Xanax Being So Restricted, But Is My Life Line!

Xanax is my Life Line, its highly addictive, but was presribed to me about 20 Years ago. It was not explained to me at the Time! I am not a addictive Personalty basically, but now i get treated like a Junky! Only one Prescription every Time and have to see my GP, its costly for the Taxpayer and very inconvenieant to me, at my Age i should be trusted like before, practically stick to 3 one mg daily, even had been under ernormous Stress as i have lost 4 Family loved ones in last three Years including my Wife!

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Hans, Xanax isn't a lifeline, it takes over your life and doesn't easily let go. I found this out 30 years ago yet I must say, even though I was first told after 10 days of use it was addictive, I haven't heard that much in the last 29 years? I have had very little problems finding providers, and now have quite a collection for when my Doc dies and he is old. The Doc before this one tripled the amount of Xanax for me, and wrote for 5 months worth of refills at a time. You need a new Doc!

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Hello Hans,

I'm very sorry to hear about losing your loved ones, please accept my condolences. What you say is true, it has become more difficult for a large amount of people to get prescription medication that is highly addictive and has known severe adverse effects from long time use. The primary reason for this is that there has been a large scale crack down on over prescribing these types of drugs, primarily opioids, to patients where the cons outweigh the benefits (according to the government). This is supposed to be the governments big plan to lower the amount of these pills being wrongfully prescribed and then sold on the streets. The government does not seem to have any intention of letting up despite not having any significant data suggesting that this throttle of medication is having the intended results.

I empathize with your situation as it seems inconvenient to have to start looking for a new network of providers at such a late age but as Eddy has stated, if you feel that your current doctor is not providing you with the appropriate medical care then you should consider seeing a new provider until you find one that is willing to work with you. Best of luck and I hope your next few years are better.

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Maybe see a mental health provider instead of your GP for it? They’ll be less likely to be afraid to prescribe it.
I have been on xanax as needed for years. Years. In August I had a stomach problem and didn’t put anything in my stomach except the antacids and antibiotics for a couple weeks. I did not have any withdrawals or ill effects not taking it.
Sure it can be addictive, but honestly, my untreated anxiety is more detrimental to my functionality than a drug addiction would be. Hands down.

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It doesn't sound like you're in the US. Controlled substances here are mainly controlled by the states. The state I live in has strict rules about distributing these drugs. They are fairly new, - about 5 years old. If you went to a doctor who doesn't tell you the side effects of drugs, Like you can become dependent, then you definitely need a new doctor. I have been taking Xanax for a long time. I've never increased the dosage and it has enhanced my life. I suffer from anxiety disorder and it really changed my life. I've only had 2 doctors, so I've been lucky. Because if I have a problem, they will work with me and not think I'm trying to get more drugs for other reasons.

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Just so you know I have been taking it for at least 15 years, don’t even think about it. Been through several doctors and never had a problem. Everyone on the planet takes them for chronic anxiety because life is not easy. Sorry for your losses as I too lost loved ones but that is not the reason I started out taking them. You are not a “junkie” by taking Xanax and whomever calls you one wishes they had them. I am not young and will tak them the rest of my life as needed. Stop worrying if you become dependent on them I have no issue being dependent on them for the doctors know I can have a seizure if taken away. Like I said life is not easy and I was never one to judge or care what anyone thinks of me. I tell no one nobody’s business. Hang in there. Like I said everyone takers them especially when older.

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I’m sorry to hear about your family losses Hans. I was on 2.5 mg of Xanax for many years and did cognitive therapy also for many years. I took almost a year to wean off the Xanax. Instead I’ve been taking Lexipro which helps with anxiety. I also take lamictal as a mood stabilizer. Now I’m trying to wean off that because it has caused fatty liver disease. I take other supplements for anxiety and stress. One is an Indian herb called Ashwaganda and I take rhodiola and
L-theanine as well. My plan is to completely wean off the Lexipro and start using CBD oil. Apparently it’s very good for anxiety and depression. But don’t take it with antidepressants because when it’s combined, it’s hard on the liver. Maybe CBD oil could be a long term solution. It’s not psychotropic. Good luck!

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Sorry for your losses. 34 years ago my doctor put me on xanax while I was going through a horrendous divorce.Something like one pill every 4 hours, or as needed. When I was feeling better I abruptly stopped taking xanax. Bad mistake. Had to leave work, run home and get my pills. When I told my doctor I was addicted and wanted to quit the xanax, he told me xanax wasn't addictive. About a month late, watching national news on TV and they were saying "xanax is addictive". Then my doctor says, only if you're abusing xanax. So I set out NOT taking any xanax past the Rx time until I was almost going bananas, and then take a pill. I kept stretching the time between pills longer and longer and finally weaned myself off of them. The whole thing, weaning myself off xanax only took a couple months but it can be done. I do know that if my doctor I have now says anything about going on xanax, I'm not doing it again. Good luck in your endeavors.

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I am reminded of a quote from the movie "Blazing Saddles." Upon receiving information that his state was overwhelmed with crime, the governor replied: "Gentlemen, we've got to protect our phony baloney jobs!"

