Xanax/Valium opinions

Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
input. Thanks alot everyone!

<Martyguava@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1162510187.282267.141950@f16g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
input. Thanks alot everyone!

Marty, Well you can get a medical providers opinion if you want one. I've
prescribed this combination to some of my patients and they have done well.
I like Xanax and Klonopin a little better, possibly because that's what I
take daily and feel more comfortable with it. This type of combo has always
made sense to me, a shorter plus a longer acting benzo. One alternative may
be regular xanax with Xanax XR and no Valium. Really everyone is different
and you really have to find out what would work best for you. I take 2 mg
of Xanax XR at night, (I don't have problems sleeping), and I find that in
the morning my anxiety is pretty in check from it. I take anywhere from 2-3
more milligrams throughout the day depending on how I feel. I also usually
take a 1mg Klonopin in the morning with the xanax. I feel no "high" or
sedation. I don't ever remember feeling anything from either of them except
being calmer. Sure if I take one and lay down I might be more inclined to
sleep but if you stay active after a while, you shouldn't feel sedation. I
would agree with your doctor that a real "addiction" to these drugs is
relatively rare but I have seen a few, so him seeing "none" in 30 years is
rare. Usually the ones who become "addicts" have no anxiety and just start
taking them to feel high or something. People in general with anxiety or
panic disorder do no abuse their medications in my opinion. Regarding
tapering, again, everyone is different, some days I really don't take any
meds,( days at home all day, holidays, etc) and I've never had withdrawl
symptoms. I've tapered numerous patients without much problem at all from
numerous different benzo's and I think that people with anxiety "expect"
withdrawls. This gets back to the anticiplatory component of the disease.
I have read numerous times people having trouble tapering relatively small
doses of benzo's(ie, xanax .5 mg 2x daily), and have a hard time believing
some of the problems their having, but again, to each his own. Hope this
helps. Have you ever tried any AD's or other SSRI's for anxiety?
Scott

Hello Marty,

I think it's wise of you to ask others for thier opinions on this
subject, I too have horrendous panic attacks,anxiety,insomnia..ect.
Along with that I take a pretty large dose of pain killers for chronic
back pain, and my pain doc is who gives me my xanax,and I take 4mg a
day, which many think is too much, but I've been on them for 7
years,and I did gain a tolerance to them, so 4mg gives me no high at
all, and niether does valium unless I take 50 mg in one dose. which I
no longer do.
but on your question of addiction, Well for me, I would have to say
that I am physically dependant,which my doc says is different than
addiction. I though don't see much difference in physical or
psycological dependance(addiction) .To me dependant is just that,no
matter how you want to label it.
But as for withdrawls, well there have been times in my life when I was
in rehab that my xanax was cut off altogether, and other times when
they were stolen from me, and I must say that I've been clean off
heroin for 4 years now,and yet I still feel that I'd take the physical
pain of that detox, over the torment of mental and physical detox off
of xanax anyday,so that should tell you how bad it can be. my mind
becomes electric, I get this spasmatic body syndrome, shaking
constantly, cant look anyone in the eye, and it has lasted up to a
month of this withdrawl. Granted I am highly addictive by nature,Even
after the emotional urge to use it left, i was still stuck with the
physical symtoms of withdrawl.

Yet, for me, it's all that works for me, so as long as I made my
commitment to stick with this med, knowing what it has done to me, I
have to see my doc every 21 days knowing I can never miss a visit. So I
guess my advice to you is this, trust what your body tells you, ask
yourself if you have an addictive personality, ask your doctor if you
should try something less addictive, and please remember that your
tolerance will grow and after some years, you will end up on my dosage,
and the higher the dosage the harsher the withdrawl...

much luck to you,
Talula

On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:

>Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
>(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
>from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
>"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
>the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
>valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
>to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
>long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
>valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
>I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
>"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
>practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
>problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
>offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
>of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
>seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
>all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
>withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
>doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
>that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
>abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
>subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
>really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
>worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
>typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
>a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
>stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
>you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
>This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
>input. Thanks alot everyone!

