My Doc Will Not Refill My Xanax Im Feeling Sick (Page 22)

Updated

I was prescribed Prozac & Xanax 10 years ago by my psychiatrist for depression & severe panic attacks. He started me on 1mg 3 times a day. Around Dec 2005 he increased my daily dose to 1 mg - 4 times a day. I have been a patient of his now for 10 years where I see him every 3 months. Through the years, there has been a few times were I had to call to reschedule my appointment and a couple of times he had to do the same. He would call in my meds for the amount I would need to get me through to my next appointment. This month I had an appointment for May 27th I called to reschedule due to transportation. I do not drive now and my ride canceled on me. so, I rescheduled my app. for June 17th I then requested my meds be called in until my appointment, a 3 week supply. She said she would call me back when it was called in later that day. Not hearing anything I called back the next day to find out what was going on. I was told my doctor feels uncomfortable due to liability reasons to re-fill my medication, until I see him again in June. I asked her what about the liability to take me off medication I have been taking for 10 years? She told me to go to my primary physician to get my meds. I told her my primary care doctor will not prescribe me those medications without my medical records from this office and I just signed a medical release form a few days ago at my first appointment with this new primary doctor, so she told me to go to an urgent care if my symptoms became to uncomfortable for me to deal with!! I had enough xanax to last me until today. I took my last xanax this morning and I am already starting to feel sick, my head feels cloudy, I feel like I'm getting the flu. My heart is racing, I'm feel really anxious & closed in. Has anyone out there gone off xanax cold turkey what more should I expect? I don't understand how a doctor can prescribe medication like this for 10 years and just make you stop so suddenly it doesn't seem fair. I have lost trust in my doctor now and I don't think I can continue to be his patient anymore. I am scared and I don't know who to turn too.

649 Replies (33 Pages)

Page:First PagePrevious Page22Next PageLast Page
Earliest Newest Votes
421

Monique: you raise 2 important points that have come up in discussion. The first point you make has to do with the crack down on benzodiazepine meds. Unfortunately, this medication was not only over prescribed, but has become a popular street drug, now making it nearly impossible for pts. with valid issues. I now reside in Germany where the doses dispensed in the US are considered too liberal, and although I have always used my medication responsibly, the Doctors here considered me a drug addict until I had been off the drug and had a full blown panic attack lasting over 24 hours which helped the Drs see that my adrenaline levels surge and this is not psychosomatic. We must look at individuals who can benefit from learning better coping skills against those who are genetic cases such as myself...yes my grandmother was fully agoraphobic by the time I was 10 with no hope of treatment, and my sister drinks excessively in an attempt to self-medicate. Combination therapy for both anxiety and genetic driven panic is very effective and I use many psychological and biofeedback techniques to balance the medication therapy with great results over 26 years. I encourage all people who suffer to look into these techniques as under the current administration, tolerance for addiction and recovery is non-existent. This again, as in archaic times is seen as weakness or poor moral character rather than a medical problem. We medical professionals must help ppl with true problems vocalize the right to proper treatment- especially when we suffer too. Advocacy is not enough. All pts need to look for all resources to help cope with anxiety and panic. If Obama care gets overturned, the Hippocratic oath will take a back seat to the administrative agenda!

Was this helpful? 0
422

I, myself DIDN'T MISS ANY SCHEDULED appt, however, I was transferring drs, had my records sent to the facility I was seen at for 7 years, prior to following my dr from there when he went to practice somewhere else. WELL, now in LIMBO, AND just coming out of the PSYCH INPATIENT- stemming from a PERSONAL DECISION to wean MYSELF off of klonopin, only 1.5 mg/day: I will POINT OUT, THAT THIS DECISION of mine thinking I maybe could handle my agoraphobia panic and anxiety disorders w/ out it. pls - DONT TELL OTHERS that after a DECADE of taking a LEGAL SCRIPT, FOLLOWING THE PROPER DOSAGE, couldn't be TOLERATED AND CAN BE TOLERABLE. It SENT ME, into a downward spiral, in a short time, CHANGING MY thoughts, LANDING ME in a suicidal MINDSET, AND QUICKLY. I then wasn't thinking straight or relating these thoughts to the absence of this rx, and OVERDOSED at the age of 43 never having done so in MY LIFE. I have a 1 and 1/2 year old baby girl, who needs me. This MINDSET, told me she'd be better off w/ out me, and that i was too much of a burden and my parents, THE ONLY PEOPLE I HAVE in my life, DUE TO THE FACT MY SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER doesn't allow me to MAINTAIN any relationships. I SOMEHOW woke up 4 hrs later, after writing a goodbye letter to my baby and my parent as well as a list of ppl - WHO SAW ME DETERIORATING, yet didn't help when i asked or felt a need to intervene. INPATIENT mental health gives just a 10 day bridge, and that alone didn't give me enough time. I HAVE USED AND TRIED 18 agencies to advocate for me since my release, and tomorrow morning I'm going into the same PSYCH INPATIENT...for 3 shots and them getting s*** right. You haven't got A CLUE about the danger with benzo withdrawal, prescribed or not. SEIZURES AND THE SUICIDAL MINDSET IT CREATES could have been the reason i didn't make it this far to even be writing this. NO DETAILS HERE are missing, this is exactly how things have gone down. People NEED HELP not blame re: what they need to do to stay safe, not blame placed re: their situation. WE ARE ALREADY HARD ENOUGH ON OURSELVES....support would probably be MOST EMPATHETIC AND HELPFUL. CHECK OUT THE RISKS.

