Have you tried discussing this anxiety with the doctor?

Yes. She is very anti Xanax. She is very concerned about addiction to it. But I have used it for many years as needed (my previous doctor moved out of the area) and never became addicted. She even took me off Zoloft but that went horribly and she quickly put me back on it. She has recommended psychiatric counseling and I am currently waiting on an appt. time from the one she recommended. But in the meanwhile do I go ahead and take what Xanax I have and hope she will refill it when I run out or just suffer?

I find this really interesting. Okay, so I have clonazepam, right? I have had the same bottle for like 2 years (I mean, part of that I was pregnant and couldn't take anything but you get the picture). I will ONLY take one as absolutely needed, just as you recognize you need one in the morning. But some doctors really freak out and insist they are addictive, forgetting there are people like us who simply aren't at risk for addiction to these drugs. I had to remind my GP when he had last prescribed the clonazepam and how neurotic I am about taking drugs and then he laughed and was like, "oh yeah, of course you can take these." I know you say you really like your doctor but there are so many out there who will happily prescribe things like this once they understand the nature of your problem and the nature of YOU, somebody who only takes it as needed and won't start taking it all day long. You can always go to another doctor and request the xanax while still keeping your GP; that's your right (unless you have an HMO, maybe that complicates things, not sure).

Thanks for the response. I have considered doing just that but don't want to be accused of doctor shopping. I am awaiting an appointment with a psychiatrist recommended by my GP and am hoping that he will be a little more lenient with prescribing the Xanax. Like you I can demonstrate my limited usage without addiction. She gave me 20 pills back in May and I still have 12 of those left. Of course there have been several more times I probably could have used one if not for the fear of running out. It is a vicious circle.

Good idea, bringing up your concern with the p-doc

I've been through several doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. You just have to find the right one. You shouldn't have to suffer because of your doctor. Find one that will work with you. For the meds I would suggest a psychiatrist. Make sure they listen to you and are aware of exactly what is happening and what you need. I used to take Xanax every day. Now I take Ativan every day. Some meds can or may be addictive, but you shouldn't have to suffer because of that.

I understand that many are addictive but not at the doses I take. Is that correct? I take one .25 milligram Xanax in the morning every so often. I cannot imagine that at that low dosage I could become addicted to it.

Thanks for the advice.

I don't like to play doctors advocate but what I CAN say about Xanax opposed to Ativan like I take is this: Xanax works very quickly but unfortunately the affects are short acting, whereas Ativan takes longer to work in the system but is long acting, almost 8 hours. And they are easier on the system. I have been on them on and off for 8 years. My doctor who originally prescribed them to me, told me to put it under my tongue as they will work more quickly. Maybe ask your doctor about switching? I know that Xanax, for many, (but not all) is harder to get off of. Let us know what you find out and try not to let yourself become more anxious over worrying about running out. No doctor in their right mind, should ever take a patient off of any medication cold turkey. I hope this helps. Hugs GB

The addiction problem from the Benzos is normally that you have to increase the dose over time to get the same benefit. This will not usually happen if you take them "as needed ", maybe a couple of times a week when things get really bad. I have a bottle of 30 Ativan and have only used 3 in the last 12 months. I carry a tablet with me everywhere and just knowing it's available helps a lot.
The daily use is likely what your doc is afraid of. You just have to convince the doc [or a different doc ] and yourself that you can be disciplined about the use. Benzos are more difficult to wean off of than antidepressants.

I do not do well with most forms of medication. I typically rather be ill or feel sick than to deal with how medication makes me feel.

A few years back I was given a prescription for Xanax. It was the first thing I could take that helped me and kept me head clear. I was always so careful and stockpiled them. I was scared of the whole addiction aspect and I also knew my Doc wouldn't just hand them to me on a regular basis. It finally got to where I just won't take them at all now.
I have a bottle that is 2 years old and completely full. I took 1 for a flight not too long ago and the return trip.

Long way of saying I understand to a degree where you are. If I understand you are saying you have something that helps you but you can't use it, thus causing you more anxiety? I don't think Xanax is intended for daily use. So there is the rub. Is it possible to find a medication that is appropriate for daily use that helps with the anxiety?

I still have Xanax that I've had for almost a year. I did some reading awhile back that convinced me that it is addictive, and since one of my phobias relates to medication, I am very cautious about taking it unless I can't cope any other way. I do take it, maybe once a month or so. If you haven't already, do some research on it. If you still feel like it will benefit you, a different doctor might be in order.

You may want to research 5htp. I use it every a.m. it's OTC, and does seem to make a difference. So check out L theanine.

Should say also check out L theanine. For me 5htp worked better

I feel so bad for you Mr. Grouseman. I went for year's when a script would last a year. And now not so much. I am the same as you when I know if I take more than one I will run out and then can't get more.

I started out with 1 mg that I was suppose to break in half and take the other half if needed and I never did. And so I told the Doc that and he made it very easy by giving me .5mg so I didn't have to break it. I never thought that I would have to take one everyday but that day has come.

If you are having that bad of anxiety......a .25 mg is a joke. You need to find a different Dr. I will admit that it worries me to have to take one everyday. I try and wait until 11 A before I take mine but it is wearing off by 3 P. I think I have become ammune and I don't want to tell my Doc as I am afraid he will cut me off all together if I ask for a stronger dose.

I called one Doc to ask ( and begged) for just 3 pill's to get me to the next appt. and he absoulutely refused. Looks like I will never see him again.....for sure.

I so hope that you can find someone or something that is right for you.

My psychiatrist prescribed all kinds of crap that I stopped taking just after a few day's. You have to keep looking for a good fit with a doctor.

Wishing you all the best.

Hi Grouseman.

I feel for you. I do. I was diagnosed with panic disorder 8 years ago. I am prescribed .5 mg Xanax to take 3 x a day as needed. In the last 8 years I very rarely have taken more than one. I know that there is the fear of addiction with Xanax as all benzos. IMO, CLEARLY you don't have an addiction to it since you have only taken 8 since May. My ob/gyn is the doctor who prescribes mine. The doctor who diagnosed me with panic disorder ( after I had diagnosed myself with all of the research I did ) put me on Paxil and told me to ' breathe slow' when I was having horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I haven't seen him since. My ob/gyn who I've seen for 30 years was much more compassionate and understanding that sometimes that ' breathing slow ' thing just doesn't work. I also went through 9 antidepressants but the side effects were really bad for me. What works the best for me is Xanax. Yes, it's quick acting and maybe not as long lasting as Ativan and some other benzos.

About 4 years after I was diagnosed, I did see a psychiatrist Nurse Practitioner for awhile. She prescribed an antidepressant and Xanax and also klonopin for me to take at bedtime because I was suffering from insomnia. I think that if you get into the psych doc, who deals with depression/anxiety, etc. you will be more likely to be given prescriptions that treat it.

May I ask if you've asked your GP if she won't prescribe the Xanax any more? You are on the lowest dose there is and like I said , you've clearly shown at this point you aren't abusing it. Far from it.

I hate to think that you are suffering because you are afraid you'll run out of something that helps you. :(

I understand that there are many docs who don't want to prescribe it because of the risk of addiction, but for those of us who need it and DON'T abuse it, we shouldn't have to suffer. I've tried to tell people over and over again that , to me... and I believe others who suffer from anxiety disorders, Xanax is not a ' feel good ' drug. I get no high. It helps my heart to stop racing out of my chest and the out of control panicky thoughts in my head to calm down.

sorry for the long ramble.

I truly wish you the best and I'm sorry you are going through this stressful time.

Hugs~

LMT