Alprazolam for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

• Bro...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 25, 2020

"I have been on Xanax for 30 years and it worked great for my anxiety and panic attacks. I am not addicted, but it helps with everything bothering me. Well, my doctor just cut me off abruptly! The withdrawal is terrible. I was willing to wean myself off of them but got cut off."

• Hol...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 19, 2019

"Xanax saved my life when I suffered from anxiety and depression, figuratively and perhaps literally, too. Not only did it help me sleep and stop my restless legs at night, it helped with constant severe anxiety AND it helped my depression, too. I've been taking Xanax for 15 years. I've never taken more than the prescribed amount, because I know it can be addictive AND I know that I won't be able to get it if I abuse it. Frankly, it doesn't make me groggy, high, or anything other than 'normal.' It feels really great to just feel normal, and that is why it frightens and frustrates me when I have to change prescribers (of all my meds) and some object to the Xanax. I never share it, sell it, or use it other than prescribed. I don't think I should feel pressure to stop it. For me, it makes life tolerable, and I have a friend in San Diego who has the same experience with Xanax."

• chi...
• May 7, 2014

"This medication has helped me live a normal life, well, more normal. I don't worry much about anything and I can go into Walmart and feel comfortable. My social life is improving as well. There were times I couldn't bring myself to interact with people, sometimes I wouldn't even answer the phone. I've only been on this medicine for a little over a month. It has truly been a lifesaver. I am sleeping like a baby. I can't remember the last time I've struggled to calm down and go to sleep, only to wake up several times a night, using the bathroom, or just couldn't relax. My quality of life is getting much better."

• Mot...
• January 4, 2014

"As far back as I can remember, kindergarten I think. I've suffered from major anxiety issues. I can remember throwing up in the trash can by the entrance to Jr. High School, and through High School even. I could then, and can now make my hands sweat just by thinking about it. When I finally got on Xanax, I was far more outgoing, funny, and learned there was a whole side to me I didn't really know existed due to Anxiety. My point is... don't wait! Talk to someone who can help you with anxiety if you have it. And be honest! Tell them how hard it is for you!"

• Bin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2013

"I've been taking this medicine for 2 days and all I can say is wow! Is this what normal life is supposed to feel like? I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition that is caused by a lifetime full of anxiety and the tightening and clenching of muscles that were not intended to be in constant use. The pit in my stomach is gone, and I am actually looking forward to waking up in the morning and being able to face the day anxiety-free!"

• L1o...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 18, 2019

"Many have said that alprazolam is a lifesaver. I endorse that statement fully. If you panic or become anxious, you'll be unable to process thoughts properly, which affects ALL your decisions, from making coffee in the morning to DRIVING your car to fulfilling your employment. Also, highly endorse taking the 0.5 mg before bed. Wake refreshed by the benefit of uninterrupted sleep. Thirdly, I read from someone up above my post, and I've experienced this awful phenomenon too, so => DON'T share what prescriptions you take with anyone that is not a health professional. You'll leave yourself open to criticism that is detrimental to you by non-doctors! Xanax is an important, very helpful prescription. I'm sorry that some have the 'addiction gene' (my terminology, not official). They should definitely 'watch it' if they know themselves to have an addictive nature. I believe the script can still help them. Sometimes I go for a few days without needing it and notice no withdrawal. Prescribed patient of 30 years."

• JUJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

"I was prescribed 2mg Xanax 2 times a day for severe anxiety and insomnia. This drug works amazingly for sleeping issues. As for anxiety, I just break a piece off and let it dissolve under my tongue (nasty taste), but it takes anxiety away immediately. I'm so glad my psychiatrist put me on this medication for anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. I don't abuse it, and sometimes I even go days without having to take it. It's definitely a lifesaver to have though!"

• dox...
• August 2, 2014

"After a recent medical diagnosis, I had a difficult time coping and felt a tremendous sense of fear and worry constantly. It brought me to the point where I was physically ill every day and having panic attacks frequently. Xanax is wonderful when you find the right dose. Too much and I became a zombie. 0.25 mg was my perfect dose. It brought me down from panic and allowed me to take a step back and deal with my problems rationally."

• Nev...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2019

"I rated Xanax a 5 because yes at first it was a godsend! I got an appetite, became interested in daily activities again, gave me motivation, and I once again had goals set for myself. However, this drug is for short-term use and that's it! I was on it for several years, and when I became physically dependent on it, what was prescribed to me was never enough! I not only was physically dependent but also addicted! It began to cause increased anxiety, irrational behavior, destructive actions, and really bad mood swings! I weaned myself off as soon as I realized it was causing the problems in my life! If you get on this medication, don't stay on it for too long! Getting off of this medication was the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole life. I am still struggling with it 2 years later!"

