Alprazolam for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• jre...
• December 18, 2014

Alprazolam "30 years of Xanax at 1 mg 3x a day. I miss the passion that my husband and I have, but my body is numb. I have my perfect husband, so I pretend. Xanax will ruin your sex life and take a lot from you if you take it for years like I have. They hardly work at all now, and I am having lots of problems trying to stop. Beware, because at first, they are wonderful."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 10, 2019

Alprazolam "I started taking Xanax 19 years ago after experiencing my first panic attack. The first 8 or 9 years I took 0.25 mgs up to 3 times per day for anxiety and the occasional panic attack. Then my dose was increased to 0.50 mgs up to 3x daily. This medication keeps me on an even keel and stops the occasional panic attack in its tracks within 30 minutes. My doctor periodically reviews my need vs. addictive tendencies of this medication. I tell him it has been a lifesaver to me and don't plan on experiencing any withdrawal symptoms because at age 60, I plan on taking it for life. He has recently, however, reduced the frequency from 3 to 2 per day as needed."

• swe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 9, 2016

Alprazolam "I have been on Xanax 0.5 mg tablets twice a day for about 6 years due to a panic disorder. It has been fantastic. Then there was a time when I stopped them, as I only used them when needed. It is comforting to know you have them just in case, as they are fantastic to calm down anxiety. Since the onset of menopause, my body just broke down into a million pieces, and my anxiety went through the roof, so once again, I'm taking 2 a day until this all settles back down. I can recommend these tablets 100%, they are amazing. Yay for Xanax."

• 646...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 10, 2016

Alprazolam "I was given Xanax 0.5 mg over 10 years ago for extreme panic attacks, always and still does do the trick. I started off with 2 a day, it became *as needed*. Luckily, I didn't build up a tolerance. I am having trouble (since my doctor retired) finding a doctor to prescribe them. As I type, I have been forced to be without them for going on 5 days, and I have had a few really bad panic attacks. Could be lack of pills, could be physiological, most likely menopause. I have not found anyone to help me with this. Why? Clearly, I know what works for me."

• Fin...
• June 12, 2009

Alprazolam "It is a miracle. I was always against medicines, and thought that panic disorders were people who just worry and cry all the time until it happened to me - completely out of the blue in April after my dad had been diagnosed with cancer. The day after Easter, I came home from work and just felt something coming over me. Light-headedness followed by tingling in my arms, legs, and hands. A few minutes later I was completely paralyzed, crippled, and numb. I had my boyfriend call 911, and they took me to the ER. It took me 4 hours to try to relax and calm down, and then the Xanax came to me. A few minutes later, everything started to calm down. I had 3 more attacks that week. Now I am on 0.5mg, which I take when needed. Very effective."

• Sop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 24, 2024

Alprazolam "I’ve had maybe 5 side effects in the 20+ years that I've taken it for my PTSD/GAD. - Sleepiness, forgetfulness, memory issues, increased hunger, talkative. ~Nothing else. Now the downside is- addiction. I've actually had to learn how to use this medicine through incredible self-discipline. You will build tolerance to this drug within 2 weeks and require a tapering wean down to get off. If you take it long term, you have to taper every 2 weeks to keep your tolerance down. Withdrawals are harsh so that's where the discipline comes into play. Now if you can take it only “as needed” during a panic attack and not need it daily- perfect! That's how I recommend this medication. But to those who suffer 24/7 with acute attacks, you must follow the taper system or you will be in a world of addiction issues. But nothing will stop a panic attack in its tracks faster than Xanax."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2010

Alprazolam "There is such a misconception about Xanax, with people thinking you will be addicted forever if you use it. When this medicine is used the right way, it can be life-changing. Every drug can be abused, even over-the-counter medicines. I can relax just knowing I have my Xanax."

• Nic...
• September 27, 2015

Alprazolam "I've been taking this medication for a long time. 10 yrs.! I wasn't warned about the memory problems, or any way of becoming addicted. I can happily say it has helped me, I even went into agoraphobia stage. Also, from my own personal experience, be very careful in taking this medication. I actually saw for myself how bad the memory problems can be. When I experienced that, I went to my Dr and said I wanted to wean myself off, but slowly, not stupid either. I've been addicted to this medication, but you have to realize our brain, our mind is more powerful than we give it credit for. I was using 0.5 mg 6-8 times a day. I'm now down to 3 and a half times per day, I'm getting better again."

