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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Anxiety While On Xanax?

I have been taking Xanax 0.5mg prn for over 20 years. I only take it when I am having severe anxiety. I changed my medicare advantage plan in January. They do not pay for it so they use Ativan. I have never experienced side effects with Xanax but I definitely have side effects with Ativan. I also am being treated for depression. It seems my depression is worse. I am thinking of asking my physician to just write me a prescription for the Xanax and just paying out of pocket. Would this be a wise decision?
Wed, 3 May 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are both benzodiazepines. They can be interchangeable for most patients. But they are a bit different in the way they are metabolised by body. It may not affect most of the people but only a select few can be affected.
So yes you can ask for your prescribing physician to get you back on Xanax. And also take your antidepressant medications regularly and as prescribed. I would also urge my patients for regular counselling too. Hope the above information helps you. Thanks for writing into healthcaremagic. Have a wonderful day. Take care.
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What Causes Severe Anxiety While On Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are both benzodiazepines. They can be interchangeable for most patients. But they are a bit different in the way they are metabolised by body. It may not affect most of the people but only a select few can be affected. So yes you can ask for your prescribing physician to get you back on Xanax. And also take your antidepressant medications regularly and as prescribed. I would also urge my patients for regular counselling too. Hope the above information helps you. Thanks for writing into healthcaremagic. Have a wonderful day. Take care.