Aa
xanax dose
I was recently taken off of Lorazepam ad put on Xanax, 1/2mg..every 8 hours. Is it safe to take another 1/2 mg. before the 8 hour dose is due?
You must be thinking I am a terrible idiot, but it turns out the problem with my understanding had to do with semantics. I was thinking only of drugs with addictive qualities and concentrating on the physical needs following long-term use (which I called addiction). Others apparently see the same situation either from a medical point of view (dependence) or from an emotional and social point of view (addiction). Language evolves. Some years ago my use of the world "addiction" would have covered both. I am guilty of being out-of-date.
I knew from my father that certain drugs affected body chemistry, creating a need for their continued use. Restricting the word addiction to those using drugs illegally made it sound as though those taking it for medical use did not suffer the same physical problem. That was my confusion. Thank you for clearing that up. Phew!!
I knew from my father that certain drugs affected body chemistry, creating a need for their continued use. Restricting the word addiction to those using drugs illegally made it sound as though those taking it for medical use did not suffer the same physical problem. That was my confusion. Thank you for clearing that up. Phew!!
LOL...no, I'm not annoyed at all. It's just hard to explain because there ARE some similarities.
Opiates will always cause physical dependence if taken long enough. It's the person who seeks them out, and will do anything to get them, regardless of negative consequences, and who craves them...who is ADDICTED.
A cancer patient, for example, may be on Morphine long term. They take their meds AS PRESCRIBED, they don't seek more, and they would never rob a bank to get them. If their pain decreased, they wouldn't feel the urge to keep taking them. The cancer patient would be physically dependent on the Morphine, as her body would need it to function, and she would have withdrawals if she stopped taking them, but she wouldn't spend her days thinking about those pills.
An addict would take a handful of the Morphine pills, always run out early before refill time...and do inappropriate things to obtain more. "Doctor shop" where a person goes to multiple MDs to get opiates...she may steal money out of her Mom's purse and even buy narcotics on the street.
See the difference?
So, certain drugs would always cause physical dependency...opiates, benzos. But a person taking those drugs aren't always "addicted" to them. Addiction is a mindset that comes with physical and emotional cravings, relapses, etc. A person who wasn't addicted who didn't need it anymore would taper off and be done with it...probably never to think of it again. The addict struggles with the want and cravings.
Have I confused you even more? LOL
Opiates will always cause physical dependence if taken long enough. It's the person who seeks them out, and will do anything to get them, regardless of negative consequences, and who craves them...who is ADDICTED.
A cancer patient, for example, may be on Morphine long term. They take their meds AS PRESCRIBED, they don't seek more, and they would never rob a bank to get them. If their pain decreased, they wouldn't feel the urge to keep taking them. The cancer patient would be physically dependent on the Morphine, as her body would need it to function, and she would have withdrawals if she stopped taking them, but she wouldn't spend her days thinking about those pills.
An addict would take a handful of the Morphine pills, always run out early before refill time...and do inappropriate things to obtain more. "Doctor shop" where a person goes to multiple MDs to get opiates...she may steal money out of her Mom's purse and even buy narcotics on the street.
See the difference?
So, certain drugs would always cause physical dependency...opiates, benzos. But a person taking those drugs aren't always "addicted" to them. Addiction is a mindset that comes with physical and emotional cravings, relapses, etc. A person who wasn't addicted who didn't need it anymore would taper off and be done with it...probably never to think of it again. The addict struggles with the want and cravings.
Have I confused you even more? LOL
You must really be annoyed with me by now, but I truly want to understand the terms as they are used. It is the physical aspect that interests me.
I think I see where the misunderstanding lies. There are some drugs that are not physically addicting, but which can be emotionally addicting. Those taking such a drug for non-medical use would suffer withdrawal upon stopping use. That makes complete sense to me.
But there are some drugs, like the opiates, that are always physically addicting. Wouldn't both classes of users suffer withdrawal if they stopped taking them after long-term use? Although it wasn't plain, I thought we were talking about that type of drug.
But there are some drugs, like the opiates, that are always physically addicting. Wouldn't both classes of users suffer withdrawal if they stopped taking them after long-term use? Although it wasn't plain, I thought we were talking about that type of drug.
No, that's not exactly it. Addicition deals more with the behaviors.
Here...I found some resources, might explain it a bit better.
Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms “addiction” and “dependency” are clinically thought of as two separate things. The National Institutes of Health says drug addiction is present when a person compulsively uses a drug despite negative and dangerous consequences and effects. A physical drug dependence means a person needs the substance to function and can have intense cravings, according to the organization.
Dependence does not always entail addiction. For example, some blood pressure medications can cause physical dependence but don’t lead to addiction, it says, and drugs like cocaine can be addicting without physical dependence. Withdrawing from cocaine can produce depression and other psychological changes, but don’t leave users with physical problems such as chills and other flu-like symptoms. The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, in a collaborative effort, have adopted the following definitions:
•Addiction: “Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.”
