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Xanax XR for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

Xanax XR has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 46 reviews for the treatment of Panic Disorder. 83% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Xanax XR

  • Anonymous
  • April 10, 2008

"This medication is amazing, mostly because it starts working immediately and you don't have to wait a few weeks like with other medicines. My doctor had me taking it regularly for two months until my lexapro and seroquel kicked in, and then weaned me off of it. I now take it only every once in a while. "

10 / 10
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50 Report
  • sf100
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 25, 2019

"I have been on Xanax XR (Extended Release) with IR (immediate realeas) as needed for about 15 years. Xanax XR seems like a different drug than IR because I don't notice that I've taken it, but it dramatically reduces the frequency of panic attacks. I started Depakote ER about 3 years ago and cut my daily XR dose from 2mg to 1mg because of sedation (the 2 drugs affect the same receptors). By themselves, XR and Depakote aren't strong enough for my social anxiety, for which I take additional IR and Propranolol. If I take enough IR to manage social stress, it affects my ability to recall basic information until it's out of my system. Still, Xanax XR and IR make it possible to function reasonably well."

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • Chris
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 5, 2020

"Xanax regular kind worded so well for me and my panic disorder. Now my dr put me on the Xanax ER and it does not work at all. I don't know why the dr changed me from regular Xanax when it was working so well."

1 / 10
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16 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • La-mike
  • May 31, 2010

"I had no good effects from other benzodiazepines to control my panic attacks and I was on Xanax since 15. I'm 21 now and I'm on 3mg XR and 2 x 2mg instant release a day. My dose may need to get upped now and then but now I feel good, haven't had a panic attack in a while. It doesn't make me tired or anything. I'm basically on 7mgs a day just 2 different types of it and it works great. I recommend it but I'm afraid to come off it. "

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • Azsux
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 21, 2020

"I was just recently prescribed Xanax XR 1 mg 2 x a day. I had been on Clonazepam 1 mg. 4x day for at least ten yrs. But I've been on the drug itself for about 20. The past year or so it's just stopped working and I'm pretty sure it's because of the whole tolerance thing. I'm really not sure about the Xanax XR. I've taken Xanax before but this is definitely different. I don't think it's good for immediate panic relief and my anxiety is still bad. I'm not at in any major discomfort but I feel very depressed. I'm not liking the Xanax XR I'm not sure what it is. It's definitely different. I think it's made me more tired and fatigued. Like I don't want to do anything. I'm going to ask my Dr to just go back on my Clonopin. I'm really trying to taper off the benzos."

3 / 10
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15 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • happy...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 15, 2017

"I take it at night in order to sleep because of a bad insomnia side effect from a MAOI. But now, if I miss just one night of the med, I wake up with paralyzing anxiety - chest tightness and heart palpitations. This drug does its job most of the time but it creates physical and psychological dependency and an AM hangover. I am looking to wean off of this soon once my new psychiatrist introduces other med changes. I see other users below saying they cut them in half - my psychiatrist said that is dangerous because of the XR properties. That is why the XR pills are not scored. I repeat - regular use of this med creates dependency."

6 / 10
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24 Report
  • Jdsch...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 4, 2018

"I think Xanax Xr is helpful for panic disorder and anxiety in general, but it doesn’t last a full 24 hours. It also helps with social anxiety. It is a little pricey without insurance, but if you can find some decent deals out there."

8 / 10
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19 Report

More FAQ

  • So...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 3, 2022

"I've been on this since the '90s. I woke up hyperventilating & shaky so the PCP gave me 10 - .25 as needed. I needed them all the time so went to a specialist. It was determined I had Panic Disorder, PTSD and depression (which goes along with the attacks). My med nurse left 4 yrs. ago, had me on the 2 mg. XR & the new one is determined I'm coming off Xanax completely. I have 90 day scripts & she orders 30. She has me on 1 mg. XR and .5 mg XR & she still hounds me. I have always taken as prescribed, I don't drink & have always led a clean life. I'm trying to find someone who will order 90 days since I almost ran out last month. I get jumpy but no chest pains (yet). I don't like taking pills but I don't like feeling out of control. I've been living in this body for 74 yrs. & I know what works. Nobody else does. I have no side effects but no panic attacks either. It works."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • rholl...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 11, 2020

"My doctor prescribed Xanax IR for my condition, high anxiety. After other medication's for instance Valium or Librium were helpful but failed to control my over willing anxiety and panic without high doses. Xanax XR was relatively new at that time but was very helpful in controlling my condition with the help of smaller doses of Xanax IR. That's when my life came into focus. I've found that this medication was not well understood thus avoided with many physicians. This medication is much less intoxicating with far superior results."

9 / 10
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11 Report
  • Greg
  • May 13, 2011

"I have been on 0.5mg (2x daily) of the generic form of Xanax XR for about 5 months. I still get anxiety building up in my chest here and there, but have had no side effects or panic attacks since I started. I'm a little worried about getting off of it eventually though. For now though, it is a miracle medicine. Now if only I could find the same kind of medicine for my depression!"

9 / 10
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24 Report
  • Tina...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2023

"I was given regular 0.5mg Xanax 3 times a day and it worked but the problem was that 6 hours later my panic attacks came back into my body like a flood which was scary. Then I asked to try the extended release version on the same dose and let me tell you, it’s so much better. There’s no rush of anxiety or panic attacks after 6 hours. There is such a smooth transition into the next dose which I wasn’t getting before on regular Xanax. I had no side effects. My insurance only covered the regular Xanax. I had to pay out of pocket $30 for the extended release for 180 tablets which was fine with me. I used the GoodRx app and used their discount code at the pharmacy."

