These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Xanax and Memory Loss [posted
1/4/99]
Question: In May 1996, an abnormal MIR indicated 7 areas of
deteriorated gray matter. This was accompanied with lots of memory loss (for example,
taking medications over and over, etc). Now I am back on it (after stopping a certain
substance use for self medication (marijuana) because of the anxiety. Is there an
alternative drug as effective as xanax to treat anxiety without risk of memory loss?
Answer: There is no indication that xanax would cause memory loss. But then what is the
cause of the deterioration?
Answer: Are you on estrogen replacement? If not worth a consideration. Xanax is addictive;but, if necessary is ok for long term use as long as you don't try to stop suddenly. I doubt Buspar will have much effect, I haven't been impressed much with the drug-although not addictive. Have you tried melatonin? How about Elavil-an antidepressant commonly used in sleep disorders and not addictive.
Xanax Side Effect Concerns [posted
12/02/98]
Question: Ever since my hysterectomy in 1988 I have had
severe sleep problems. After trying many different medications we found that the only
thing that would work for me was Xanax. I have been unable to sleep without it. I
currently am taking 1 MG at bedtime, and .25 MG during the day because I have been having
trouble with stumbling over my words when I speak and talk fast at times. I also suffer
from severe anxiety and have been treated for depression. I currently am seeing a
psychiatrist since my sleep problems have become worse and the fact that I've had to
increase my Xanax from the initial dosage of .5 MG to the 1 MG. He currently has me on 30
MG Buspar daily and has tried to wean me off Xanax by using Atarax. I take it in place of
the .25 Xanax during the day and it does absolutely nothing. I desperately want to get off
Xanax because of all the negative side effects I've read about this drug. But, it has been
two months since I have been on Buspar and cannot see any improvement in my anxiety or the
depression symptoms. Is the long term use of Xanax serious? It is my choice if I remain on
this and just forget about trying to get off it. It seems that the majority of my problems
are traced back to lack of sleep - and I cannot sleep without the Xanax. Talk about a
Catch 22. Also, since I have been on the Buspar I have gained weight rapidly. Is this
normal? I don't like it and cannot seem to get it off. Thank you for any suggestions you
may be able to give me.
Answer: Are you on estrogen replacement? If not worth a consideration. Xanax is addictive;but, if necessary is ok for long term use as long as you don't try to stop suddenly. I doubt Buspar will have much effect, I haven't been impressed much with the drug-although not addictive. Have you tried melatonin? How about Elavil-an antidepressant commonly used in sleep disorders and not addictive.
Xanax & Dependence [posted
11/6/98]
Question: I have chronic insomnia related to stress and have been taking Xanax
0.25mg with good results for 8 months. I am concerned about the long term side effects. I
am trying Yoga too. I exercise regularly. How concerned should I be at such a low dosage ?
Answer: Well, you can develop physical dependence at small doses if taken for sufficient time. This would vary with body weight etc. But, I suspect you would have a mild dependence at this point.
Xanax [posted 10/2/98]
Question: In may 96, an abnormal MIR indicated 7 areas of deteriorated grey matter.
This was accompanied with lots of memory loss eg.taking meds over and over, etc. Now I am
back on it (after stopping a certain substance use for self medication [marijuana])b/c of
the anxiety. Is there an alternative drug as effective as zanax to treat anxiety w/o risk
of memory loss? Please advise.
Answer: There is no indication that xanax would cause memory loss. But, what is the cause of the deterioration?
Xanax and Alcohol [posted 8/7/98]
Question: My sister is 34 years old and very depressed. She has been taking Xanax
for over 10 years for panic attacks. She has been on and off different medications for
depression for years and recently was put on Paxil. She also takes an antibiotic,
Benedryl, Synthroid and Compazine. She also drinks white wine or vodka. Twice this past
week I have seen her acting totally wasted, without drinking anything. I asked her what
she took and she swears she took nothing, but I don't believe her. She may have forgotten
that she took anything, as she has a terrible memory.
Answer: Xanax and alcohol are never a good combination - both enhance the effects of the other.
Xanax
Question: Currently I'm taking 100 mg of Zoloft daily for depression/anxiety. In a
few weeks, my husband and I will be flying to San Francisco on a combination business
trip/vacation. I'm terrified of flying, and various people have told me that Xanax is
often prescribed for "fearful flyers." My questions are: 1) Is there a problem
with combining Zoloft and Xanax? 2) What can you tell me about Xanax, such as how it
works, what it does, and possible side-effects? 3) Are there any anti-anxiety medications
that would be safer and/or more effective in this situation? I am female, age 42, in good
health, but overweight.
Answer: Xanax belongs to the family of drugs called benzodiazepines. These include valium, librium, etc. The side effects are generally sedation or reduced agitation. We use the combination of an SRI(like zoloft) with these drugs all the time, particularly in agitated depression with no major problems other than occasional over-sedation(sleepy only). I'd use the Xanax and enjoy the trip. It usually works well. Don’t consume any alcohol with this however.
Xanax
Question: How long does Xanax stay in your system once you have stopped taking it?
Answer: Depending on other drugs you are taking from 24-36 hours. It can be
detected in a urine test for up to a week or so depending on the test.
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