Has anyone ever taken Xanax for depression?

Question

I went to the doctor last week for depression. I expressed that I was a little concerned about the cost of an anti-depressant due to the fact that I don't have health insurance. I know that the drug that I took previously was around $150 a month (Effexor). I'm willing to pay that I just don't want to if there's something out there just as effective and cheaper. He prescribed Xanax. I'm constantly sleepy. I feel "zoned" all the time and it definantly hasn't given me the drive that I was looking for...if anything it's taken it away.
I took effexor for about a year before I got pregnant. Once pregnant I discontinued the drug and went through a horrible post pardum period. I thought I could talk my way out of it but it's just getting worse. I truly don't feel like getting out of bed somedays.
I think he prescribed Xanax due to the fact that it has an available generic. I'm just wondering how long before I discontinue? should I give it at least another week?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Xanax for depression? That is CRAZY! Xanax can CAUSE depression. I have taken it before in conjunction with an SSRI antidepressant and I stayed very lethargic and depressed and wanted to isolate myself.
I have known many people who have had similar problems with Xanax. It is also very habit forming. Klonopin is a far better substitute if you need something for anxiety and it is available I generic.
Don't stop Xanax cold turkey. Wean yourself off a little at a time. Going off of it suddenly can cause some really serious problems for some people!
Hope you feel better!!

Source(s):

Lots of experience with depression and meds!!

Answer 2

there oare other anti-depressants on the market that are generic. xanax is a tranquilizer to relieve anxiety.

Answer 3

Xanax is for anxiety, and panic attacks..not depression...although if you have a tendancy to freak out and get really upset, it will help to calm you...but be careful, because it is also highly addictive and can give you seizures when trying to get off of it.....This is the wrong drug for depression however.

Answer 4

Your doctor is an idiot. Xanax is a depressant, that's how it helps with anxiety. These docs have 80 million free sample packs of antidepressants from the drug reps who come in and he won't give you a bunch? Find a doc who will help you get the right drug and will give you the names of some resources to pay for them.

Answer 5

Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine group of drugs. These are designed primarily as anticonvulsants in treating seizures, however, due to their inhibitory effect of the central nervous system, they've become the front line medication for general anxiety disorders.

The "zoned" effect you described is from the Xanax modulating your GABA neurotransmitters, essentially "putting the brakes" on your central nervous system.

The previous post is correct - as benzodiazepine is quite addicting. Xanax in particular, is the most addicting of the group and comes with the harshest withdrawal symptoms, which may cause further depression.

If you choose to discontinue taking Xanax, it has to be done in a controlled manner. Abruptly stopping Xanax after regular use can result in heart problems and seizures. Tell your Dr, you would like to stop and he/she should create a discontinuation schedule.

As for the antidepressants - if you can spend $150/month and the Effexor is working, then I would stay with it You shouldn't compromise your well being to save a few bucks. If you had HIV and you had to take Combivir every day or die, would you factor in the costs before taking the meds?

Effexor is effective and unique in how it modulates your serotonin and norepinephrine.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is in the same class as Effexor and comes in a generic form. I'm not sure whether or not it would work for you, but it's something you can discuss with your Dr.

Good luck.

Answer 6

You might want to go to another Doctor. Xanax is widely used to
treat anxiety attacks. It is not an antidepressant. You might ask to
try Prozac. It is available in generic form for about $35 for a month supply.And it won't cause the drowsy feeling you are talking about.