the deal with xanax?

[regis]

so, just curious-

what the hell is the deal with xanax? am i broken? the doc perscribed some for some insomnia- 30x0.25 mg generics. going from what i read, i took 4 mg and based off my weight, and this was coming off of an opiate dose- i wasn't sick yet, but i wasn't feeling a thing, just about normal. from what i read, i was expecting euphoria, but all i got was a damn sleepiness and some discoordination. i fell asleep the second i hit the pillow. i was still half-stumbling throughout the next day- especially going down stairs, i felt like i was dropping 10 feet each step. the whole next day i kept sleeping at my desk at work- i had to go tell my boss i was perscribed xanax for some night insomnia/anxiety problems (the truth) and it carried through to today, and was hitting me hard. i think i slept a good 5 out of the 8 hours at work, with little naps. but it'd be like workworkwork and all of a sudden the phone rings and i see it is 20 minutes later. shit.

one thing i will give them a tripple thumbs up for is making my immodium periods WAY more comfortable. usually my energy is up, and i'm sort of bouncing all over. not my thing. by immodium period i mean when i am out of dope and i go on only huge immodium ad to get rid of WD symptoms until i am resupplied. anyway, i've been out for a couple days, and took 4 mg of xanax the day the doc perscribed it, and again (but only 1.5 mg) yesterday at the middle of the day, and during these two days- usually the first 2 or 3 days of no other opiates but loperamide are somewhat uncomfortable. not really bad, not close to a full CT wd, but still backaches and each bump hurts like hell- but i just sort of feel like my dose of opiate is wearing off, not sick but not high. so, i'll give it props for that.

but it makes me wonder- how the hell does someone get addicted to xanax or another benzo if all it does it make you pass out left and right? i got absolutely NO euphoria, no good feeling whatsoever, nothing. i am a low anxiety person, so i don't know if it actually helped with that, i didn't feel any more relaxed or anything.

sort of a huge disappointment.

but shit man, it makes me wish i had some opis. lady didn't ship all my pods at once, seemed to have forgotton. :/

[ZodiacKiller]

Sounds like Xanax to me, man..I can't imagine what 4mgs would do to me though, if I take 1mg, I'm pretty looped. And I'm not sure what kind of euphoria you're expecting, it ain't nothing like a nice opiate buzz. More sedated, fuzzy kind of feeling for me.

Usually after I take my 1mg, I'll bounce around the house for a little while, then end up laying on the couch and that's it--lights out. Xanax and Clonazepam knock me out pretty good, and I think both of 'em must have a long half-life, 'cause with either of 'em I usually have "medicine head" the next day. Kinda what you described-- wanting to sleep at work.

I usually only take 'em while WDing (like now, argghhh) and with something: Suboxone, Tramadol, or Percocet 5mg (for tapering).

ZK

[MaryJane34]

Sounds like Xanax to me, man..I can't imagine what 4mgs would do to me though, if I take 1mg, I'm pretty looped. And I'm not sure what kind of euphoria you're expecting, it ain't nothing like a nice opiate buzz. More sedated, fuzzy kind of feeling for me.

Usually after I take my 1mg, I'll bounce around the house for a little while, then end up laying on the couch and that's it--lights out. Xanax and Clonazepam knock me out pretty good, and I think both of 'em must have a long half-life, 'cause with either of 'em I usually have "medicine head" the next day. Kinda what you described-- wanting to sleep at work.

I usually only take 'em while WDing (like now, argghhh) and with something: Suboxone, Tramadol, or Percocet 5mg (for tapering).

ZK

Hi! I'm new to this forum so please excuse the interruption. I have been struggling myself a bit as of late and my gp gave me lexapro. I was looking for xanax. From what I just read, I may not need it. I have found no harsh SE from it other than a wicked headache the MA. Should I still ask to switch to xanax or stick with lexapro?

MJ

[ZodiacKiller]

I dunno, 'cause I've never taken Lexapro....what is it?

[candy]

Maryjane,
Lexapro is an antidepressant an SSRI and won't have the same effect as Xanax. While Xanax may be classified as an antianxiety drug, it is a benzodiazepine.

Lexapro may be used to treat anxiety disorders that are related to depression but work differently than Xanax.
What happens now a days is that when someone goes into the doc and describes symptoms of anxiety or depression, docs are prescribing drugs like Lexapro. They are not addicting and don't cause the side-effects that benzodiazepines do.
While you can ask your doc for Xanax, I would go on the no-sleep, insomnia excuse.

[reddragon3668]

Hi! I'm new to this forum so please excuse the interruption. I have been struggling myself a bit as of late and my gp gave me lexapro. I was looking for xanax. From what I just read, I may not need it. I have found no harsh SE from it other than a wicked headache the MA. Should I still ask to switch to xanax or stick with lexapro?

MJ
If the lexapro is working , I see no reason to go off it. My wife took it for a while and got headaches too. She discontinued use... she needs it though... can we say psycho bitch from hell? Lexapro is a good drug and works well for what its intended for, imo. Let us know how it goes.

BTW, welcome to the board, MaryJane34!