Otherwise stated, we will implement immediate ill conceived mandates configured to make us look good and satisfy our constituents! Our mission is that of expediency regardless of collateral damage! We have not the time to consider the disenfranchised, the infirmed, and other collateral damage arising from knee jerk legislation!

I submit that such is the nature of a great many of the folks we have elected to represent our interests. Given the travesty I refer to as "The War on Pharmacology", I am totally exasperated over the ease with which the electorate has relinquished power to a bunch of self serving governmental clowns!!!!!!!!!

As I have previously stated, I am grateful for this venue by which I am allowed to petition for a return to regulatory sanity!

Best regards to all!

John from the Woodlands

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Dear Hans, , Condolences for your losses! I Was put on xanax when its 1st came out about 35 years ago I believe in eighties early eighties.My doctor even gave me samples and a prescription and I Was a not told anything about it being abusive until 30 .years later. My doctor told me I wish one of the 1st to ever take it it had just hit the market. I am currently on it but I have spent years not on it! I've gone back-and-forth with it with no problems. Have tried many of the other things that have been discussed to no Avail. I suggest that you find a Phychiatrist, They are more likely to prescribe it. I do know that in Texas MHMR Will not let their Phychiatrist prescribe benzodiazepines!! Even if they're taken according to direction and you come offered them there can be with drawls I know. God-bless you and I wish you will in your endeavors!

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So sorry for your losses. These days you're lucky to be getting 3 -- 1 mg. pills a day. It's NOT right, doctors aren't in our bodies...my son has SEVERE anxiety & his psychiatrist will only Rx him 3 -- 0.25 mgs per day. I am also an anxious person, but I get 6 -- 0.25 mgs a day, which works well for me (I also have INTRACTABLE, DAILY migraines, which I take medication for & combined with the xanax, works really well)

You can thank the CDC & DEA for cracking down on Drs. thinking that they're 'helping' the overdoses. Any Chronic Pain patient, etc. know that those OD's are MOSTLY people on street drugs, which addicts will find ANYTHING to get 'high' on. It's us who suffer.

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I am a 67 year old conservative male who really loves this country! Sometimes however I think it behooves us all to voice our concern when things don't seem right!

By whose sense of logic should a regulatory bureaucrat subsidize tobacco, and alcohol, yet deny fundamental human rights to the infirmed and incapacitated?
Go to your favorite search engine and see how much of your tax dollars go to underwrite these industries.

For the amazement of the viewing audience, a little bit of chemistry:
1. Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol) is a consumable product of fermentation.
2. Methanol (wood alcohol) on the other hand is toxic and NOT consumable.
3. In association with some branch of the IRS, methanol is mixed with ethanol in a process referred to as denaturing. In theory, this will discourage consumption of untaxed ethyl alcohol.
I've had sufficient academic training, but I just don't get such mentality! Remember, these are the same regulatory minds that deny your right to pharmacology!!!!!!

I'M MAD AS HELL, AND I'M JUST WARMING UP!!!!!!!

John from the Woodlands!

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I'm prescribed Diazepam since I was 14, and now I’m 40 years old. Have wife and two kids and was living in Croatia, EU where I was getting Diazepam repetitive prescriptions (two of them) just to have them around if my doctor (family practitioner) makes problems. I have such a severe anxiety that I can’t breathe, talk, shaking all over and clinching my jaw... not to mention thoughts.

I was a kid when there was war in Croatia and saw what children shouldn’t see. My father died there in war. Doctors (specialists) gave me diazepam and they haven’t told me I’ll be addicted. I’ve found out that later by myself. After 20 years, I’ve came to Ireland and my GP here is so strict about 3x1 tablet a day that she will issue my one tablet which I'VE HAD TO TAKE because otherwise, I would have to leave my job, sit in the car and would probably lose the job - so I have to get them through other means which is quite dangerous. And I feel like a criminal, because I NEED my few tablets extra sometimes, which would all be okay if my GP would understand that anxiety attack doesn’t have a time frame when it hits. And if I took tablet in the afternoon and I’ve got attack after that, I’ll take a tablet and have none for the rest of the day and that makes me even more anxious!

They are a herd of imbecile “by the book” doctors which don't care for patients, but themselves and quotas! Second thing - there’s quite a lot of bad ones and one time I got Zolpidem instead of diazepam and almost had a car crash because I started to nod off while driving! Is that what patients deserve?!

Just hold on and find a good doctor or refill from reliable online pharmacy.

Wish you health and peace!

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Re: John (# 11)

I’m a deplorable and also love my country and our President. Chronic anxiety is worse than any other issue you might have. I have been to Croatia beautiful country. All the homes there with the orange roofs were bombed as you know. Anyway I learned a lot about it. Very Catholic there as well and I do rely on prayer. Not to take away the anxiety, but to never have a problem with my meds. Because I cannot live without them I would have a seizure and I take 1 mg 2 times a day. Most late afternoon and before bed I don’t know why my anxiety literally kicks in at that time.

