No more Xanax while taking Narcotics

[djanis]

Va dx'd xanax for anxiety and panic attacks since I was taking a narcotic for chronic pain. Va started me on benzo's over 20 years ago. Anyone know what they are prescribing for anxiety and panic attacks while your on narcotics for pain? Thanks!

[rwskitch]

...possibly Buspar (buspirone) 

[Vync]

There are a bunch of different possibilities, but what rwskitch said sounded right. Keep in mind that the VA does not always give the best medications first. They will want to try this or that, or this and that. It's a bit of trial and error when switching meds to find one(s) that work best. If what they give you sucks, tell them.

Also, a lot of docs seem to be steering away from xanex because resistance builds up making it less effective over time, it can be easily abused, and it is a prime target for theft by friends and family.

[ArNG11]

Prozac, bupropion, xanax and ambien as needed. Those are what have worked for me.  Initially the VA only provided the prozac in the generic form of "fluoxetine"  Vync is right on the money with his assessment.  The VA is real hesitant in this neck of the woods about prescribing those.  I hate to agree with the VA, but in this case it is warranted.  

Basically like Vync stated you do build up a resistance to the drug and it is habit forming as well.  The key in my opinion is to follow your providers instructions and go with the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.  A multi discipline approach with counseling, stress management techniques, medication, exercise, and meditation work, many times with high success rates.  JMO  

[Vync]

10 hours ago, ArNG11 said:

Prozac, bupropion, xanax and ambien as needed. Those are what have worked for me.  Initially the VA only provided the prozac in the generic form of "fluoxetine"  Vync is right on the money with his assessment.  The VA is real hesitant in this neck of the woods about prescribing those.  I hate to agree with the VA, but in this case it is warranted.  

Basically like Vync stated you do build up a resistance to the drug and it is habit forming as well.  The key in my opinion is to follow your providers instructions and go with the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.  A multi discipline approach with counseling, stress management techniques, medication, exercise, and meditation work, many times with high success rates.  JMO  

I wanted to add one more thing. Xanex and other benzo's do have medical uses outside of treating anxiety. A friend of mine has a rare condition (can't think of the name of it right not) and has been taking daily Xanex for years.

[ArNG11]

18 hours ago, Vync said:

I wanted to add one more thing. Xanex and other benzo's do have medical uses outside of treating anxiety. A friend of mine has a rare condition (can't think of the name of it right not) and has been taking daily Xanex for years.

Ambien for sleep and Xanax for panic attacks.