[regis]

ZK-

i didn't expect like an opiate euphoria, but i wouldn't call it pleasurable. i wouldn't call it warm or fuzzy. it just made me liable to conk the shit out. no positive feeling whatsoever at either dose. not like a drunkish high. not to say i expected any of those things per se, but it was just like ... well, i'm stumbly and i fall asleep. *shrugs* i mean, beats the hell out of the vistaril i got from the doc, but i guess my point is- why would people (except those w/ serious anxiety issues) get addicted to them, or shoot them, etc etc. you always read/hear about people shooting some benzo or another. but i can't imagine wanting to do that, as eating them was pretty much nothing. i didn't feel sedated per se, i just slept left and right.

[ZodiacKiller]

ZK-
i didn't expect like an opiate euphoria, but i wouldn't call it pleasurable. i wouldn't call it warm or fuzzy. it just made me liable to conk the shit out. no positive feeling whatsoever at either dose. not like a drunkish high. not to say i expected any of those things per se, but it was just like ... well, i'm stumbly and i fall asleep. *shrugs* i mean, beats the hell out of the vistaril i got from the doc, but i guess my point is- why would people (except those w/ serious anxiety issues) get addicted to them, or shoot them, etc etc. you always read/hear about people shooting some benzo or another. but i can't imagine wanting to do that, as eating them was pretty much nothing. i didn't feel sedated per se, i just slept left and right.

Well, regis, my friend, the Xanies may not be for you, then. In fact, reading and responding to this post made me dig into my benzo stash and down two .5mg Alprazolam (generic Xanax, if you didn't already know that). And I'm feeling very nice. I'm currently four days off a heavy heroin run, so just about anything mind-altering is helping me at this point. God, I am depressed and bored. Sorry, back to the topic at hand:

I'm also with you on the fact that I couldn't imagine shooting them or taking so many that I developed dependence. But then again, I don't shoot my smack, told myself I never would, and never have...yet lately the thought has been creeping into my brain. So who knows how people get themselves into the situations they do, but that's what this place is all about...:rolleyes:

Good luck whatever you choose....

ZK

[Opiyum]

ZK-

i didn't expect like an opiate euphoria, but i wouldn't call it pleasurable. i wouldn't call it warm or fuzzy. it just made me liable to conk the shit out. no positive feeling whatsoever at either dose. not like a drunkish high. not to say i expected any of those things per se, but it was just like ... well, i'm stumbly and i fall asleep. *shrugs* i mean, beats the hell out of the vistaril i got from the doc, but i guess my point is- why would people (except those w/ serious anxiety issues) get addicted to them, or shoot them, etc etc. you always read/hear about people shooting some benzo or another. but i can't imagine wanting to do that, as eating them was pretty much nothing. i didn't feel sedated per se, i just slept left and right.
even with a cocktail of yip or meth and MJ(not micheal jordan Antony... let it go!) thats what you need with your benzoss in the mornin' bro. That and something exciting to go do plus dose slowly. That will prevent you from getting sleepyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy777777777777e

[chemboy7]

Xanax is the perma-grin of the Benzodiazepines... it's a shame they don't last that long. They do have extended release Alprazolam in 0.5, 1, and 2 mgs I believe though.

[jab]

They do have the ER version, but I don't find them as good at all. And yes, to the OP, I agree there is very little "pleasure" to xanax; and no real euphoria. But, they are nice from time to time, in small doses (for me at least).

Now if you can get Roofies (flunitrazipam (sp?)) that's a different story.. Much nicer. But pretty much unavailable to us in the U.S. for the most part though.

Good luck and be safe with the xans. They can make you do things you normally wouldn't, and later regret, while making you forget the whole thing. I've awoken in jail after a xany binge and had no idea in the world how, or why, I was there.. not good at all! So keep the doses low, not that you can really OD on xanax alone, but it's safer that way for you and those around you. And it does sound like you allready over did it a bit with your first dose.

Also, as a word of warning, xanies can mix real nice with opiates, but be VERY carefull with that.. Resperitory Arrest is very common when mixing the two; if you are not aware of your limits.

Xanax is the perma-grin of the Benzodiazepines... it's a shame they don't last that long. They do have extended release Alprazolam in 0.5, 1, and 2 mgs I believe though.

[MaryJane34]

Thanks for the welcome, reddragon!

I am not sure it's working or not. I just got on it. I think I'll wait til my follow up and see what happens from there. No offense, but instead of calling your wife names, you may want to just tell her to go back to the dr.

Thanks, Candy, for the clarification. It makes more sense to me now what I should have said in the first place.

[reddragon3668]

Thanks for the welcome, reddragon!

I am not sure it's working or not. I just got on it. I think I'll wait til my follow up and see what happens from there. No offense, but instead of calling your wife names, you may want to just tell her to go back to the dr.

Thanks, Candy, for the clarification. It makes more sense to me now what I should have said in the first place.

Your right on there, sorry about that.... however, it is not nice to be a troll, regardless your reasons...;)

[Phluck]

Some people seem to really like benzos, and others don't at all. Personally, I don't like taking them at all. I do see the appeal of having something to put you to sleep, but they mostly make me feel kind of brain damaged and then I get knocked out. There have been times when I've had very easy access to lots of them, but I only took them a few times, if I was WDing or something, I may have been tempted to take a lot to sleep, as I rarely get anywhere near enough, but I didn't want to bother, I don't want to start relying on them to sleep, and withdrawing from them is not safe.

[MaryJane34]

Your right on there, sorry about that.... however, it is not nice to be a troll, regardless your reasons...;)
I wasn't meaning to be a troll. It just seemed obvious. Didn't mean to be a newby causing stress.

[MaryJane34]

Some people seem to really like benzos, and others don't at all. Personally, I don't like taking them at all. I do see the appeal of having something to put you to sleep, but they mostly make me feel kind of brain damaged and then I get knocked out. There have been times when I've had very easy access to lots of them, but I only took them a few times, if I was WDing or something, I may have been tempted to take a lot to sleep, as I rarely get anywhere near enough, but I didn't want to bother, I don't want to start relying on them to sleep, and withdrawing from them is not safe.
okay phluck... now I have concerns about asking GP about xanax. Can you tell me more? I definitely need something to sleep. Life is getting unbearable... feel like I'm spiraling to a fatal end. If lexapro gave me a headache and did nothing for me sleep, a) what is xan going to do to me the MA? b) if low doses seem to be a safe start, what would be considered a low dose and finally, c) what kind of DTs are we talkin here?

[reddragon3668]

I wasn't meaning to be a troll. It just seemed obvious. Didn't mean to be a newby causing stress.

Well, like I have always said, what she don't know won't hurt her... for instance, she hates smoke.... right now, I am blowing smoke all over her clothes...... all over them... it might be juvenile, but you got to fight back some way! HAHAHA!

[reddragon3668]

okay phluck... now I have concerns about asking GP about xanax. Can you tell me more? I definitely need something to sleep. Life is getting unbearable... feel like I'm spiraling to a fatal end. If lexapro gave me a headache and did nothing for me sleep, a) what is xan going to do to me the MA? b) if low doses seem to be a safe start, what would be considered a low dose and finally, c) what kind of DTs are we talkin here?

Get rid of your fucking husband... Have an affair... buy yourself a dildo.. then, take drugs.. hell, I know where your at; I feel like I am headed for a fatal crash too... course, right now, I am going to grab a turkey baster and plug some morphine up my ass... how is dat fer ya?

[MaryJane34]

ok... so what does blowing smoke have to do with xan / dr/ or lex?

[MaryJane34]

uh... reddragon... you may want to up your dose of xanies... don't have a husband... already had enough rammed up my twat to really want a dildo... sex has no thrills when you get paid to do it just for your next hit. Thanks for the advice tho!

[Scarlettnight]

I was prescribed Lexapro about 4 years ago. ( Before I became a junky) They made me a complete psycho bitch! My husband forbid me to take them ever again. He even went to my docs with me to tell him what a psycho bitch they had made me. That is when my doc began giving me Klonopin. I really don't care for benzos except when I am in WD. About people who become addicted to Xanax I have had more than a few freinds who were totally dependent on them. They would take 18 bars at one time then drink on top of that. It is like with everything else I guess different people prefer different posion.

[candy]

OK there MJ, a bit more info than we needed. Hope your using condoms! I am forever on my Harm Reduction kick!

[MaryJane34]

OK there MJ, a bit more info than we needed. Hope your using condoms! I am forever on my Harm Reduction kick!

Sorry about that... just trying to get reddragon off my back!

[candy]

That is OK, not a problem. I don't have a husband either! And while your asking the doc about Xanax could raise some question. I never have taken Lexapro, but I did take Trazodone for sleep and they gave me a nasty headache. I have migraines anyway, but I would wake up with a killer of a headache. Ambien did the same thing.I just have not slept well since I really began to use opiates regularly. They never really put me out. I would take naps here and there, but I could be up for a full night or sleep for only a few hours. Been the same since I have been on Methadone. Maybe use the migraines or headaches to get something else if you want it. My being allergic to the meds they typically use for migraines(gives me an arrythmia), I did talk my doc into Valium and about 10 years back was able to get Stadol for my Migraines. But that didn't last long! But, it was fun!!!!!

[MaryJane34]

yeah, now that you mentioned it... I did take valium once and it knocked me out pretty good and I don't recall any nasty SE from it either, but again that was only a small dose one time.

[zombiewoof23]

My friends and I used to take a large amount of benzo's when we were in college. I used to love them, especially 2 mg klonopins. I recently came across 1 mg and 2 mg xanies and have found that I don't like them near as much as I used to. The xanax in particular back in the day when I took them on a semi regular basis, tended to make me have crazy thoughts a couple days after the experience. Seemed like it was messing with my serotonin levels or something. They also have a heavier feeling buzz IMO in comparison to k-pins or valium, with a shorter half-life. The k-pins have the closest euphoric type buzz out of those 3 that I am familiar with. The so called euphoria from benzo's is nothing in comparison to the joy of a good opiate euphoria. Xanax to me has to heavy of a buzz to be considered euphoric IMO. Today I definitely don't like the benzo's near as much as I used to. Of course my college days were before my introduction to pharm opiates. I have oddly enough recently found that I have a killer texas hold em game when I'm on the k-pins!

