Zanax question

[tiffany1979]

So my doctor has me on zanax but I can only take it at night because it makes me just sleep which is ok because it helps me actually sleep but it does not last long enough to keep my anxiety down during the day. Can anyone make any suggestions on any medications that work for you? I have severe anxiety and what some might consider ptsd from from my past marriage from emotional, verbal abuse and constant cheating.

[Agora1]

Hi tiffany1979, A doctor might want to try an SSRI (anti-depressant) for you to be on in the day. It does take 4-6 weeks to reach full efficacy levels but works in a more long term method. Ask your doctor what he may suggest next time you see him. I am on Lexapro which doesn't give me the tiredness that a benzo drug will. Wish you well x P.S. SSRIs work both on Anxiety and Depression.

[HearYou in reply to Agora1]

Hello Agora1. Glad your here. I take Xanax in the evenings and morning. Take Cymbalta (antidepressant) in the morning also.

Had a marriage issue similar to tiffany 1977.

The nightmare issue is important to know as well as the dose on the Xanax and how often the doctor has a med check.

Have .5 Xanax available for a break through panic during day.

Important that total amount of Xanax not exceed 3 mg in 24 hours. Also important not to stop Xanax suddenly as can cause seizure.

The Xanax and Cymbalta work well together.....as one is an antidepressant, as you mentioned in your reply.

My anxiety and depression sometimes take turns as to which is worse.

[HearYou]

What is the dose amount of Xanax do you take and how long before you go to bed? .5 mg? 1mg?

Do you have nightmares about previous marriage?

How often to you see the doctor rx Xanax and does he/she provide and therapy?

[tiffany1979 in reply to HearYou]

1mg I'm suppose to rake morning and at night but now it's only once at night because I only take it to help me sleep because of my anxiety and depression my brain never shuts off so I can't sleep and it helps me sleep so I am dying to find something I can take that won't me feel like a zombie during the day but that will work fast and not take 4-6 weeks to take effect

[HearYou in reply to tiffany1979]

Tiffany, don't be overwhelmed by some of the terms and names of the meds. Due to the personal nature, I am going to personal/private message you, if that is ok with you. Are you in the UK?

[blackcat64013]

Hi Tiffany1979,

Agora1 is on the right track.

Your doctor can choose from almost thirty different kinds of antidepressants available today. There are five main types:

•SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

•SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)

•NASSAs (Noradrenaline and Specific Serotoninergic Antidepressants)

•Tricyclics

•MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

The doctor will choose the best one for your based on your symptoms and their clinical experience.

As we know each body will react differently to the same medication so it's going to be trial and error.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has a good site for comparing common side effects and useful information about the drugs in general.

rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/...