Was this helpful? 1
423

For someone that has been going to a psychiatrist and you truly thought the date and time on your calender was correct and you called to know why he's nit refilling your antidepressants due to not showing up that's what receptionist told you. Yes it's a catch 22 innocent mistake. But by not refilling your script and you made another appointment is just wrong. What your going to go w out for 2 weeks really.....totally not right

Was this helpful? 0
424

It does not matter if it's being abused, benzo withdrawal except in extreme dosage differences, the length of time one has been on a benzodiazepine defines how difficult the withdrawal is.
Discomfort is not the right word. It can be terrible, it can be indescribable.
I have no words for the places my mind and body went during ativan withdrawal.
After having been on it 6 months, I just felt shaky and a bit spacey.
After 10 years, I didn't know that sort of hell existed.
Xanax has an extremely short half life, and is potent-it will likely be even more difficult-again not the right word. It's also dangerous, you can die from benzo withdrawal cold turkey. I don't think you've experienced this personally.

Was this helpful? 1
425

Hi
I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I just went through the same thing. My doctor mailed my script for 3 yellow Xanax a day. It took over a week. I felt just like you. Over a week without made me feel like I was going to jump out of my skin. Same feelings of dread and panic attacks too! Find another doctor It will get better.

Was this helpful? 0
426

To Contessa. I have had the same thing happen to me. I have been on Ativan for more than 10 years and when I saw a new PCP at Kaiser-my old doctor retired_ she decided that I need to start to ween off Ativan. The response you got sounds like a doctor responding. I feel they do not care what patients are going through as long as the numbers of benzo's and opioids they are prescribing are going down. I think they get a bonus if they do. I am on S.S. disability for a couple of bad injuries to my back and I have medicare which Kaiser is the most affordable. They are a necessary evil and you need to stand up for your care and not let them push you around as do I. I hope it works out for you. By the way, I have been communicating with a clinical phartmicist while they are weening me off of benzos, so those who say you physically need to see a doctor to get a prescription do not know what they are talking about.

Was this helpful? 0
427

Probably because they don't really know how it feels to have panic attacks or mental breakdowns which can last weeks or months. They say panic attacks will last only ten minutes, well for some it may be the case, but for many it is NOT. I disagree with trying to take Xanax off the market, it is a very stupid thing to do. What is going to happen is you're going to have a lot of mental health patients working themselves up without their Xanax's and admitted in state hospitals. Now, with that said the cost of a bed at a state mental hospital is probably around 800 a day. So the Xanax with insurance might cost a few dollars, it makes no sense. Tax payers are going to pay more for that state hospital bed. It is all about the bureaucrats that have nothing more to do but sit and think of dumb things like this to torture the American people with mental illnesses. Some can do good without meds but some can't. Just because it is good for one don't mean it is good for everyone, people are different. If people need the meds then give it to them. This country has become polarized by thinking all drugs are bad for you, it is sad. People that need them need them just like a person who has to take a blood pressure pill or heart pill or diabetic insulin. If you have anxiety with the panic attack then yes they should refill your bottle. Everything is addictive in the world, so is insulin or blood pressure pills; if you don't have them than you will be in ill health. Well the same is with mental health, if you don't have your pill you will become ill. Why is the mental health always the one's who get picked on? They should not ban Xanax or any other drug for anxiety. Write to your congressman or whoever it takes to lay off the doctors so they can treat their patients. The Xanax is not the addiction, it is the anxiety and panic attacks, the Xanax only teats them.

