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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are Effects Of Taking Lamictal Along With Xanax?

my doctor will not raise the mgs of my Xanax which is .5 wants me to ad Lexapro or lamictal ive have been on thid dose for yrs I don t like antidepressents amd was not comfy with what I read on internet about lamictal. I have cancer lost my implant(which plastic surgeon did not tell me that could even happen fron skin flaps to thin or I would have done a lumpectomy and radition instead! also have a adult child living here so with all of this my anxiety is worse so why wont she raise it or prescribe something else?
Mon, 11 Feb 2019
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I am afraid that I tend to side with your doctor on this matter. Actually, I think it was wrong for you to have been prescribed Xanax for years. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are not advised for long term treatment. They create dependence and tolerance, precisely what is happening to you, the same dosage not being able to produce the desired effect. If you raise the dosage now after some time it won't be enough as well and you will want another raise. Furthermore, they have side effects in particular on cognitive abilities.

Medication like Lexapro, on the other hand, do not create these issues and are the ones advised for long term use. The same goes for Lamictal although it is not a first-line treatment for anxiety, apart from the possibility of allergic phenomena at the start of treatment, other side effects are rare, certainly more benign than a benzodiazepine like Xanax.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist
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What Are Effects Of Taking Lamictal Along With Xanax?

Hello, I am afraid that I tend to side with your doctor on this matter. Actually, I think it was wrong for you to have been prescribed Xanax for years. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are not advised for long term treatment. They create dependence and tolerance, precisely what is happening to you, the same dosage not being able to produce the desired effect. If you raise the dosage now after some time it won t be enough as well and you will want another raise. Furthermore, they have side effects in particular on cognitive abilities. Medication like Lexapro, on the other hand, do not create these issues and are the ones advised for long term use. The same goes for Lamictal although it is not a first-line treatment for anxiety, apart from the possibility of allergic phenomena at the start of treatment, other side effects are rare, certainly more benign than a benzodiazepine like Xanax. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist