not really want to give me benzos. So, I will just use the Xanax I have on hand if and when I need it.
Take care.
Tamara
> Hi,
>
> I doubt that any benzo is consistently superior for anticipatory anxiety (but everyone has their favourite benzo so I guess you might prefer a different one.) You could try Ativan or Klonopin....... or maybe a different class of med altogether.
>
> Regards,
> Ed.
Posted by bjg on December 5, 2004, at 11:33:59
In reply to Re: To jujube » ed_uk, posted by jujube on December 3, 2004, at 14:11:04
I was taking regualr XANAX at .5mg usually 1x or 2x a day for quite some time. I have tried taking myself off with horriffic rebound.
I started taking Xanax XR .5MG before I go to bed, and I feel that this is much less potent than a .5mg of regualr Xanax. I would really appreciate anyone who can tell me what a proper dosage of the XR should be. I find it a real struggle to make it through the day on 1 .5mg XR. I do not find it last 24 hrs.
Posted by ed_uk on December 5, 2004, at 15:50:33
In reply to My Xanax XR seems weak..dosage help PLEASE??, posted by bjg on December 5, 2004, at 11:33:59
Hi :-)
Why did you decide to transfer to Xanax XR?
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by mattw84 on December 5, 2004, at 15:51:08
In reply to My Xanax XR seems weak..dosage help PLEASE??, posted by bjg on December 5, 2004, at 11:33:59
Supposedly Xanax XR keeps a constant plasma level for 24 hours. I have not found this to be the case, I am currently taking 3mg XR twice daily. I too started with .5 mg of the IR version as needed and found it very effective. My complaints of rebound anxiety prompted a switch to klonopin which was effective, but notably sedating and also started to notice myself feeling moreso depressed. So we switched back to Xanax XR at .5mg XR once daily. I quickly started having what were identified by my pdoc as benzodiazepine withdrawals, and after that she decided to read the PI sheet... Tell your doc you are looking for the equivilent coverage to taking the .5 mg IR every 4 hours to get complete coverage.
Xanax IR to Xanax XR math is fairly simple:
0.5 mg 4x daily = Total 2mg
So Xanax XR 2mg once daily or Xanax XR 1 mg 2x daily. (I recommend the latter)I would recommend trying klonopin if you have not already, unless depressed. It is highly effective and the teva generic is very cheap! Always a bonus...
My $.02 is that if you can avoid benzos... do... but especially Xanax, it's great as needed; however taken as complete treatment it quickly becomes less effective. (causing dose to quickly escalate) Alprazolam also has a very short half life, so when the XR pill is done dissolving, your plasma levels drop just as fast as with the IR version and cause serious rebound anxiety!
Good luck
Matt
Posted by bjg on December 5, 2004, at 16:08:34
In reply to Re: My Xanax XR seems weak..dosage help PLEASE??, posted by ed_uk on December 5, 2004, at 15:50:33
> Hi :-)
>
> Why did you decide to transfer to Xanax XR?
>
> Regards,
> Ed.I swithced b/c my doc want to taper me off. He wants me on XR for a month and also take Depakote to stablize the side effects. Than after a month go to Klonopin. I just have found the .5mg XR to be somewhat ineffective. Maybe I just have a tolerance and need a higher dosage.
Would a Klonopin regimen along with the depakote offset the rebound/withdrawel form Xanax effectively?
Posted by ed_uk on December 5, 2004, at 16:27:42
In reply to My Xanax XR seems weak..dosage help PLEASE??, posted by bjg on December 5, 2004, at 16:08:34
Hi,
Switching to Klonopin should deal with most of the withdrawal symptoms (provided that the dose is adequate) ........but you might still experience some temporary discomfort. If you don't like the Xanax XR you'd probably be better off switching to the Klonopin immediately. I'm not convinced that the Depakote it necessary (that is, if you're taking it purely to facilitate withdrawal.) Depakote can cause many side effects of its own. Of course, if you have another reason to be taking Depakote then that's a different matter.
Regards,
Ed.
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