Was this helpful? 0
428

I've been on alprazolam for 23 yrs, for anxiety, at a dose of 1mg 5 times a day. Running out is dangerous, a seizure is probably gonna happen. I did in 09. 1st and only 1. I ran out and my pcp was on vacation and my pa wouldn't write it. It's getting horrible, I've moved and it's horrible trying to get it, even with my records. He tells me a new law passed saying he couldn't, only a shrink. I called my old pcp and he never heard of such. Today I nearly had a seizure, waiting on my rx. He only does a 15 day supply AND less tablets, so my body isn't adjusting to the lack of medication. It's very dangerous, AND the Dr knows it!!! Be very careful not to run out IF you can. I'm changing drs next week. She did give me MY regular med and dosage. She was new when I moved also, but I moved again much further west in the state.

Was this helpful? 0
429

Tiffy this was one of the most well-written well explained posts on this subject I have ever read thank you for writing this because it made me feel a lot better about my anxiety thank you so very much

Was this helpful? 1
430

Thank you, I get so tired of the medical fields blaming Xanax and it's sister drugs for being some kind of demon when the fact is it helps people with anxiety disorders to remain calm and living at peace in the community. If someone has never experienced a panic attack or mental breakdown then they don't know how devastating it can be to that person. How it can just change that person's life where they can't function properly. There should be no difference in mental health than physical health, they should both be treated the same. A diabetic has to have insulin and a person with high blood pressure has to have a pill to keep their blood pressure at bay. Well the same is for the people with anxiety they have to have that nerve pill to live a productive life in the community there is no difference. The world is so polarized because there are a few people that abuse drugs well that is NOT the case for everyone who is in dire need of their pills for anxiety. It is the same thing like taking food away from someone or oxygen. You can't function...Genetic anxiety will never go anywhere as it is passed down genetically. Well so is diabetes and heart problems, etc. It simply has to be treated with meds. I will write to my congressman and to the president everyday if I have to in defense for mental health individuals not to take their meds away. I have anxiety with panic attacks and at one time I was in totally shut down until I was prescribed Lexapro with Xanax and let me tell you I am a different person today. I also work in the mental health field and it makes me so mad how the government seems to enjoy trying to ban something that helps mental health. If you take your meds responsibly then there is no problem. Why punish the one's that are responsible that really depend on these meds? Like I said it is not the Xanax that is addictive, it is the anxiety and panic attacks, Xanax only treats them.

Was this helpful? 0
431

Chuck, you MUST consider legal action against this ***** doctor. A doctor is just a businessman and is under no obligation to see you, but if you are an existing patient and cut off from medications that can make you quite ill, this is malpractice. I'd like to see this new law as it applies to the the doctor who knows it must be withdrawn slowly due to dangers of seizures.

Was this helpful? 0
432

I just wish these doctors would understand that we need our medications since we've been on them so long! I've personally had 3 mental breakdowns and trying to get these doctors to truly know what you are going through is so difficult at times! As a psychiatrist they should know and understand!!

Was this helpful? 0
433

Chuck: This is now the law world wide, and it's more and more difficult to keep a higher dose prescription. I had a seizure last November, but it was more like all of the electricity in my body stopped. I happened to 'come to' when the EMTS arrived, 15 minutes aftetthe call ...I was virtually dead, not breathing, lips blue, etc. Now, I have no problem getting my meds, but here in Germany, dosing is very different than in the US. and without extenuating exception, is not given at a higher dose than1 my per day.

Was this helpful? 0
434

What ever happened with this? I'm just curious as to what you ended up doing? Liability is a HUGE issue, due to so many irresponsible people either illegally or incorrectly taking their medications.... a Psychiatrist has to see you minimally every three months..... and why would that not be ok? They are the ones with their rears on the line... and they are writing medications for "mental health" related issues !!! I'm just wondering if you went to a walk in clinic or how you dealt with it? I mean no offense when I say "This is by no means abuse to you by your doctor, or some plan by them to make you suffer, or a lack of caring on their part." They need to see you..... You are given quite ample time to find a suitable day and such...... I just seem to find in these situations where the patient says I've had to reschedule a "few" times, it may have been more than just a "few"......... maybe not your case but....... Also, is there no bus or Uber transportation available where you are ? There may not be I don't know. I really feel that if you just went to a "walk in" clinic, RIGHT AFTER, the appointments were rescheduled, explained your situation, had THEM call your doctor , and had them write just for the amount you needed.....it may have been easily taken care of..... Anyhow, like I asked, just wondering what you ended up doing?