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

"I have Polyradiculoneuropathy (when polyneuropathy and polyradiculopathy occur together). Xanax is not so great for general anxiety, but I appreciate this drug, since I discovered its off-label use for my terrible neuropathy. It reduces my leg pain and stiffness by ca. 70% and set me free from being bedridden. Now I can walk several km with the help of crutches and feel more like a human again. I am getting addicted to it, but I could care less."

• YIK...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2017

"I am prescribed up to 4 mg a day and usually take 2 to 3 mg a day. I can't be given any SSRIs due to bad reactions on my maternal side of the family. Xanax just works for me. Was it overprescribed for years and given to people who had no business taking it? Yes. But this drug works wonders for some people. And it's not a placebo. Am I dependent? Yes. Is my quality of life better on them? Yes. They don't make me sleepy or black out. In fact, they give energy and on bad days motivation to get out of bed. I'm in good health, sleep 6 to 8 hours a day, and can interact with people better. Are they for everyone? NO. But they've helped me immensely."

• BWa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 9, 2018

"Been on Xanax for almost 10 years. It has saved my life, and I mean that. I couldn’t function from the severe anxiety that I would get every day. I recently moved, and my new psychiatrist won’t prescribe it to me. I am just thankful I still have 3 more scripts I can fill. He’s trying to get me off it by putting me on Buspar. What a mess this drug is. I can’t sleep and am nauseous all day long. Still take a low dose of my Xanax while on it but it scares me having to give up the only thing that has helped me over all these years. People who abuse it have given it a horrible reputation, and it’s not available for the responsible people that really need it."

• Ric...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 12, 2019

"The withdrawal from long-term Xanax and other benzos is the longest and most agonizing experience you will ever go through. This is not an opinion, it’s a fact. The withdrawals can last years...yes, years. Don’t believe me? Take a good look online and start researching now. This drug is the absolute worst drug to get off for most people. Narcotic withdrawals pale in comparison. This is not a review...this is a warning."

• sop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 17, 2014

"I've been on a variety of different benzodiazepines for about 16 years now for anxiety, agoraphobia, and even insomnia, and I have to say Xanax is by far the most effective. I've been on Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and even SSRIs, and none helped me the way Xanax did. Ativan did absolutely nothing, Valium was 'decent' (I'd give it a 5) because of its long-acting qualities, and Klonopin made me tired all the time. Only with Xanax can I lead a normal, productive life. Without that medicine, I would not be able to hang out with friends, go to the grocery store, go to the mailbox, or associate with my family. These are all triggers of my anxiety, even answering the phone! I've taken 2mg two times daily now for the past 7 years, and it works great!"

• Stu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2013

"I am about to turn 50, and my life of anxiety has been a recent and unpleasant downward spiral. I ended up in the emergency room twice with soaring blood pressure, flushing, and heart palpitations, plus overwhelming feelings of panic. I live daily with either anxiety or small panic attacks, they are debilitating and have affected my ability to continue work on my degree. After my last ER visit, a doc felt I was having panic attacks and directed me to seek help at a Mental Health Clinic. I've tried several antidepressants, and I have not tolerated them well. Xanax (0.5 mg) has gotten me through many a day and night, and I prefer this medication over all the others. It decreases the anxiety very quickly and helps to maintain a sense of normality."

• Cal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 25, 2014

"I have to start by saying that I'm fearful of medications. For starters, secondly, I have dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia for many years now. I'm not housebound, but I do have a small neighborhood radius of 'comfort'. I have, in the past, felt ashamed of my condition as I thought I was unique and alone and somewhat embarrassed to try to explain my irrational feelings and thoughts, which I have learned since that they are entirely 'made up'. Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to behaviors, all of which can be undone with the help of medicine, therapy, relaxation techniques, journaling, diet, exercise, and not being afraid to open up about your anxiety. You are NOT alone! Learn to RELAX, it WORKS."

• Dea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 25, 2021

"I've C-PTSD after having an extremely violent home environment growing up. I've gone through everything to try and calm my symptoms down. Seven years ago, my doctor put me on a combination of Xanax 1.5 mg per day over three doses and 15 mg of Mirtazapine. I went from a hermit to having a normal life. Having a career, a solid relationship... my life did a full 180. Now I have a new doctor and went to have my longstanding script renewed (I've just moved country)... he reduced the dose to Xanax two 0.5 mg, which isn't enough as I get nausea and dizziness between doses if I leave it too long. So I carried on with my 0.5 three times a day and have to go back tomorrow to get him to fix the script. I'm terrified that he will try to reduce or take me off them. These are literally the only thing that has worked. I'm willing to accept the risks as the rewards of having a normal life far outweigh the bad effects."

