[dr461]

Originally Posted by DaniRae

Awesome! Soooo glad the Xanax helped you! It helped me get through some really tough times. Now I carry it with me but haven't used it in weeks. But knowing I have it in case I need it, makes me feel sooo much better

This is one of the best ideas in the world. The shrinks call it " the pocket pill," and it is brilliant, as it reminds you that you have the medication in your pocket, but don't necessarily have to use it. I was told to do that years ago by a great psychologist , and just reaching in my pocket and feeling the pill case with my med can oft times abort anxious feelings just knowing it is there, but not having to take it.

[Katie]

Dr I've heard about that! Brilliant. It tricks your brain and you can calm down. I've heard that you can do that with mantras too. When your relaxed you say something over and over and then later when your stressed out repeating that mantra it phrase tells your brain shhh and calm down.

[dr461]

When your relaxed you say something over and over and then later when your stressed out repeating that mantra it phrase tells your brain shhh and calm down.

Exactly--repeating something meaningful, from either scripture or positive affirmation, or poem often takes one's mind off of the anxious situation. The mind is very susceptible to autosuggestion so this technique is great for inducing the Relaxation Response.

[Miss Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by dr461

Amen. Xanax in moderate doses as prescribed works like a charm. It just turns off the adrenaline surges. While it many not stop PVCs, it makes one much less concerned. This has worked for years, and I am not dependent or addicted as has been said elsewhere. This is simply not an issue, when used as directed.

Hey David, not trying to start a fight or anything, but I was prescribed Xanax and took it according to my doctor's directions and became addicted within two weeks! (1 mg per day up to 2 times a day.) I was able to wean myself off and then started again with a quarter tablet and found that this lower dosage was tolerated and beneficial without the addictive effects. Sometimes, the dosage is just more than our individual systems can tolerate. I have this same issue with other medications, so I am careful when taking medications. My point is that what works for you will not always work for someone else. It could simply be that I am a much smaller person than you. 5'1", 118lbs. Hope I have not offended.

Elizabeth

[DaniRae]

Originally Posted by Miss Elizabeth

Hey David, not trying to start a fight or anything, but I was prescribed Xanax and took it according to my doctor's directions and became addicted within two weeks! (1 mg per day up to 2 times a day.) I was able to wean myself off and then started again with a quarter tablet and found that this lower dosage was tolerated and beneficial without the addictive effects. Sometimes, the dosage is just more than our individual systems can tolerate. I have this same issue with other medications, so I am careful when taking medications. My point is that what works for you will not always work for someone else. It could simply be that I am a much smaller person than you. 5'1", 118lbs. Hope I have not offended.

Elizabeth

No way will you offend anyone, thank you for sharing. You are right, it can be dose or just how our body tolerates things. Thank you for sharing. I only take 1/2 of a .25 mg tablet as well. For some, that would probably do very little to help, but for me, it was perfect.

[dr461]

Originally Posted by Miss Elizabeth

Hey David, not trying to start a fight or anything, but I was prescribed Xanax and took it according to my doctor's directions and became addicted within two weeks! (1 mg per day up to 2 times a day.) I was able to wean myself off and then started again with a quarter tablet and found that this lower dosage was tolerated and beneficial without the addictive effects. Sometimes, the dosage is just more than our individual systems can tolerate. I have this same issue with other medications, so I am careful when taking medications. My point is that what works for you will not always work for someone else. It could simply be that I am a much smaller person than you. 5'1", 118lbs. Hope I have not offended.

Elizabeth

Not offended at all. Basically, I would guess (not being a doctor) that your dose was much too high for your size. I am 6' 1" 200 lbs, and my MAXIMUM was 1 MG a day, 1/2 taken twice a day. I was never addicted, and can begin and stop it at will with no effects. Your dose, 1 MG twice a day was DOUBLE mine, and my body weight is almost twice yours. I am greatly surprised that your doctor started you on a dose so high--that is the type of dosage they give for serious panic disorder. So, I think that was the issue.