•Physical dependence: “Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a drug class specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist.”
Addiction is a chronic disorder with a strong potential for relapse. This means users who are trying to get clean fall back into old patterns of drug use and abuse. Because opiates are so potent, they have a particularly high relapse rate. Strong cravings and other withdrawal symptoms can trigger relapse, even after a period of abstinence.
http://www.opiates.com/opiates/opiate-addiction-opiate-dependency.html
Here's another good explanation:
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com/Definitions.asp
Hope that helps a bit!
Here...I found some resources, might explain it a bit better.
Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms “addiction” and “dependency” are clinically thought of as two separate things. The National Institutes of Health says drug addiction is present when a person compulsively uses a drug despite negative and dangerous consequences and effects. A physical drug dependence means a person needs the substance to function and can have intense cravings, according to the organization.
Dependence does not always entail addiction. For example, some blood pressure medications can cause physical dependence but don’t lead to addiction, it says, and drugs like cocaine can be addicting without physical dependence. Withdrawing from cocaine can produce depression and other psychological changes, but don’t leave users with physical problems such as chills and other flu-like symptoms. The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, in a collaborative effort, have adopted the following definitions:
•Addiction: “Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.”
•Physical dependence: “Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a drug class specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist.”
Addiction is a chronic disorder with a strong potential for relapse. This means users who are trying to get clean fall back into old patterns of drug use and abuse. Because opiates are so potent, they have a particularly high relapse rate. Strong cravings and other withdrawal symptoms can trigger relapse, even after a period of abstinence.
http://www.opiates.com/opiates/opiate-addiction-opiate-dependency.html
Here's another good explanation:
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com/Definitions.asp
Hope that helps a bit!
It would seem to me that dependence and addiction are words used to identify the medical patient and the street user. However, physically the body responds in the same way, making no distinction between them. Have I got that right?
These terms are often used interchangabley, and there are some similarities.
Physical dependence refers to the fact that the body will grow to require a substance in order to function normally, and with the discontinuation of that substance, there would be withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction is characterized by maladaptive behavior, usually out of character for a person, to obtain a substance or med, usually with the intent of getting "high" (ie stealing, lying, etc).
A person can become physically dependent on a medication without being an "addict". An addict will, most times, be physically dependent on a drug or substance.
A person who is physically dependant can become an addict down the line as well.
(I know....you've got a headache now...lol)
So, you see...there are some similarities, but for the most part, when we discuss benzos, and the need to taper, or to limit the regimen to a short-term course of treatment, we're talking about physical dependency, not addiction.
Hope that clears it up a little. If I just confused you more, I apologize. You can always google something like "differencer between dependency and addiction", and you may get a clearer answer. This is just me trying to explain in my own words.
Also, I wasn't trying to criticize you for your use of that term...it's very commonly used in these kinds of scenarios. I just like to clarify when I can. I hope you weren't offended.
Physical dependence refers to the fact that the body will grow to require a substance in order to function normally, and with the discontinuation of that substance, there would be withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction is characterized by maladaptive behavior, usually out of character for a person, to obtain a substance or med, usually with the intent of getting "high" (ie stealing, lying, etc).
A person can become physically dependent on a medication without being an "addict". An addict will, most times, be physically dependent on a drug or substance.
A person who is physically dependant can become an addict down the line as well.
(I know....you've got a headache now...lol)
So, you see...there are some similarities, but for the most part, when we discuss benzos, and the need to taper, or to limit the regimen to a short-term course of treatment, we're talking about physical dependency, not addiction.
Hope that clears it up a little. If I just confused you more, I apologize. You can always google something like "differencer between dependency and addiction", and you may get a clearer answer. This is just me trying to explain in my own words.
Also, I wasn't trying to criticize you for your use of that term...it's very commonly used in these kinds of scenarios. I just like to clarify when I can. I hope you weren't offended.
I don't understand the difference between dependence and addiction. Doesn't the use of something lice Xanax ultimately require higher doses as the body becomes accustomed to the dose the person has been taking? I really would like to know the difference snd the only explanations I have heard are not clear.
Hey there lady!
Just a quick clarification...there is actually quite a bit of difference between "addiction" and physical dependency, but I know what you mean. ;)
It all depends on the person. Three months is kind of the accepted length of time considered to be short term. Depending on dose and frequency, some people may run into some withdrawl issues prior 3 months...but as a general rule...if a course is kept at or under 3 months, most people should have little difficulty. Even for a short term course of treatment, I still think tapering is important. My psych always told me he didn't bother to taper someone if they were on something for 90 days or less.
I took Ativan regularly for a little longer than that, and didn't have any problems stopping it (thank GOD). Of course, we're all very different. Just going by what's considered "short term" medically speaking in regards to these meds.