10 / 10
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  • Dopey
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 21, 2021

"I was prescribed 1 MG alprazolam XR off and on for 6 years. Overall, it served its purpose. It completely diminished anxiety and social phobias. I became the biggest intellectual while taking this medication. However, it is very strong, you do get tired, and at times, at higher doses, you loose your inhibitions. It becomes possible to partake in risky behavior as well. Nonetheless, I was not always fond of the feelings provided by benzodiazepines. My addiction was to opiates and I never felt euphoric from Alprazolam XR so I did not take them regularly or become addicted. I only took them when I felt I was having a panic attack or an anxiety issue. I have read Alprazolam XR is hard to kick. I advise you do not take this medication more than two or three times a month and even that is pushing it. It’s the best benzodiazepine by far in my opinion for social anxiety, but it can also be your worst enemy if not used properly."

8 / 10
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6 Report
  • sleep...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 11, 2020

"I've been on 1 mg Xanax XR for a little while now, maybe around 9 months. It has GREATLY reduced my amount of anxiety and panic attacks. I take it before bedtime. I used to have panic attacks multiple times a day and until I eventually passed out into sleep. I haven't had issues with tolerance but it did take my body a while to adjust to a benzodiazepine since this was my first time. Lots of sleepy weeks! But after that I didn't have any complaints. I can still have attacks but that's just life sometimes. Medication isn't a cure-all. I don't personally feel like this drug has an addictive quality for me, but I intend to keep using it for its prescribed purposes."

8 / 10
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5 Report
  • Jkidd
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 29, 2021

"I have severe panic disorder and anxiety and I can't say enough good things about this formulation. I'm 45 and I pass the stage of trying to get high, I am looking for relief and a better life. I was on x 2mg tid (3 a day) and a new physician put me on xr 1 mg bid (2 a day). I have relief around the clock. They have been a blessing. I'm curious about the best generic, I was on Greenstone and recently changed to a different meds. There's a difference def per my pharmacist, anyone have a suggestion on a great generic? Thank you and I pray you are all dealing with this personal hell as best as possible."

10 / 10
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4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 21, 2022

"I've been trying the XR but I'm gonna ask to get changed back to my regular Xanax. The XR don't work very well for me especially if I'm having a major panic attack. But what works for some people may not work for others. But for me the regular work better. So I don't give XR a high rating"

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Gechie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 18, 2020

"I just started on Xanax XR 0.50mg prescribed as twice a day but will do one a day. The other did not last long. Using Xanax XR from CVS as heb generics are not that good. My insurance would not pay used Goodrx and paid $30 . Also 5 mg lexapro so I can get off the xanax. Side effects sleeping, dry mouth etc. 6 days on the lexapro and 1st day on the Xr. Do not want to get addicted. I am 73 yr with anxiety and depression. Friend in military gave me some real adderall. Broke in half for 10 mg or less. No anxiety or depression, motivation. Lots of energy. Will cost me $280 a month for the real adderall. Doc did give me a generic 10 mg not do anything. Wish me luck ."

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  • Haffy
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 9, 2023

"I take 1mg XR and have had no adverse reactions. The initial sleepiness is gentle and goes away. The generic form is very easy to swallow. I don't feel as anxious as I usually do. I'm able to think through the process of becoming anxious and see it for what it is. I am able to make a plan to usually avoid falling into the anxious mindset. I use a pharmacy discount card and it reduces the cost by 75%."

9 / 10
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1 Report
  • user
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 26, 2022

"A word of caution: know the risks if you are prescribed this daily for an extended period of time. I was on Alprazolam ER for around a year, 2mg/day, for good reason. The medication worked extremely well for the first 6-8 months and helped me live a normal life. Predictably, after some time my body became accustomed to the dose, and I felt the positive effects gradually wear off. My doctor and I decided to taper me off this medicine and it was...much harder than I expected. Weeks (months) of my life lost dreading the next decrease in dose, aches all over, clouded thinking, trouble sleeping, irritability to the max, etc. I do not regret taking this medicine, and will continue to utilize it occasionally as needed, but do NOT plan on taking it for extended periods of time ever again. Be aware and prepared that if you commit to taking this daily for an extended period of time, stopping will be extremely physically and mentally taxing."

8 / 10
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1 Report
  • rory
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 24, 2018

"I’ve been taking Xanax XR for 6 months and it’s changed my life."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • plhunt
  • January 5, 2010

"This medicine really works in controlling anxiety and panic attacks."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • FDM
  • June 18, 2009

"Best medicine I have taken for panic disorder. Started May 17th and have not had a panic attack since. Want to start weaning off. Concerned about withdrawal symptoms."

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • herbs...
  • February 23, 2011

"Very good medication. Eliminated panic attacks. Was on Valium. Xanax works a little better for me."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Makaela
  • January 23, 2018

"I would not be able to function on a daily basis"

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14 Report
  • Bob...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 9, 2023

"This medicine is one of the best I have taken. It helped me big time. I didn't have any panic attacks and my nerves were great for the time as well. I am grateful for Xanax XR."

10 / 10
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3 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.