Starting Xanax

[dysert]

Thanks for the prayers.

I tried one .25 tab earlier and didn't really feel too much. I will have to try two and see.

The cognitive piece is what I'm concerned about. I have to be "on" while I'm in class. So I am wondering what it might do. And if this doesn't work, then what?I'm obviously overthinking it already but I don't know. I just wish this was easier.

I'm on an interesting mix which addresses the very issues you're talking about. I don't take Xanax but Ativan (same family). I take 2mg pills "as needed" (which is at least once/day). They slow me down, so my psychiatrist also has me on a stimulant (Ritalin) so that I can be "on" while at work. Seems to work well, and I don't have any addictive symptoms. I've been on this mix for a few years now. Saved my job.

 

[NoddaProbBob]

Hello to everyone.

I have been away after a busy few weeks so I apologize for not attending to the thread.

Thus far, I don't exactly know how to describe my experience with Xanax.
At first I had concerns that it was making me groggy the next day. However, I hadn't really felt like one .25mg tab did the job so I tried adding to the dosage. First with one and a half tabs, then two (.5mg total) tabs. I'm not exactly sure if it's working. I mean, I feel fine. "Normal" I guess. But I don't know if that means it's working or if that means it isn't.

I want to try upping the dosage again but am concerned about going too high with the dosage. I had been using Inderal (Propranolol) for presentations and certain anxious situations, however it takes about 40mg of Inderal to level things out, which is four pills, so I think it was just easier and more practical to switch to something else. However, I don't know which is the lesser evil at this point: Going through several pills of Inderal, or risking Benzo consequences.

I haven't been back to see my doctor because I don't really know what to tell him. Which I suppose probably means I should go back and see him, but I have a hard time going to begin with, so I am just worried about having to try a different medication. Which may also be the answer too. I don't know.

I guess that's my position right now. I don't really know lol

 

[dysert]

It probably would be a good thing to go back to the psychiatrist. Although you can't really describe what's going on, a good doctor will be skilled at asking the right questions and getting to the answers s/he needs to make an assessment. Playing around with different meds & dosages on your own is probably not the best approach.

 

[Paul01]

It probably would be a good thing to go back to the psychiatrist...

I agree. For me, the intensity of the side effects wore off with time. That doesn't mean the drug isn't working though.

 

[actionsub]

I agree. For me, the intensity of the side effects wore off with time. That doesn't mean the drug isn't working though.

Paul's right. With such medicines, as another doctor told me, there is a law of diminishing returns that kicks in as your body accustoms itself to the medication. At the same time, because the drug is beginning to work, the positive effects are so gradual that by that time, it's doing its job without some of the side effects such as drowsiness.

That said, if the drowsiness continues to a degree that it affects your normal life patterns, there may be some adjustments needed. Doctors are used to that dynamic as well, so don't hesitate to bring that up in a follow-up visit.

 

[NoddaProbBob]

Hm. Ok, thank you everyone for your help.

I can't seem to discern whether or not it was or was not working.
It's probably just best to make another appointment as you've all suggested.

I have the opportunity to use the Xanax on Friday and so I want to give it one last shot so that I can have something concrete to tell my Psychiatrist when I see him next.

I will post again with the results. I'm going to try being a lot more mindful of what happens when I take it and how I'm feeling the next day.