Thanks for your input, as always!
Just a quick clarification...there is actually quite a bit of difference between "addiction" and physical dependency, but I know what you mean. ;)
It all depends on the person. Three months is kind of the accepted length of time considered to be short term. Depending on dose and frequency, some people may run into some withdrawl issues prior 3 months...but as a general rule...if a course is kept at or under 3 months, most people should have little difficulty. Even for a short term course of treatment, I still think tapering is important. My psych always told me he didn't bother to taper someone if they were on something for 90 days or less.
I took Ativan regularly for a little longer than that, and didn't have any problems stopping it (thank GOD). Of course, we're all very different. Just going by what's considered "short term" medically speaking in regards to these meds.
Thanks for your input, as always!
As concerns addiction, if used on a maintenance basis, I should think one would become addicted long before three months are up.
I was given Xanax a couple of years ago to take on an "as needed" basis and was prescribed the lowest dose - .25 mg. I took it only to ward off a panic attack (caused by high cortisol). I found that often only half a pill would do the trick. Generally speaking the lowest effective dose is what is aimed for. Even though I have used Xanax for quite some time, given the low dosage and its erratic use, there is no possibility of addiction. My father was a pharmacist and I was taught early on to be very careful with drugs. Your explanation and advice was spot on.
I was given Xanax a couple of years ago to take on an "as needed" basis and was prescribed the lowest dose - .25 mg. I took it only to ward off a panic attack (caused by high cortisol). I found that often only half a pill would do the trick. Generally speaking the lowest effective dose is what is aimed for. Even though I have used Xanax for quite some time, given the low dosage and its erratic use, there is no possibility of addiction. My father was a pharmacist and I was taught early on to be very careful with drugs. Your explanation and advice was spot on.
Allmymarbles is right. Let me elaborate a bit.
Xanax is best used on a short term basis, or "as needed", as a rescue
drug for panic attacks. When taken regularly, every day, for longer than about 3 months, tolerance (where you will eventually need a higher and higher dose to acheive the same effect) will build, and physical dependency will develop (where your body will need the medication and without it, you will experience withdrawals).
You really need to discuss this with your doctor. If he wants you on a benzodiazepine long term, then Klonopin would be a better choice. It has less issues with tolerance, is longer acting, and it works by building in the plasma to create a more steady sense of "calm" and well being versus the ups and downs of a shorter acting benzo (Xanax, Ativan).
What exactly did your doctor say and how is it prescribed? Is it "every 8 hours", or "every eight hours as needed"? If the latter...that means you are only to take it when you really need it...not every 8 hrs regularly.
If it is Rx'd to be taken every 8 hrs regularly, then to answer your original question...you dont want to get in the habit of taking it "early". That will decrease its effectiveness, and could exacerbate side effects like drowsiness and sedation. As a general rule, there is a one hour window with meds. Meaning, if you are due to take it at 9pm, it would be acceptable to take it anywhere fron 8-10pm. The closer you can stay to the target time, the better.
Please, though...if your doc has prescribed this regularly...have a dicsussion with him about how long he anticipates you will need it...or how long he will prescribe it. A "short term" course of Xanax should be 3 months or less to avoid tolerance and dependency.
Best of luck...please update us when you can.
Xanax is best used on a short term basis, or "as needed", as a rescue
drug for panic attacks. When taken regularly, every day, for longer than about 3 months, tolerance (where you will eventually need a higher and higher dose to acheive the same effect) will build, and physical dependency will develop (where your body will need the medication and without it, you will experience withdrawals).
You really need to discuss this with your doctor. If he wants you on a benzodiazepine long term, then Klonopin would be a better choice. It has less issues with tolerance, is longer acting, and it works by building in the plasma to create a more steady sense of "calm" and well being versus the ups and downs of a shorter acting benzo (Xanax, Ativan).
What exactly did your doctor say and how is it prescribed? Is it "every 8 hours", or "every eight hours as needed"? If the latter...that means you are only to take it when you really need it...not every 8 hrs regularly.
If it is Rx'd to be taken every 8 hrs regularly, then to answer your original question...you dont want to get in the habit of taking it "early". That will decrease its effectiveness, and could exacerbate side effects like drowsiness and sedation. As a general rule, there is a one hour window with meds. Meaning, if you are due to take it at 9pm, it would be acceptable to take it anywhere fron 8-10pm. The closer you can stay to the target time, the better.
Please, though...if your doc has prescribed this regularly...have a dicsussion with him about how long he anticipates you will need it...or how long he will prescribe it. A "short term" course of Xanax should be 3 months or less to avoid tolerance and dependency.
Best of luck...please update us when you can.
It won't out-right harm you, but Xanax is very addictive and you want to use as little of it as possible.
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