• NEK...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2014

"Yeah, it works. Some people are more sensitive than others. Generally, you take a pill (depends on dosage) and you just start feeling your tight chest and stomach release, and I notice I begin breathing more calmly and normally. Just feels good all over, which is such a contrast from the horrors of anxiety. It can make you a little sleepy. I think for 'normal people' it would make them very sleepy. For 'anxious' people, I think it makes you normal and relaxed. The one problem is that if you take it too much, like three days in a row, the effect is reduced and you have to 'up' the dosage. I think it works best for occasional use, like before a difficult situation or when you're just having a lot of anxiety and need calm."

• amy...
• September 21, 2010

"Excellent for anxiety, especially if you start with the minimum amount, 0.25 mg and only take more if needed. I say this because I was prescribed 0.5 mg 3x daily and don't need that much. Try to take the least amount and if that works don't take more since you can build up a slight tolerance over time. My only concern is will I ever be able to be off of medicine. I just wish there was a natural cure for anxiety. I hate being dependent on this."

• Hul...
• November 29, 2008

"I don't have panic or depression problems. I have sleeping problems. I fall asleep fine, but wake up around 2 AM and cannot go back to sleep because my mind is too active thinking about stupid stuff like movies, lawn mowers, hunting, visiting my grandkids, working on my car, music, planned projects, football, YOU NAME IT. I take Xanax when I wake up early and can't sleep. Xanax makes me go back to sleep almost immediately and I wake up around 6 AM feeling great. I have not noted any side effects, but I take it only when needed."

• B0g...
• May 25, 2013

"I had severe anxiety and agoraphobia. I have been on Xanax for about 3-4 months, starting with 0.25mg in the morning and 0.25mg at night, and now I take 0.5mg twice a day. I feel great. I no longer have panic attacks, and my life has become much easier. The world feels more familiar, and I can go anywhere. It's like I have wings now. While I plan to eventually stop taking the medication, for now, I accept my situation because I enjoy the feeling of truly living. As someone who used to fear death as much as life, now, I LIVE."

• gre...
• April 28, 2013

"Xanax has saved my life. I've been on them for almost four years. I am depressed, have panic attacks, and severe anxiety. Xanax has made me feel normal. I can now be in public unlike before it would make me nervous. I can deal with working and school without having severe anxiety. Racing thoughts and worrying constantly are no more, Xanax takes that away. I'm not as panicky, just relaxed and can handle issues, stress, everyday life better. I highly recommend Xanax if you have anxiety or panic attacks. I'm on 2mg twice a day. I take one as soon as I wake up, one in the evening, then my sleeping medication at night. I love Xanax for helping me."

• sun...
• January 19, 2020

"I have been using this drug for several years for my anxiety attacks, and it's great. But anxiety has been getting worse and worse, especially during work which causes heart stress (thanks so much anxiety...), so my doctor is now letting me take it during my 5-day work week. It works excellently. I am so much more calm and present at work. I will say I am a lot more lethargic, and that is noticeable. But otherwise, I have no side effects, so I will continue with this treatment, and I am so glad that it is so effective. The good outweighs the bad for me, but I will say that if you tend to be more dependent on drugs like these, I don’t recommend it for you. I have no addiction to it and no withdrawal symptoms when I go days without after taking it for multiple days in a row. So just be aware, and pay attention to your body. If you are struggling with learning the difference between wanting another dose and needing another dose, talk to your doctor."

• AJP...
• August 20, 2014

"I have been on quite a few antidepressants in addition to Xanax. The antidepressants made my anxiety and panic worse, needing to increase my intake of Xanax when on the antidepressant(s). I was really reluctant to take the Xanax when I was first prescribed the medication. I have been off Pristiq for 8 months now and have lowered my Xanax from 1 mg in the morning, 1 mg midday, and 2 mg at bedtime. I am now taking 0.5 mg in the morning and 1.5 mg at bedtime. I am taking vitamins, doing yoga, and taking better care of myself. My doctor knows, I am honest. He wanted me to take 2 mg every 8 hours but never did. My Mother just died a few weeks ago and I have been getting really bad anxiety and still the same dose helps me. Hope this helps."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

"Xanax has probably helped keep me alive and breathing over the last two years. The toll of being a military wife, mom, full-time worker, etc. had me so stressed out that I began to procrastinate on EVERYTHING because I couldn't emotionally handle things like paying bills, running errands, etc. I only take 0.5mg of Xanax as needed, but just knowing it's in my purse helps me keep my busy life moving ahead. Combined with Zoloft for depression and Ambien for insomnia, I finally feel like a normal person. I feel sorry for the woman I used to be, but I'm so happy to be myself now."