Xanax occasionally? Or just quit the drug?

[Wolf]

For the first six months of my chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome I found that the only time I was symptom-free is when I took .5 mg of Xanax. Unfortunately this turned into me taking Xanax at this dosage everyday, which led to dependancy and memory issues. In the past several weeks I have slowly tapered off my dosage and now only take .5 mg every 3-4 days and never two days in a row. I still experince the total ceasation of symptoms while the drug is in my system but I am worried that now the days that I don't take Xanax will be even more painful because of the days that I do (if that makes sense..). I guess the question is: is there a way to occasinally take this drug and NOT have the body crave it? Am I making my recovery longer and more painful by even taking Xanax every few days? I just started working with a great PT and the Xanax definitely helps me during and after internal trigger point work. I'm just concerned my desire to have a 'good day' at least every few days is in the end going to make me feel even worse. What have other people's experiences been wehn it comes to taking this drug occasionally? Thanks!

[CppsDad]

If you are down to once every 3-4 days, you may have more of a psychological dependence now than a physical dependence. Your body is fully capable of convincing you that you need to have a good day today, and that you can't have a good day without it. In fact, just by taking it, your body may be causing more "good" sensations than the drug itself as part of the psychological dependence itself. So that's worth keeping in mind, but you probably already know this stuff.

I used to take it every day, then every few days, and I was eventually able to get it to once a week, and now, I haven't had one in a couple of months. So, keep at it.

I definitely used it in my early PT sessions, as it helped my anxiety about the sessions and allowed me to relax. But beyond that, you just have to step up your other efforts.

Look for natural relaxants, such as Camomile Tea, Kava Kava, Valerian Root. Work harder at your relaxation techniques, and extend your sessions with better tapes. I have all sorts of nature sounds, and these help a lot during normal hours when I can't just do a relaxation session.

I have nothing against Xanax. It saved me in my battle with anxiety. But in the end, it's a drug, it's not natural, and it's better not to take it. So I'd work to get off of it eventually. You've done a good job so far!

Mike

[Wolf]

Mike,

Great info. Always glad to know I'm not alone in this.

Steven

[CppsDad]

You aren't alone, and you are being smart. I was very aware of the danger of Xanax before I started taking it, and I try VERY hard not to take it for my pain symptoms. I really only took it for anxiety, and a handful of times just for pain. But just like pain killers, your body not only will adjust to the medication, but it will cause worse symptoms when off it just to get you to take it again. It's a dangerous cycle. Recognizing this, and taking it only when needed is an important step. And since you are now starting PT (possibly the MOST important step), and are already down to once every few days, I think now's the best time to taper off it. You are better off taking extra ibuprofen or other non-addictive pain killer for now, and fighting through the pain. The pain is actually good in that it encourages you to do your therapy. How many of us relax our protocols when we aren't in a flare up?

Mike