• Gas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2017

Alprazolam "I used to take Klonopin 1 mg once or twice a day as needed, but it would stress me out because I was always trying to figure out if my anxiety was bad enough to need it (I have OCD and general anxiety disorder), so a lot of times I really should have taken it but I didn't, which resulted in way more anxiety for me. My psychiatrist changed me to Xanax XR 1 mg to take each morning to help me with that, which worked better but didn't feel quite strong enough. So after that month, she increased it to Xanax XR 2 mg each morning instead, and it's been wonderful. I'm much less anxious, and I used to be so anxious constantly that life was just miserable for me."

• Mym...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2024

Alprazolam "I want to start by saying that I was one of those people who was iffy on taking Xanax due to the stigma surrounding it and having never been prescribed it before. My psychiatrist prescribed me it for panic attacks I was having. I primarily wanted something for the panic because it was happening during college tests/assessments and was seriously beginning to affect my grades. It definitely helps to calm down my panic without making me drowsy at all. However, I do sometimes take half of a dose as I noticed my full dose (0.25 mg) was almost making me too relaxed and causing careless errors as opposed to stress-induced errors. All in all, Xanax has been a lifesaver for me as my panic attacks can get quite severe and cause intense tremors that make it very hard to do anything! Again, Xanax has not caused any drowsiness for me and I have had no negative side effects when taking it. But I only take it when absolutely needed, and we only fill half a month to a month's worth of them every 2-3 months."

• Fat...
• April 22, 2020

"62-year-old man, never used a sedative in my life. I have no fear of anything I knew of. Nothing has ever scared me. But when I became stuck in NY during the pandemic while my wife was home in North Carolina working at a grocery store, I started to develop severe anxiety which evolved into severe panic attacks, over and over again. Finally got home after quarantining, but could not control panic, becoming convinced I had the virus and passed it to my wife, who will pass it on at work, etc... called the doctor today, he prescribed Xanax. I had the most severe and prolonged panic attack I have ever had in my life and took 1 pill, and 45 minutes later, the panic attack was over. Done. VERY effective drug for ending panic attacks."

• Pet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 15, 2016

Alprazolam "I was 53 years old, living a normal, happy life when my son (then 18) was diagnosed with major depression. A few weeks later, he had a psychotic episode, and he left my life out of the blue, severing all contact with me ever since. This had a serious effect on my mental health, and within 3 months, I started having anxiety or panic attacks. I did not know what they were. It was all novel to me. After a few difficult months, I went to a psychiatrist, and he put me on alprazolam (Xanax) in a reduced dosage of 0.25 mg as necessary. It did provide serious relief. I take it no more than once a day at most. It was a life saver. Yet it deals with the symptoms of anxiety, it doesn't resolve your underlying issues. Yet it was a fantastic help. Recommended."

• pnu...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 21, 2015

Alprazolam "Suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for over 17 years. This was the best thing to keep me from having anxiety, triggering a panic attack. Other meds made it worse. Especially if you take an antidepressant like Lexapro. Lexapro alone will not work. Together with Xanax and Lexapro is the best combination for PTSD!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2012

Alprazolam "As many people stated, Xanax has given me my life back (alongside Paxil). When I had severe, severe anxiety, I took half a Xanax daily, but now that I'm thankfully a million times better, I only take it once in a blue moon when I feel like I need it and take a quarter of a pill. This is amazing."

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2023

Alprazolam "I was so afraid of medication, it’s ridiculous. Lost a lot of time in life by suffering. Until my panic almost left me homeless. Still, each day I battled. Finally, started Xanax with reservations, and for me, it’s a “normalizing” medication. No side effects whatsoever. This is what in combination with Celexa - I really do highly recommend for the weary."

• Whi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 15, 2015

Alprazolam "I had the worst anxiety imaginable that manifested to agoraphobia, and I was a prisoner for years. It's a long story, but Xanax saved my life, or rather gave me my life back. In any event, those that suffer daily anxiety or GAD (general anxiety disorder) are better off using an MAOI inhibitor as a maintenance medication and Xanax as an emergency medication. I'm on Effexor daily, 150 mg, that took about 10 weeks to start working, but when it did, it was a miracle. I did have side effects when I started, but my doctor told me to 'hang in there' because the side effects are usually just temporary, and they were, with the exception of weight gain, which I control with exercise and diet, which gave me another side effect: better health!"

