Long-term Xanax Use And Recent Fda Concerns

Approx. 20yrs ago I was prescribed Xanax 1mg by my PCP. I had recently had a child and began having severe anxiety and panic attacks. This medication WORKS for me...the anxiety is under control- racing thoughts, worried all the time, horrible anxiety while driving, etc. Last year I started to see articles related to Xanax and- I believe- the FDA coming down on physicians who prescribe as it seems they are being abused by some patients. I am not a drug abuser, and take my prescription as prescribed -and it is what works for me- it's like night and day- literally! My doctor continues to prescribe but I do have concerns that this could potentially change- and I fear withdrawal symptoms, as I've read so many people who experience this and it sounds really scary. I do have to be on something to control this horrible disorder- so I would hope that if it comes to my PCP no longer RX'ing the medication, that he will at least take the proper measures to ensure I do not suffer with withdrawal. So, my question is this: 1) Is the FDA coming down on this drug? I can understand for those who abuse- but for those patients who are compliant and have success controlling anxiety by use of this medication- it certainly will be unfair to impact those patients who are legitimately in need, compliant, and do not abuse. 2) Any comments/concerns for the long-term use of Xanax?

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If you look this up in a search engine you will read about people dying of withdrawal while behind bars, proposed legal suits, the banning of Alprazolam and other Benzodiazipines in the U.K. and other countries and the horror stories from those who run out. Personally I almost died and needed to be restored to life in the Hospital for a week. What you mention can happen.

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Really, the best thing to do is just discuss your concerns with your doctor, they are the person best able to advise you if they have any concerns about prescribing Xanax for you.

As you stated, the FDA and DEA do have concerns, due to abuse, and over/improper prescribing, since Xanax carries the risk of being habit forming.

It can also cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, irritability, and mood changes.

Ref: Xanax.com

Is this the only medication you've tried for anxiety?

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Re: VerFree (# 2)

I'm a 33-year user of this poison. I have such a large amount on hand that this has eliminated the horrible feeling where my next bottle will come from. The biggest fears for most users are loosing your provider, running out, the ever-changing rules & regulations, aging, and cognitive issues. This medicine is not meant for long term use and definitely affects the quality of life, and not for the best!

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