[Phluck]

okay phluck... now I have concerns about asking GP about xanax. Can you tell me more? I definitely need something to sleep. Life is getting unbearable... feel like I'm spiraling to a fatal end. If lexapro gave me a headache and did nothing for me sleep, a) what is xan going to do to me the MA? b) if low doses seem to be a safe start, what would be considered a low dose and finally, c) what kind of DTs are we talkin here?
I'm not the best authority on what kind of hangover effects you'd get from benzos, I haven't used tons of them 'cause I don't really like them a lot... but I do remember feeling kind of groggy or lethargic the day after.

Doses vary from drug to drug. Check out this: http://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm


As for withdrawal, it can be BAD, if you're addicted enough. It's the same as with serious alcohol dependency, you could have a stroke and die, seizures, hallucinations, here the Wikipedia article on delirium tremens:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delirium_tremens

"The symptoms include severe, uncontrollable tremors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremor) of the extremities and intense hallucinations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination) such as insects, snakes or rats. These may be related to the environment, e.g., drawings on wallpaper that the patient would perceive as giant spiders ready to attack her or him. Unlike hallucinations associated with schizophrenia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia), delirium tremens hallucinations are primarily visual, but associated with tactile hallucinations such as sensations of something crawling on the subject. Other symptoms include agitation, confusion and the associated alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol) withdrawal fits. Secondary symptoms can be anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia)."

They use benzos to taper people off of alcohol, so that they can avoid the nasty side effects.

[candy]

To be honest, with benzos I usually end up with fuzzy memories of the night before and a bit of a hangover the next day. It seems when I was younger and my brother and I would take a few of my Mom's Valium, I would get a nice buzz going. But now, I just get tired and end up falling asleep. I have however done IV Valium and found that pleasant! I do like how Benzo's knock me out, but it always takes such a high dose to get me to that point. And I don't use them regularly either. Have always just had a high tolerance to medication and to pain. Xanax does nothing for me, unless in a high dose.I would choose barbituates over Benzos, which it seems used to give me a better buzz.

[MaryJane34]

whoa! Thanks for the resources. I will definitely check them out.

[Opiyum]

Sorry about that... just trying to get reddragon off my back!

If sleep is your main problem then objectivley the best Benzo for sleep is restoril aka Temezapam. DT'S you do not noeed to wory about not death from withdrawal. Than only occures in people who have had Exceedingly high doses for very very long times. My EX'x Grandfather went through Dt's once evey other two months it seemed. I had that great honor of ripping him out of house into car out car into ER. This man was in a kind of pain I could not began to pay tribute to in words. I've been through many many kicks and probably five to ten full blown junk kicks and I still dont think(having seen that)I know what real pain is. This is getting to my point because as I've said in another thread I'v been on Benzo's for the laast two and a half years...some script some street.
So during a few times that I hadnt had an opie for over a month and then would run out of Benzos I felt little if any irritation very very mild.
Average day for two years was 6mg of K-pin plus 20 or 30 millis of Valium. Sometimes a lot less sometimes (in these cases uppers/halli's were involved) a lot more.
If you feel you need it then I suggest you ask your doctor to let you try different Benzos to see which fits you best. I still would recommend Restoril I think that would do you good.

Also may be a dumb question but have you tried Valrian Rooct Extract or Melatonin. Neither are controled but you never know what will work.

[MaryJane34]

If sleep is your main problem then objectivley the best Benzo for sleep is restoril aka Temezapam. DT'S you do not noeed to wory about not death from withdrawal. Than only occures in people who have had Exceedingly high doses for very very long times. My EX'x Grandfather went through Dt's once evey other two months it seemed. I had that great honor of ripping him out of house into car out car into ER. This man was in a kind of pain I could not began to pay tribute to in words. I've been through many many kicks and probably five to ten full blown junk kicks and I still dont think(having seen that)I know what real pain is. This is getting to my point because as I've said in another thread I'v been on Benzo's for the laast two and a half years...some script some street.
So during a few times that I hadnt had an opie for over a month and then would run out of Benzos I felt little if any irritation very very mild.
Average day for two years was 6mg of K-pin plus 20 or 30 millis of Valium. Sometimes a lot less sometimes (in these cases uppers/halli's were involved) a lot more.
If you feel you need it then I suggest you ask your doctor to let you try different Benzos to see which fits you best. I still would recommend Restoril I think that would do you good.

Also may be a dumb question but have you tried Valrian Rooct Extract or Melatonin. Neither are controled but you never know what will work.

Not a dumb question at all. I have not tried it. I will check it out.

Here's the thing: What caused me to go on Lexi in the 1st place was at one point everything in my life was spinning out of control and I began to contemplate suicide. Even the slightest problem became just one more thing that I just could not handle on top of all these major issues. My emotions started going crazy! So, after 2 weeks of taking Lexi, I did feel a difference but hated the headaches. I felt like it did give me a better grip on life - suicidal tendencies left. I just hated that it couldn't give me that same outcome instantly. So, I quit. There are times now, tho not often, I feel overwhelmed again. But instead of taking a long term rx, I would like to find something that can be taken as needed. I've "heard" that xanax will do that, but after all I've read, it sounds like there is a cost to that "instant sanity". I don't want to be controlled. I want to be in control. I am just beginning to think that is a pipe dream.

