[Guest]

Hi, I was just diagnosed with IBS and my dr. gave me .5 m.g. Xanax to take "every 8 hours"I need it for those situations that I get nervous about getting caught in an emergency. Do you need to take the drug every day to be effective, or can I just take it when I think I might need it.Also, is there a difference between Citricel and Metamucil? Any thoughts?

 

[Guest]

Hi,I was given Xanax a few years ago for panic attacks. At the time, they didnt know what was causing the attacks. My IBS wasnt diagnosed until 5 years later.In any case, when I was taking the Xanax, I cannot be certain of the dosage, but I believe it was the same you are on...and I only took it when it was needed. I wasn't told to take it every 8 hours. However, I would talk further with your doctor if you have concerns about taking it so frequently.I do recall it relaxed me. Recently, I was given an anti-depressant called Effexor. This new medication is supposed to tackle both anxiety and depression, both of which can accompany IBS. In my case, it has helped me tremendously. There are several types of meds available now similar to the Effexor. Perhaps you can talk to your doctor about them down the road, if you feel the xanax isn't working for you.I needed more than just a medication to "relax" me...I needed some balance in my gut and in my brain....I was out of whack!! This medication has helped to do that.As far as the Metamucil verses the Citracel dilemna....I have tried both. Both worked on my constipation, however, the Citracel doesn't leave me feeling as bloated as the metamucil. It doesn't contain physillium, which may cause gas and bloating.Try them out...you may be different than I am. As you know, we each have our own symptoms and difficulties with this condition. Good luck to you.Mitch

 

[NewForMe]

I take Ativan .5mg every work day (no weekends)- if I wait to take it, I have already had the panic and hard to wait for the medicine to kick in. They have me an Rx for .5mg every 8 hours, but I only take it one time per day during the work week. Oh - Ativan & Xanax are the same type of med - just different names. As far as the Metamucil or Citracil - they are basically the same thing, but Citracil taste better than Metamucil. I also hear that it works better. I gave up all fiber supplements (metamucil, fibercon & citracil) because they didn't work for me. I started eating this Sprouted Grain Bread (two slices per day in the AM) and it works 100% better. You can buy it at health food stores. You can check their website for a store near you: www.food-for-life.com. The bread is called Ezikeil 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread. You will see several posts about that bread here on the BB. Look for my posts NewForMe or Stomach Troubles. Many people have tried it and have had great results. I will find them and bump them to the top of the list for you.[This message has been edited by NewForMe (edited 08-17-2000).]

 

[Epona]

Hi! I just take Xanax as needed and find that it works real well for me that way. Also, I like Citrucel and Metamucil both about the same, altho I have heard that the Citrucel may be less gassy.

 

[Clancy Garner]

sos,I'm a long time xanax user.... but only for periods of flare ups. Currently I use .25 mg twice a day... but do be careful because it can become addictive. Also, if you take it for a prolonged period do not just stop one day. It is one where you may need to take a reduce dose for a period of time.Still... I used it for stress and it does help

 

[AD]

I don't find Xanax to do anything that helps or hurts. I rarely feel the effects of it. I only take .25 mg. as needed not to exceed once every 12 hours. It does get me to sleep on really stressful nights and it helps calm me down only when I am very tense. For me, it does not relieve anxiety, worry or nervousness, only tension.