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Re: Mr Diaz (# 12)

Two thoughts, well 3

Come to America
You shouldn't Drive while taking a Benzo
Zolpidem is NOT a Benzo, its a Sleep medicine known as Ambien

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Firstly, medical commission has approved my driving license as I’m not affected by diazepam since I’m not even feeling it as I’m taking it for over 20 years but removes my anxiety.

Zolpidem is well known and it was put in tablets looking like diazepam, trying to make profit out of people and I know what it is.
Thanks though:)

Also, coming to the States would be very unnecessary exercise for a family of four just to find out I have maybe even worse problem there. Starting a new life from the scratch? I don’t find big logic in that, sorry.

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Re: Mr Diaz (# 15)

We don't have 'Medical Commissions' that can approve you while Driving impaired in our Country, perhaps its best you don't come. It also seems you are getting street drugs and any advice given here goes for medicine obtained legally, not from the pusher on the streets?

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Re: EDDY (# 16)

I will come where I want to come, also, I don’t take advice on the internet. Thanks though. May I ask you, what are you, judge or some clerk?:) Life adviser? Jog off please:)

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Re: EDDY (# 14)

One question-when did I say that zolpidem is a bento? What’s your poison? I would suggest you to wean off it.

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Re: EDDY (# 16)

I seriously doubt you don’t have medical commission, ask around. If not, at least you have guns, that’s not so dangerous as taking your meds.

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Re: EDDY (# 16)

I usually mind my business but Eddy who are you to judge anyone with the same issue as all of us? You don’t even know this guys dilemma except he lost his wife and others. So please be kind to one another. I don’t feel the same as you. And what about guns? I’m a 2nd Amendment supporter as well as a member of the NRA. None of this has anything to do with the other. He’s nervous about coming to another country so would you. Maybe he’s not hearing the truth and your taking it another way. Chill out buddy take a Xanax.

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Re: Hans (# 29)

Your welcome and honestly when we don’t sweat what we can’t control, the issue becomes less important. I’m up there in age as well not 70’s yet... lol but at this point don’t care. Anxiety is no joke at any age, but at this age... don’t worry. We never know when we are to be called home, meds or not. God Bless.

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Re: Hans (# 28)

The problem Hans is when the next Doctor declines to prescribe it anymore. Many Doctors just toss patients aside without consideration of a Stroke or other serious problems when stopping them. Plus having to do all that driving sounds horrible. I had one Doctor double my dose a long time ago and this meant for each months supply I had an extra months supply. Now I have lots of bottles and my poor Doc is getting up there in age, like 72 now

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Re: Bella (# 5)

Thank you Bella, yes i am in my 78th Year, but having to drive 20KM to the Dr, i have known for Years just for one Prescription or 90 1mg Tablets is a Nuisance, but there isn't much I can do about! Take care from Down Under!

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Re: EDDY (# 27)

Thanks Eddy, the Shrink said "Stick to it, at your age it doesn't really matter anymore, it keeps you functional." Plus i take 300mg Effexor as well. For me there is no silver bullet anymore!

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Re: wckdtwstdsweetcandy (# 26)

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Xanax is not a 'Narcotic'. You need some medicine right away and should see a Doctor as soon as possible

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...i no...ridiculous...anxety-about EVRYTHNG...agoraphobicly inclined-dctr wrds, dnt think it translates n laymans...addiction but on recovery meds-suboxone...& i got 2 blue 2mg Z's a day...nope...had 2 go 2 Clonopin...& tho i AM an addctve persnlty i stil cannot figure ths...i have total nerve pill fugues on 'em...its like the better a drug is the more lazy THEY r about differin between addicts & ppl who need 'em...i mean pain meds also...add/adhd meds...nerve meds...i mean they work so obviously its gonna b popular if absolutely NO1 but legitimate needs ppl were trying 2 get them...it seems evry1 gets labeled & judged 4 the wrong aspect of HAVING TO HAVE NARCOTICS...

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Re: Bella (# 24)

No you must read again, it was Mr. Diaz who nods off while taking sleeping pills while driving but has been cleared by the Medical Commission of Croatia to do so I guess

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Re: EDDY (# 23)

Coming from a guy who nods off while driving. It’s just awful to suggest Mr Diaz is a person who gets them on the streets. You don’t know him. So stop. You both sound childish perhaps you both should not be on anything with this attitudes.

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Re: Mr Diaz (# 21)

Your CFR doesn't apply. A commercial Driver is one that drives a Semi Truck and would need a Doctor's clearance if taking these medications.Both the driver and any Doctor approving the use of these medications would be responsible if an accident happened. You can take these medicines, just don't drive on them as my bottle says. I bet you get yours in Baggies

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Re: Mr Diaz (# 12)

" I got Zolpidem instead of diazepam and almost had a car crash because I started to nod off while driving! Is that what patients deserve?! "

In our Country I will say it again, there is NO "Medical Commission" that approves you to Drive or operate heavy Machinery when under the influence of Benzodiazipies or Sleep Medicine. Patients and Drivers deserve to read the prescription label (when not bought from the local pusher) and not to take medicines that are known to impair driving. You Sir are a Nut if you think otherwise

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