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Xanax reaching steady state?

This question is mostly directed towards Ryan or anyone having knowledge. I have read quite a few of his posts stating that xanax doesn't reach steady state because it's too short acting. He may be right but I ran across product literature stating otherwise and need clarification.

I am having a hard time switching from 10mg valium to 1mg xanax because I am experiencing valium withdrawals by the 2nd day so I pop one and am fine. The same thing happened about a year ago when I switched from 10mg valium to 1mg klonopin and experienced valium withdrawals also but after about 2 weeks I was finally able to completely stop the valium. So I am hoping the same can happen with the xanax after being on it for a few weeks.

So, maybe somebody can clear up the steady state thing for me. This is the product info on xanax I found:
Original Source:
Xanax steady state...
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Member since Nov 2007

less than a minute ago
I have been doing tons of research and have run across your posts quite a bit. I notice that you say xanax doesn't reach steady state. However, I ran across some product information stating otherwise so I'm a little confused.

Quick history:
I have been taking valium for the last 4 years or so and me and my doctor switched over to xanax last week because the sedating effects and long lasting effects of valium just wasn't working for me so we figured to give it a shot. I was on klonopin for about 8 years previous to that and have messed around with other benzo's such as ativan and serax for a week or two.
Last week, I was taking 10mg valium per day(for the last 4 years) and now am on 1mg xanax. I did go through valium withdrawals on the 2nd day and had to pop one. The same thing happened when I switched to klonopin from valium a couple years ago also(wanted to give it another try). After a week or two of taking klonopin and reducing valium I was able to make the total switch to klonopin no problem. However, after on it for about 3 months I went back to valium. Now on the xanax.

So, the original question-here is the product literature on xanax saying it does reach steady state so I am wondering where you got your info from. I am guessing that once the xanax reaches steady state much like the klonopin then I'll be able to discontinue the valium altogether because as of right now even taking the xanax I am experiencing valium withdrawals. Thanks Ryan.

Original Source:
http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:_lH4HFZWldoJ:www.pbs.gov.au/pi/pfpxanat10707.pdf+how+long+for+xanax+to+reach+steady-state&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=us

PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption
Following oral administration to fasting subjects, alprazolam is rapidly absorbed with nearly
complete bioavailability. Alprazolam exhibits linear kinetics; after single dose administration
of 0.5 - 3.0 mg plasma levels of 8.0 – 40 ng/mL were observed; during multiple dose
administration of 1.5 – 10 mg/day in divided doses, steady-state plasma levels of
18.3 - 100 ng/mL were observed. Plasma levels of drug reach steady state within 7 days after
starting or altering dosage size. The steady state level is 3 to 4 times that achieved with a
single dose.
Peak plasma levels showed a two- to three-fold variation within individual treatment groups.
The plasma half life of alprazolam after single doses in healthy subjects has ranged from 6 to
25 hours. The mean half life of individual treatment groups ranged only from 10 to 14 hours.
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Avatar universal
The product information states otherwise though suzi that is why I am confused on it. And it says that the steady state level is 3 to 4 times the original dose which is common with valium, etc.

Following oral administration to fasting subjects, alprazolam is rapidly absorbed with nearly
complete bioavailability. Alprazolam exhibits linear kinetics; after single dose administration
of 0.5 - 3.0 mg plasma levels of 8.0 – 40 ng/mL were observed; during multiple dose
administration of 1.5 – 10 mg/day in divided doses, steady-state plasma levels of
18.3 - 100 ng/mL were observed.

Plasma levels of drug reach steady state within 7 days after
starting or altering dosage size. The steady state level is 3 to 4 times that achieved with a
single dose.
Peak plasma levels showed a two- to three-fold variation within individual treatment groups.
The plasma half life of alprazolam after single doses in healthy subjects has ranged from 6 to
25 hours. The mean half life of individual treatment groups ranged only from 10 to 14 hours.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am not 100% sure, but Xanax does not reach a steady state because it is a short acting anti-anxiety med.  It doesn't build up to reach a steady state.  It is a medication that the more it is used, the more you need when you take too much.

Klonopin, however, is the medication that stays in the system and builds up to a steady state.  Usually people take it 2 times a day (every 12 hours) and it builds up in the system.  This is what I have heard.  Of course, Ryan is the one to answer this question.
Best to you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry about mess of above post. I actually copied the email I sent to ryan in there instead of just the tidbits for the message board post so it looks messy and redundant. They need an edit button on this damn site.
Helpful - 0
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