• Mic...
• July 13, 2017

Alprazolam "I take 0.5 mg every morning for almost the past 5 years. I use this in conjunction with Lexapro and Trazodone. After being a long-time sufferer of anxiety, which then resulted in depression, I finally sought help. My doc prescribed the Xanax XR, and it worked immediately. Within days, I felt good again. I was told that the Lexapro took about 6 weeks to work, which it did, and I even felt better. Taking the Lexapro, I think, has helped me not to increase the dosage of the XR, which has helped me with my maintenance. The Trazodone ensures my full night of sleep. Although I don't like having to take all these meds, my life has improved significantly."

• Raq...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2016

Alprazolam "I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia in 2000, a little after a car accident. I went back to work and worked fast and hard as usual, and the dystonia got worse. Shortly after, I developed panic attacks. Dr. prescribed generic Xanax, and it really helped. I don't remember how much it was in 2005. The Xanax not only took the panic attacks away, but my neck pulling would go away for a long time. Since 2013, dystonia came back with vengeance. No one has prescribed Xanax and keeps prescribing crappy medications: Baclofen, Flexeril, and now Atarax. I'm scared to take the Atarax. I know Xanax works, and I only used it maybe four times a month. No habit forming for me. Kids ruined it for folks that need it :("

• Pon...
• June 1, 2017

Alprazolam "One day, out of the blue, I felt lightheaded; I was nauseous, my legs were tingling, and a horrible fear overtook me. I had every physical test taken. All were negative. Finally, totally desperate and afraid I'd have another attack, I went to 2 psychiatrists. Both diagnosed Panic Disorder. (Found out it runs in my family.) Was put on amitriptyline, Prozac, Buspar, Paxil. I stuck each one out for 6 weeks. The nausea was horrible, and the anxiety debilitating. Finally, I met a psychiatrist who put me on Xanax (0.5 mg 4 to 5 times a day) and 25 mg of Zoloft. My life improved immediately. He said he hoped the Zoloft would end the panic attacks, but it took a combination of both meds. I take 0.5 Xanax 3 times a day. I'm alive again!"

• Ele...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2014

Alprazolam "Just started taking this medication. It made me feel better right away just still have to continue taking it or I will catch another panic attack, anxiety attack, and depression. I don't need that to happen in my life. I'm going to just continue taking this new medication."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2013

Alprazolam "I have found that Xanax does indeed work. It's quick and relieving. Take it about 20-30 minutes before an anxious event, and it will help you. The downside is the tolerance that generally develops very quickly, in my case already after one week."

• Jeb...
• July 16, 2015

Alprazolam "I've had vertigo for three years now due to a head injury. This caused inner ear damage, and I have chronic dizzy spells. I have tried every medication out there and was introduced to Xanax at an urgent care clinic. BINGO! Finally, I found something that works. It's also the only medication that helps me sleep. I don't know what I'd do without it. Addicting, but at least I can make it better with Xanax."

• Fox...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 3, 2013

Alprazolam "Xanax is a lifesaver for me! I am 40 years old, diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. It all started when I was about 13 or 14 years old. To make a long story short, every other medicine I took either didn't work or made me gain a ton of weight (SSRIs). I am currently weaning myself off of Zoloft from 200 mg since it doesn't seem to be working anymore (down to 100 mg at the moment). I plan on just taking Xanax alone when I'm off of the Zoloft. It is the ONLY medicine that relieves ALL of my symptoms. I will see my doc tomorrow to discuss what dosage I should take after going off of Zoloft completely, because I do take both right now. I'm just tired of being fat from all these SSRIs!"

• Joj...
• February 9, 2012

Alprazolam "I started seeing a psychiatrist about 2 weeks ago, and since I have been on Xanax XR 1 mg every day. Before that, my primary care doctor had me on 0.5 mg and only taking half to one a day. At some point, I had to start asking for more and explaining that I needed to take one at least twice a day because I was having multiple panic attacks every day with every symptom of those you can possibly have. My life was miserable until Xanax XR came along. I take it at noon as it seems I am okay until then, and it wears off about 8 pm-ish. I know I have only been taking it a couple of weeks, but it's been a lifesaver for me. I feel normal again...for myself at least."

• jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 26, 2012

Alprazolam "I have gone up and down on my dosage with my Xanax. When it's just my anxiety, I do well on 3.5 mg a day. When I have my panic attacks with agoraphobia, I would love to go higher, but my psychiatrist will only let me go as high as 4 mg. It really does help. I have gone down to 2 mg when I am doing better. I have Bipolar 1 disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, social anxiety, general anxiety, panic attacks with agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anorexia, binge eating, and depression. So I am on several medications. Xanax has been a huge help in my disorders. It has helped several of them."