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How Does Xanax Help In Treatment Of Anxiety?
Question: I am scheduled to have an MRI and my doctor prescribe 0.25 mg Xanax to deal with anxiety related to claustrophobia. I guess this would be considered an "occasional" use of this medication. How does it work on an occasional basis. I have never used it before. Is it prescribed in this occasional manner frequently, or do doctors prefer prescribing it to be used on an ongoing basis? Thank you.
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Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for writing in.
I understand that you have concerns about the medication Xanax which has been prescribed for your MRI procedure. Xanax or Alprzolam is an antianxiety medication belonging to a group called benzodiazepines. It works by altering certain chemicals in your brain and thereby reducing anxiety.
Xanax can be used on a regular basis as well as on an occasional / as needed basis for anxiety provoking situations. It is common practice to prescribe Xanax before major procedures like surgeries or other invasive procedures.
However, in my clinical experience, it is not standard practice to prescribe Xanax for every person before an MRI. It is advised only for people who are anxious or have claustrophobia.
So, it is not essential to take the medication unless you are feeling anxious about the procedure or if you have a history of claustrophobia.
Best wishes.
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for writing in.
I understand that you have concerns about the medication Xanax which has been prescribed for your MRI procedure. Xanax or Alprzolam is an antianxiety medication belonging to a group called benzodiazepines. It works by altering certain chemicals in your brain and thereby reducing anxiety.
Xanax can be used on a regular basis as well as on an occasional / as needed basis for anxiety provoking situations. It is common practice to prescribe Xanax before major procedures like surgeries or other invasive procedures.
However, in my clinical experience, it is not standard practice to prescribe Xanax for every person before an MRI. It is advised only for people who are anxious or have claustrophobia.
So, it is not essential to take the medication unless you are feeling anxious about the procedure or if you have a history of claustrophobia.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I experience some claustrophobia when traveling on an airplane and could benefit from Xanax instead of feeling uncomfortable as I usually do. So even for mild cases would Xanax be a good idea to get from my physician?
Brief Answer:
It would be a good idea to take Xanax...
Detailed Answer:
If you had some previous experience of claustrophobia, then it would be a good idea to take Xanax 0.25 mg prior to the procedure.
The MRI chamber feels more claustrophobic than an airplane cabin. So, it is possible for you to feel uncomfortable in there. It is necessary to remail still throughout the procedure (which may take 20 to 30 minutes), and so, it would be better not to take a chance.
Don't worry, a single tablet of Xanax is unlikely to cause any problems or complications.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
It would be a good idea to take Xanax...
Detailed Answer:
If you had some previous experience of claustrophobia, then it would be a good idea to take Xanax 0.25 mg prior to the procedure.
The MRI chamber feels more claustrophobic than an airplane cabin. So, it is possible for you to feel uncomfortable in there. It is necessary to remail still throughout the procedure (which may take 20 to 30 minutes), and so, it would be better not to take a chance.
Don't worry, a single tablet of Xanax is unlikely to cause any problems or complications.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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