Hi,
I have been taking Xanax for Panic Disorder since 1995. I take 5 x 1mg
per day, and extra if needed. I know I am dependent on Xanax but I
prefer that to the panic attacks. I do not get a high from Xanax,
rather it helps me to function relatively normally.
Meryl

Thanks, Scott, Talula and Meryl for the intelligent posts and sharing
your experiences. It really helps. This is a great forum. I didn't
realize one could get expert medical information here. No, I haven't
tried SSRI's etc.. When I initially saw my doc, he recommended a
psychiatrist, but mentioned that he was quite expensive. At the time I
was planning my wedding (well, actually paying for it...), so I
couldn't afford the added expense. The wedding was the main reason
why I finally sought help for this....flipping out in front of 100
people didn't seem like a good thing. Xanax saved me that day. And
just knowing that you have it available is sometimes all that you need.
A month or so before I got the Xanax, I had my worst panic attack
ever, at the DMV of all places. I was shaking so bad while in line, I
literally ran out of the place in front of everyone. I got to my car,
deciding whether I should go to the ER, but managed to gain control
within an hour or so. Horrible. I empathize with anyone that has to go
through this stuff. As far as an addictive personality goes, I have at
times in the past imbibed a little more than I should (worked nights at
a bar, single guy...you know how it goes..), but I don't think that
would describe me. I have been prescribed pain medication (vicodin,
codeine) many times and have had the Xanax available for 2 + yrs. and
have never abused them. When I take the benzos, I just feel normal.
Heck, if I tried to get a buzz off of the zannies, I think I'd just
sleep for 2 days. Thanks Dr. Scott, next time I see my doc I'll ask
about SSRI's as well as the XR. The long/short half life combo seems
to do the job for me. I agree with the anticipatory component. My doc
wants me to take more of the medication, but because of my fear of
dependence/addiction, I haven't done it yet. Again, thanks for all of
the responses you guys. I'm going to check this site regularly.
Hopefully, in the future, I can help out with some of my experiences
re: panic/anxiety. It's nice to know you aren't alone.
Meryl wrote:
> On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
> >(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
> >from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
> >"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
> >the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
> >valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
> >to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
> >long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
> >valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
> >I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
> >"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
> >practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
> >problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
> >offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
> >of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
> >seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
> >all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
> >withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
> >doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
> >that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
> >abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
> >subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
> >really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
> >worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
> >typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
> >a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
> >stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
> >you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
> >This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
> >input. Thanks alot everyone!
>
> Hi,
> I have been taking Xanax for Panic Disorder since 1995. I take 5 x 1mg
> per day, and extra if needed. I know I am dependent on Xanax but I
> prefer that to the panic attacks. I do not get a high from Xanax,
> rather it helps me to function relatively normally.
> Meryl

Amen to that Meryl....I am on valium / lexapro now and doing ok. I will have
to take medication for the remainder of my life to control my PD and I am ok
with that. I have taken both klonopin and xanax with great success....hv
been on benzos for over 20 years now.

Carl
"Meryl" <meryl.nNOSPAM@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:iholk2ltoa7cjmj61va8osm50hs6k06l7k@4ax.com...
> On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
> >(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
> >from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
> >"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
> >the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
> >valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
> >to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
> >long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
> >valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
> >I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
> >"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
> >practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
> >problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
> >offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
> >of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
> >seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
> >all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
> >withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
> >doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
> >that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
> >abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
> >subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
> >really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
> >worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
> >typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
> >a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
> >stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
> >you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
> >This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
> >input. Thanks alot everyone!
>
> Hi,
> I have been taking Xanax for Panic Disorder since 1995. I take 5 x 1mg
> per day, and extra if needed. I know I am dependent on Xanax but I
> prefer that to the panic attacks. I do not get a high from Xanax,
> rather it helps me to function relatively normally.
> Meryl

Hi everyone. What are your thoughts on dosage if one is taking these
drugs for a significant period of time? Again, you hear stories of
people that started off at 1 mg of Xanax a day, then eventually having
to take 15 mgs to get the same effect. Have you noticed that at some
point there is a "leveling" type of dosage? In other words, you may
start out taking say, 1 mg a day, then go up to 3mg down the road and
that remains your therapeutic dose long term. Thanks a lot!


Carl wrote:
> Amen to that Meryl....I am on valium / lexapro now and doing ok. I will have
> to take medication for the remainder of my life to control my PD and I am ok
> with that. I have taken both klonopin and xanax with great success....hv
> been on benzos for over 20 years now.
>
> Carl
> "Meryl" <meryl.nNOSPAM@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:iholk2ltoa7cjmj61va8osm50hs6k06l7k@4ax.com...
> > On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:
> >
> > >Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
> > >(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
> > >from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
> > >"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
> > >the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
> > >valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
> > >to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
> > >long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
> > >valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
> > >I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
> > >"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
> > >practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
> > >problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
> > >offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
> > >of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
> > >seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
> > >all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
> > >withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
> > >doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
> > >that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
> > >abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
> > >subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
> > >really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
> > >worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
> > >typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
> > >a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
> > >stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
> > >you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
> > >This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
> > >input. Thanks alot everyone!
> >
> > Hi,
> > I have been taking Xanax for Panic Disorder since 1995. I take 5 x 1mg
> > per day, and extra if needed. I know I am dependent on Xanax but I
> > prefer that to the panic attacks. I do not get a high from Xanax,
> > rather it helps me to function relatively normally.
> > Meryl