Screw it... give me drugs and leave me cross eyed and drooling in the corner!:p

[candy]

MJ,Xanax is not necessarily the drug of choice for helping with those overwhelming times. I would suggest trying some other antidepressants for awhile and seeing if one works for you. Some of the older drugs actually work well and may not give you the side-effects your experiencing now. Some of the newer drugs do work really well and of course the docs are going to push them, but maybe trying a few others may be what you need. Antidepressants don't have to be taken forever. Maybe right now until things start to settle down, it can help. Anxiety can be really difficult to deal with, not to mention depression and the two often go hand in hand.The good thing is there are other options and you need to explore them with your doc. SSRI's such as Lexapro tend to have fewer side-effects, but headache seems to be a common one and you shouldn't have to suffer when you take any medication. Lexapro also seems to kick in faster than some of the older antidepressants and maybe asking your doc to give you something for anxiety and sleep until the meds to start to work will help. I know talking to doctors can be difficult. Hell, when I was a new nurse, I hated talking to them and I wasn't a patient. They can seem uninterested, unempathetic, and talk down to you. But, if your feeling overwhelmed it may be worth it. Hope it all works out for ya!

[MaryJane34]

Thanks, Candy... you're right because if I had just told the GP about my headaches I may have found a permanent solution. I was just so embarrassed to have to go on them and still am embarrassed from being diagnosed with panic attacks. I'll try to get around that.

[candy]

MJ, nothing to be embarrassed about. We all need a bit of help sometimes to help us get through the rough times. It is certainly a better option than ending one's life.

Hope it all works out for ya. Hang in there!

[psychotiKK]

okay phluck... now I have concerns about asking GP about xanax. Can you tell me more? I definitely need something to sleep. Life is getting unbearable... feel like I'm spiraling to a fatal end. If lexapro gave me a headache and did nothing for me sleep, a) what is xan going to do to me the MA? b) if low doses seem to be a safe start, what would be considered a low dose and finally, c) what kind of DTs are we talkin here?

If you're looking for a prescribed sleep aid, avoid xanax. If you are dependant on it just to sleep, you will be fucked later on believe me. Go for something like Lunesta. I hear it puts you right to sleep and you don't have to worry about terrible benzo withdrawals. With the xanax you will just keep increasing your dose, just to be able to sleep. There's been people who end up taking 14mg of xanax combined with other sedative benzos, a large dose of seroquel, and take many somas, yet STILL have insomnia problems. Thats where you don't want to be. Talk about making the problem worse. I suggest to try Lunesta and other non-scheduled sleep-aids. If that doesn't work, try to use some of the newer products that help for sleep. (Isn't melatonin one of them?) I used to be prescribed xanax XR for my general and social anxiety disorders. It helped greatly and sometimes gave me a half decent buzz. I've been taking klonopin now since it's alot cheaper with my insurance and I prefer it over xanax XR. Why? Xanax is too sedating, has the worst withdrawals, and supposedly it is the easiest benzo to become addicted to, except possibly the infamous Rophynol.

[Opiyum]

If you're looking for a prescribed sleep aid, avoid xanax. If you are dependant on it just to sleep, you will be fucked later on believe me. Go for something like Lunesta. I hear it puts you right to sleep and you don't have to worry about terrible benzo withdrawals. With the xanax you will just keep increasing your dose, just to be able to sleep. There's been people who end up taking 14mg of xanax combined with other sedative benzos, a large dose of seroquel, and take many somas, yet STILL have insomnia problems. Thats where you don't want to be. Talk about making the problem worse. I suggest to try Lunesta and other non-scheduled sleep-aids. If that doesn't work, try to use some of the newer products that help for sleep. (Isn't melatonin one of them?) I used to be prescribed xanax XR for my general and social anxiety disorders. It helped greatly and sometimes gave me a half decent buzz. I've been taking klonopin now since it's alot cheaper with my insurance and I prefer it over xanax XR. Why? Xanax is too sedating, has the worst withdrawals, and supposedly it is the easiest benzo to become addicted to, except possibly the infamous Rophynol.

Yes the Melatonin is natural purchasable at any herbal goods store... Having thought about it if you want to go Herbicidal on yo' own ass than Your best/safest bet, if it works would be, Valeriun Root(Use this to kick a benzo withdrawal it sorta helps but make sure to start taking it three days prior to you last dose....this is only of course if you go the Benzo route). You can get raw valeriun root anywhere but they sell nasty smelling capsules full of the shit ground up inside in your local Herbiphile store. If you do find Valeriun root Raw then basically you would want to clean and chew on it for a while basically till you feel sleepy. Then I suggest sleep that is what we are talking about here right? I was somewhere else there for a minute...Immmmsleeeeepppyy

http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/valerian.php

I used to use Vale because from a young age I had sleep disorders. I was also prescribed tegretol and Im not sure but I think they were a related issue. You'd think I'd know my own health history a lttle better. Anyway after years of opiate sleep and a few occasions of abuse of benzos and then a steady prescription used mostly for anxiety sometimes sleep, has left the Vale useless.

