Health - XANAX (Alprazolam)- causing anxiety???!!!

[kellydgkh]

Joe has taken Xanax for ten years on and off. Right now Joe has been taking 1/2 bar- 1.5 bars at a time. Joe is noticing that Xanax is actually causing more anxiety! I believe this is called a paradoxical effect. Anyone have info on this subject? If Joe takes more will this increase the paradoxical effect or decrease the anxiety? It's a catch 22!!! Joe wishes he had some Klonopin to offset the anxiety. Joe is not sure why he is even taking the shit anymore... except that when he stops taking it suddenly the world is too real.

[zera]

Klonipin won't make any difference, its pharmacological effect is identical to Xanax, the only difference being that it has a longer half-life. My hypothesis is that Joe is developing a tolerance to benzodiazepams (like Xanax) and rather than causing the anxiety it's just that the previous dose that was successful at relieving anxiety is no longer effective. Please caution Joe to be careful as benzo addiction is pretty much the worse thing to have and makes heroin detox look like a vacation in Fiji.

[radiometer]

Paradoxical indeed. Not a sign to take more - a sign to quit. Taper sensibly if taking regularly.

[Jatelka]

There is this thread here...

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28089

which may be somewhat related and interest you.

Radio has it right.

Taper gradually, and ideally consult a physician first. Benzo withdrawal is NOT one your flamingo wants to deal with.