I undermedicated for many years until my psychiatrist convinced me
that it was OK to take my prescribed dose.
My dosage has been pretty much the same for 11 years.
Meryl

On 6 Nov 2006 11:29:40 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:

>Hi everyone. What are your thoughts on dosage if one is taking these
>drugs for a significant period of time? Again, you hear stories of
>people that started off at 1 mg of Xanax a day, then eventually having
>to take 15 mgs to get the same effect. Have you noticed that at some
>point there is a "leveling" type of dosage? In other words, you may
>start out taking say, 1 mg a day, then go up to 3mg down the road and
>that remains your therapeutic dose long term. Thanks a lot!
>
>
>Carl wrote:
>> Amen to that Meryl....I am on valium / lexapro now and doing ok. I will have
>> to take medication for the remainder of my life to control my PD and I am ok
>> with that. I have taken both klonopin and xanax with great success....hv
>> been on benzos for over 20 years now.
>>
>> Carl
>> "Meryl" <meryl.nNOSPAM@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:iholk2ltoa7cjmj61va8osm50hs6k06l7k@4ax.com...
>> > On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:
>> >
>> > >Hi everyone. I've been prescribed Xanax and Valium from my doc
>> > >(anxiety, panic attacks) and I'm looking for some OBJECTIVE opinions
>> > >from experienced people regarding these drugs. I've been using Xanax
>> > >"as needed" for about 2 yrs. and it's worked out well, but since
>> > >the half life is fairly short, my doc said it would be OK to try some
>> > >valium...see how that goes. I like the Xanax more, but the combo seems
>> > >to to work pretty well. I get the quick acting Xanax, along with the
>> > >long half life of the valium. My doc said that I could take 10 mg. of
>> > >valium a day without any problems. (My BP was 150/90 when I saw him so
>> > >I think he's was a bit concerned) When I mentioned
>> > >"addiction/dependence", he told me that in the 30+ yrs. he has
>> > >practiced, not one person he has prescribed benzos for has ever had a
>> > >problem. At the moment, I am thinking about taking him up on his
>> > >offer, while maybe adding .5 mg. of xanax per day along with the 10 mg
>> > >of Val. (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
>> > >seems like a pretty low dose). I've done some research on benzos, and
>> > >all I read about are these nightmare stories of addiction and
>> > >withdrawal, so I'm a bit hesitant (though I think listening to your
>> > >doc is almost always the way to go). I'm really beginning to believe
>> > >that many of these stories are exaggerations from people that heavily
>> > >abused for long periods of time and quit abruptly. I'm sure this
>> > >subject has been discussed many times, but if you don't mind, I'd
>> > >really like to hear some of your thoughts. In your opinion....Have they
>> > >worked well? If anyone has tapered, was it difficult? How long does it
>> > >typically take to develope a dependance? I'm planning on trying it for
>> > >a week, to see how it goes. I don't believe I'd have any problems
>> > >stopping after only a week so...Anyway, thanks a lot everybody! I know
>> > >you guys aren't docs, but it's nice to hear from experienced folks.
>> > >This has been on my mind for quite some time so I'd appreciate any
>> > >input. Thanks alot everyone!
>> >
>> > Hi,
>> > I have been taking Xanax for Panic Disorder since 1995. I take 5 x 1mg
>> > per day, and extra if needed. I know I am dependent on Xanax but I
>> > prefer that to the panic attacks. I do not get a high from Xanax,
>> > rather it helps me to function relatively normally.
>> > Meryl

On 2 Nov 2006 15:29:47 -0800, Martyguava@hotmail.com wrote:

> (10 mg of Val is the eq. Of .5 mg of xanax, so combined that
> seems like a pretty low dose).

5.0mg of valium is roughly equivalent to 0.5mg of xanax. don't believe the
equivalency tables published by benzo.org/ashton clinic. ask your doctor
to check his reference material for you. equivalencies are not exact,
though, and very individualistic, so YMMV.

As far as stopping a benzo, I was on 30-40 mg/day of valium for about 3
years, tapered voluntarily down to 20-30mg/day over about a month, then
stopped without any discontinuance symptoms (helped by herbal medication).
Would not recommend abrupt discontinuance to anyone, though; too many
risks. Agree with you that stories about horrible experiences due to benzo
withdrawal are not representative of the norm.

Fig