[HistoryofMadness]

Yes the Melatonin is natural purchasable at any herbal goods store... Having thought about it if you want to go Herbicidal on yo' own ass than Your best/safest bet, if it works would be, Valeriun Root

This isn't a bad suggestion... I am an incredibly serious insomniac (for example its 3am i've been up since 7 am and no sleepy) and here is my concoction for sleep that is really probably going to knock most anybody out:

1. Chamomille
2. Valerian
3. Passion flower (small amounts only)
4. Melatonin (make hot tea w/above and just drop a pill in it will melt)

Skullcap is another one but I haven't really gotten into that yet. Go easy on the passion flower cause at high doses it can be a MAOI (harmaline source) and that will stimulate and possibly confuse you... neither are good for sleep...

And here's the kicker, if you can find it, get some Salvia Miltiorrhiza (http://www.phytoextractum.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=22&zenid=7a7cb0864befe9b7cf3c7a5a8e3edb6d) (its also a chinese herb known as danshen)... the link I gave is where I get it usually. Its hard to find but the 5x is a good extract.

Anyway throw all those in as hot tea, and off to the river Lethe you go.

[MaryJane34]

MJ, nothing to be embarrassed about. We all need a bit of help sometimes to help us get through the rough times. It is certainly a better option than ending one's life.

Hope it all works out for ya. Hang in there!

Thanks for the encouragement - I'm trying.
:o

[exitwound]

Not a dumb question at all. I have not tried it. I will check it out.

Here's the thing: What caused me to go on Lexi in the 1st place was at one point everything in my life was spinning out of control and I began to contemplate suicide. Even the slightest problem became just one more thing that I just could not handle on top of all these major issues. My emotions started going crazy! So, after 2 weeks of taking Lexi, I did feel a difference but hated the headaches. I felt like it did give me a better grip on life - suicidal tendencies left. I just hated that it couldn't give me that same outcome instantly. So, I quit. There are times now, tho not often, I feel overwhelmed again. But instead of taking a long term rx, I would like to find something that can be taken as needed. I've "heard" that xanax will do that, but after all I've read, it sounds like there is a cost to that "instant sanity". I don't want to be controlled. I want to be in control. I am just beginning to think that is a pipe dream.

Screw it... give me drugs and leave me cross eyed and drooling in the corner!:p

My suggestion would be a combination between melatonin for sleep, 5-htp + L-tyrosine for those overwhelming times to give you extra serotonin + dopamine, and passionflower for the really rough times. I've found these to all work quite well and you can stop taking them anytime, they work well in an as-needed environment.

[chemboy7]

Go easy on the passion flower cause at high doses it can be a MAOI (harmaline source) and that will stimulate and possibly confuse you... neither are good for sleep...

I would watch messing with any of those MAOIs as they seriously alter the way your body breakdown certain drugs and enzymes found in many foods (such as Tyrosine). Alot of people use them to potentiate pyschedelic Phenethylamine and Tryptamines, and as antidepressants, but I don't know how effective they would be as a sleep aid. Definately avoid Opaites and Benzodiazepines for about a week after you stop taking them.

Here is a link that goes over what foods can have serious adverse effects when consumed with MAOIs.

http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/maoi.html

[Opiyum]

My suggestion would be a combination between melatonin for sleep, 5-htp + L-tyrosine for those overwhelming times to give you extra serotonin + dopamine, and passionflower for the really rough times. I've found these to all work quite well and you can stop taking them anytime, they work well in an as-needed environment.

EW could you please enlighten me as to what L-tyrosine and 5-htp are? Much appreciated.

[HistoryofMadness]

I would watch messing with any of those MAOIs as they seriously alter the way your body breakdown certain drugs and enzymes found in many foods (such as Tyrosine). Alot of people use them to potentiate pyschedelic Phenethylamine and Tryptamines, and as antidepressants, but I don't know how effective they would be as a sleep aid. Definately avoid Opaites and Benzodiazepines for about a week after you stop taking them.

Here is a link that goes over what foods can have serious adverse effects when consumed with MAOIs.

http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/maoi.html

I should've been more clear... passionflower is suggested to possibly have MAOI characteristics at very high doses, i.e. extractions. It is used all the time as a sleep aid in regular doses.

[chemboy7]

EW could you please enlighten me as to what L-tyrosine and 5-htp are? Much appreciated.

5-HTP is a symonym for Serotonin and as it cannot cross the blood brain barrier I am unsure if it would be of any help at all and L-Tyrosine is a protein essential amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis, L-tyrosine is a precursor for the synthesis of the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and the pigment melanin.

[MaryJane34]

My suggestion would be a combination between melatonin for sleep, 5-htp + L-tyrosine for those overwhelming times to give you extra serotonin + dopamine, and passionflower for the really rough times. I've found these to all work quite well and you can stop taking them anytime, they work well in an as-needed environment.

okay... that is a HUGE help. This combo sounds like it's more up my alley. I have read about passionflower. So, I'm definitely going to get my hands on that.

[satori]

Clonezepam creates a more euphoric feeling then alprozelam (from my experience). Xanax makes me feel stupid, like i got hit in the head with a shuvle. Clonopin not as much. Clonopin also lasts longer.

[satori]

Alright befor you take the advice about melatonin. STOP! I was on melatonin for years and trust me its a biiiiig risk. When you take melatonin as a supliment more then just on occasion it carries a huge risk. When you take 2mg a night you can take more then your body is used to creating in a week. After use for a while your bodies abality to create melatonin or use it can be affected. I used to have some sleeping problems befor i was on melatonin but now its 10x worse. I was on it for years though..... but still you should know the risks befor you go on it. ALso i was only taking 1-2mg a night. I also took 5-HTP for "depression" and it can make a little difference but can be hard on the stomach. So try to eat befor you take it. There are other things that can help. Kava is safer then Melatonin as long as you dont use an extract (extracts have been linked to liver problems). However the amount of liver problems is minimal, very rare cases, i think its somewhere around a handful. Where thousands die a week from tylenol (liver failure / problems). There is another risk with taking things to sleep. You will be completely dependant upon them for sleep. You will relate sleep to those medications and how they feel. I was on clonopin for two years, i was up to 3mg a night. When i went off i crashed HARD. I got maybe a couple hours of sleep a night - maybe. It was worse then any opiate WD i have ever been through.

[exitwound]

EW could you please enlighten me as to what L-tyrosine and 5-htp are? Much appreciated.

They are the direct chemical precursors in the metabolic processors that allow the human body to make Dopamine and Serotonin. As a reverse of the process that is employed with Reuptake Inhibitor type medications, they provide extra raw material for producing both of these neurotransmitters and therefore you can stop/start taking them any time....in general for a lot of purposes they make a lot more sense than a lot of things that are being prescribed these days.

Pharm corporations just can't patent them, that's why they aren't being pushed as hard. Doesn't make them any less useful.

[Soda]

It should also be mentioned that xanax has a short half life compared to valium.
Valium feels different to me and creates a pleasant hangover in small doses (5mg/less). Xanax is more intense. Both are addictive and build tolerance, which is why I don't use them recreationally.

[defenestrate]

ZK,
i get the exact same effect from xanax as you (nice warm fuzzy feeling for a little while as i bumble around, then some nice sleep (non-tense, benzos are great for when i grind my teeth bad enough at night to start cramping my jaw), then kind of fuzzy in the morning. klonopin does not do that to me, however-at least it didn't by itself, even when i was eating gobs of it. it would just kinda take the edge off. strange.

[exitwound]

They are the direct chemical precursors in the metabolic processors that allow the human body to make Dopamine and Serotonin. As a reverse of the process that is employed with Reuptake Inhibitor type medications, they provide extra raw material for producing both of these neurotransmitters and therefore you can stop/start taking them any time....in general for a lot of purposes they make a lot more sense than a lot of things that are being prescribed these days.
Pharm corporations just can't patent them, that's why they aren't being pushed as hard. Doesn't make them any less useful.

BUMP! For anyone who hasn't tried 5-htp or other neurochemical precursors, get some at your local health food store, pharmacy supermarket etc.! You simply must give them a try.

WARNING: the exception is if you're already taking reuptake inhibitor anti-depressants like Effexor, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Strattera, Cymbalta, etc....these combined with the extra boost of taking neurochem precursors could give you Serotonin Syndrome or worse! Potentially even deadly, so be careful in this instance!

[MaryJane34]

ZK,
i get the exact same effect from xanax as you (nice warm fuzzy feeling for a little while as i bumble around, then some nice sleep (non-tense, benzos are great for when i grind my teeth bad enough at night to start cramping my jaw), then kind of fuzzy in the morning. klonopin does not do that to me, however-at least it didn't by itself, even when i was eating gobs of it. it would just kinda take the edge off. strange.

I am so glad you mentioned that. I thought I was nuts! When I first started taking lexapro, the next morning, my jaw kept wanting to lock on me. I never had that problem ever in my life. I had no idea what to relate it to.

[thbronze]

They do have the ER version, but I don't find them as good at all. And yes, to the OP, I agree there is very little "pleasure" to xanax; and no real euphoria. But, they are nice from time to time, in small doses (for me at least).

Now if you can get Roofies (flunitrazipam (sp?)) that's a different story.. Much nicer. But pretty much unavailable to us in the U.S. for the most part though.

Good luck and be safe with the xans. They can make you do things you normally wouldn't, and later regret, while making you forget the whole thing. I've awoken in jail after a xany binge and had no idea in the world how, or why, I was there.. not good at all! So keep the doses low, not that you can really OD on xanax alone, but it's safer that way for you and those around you. And it does sound like you allready over did it a bit with your first dose.

Also, as a word of warning, xanies can mix real nice with opiates, but be VERY carefull with that.. Resperitory Arrest is very common when mixing the two; if you are not aware of your limits.

How'd they do,anything like qualude?have a chance to get some,curious as to effects

[absentvirtue]

I took probably around 15 Xanax one time. I must say that i was high for a couple days, but the thing about xanax is that its hard to tell if your fucked up or not. Xanax is not a very good recreational drug.

[ZodiacKiller]

but the thing about xanax is that its hard to tell if your fucked up or not.

Really? Funny how drugs affect people differently. I know when my xanies are kicking in, without question. And if I have any doubt, the first time I slam my shoulder in a doorjam going through the door or fall up the stairs usually confirms it.


ZK

[Phluck]

5-HTP is a symonym for Serotonin and as it cannot cross the blood brain barrier I am unsure if it would be of any help at all and L-Tyrosine is a protein essential amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis, L-tyrosine is a precursor for the synthesis of the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and the pigment melanin.


