How strong is XANAX, and when should I take it?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Lounge' started by Papa Deuce, May 12, 2015.

  1. Papa Deuce

    Papa Deuce Well-Known Member

    May 15, 2013
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    #1 Papa Deuce, May 12, 2015
    Last edited: May 12, 2015
    I am having an MRI tomorrow, and I get claustrophobic in those machines. My doctor gave me 3 XANAX to take, but no instructions on when to take them.... it is 3 pills and the label says take 1 pill 3x a day....

    but I was thinking I might only need 1 pill?

    The MRI is at 7:30 PM on Tuesday night.... so could I take it at 7 PM and would it be working for the MRI? Or 6 PM?

    I don't want to take all 3- over the period of the day - as I need to drive tomorrow, and have no idea how these work.... plus, I am a big guy.... 265 pounds.

    My doctor is now on vacation, so I can't ask her.
     
  2. coolpepper43

    coolpepper43 👮 Spam Police 🚓

    Aug 31, 2012
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    You need to find how many milligrams each pill is. You should probably call your pharmacist and ask them about the dosage.
     
  3. september

    september Well-Known Member

    Sep 14, 2012
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    All the best with the MRI.
     
  4. Papa Deuce

    Papa Deuce Well-Known Member

    May 15, 2013
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    Thanks.... called the pharmacy.... was told 1st pill 3 hours before, 2nd pill 90 minutes before, 3rd pill 30 minutes before.

    I don't know why it didn't occur to me to call the pharmacy.
     
  5. coolpepper43

    coolpepper43 👮 Spam Police 🚓

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    glad I could help! :)
     
  6. pluto6

    pluto6 Well-Known Member

    Jun 21, 2009
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    So Papa Deuce -

    I am not sure I would follow those instructions to the letter...

    Xanax is a short acting benzodiazepine - same family as valium which I am certain you have heard of - a la Valley of the Dolls. As with all the benzos - there is a wide range of response - regardless of your weight. Typical 1/2 life of xanax is about 4 hours - so taking the first 3 hours before will have a reasonable portion excreted - the second would be fully on board and the 3rd would be coming on board as the first dose is wearing off - theoretically. Depending on your MRI procedure - a lumbar spine without contrast for instance is generally pretty quick - maybe about 15 minutes and you are done. Other procedures can take about 20 minutes and if you need contrast and additional time frame.
    You should not drive with xanax - it would possibly get you a DUI - even though not alcohol, it will likely impair your ability to drive -also that 3rd xanax will be in your system about 4 or more hours - so you ABSOLUTELY need someone to drive you home!!!! And, if you are going to take xanax 3 hours before - you ABSOLUTELY need a driver to take you. - also, is the MRI going to be on time? What if you start taking the meds, and then you get to wait an hour due to something that got delayed - now you are sort of hosed.
    I would plan on getting there 60 - 90 minutes early - check in and ensure they are on time - take the 1st xanax and try and go to a quiet darkened area. See how you are feeling in 30 - 60 minutes and depending on how drowsy you are - take the second tab and you should be pretty good. Are the tabs 0.25 or 0.5 mg? I will assume 0.5 mg. If you drink alcohol with regularity, the effects will not be as high. There are actually a number of factors that affect the dose of xanax including race (asian being the important discriminator), other medications that are used, tobacco use all being important.

    I am happy to help - PM me if you would like
     

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