Was this helpful? 0
435

I been on zanax for 28 years my obgyn doc put me on them after a historectmy and tryed to get me to stop I tryed had seazers and didn't no anything not even my children after 3 days in hospital they tried to get me to take a zanax and I was like a baby so my husband put a 1 mg in a spoon and melted it with water gave it to me within 15min I new my children and got to go home it is dandrise to come off that med be careful

Was this helpful? 0
436

Whatever the cases many of you are dealing with, they should NEVER ban Xanax or any anxiety meds. Mental health patients need to stick together and if something was to happen like a seizure or a state hospital admittance after a doc has failed to give you a pill you need, then get a lawyer because as a person you have rights and if you need the med for panic and anxiety then you need them. My argument here is what is the difference of giving someone a pill for their heart or insulin for a diabetic, as mental health should NEVER be treated differently from physical health. That is the point....If you need your Xanax so you will not become ill then that doctor that took that oath should prescribe them; if they fail to then get a lawyer. These bureaucrats and soccer moms need to realize that panic attacks and anxiety is a real thing and needs to be treated like any physical aliments. All they say is habit forming, well like I say the Xanax is not habit forming, it is the panic attacks and anxiety.

Was this helpful? 1
437

Most of the time they don't know, they have probably never had a mental breakdown which can last weeks to months. People who have a history of mental health need their pills to live in the community. It is a shame this country is so polarized on all drugs are bad and will do you harm. What about the meds you see advertise on TV that says if you take this medication your eyes may fall out, tongue turn green, etc etc. I am sure they write a script for them because they are mostly for physical health even though your eyes, limbs, etc may fall off. It makes no sense to me.

Was this helpful? 1
438

Hi Annie, IMO their is nothing mental about your actions. Everyone handles grief differently. If what you did helped soothe your soul if only for the night. Then that was what you needed to do. Do what's soothes you as long as it doesn't cause you any physical or emotional harm. Their is no time line on the grieving process. Be bless, Annie.

Was this helpful? 1
439

Hi everyone. Some doctors can be real a**holes. I think they are on a Power Trip at times. I'm sick and tired of hearing about blame-shifting. The pharmacy will say it's the doctor's fault. The doctors will say it is the DA's fault. All blame shifting. This is ridiculous. Give grown adults their medication. We have to take a stand together or this will never change. I mean never change ever. Going to get worse. I get addiction, trust me I get it. But this is what's hurting so many of us that need our medications. A lot of overdoses. We have to stand together. And doctors and pharmacists are petrified. They're running scared. Have a great week.

We all need to fight the good fight or nothing will change. So I never tuck my tail between my legs and run. I always speak up and so far I get my medications without any resistance. Good luck.

Was this helpful? 2
440

I will be 100% behind you because I believe the same as you do!

Was this helpful? 1
Page:First PagePrevious Page22Next PageLast Page

More Discussions:

My ins. will not refill my Rx for Bystolic.

I was informed I have to change my blood pressure med. to a drug that comes in generic form.Will no longer fill my Bysto...

1 REPLY
find a doctor in my area who will prescribe xanax in m&pa

I was prescribed this before, and it worked great, I'm trying to find a doctor who can do the again ## I need xanax ...

28 REPLIES
how early can i refill if my doc did not put a date on script

I have stage 3 lung cancer and i am prescribed oxycodone 30mg. My doc did not put a fill by date on my prescription. May...

18 REPLIES
How To Find A Doctor That Will Prescribe Xanax In My Area

I was prescribed Xanax in 1992. Five months ago my new PCP changed to Klonopin which is not working. I need help finding...

12 REPLIES
refilled my xanax 15 days late

Hey guys, i have a prescription for xanax 2mg a day, i usually have to go to doctors office every 2 months he writes me ...

12 REPLIES
looking for a doctor to help me get my xanax back i do not l

need a doctor zip 1772 on wellcare insurance i do not like the one i go for mental health ## Gloria,You have to be caref...

3 REPLIES
refilling my xanax 4 days early

I get xanax 1mg perscribed to me. On the lable it says take 1 to 2 a day as needed. I only receive 50 pills. I got it fi...

25 REPLIES
Refilling my valid Xanax prescription early

I only see one doctor and he gives me a 3 month supply of xanax. When I went the last time he wrote me out a prescriptio...

656 REPLIES
How Do I Get My Xanax Refill If It Was Stolen

i was in the hospital friday and saturday. when i got out and opened my drawer my pills were gone. what should i do? ## ...

24 REPLIES
When may I refill my Xanax. I filled them on the 7th of December

When may I pick up my refill? My bottle reads, "take two a day if needed for anxiety" and she only prescribed me...

3 REPLIES