I think 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, not the same thing.

[L0VE]

so, just curious-

what the hell is the deal with xanax? am i broken? the doc perscribed some for some insomnia- 30x0.25 mg generics. going from what i read, i took 4 mg and based off my weight, and this was coming off of an opiate dose- i wasn't sick yet, but i wasn't feeling a thing, just about normal. from what i read, i was expecting euphoria, but all i got was a damn sleepiness and some discoordination. i fell asleep the second i hit the pillow. i was still half-stumbling throughout the next day- especially going down stairs, i felt like i was dropping 10 feet each step. the whole next day i kept sleeping at my desk at work- i had to go tell my boss i was perscribed xanax for some night insomnia/anxiety problems (the truth) and it carried through to today, and was hitting me hard. i think i slept a good 5 out of the 8 hours at work, with little naps. but it'd be like workworkwork and all of a sudden the phone rings and i see it is 20 minutes later. shit.

one thing i will give them a tripple thumbs up for is making my immodium periods WAY more comfortable. usually my energy is up, and i'm sort of bouncing all over. not my thing. by immodium period i mean when i am out of dope and i go on only huge immodium ad to get rid of WD symptoms until i am resupplied. anyway, i've been out for a couple days, and took 4 mg of xanax the day the doc perscribed it, and again (but only 1.5 mg) yesterday at the middle of the day, and during these two days- usually the first 2 or 3 days of no other opiates but loperamide are somewhat uncomfortable. not really bad, not close to a full CT wd, but still backaches and each bump hurts like hell- but i just sort of feel like my dose of opiate is wearing off, not sick but not high. so, i'll give it props for that.

but it makes me wonder- how the hell does someone get addicted to xanax or another benzo if all it does it make you pass out left and right? i got absolutely NO euphoria, no good feeling whatsoever, nothing. i am a low anxiety person, so i don't know if it actually helped with that, i didn't feel any more relaxed or anything.

sort of a huge disappointment.

but shit man, it makes me wish i had some opis. lady didn't ship all my pods at once, seemed to have forgotton. :/

Well I'm perscribed to xanax for my high axiety and what I do is mix them with oxycontin to get a really GOOD nod. But I agree, all they do for me is (in high, high doses) make me feel like I'm floating and I talk a lot, in words, I am the opposite with xanax instead of sleeping I get really crazy.

[Opiyum]

Really? Funny how drugs affect people differently. I know when my xanies are kicking in, without question. And if I have any doubt, the first time I slam my shoulder in a doorjam going through the door or fall up the stairs usually confirms it.


ZK

same for me man. though not lately because my tolerance shyrocketed beyond my financial means as you've already read. but when xanies kick in for me I always find it a little funny. It just creeps up on you and all the sudden your "walking on a cloud of titties"(quoting a post from someone here cant remember who) then your stumbiling a bit and all googily hoodily do. No matter what someone is saying to you your response is always ..."yeaaahhh...fuckin' shit yeah man...shiiiit". in a very, for lack of a bettter word, flimsy tone of voice. I love it. Just fuckin not high or just opi high then bam!!hehheeeeeeeeeheeeehaa!

[scikid]

I love xanax. A few beers+chill friends+xanax+some nice herbs or hash is always an awesome night (throw on an opiate and its even better). I love to drink as well so I think thats why I like benzos so much. I'm xannied out now so this may not be making sense. K-Pins and Valiums are nice but xanax is my fav.

[eternalsunshine]

everyone I know LOVES xanax. I dont like them at all. I have the same reaction the original poster had. I feel I weigh an extra 100lbs and I cant move. I like hydro cause I want to get up and do things like garden and paint really anything with activity!

[bodangly]

IMO Xanax isn't really very recreational, I know many will disagree but for me Xanax is a utility drug to put myself out after coke binges, or maybe if I was having a real bad trip I'd take one or something. Xanax on its own though? No thank you

[poonwhalla]

I like it on its own but as a catalyst for other shit thats cool too. has its place in time for me

[poonwhalla]

Really? Funny how drugs affect people differently. I know when my xanies are kicking in, without question. And if I have any doubt, the first time I slam my shoulder in a doorjam going through the door or fall up the stairs usually confirms it.


ZK
then the bump on your head comfirm's it when you forget!!:p
Just a guess.

[repeek]

I used to take xanex, soma, ambian and dope together, wow.........I would be bouncing off the wall. Had really long nods too.

[ZodiacKiller]

then the bump on your head comfirm's it when you forget!!:p
Just a guess.

Yes, exactly. I think my favorite benzo now, as opposed to when I posted earlier (this thread's been going for a while now), is valium--it really seems to have a nice opiate-potentiating quality to it, at least for me.

Plus I can take it at work without wanting to find a dropcloth and curl up and take a nap behind my customer's couch (I actually found one of my employees doing that once!). It has a nice, relaxing, stress-relieving quality to it without the disorienting aspect that I get from a lot of benzos. Especially Klonopin--they are good for one thing, and that's putting me right down. 2mg + 20 minutes= nite, nite, Zodiac. These are the ones I'd be concerned about in regards to taking them with opiates.

ZK