Alprazolam and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ame...
• March 2, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "The medicine itself I didn't have an issue with, although I still prefer Klonopin, but it was the withdrawal I couldn't handle. I was on this medication for two months, and since, like I previously mentioned, I decided to go back on Klonopin. I stopped taking the Xanax XR. When I did, I felt like a bus ran over me. I felt shaky, drowsy, and like I'd been out drinking the night before (which I haven't done in 10 years). It really wasn't worth the withdrawal."

• min...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 13, 2021

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I wish my doc would return me to my previous Xanax 1 mg tds script; I realize that the current Rx is, according to the books, twice the strength (clonazepam 2 mg tds), but the truth is that I found the alprazolam, always dispensed as original Pfizer/Upjohn Xanax, much more efficacious. In between, I was given lorazepam 2.5 mg qds but found it too sedating. There is an advantage to Rivotril, though - it's 'two birds, one stone' in that it treats my epilepsy perfectly. It's just that Rivotril (clonazepam by Roche) doesn't feel like it treats acute anxiety and has far too long an onset of action, though a long half-life suits it for panic syndrome, whilst the Upjohn Xanax rugby balls (footballs to our Yankee friends) treat both, 1 mg being sufficient for most acute situations, as well as long-term panic issues. Anyone agree with me on those questions?"

• Bra...
• December 13, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have been on Xanax since 2007 when I was watching my mother slowly suffer. I started on 0.25 mg, and eventually, the dose was not enough. Now ordered 1 mg in the morning and 2 mg at night. It works, however, I have cognitive impairment, and all I want to do is sleep, and my memory is pretty shot. I weaned myself down very, very slowly and got down to 1 mg daily at night, but then some negative events happened, and I was going into a panic attack. I know this medication works, but I would not take it unless it is a must."

• Tes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2021

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I was given a small script of 0.5 alprazolam tablets to try after a panic attack, which I suffer from. Compared to 1 mg Lorazepam or 0.5 mg Clonazepam, I found it closer to Lorazepam, with its effects being felt faster, but with more sedation and confusion. Alprazolam and its effects left faster than Lorazepam. It was harder to stay on 1 dose daily. I can see the advantage of rapid onset, but there are other benzodiazepines that leave your system more gradually, so you will have less rebound anxiety or other side effects taking a different benzodiazepine. From my experience taking them."

• per...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2023

Alprazolam "I have had horribly painful periods since puberty. Doctors have run many tests, even laparoscopy, and can't find a cause. Hormonal treatment did not help. Pain management is my only choice. Ibuprofen sometimes does not cut it, and on those days, 0.5 mg to 1 mg Xanax does wonders. It was prescribed to me for anxiety and panic attacks, but I believe it should be prescribed to people for severe menstrual cramps as well. It works better than opioids or NSAIDs on those 2-3 days per month I am in horrible pain. I used to miss work on those days, but this lets me work. I do feel drowsy and don't drive on this med, and I am aware of the potential for addiction and withdrawal, but with only a few pills prescribed to me per month, there is no danger of that."

• cal...
• February 4, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I was prescribed 0.25 mg of Xanax for my hyper-anxiety and panic attacks. As a 200 lb man, I needed a 0.5 mg dose. Xanax really solves panic attacks well and noticeably helps with my anxiety. It makes it much easier to fall asleep, which is great at bedtime, but can be a real problem in the morning. Reading 'Feeling Good' by Dr. David Burns also really helped treat the thoughts that led to panic and anxiety."

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2011

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have very severe generalized anxiety, which sometimes manifests as the inability to leave my home (or sometimes, my room). I have other psychological issues as well, and Xanax can reduce a manic or psychotic episode into almost nothing. I have been thinking of asking for extended-release tablets. When I feel a serious panic attack coming on, it is awesome to have something that stops the attack and doesn't leave me too 'dopey' feeling to go back to work or whatever I was doing. Thanks, Xanax."

• Bro...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 30, 2013

For Anxiety "I've had severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and agoraphobia for 13 years. I was on Valium, 10 mg twice a day. I've tried Ativan and Klonopin too. Xanax is the only one that actually helps me feel normal. Within 15 minutes of taking it, I can begin to feel it start calming me down. This is excellent when you're facing a panic attack. No side effects, other than sleepiness. I can actually get out of the house when I take these. Having agoraphobia is no fun at all. Whenever I want to go somewhere, I will take my Xanax around 30 minutes prior to leaving. If you suffer from anxiety or any of the things mentioned, this med will help you out tremendously!"

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've tried many other non-addictive medications, and none of them helped my anxiety the way Xanax does. After several other medications (and hesitation on my part), my doctor finally prescribed me Xanax 1 mg 2-3 times daily, depending on my level of anxiety that day. I ended up breaking most of the pills in half and only taking 0.5 mg, usually 3x a day, and find it relieves my anxiety without the level of sleepiness a whole mg gives me. I usually only take a whole pill if I feel a panic attack coming on. But I'll take the mild drowsiness any day over the level of constant anxiety I had prior to starting the drug, and a couple of cups of coffee usually does me good. I can definitely tell when a dose starts to wear off though, some withdrawal."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've tried many other non-addictive medications, and none of them helped my anxiety the way Xanax does. After several other medications (and hesitation on my part), my doctor finally prescribed me Xanax 1 mg 2-3 times daily, depending on my level of anxiety that day. I ended up breaking most of the pills in half and only taking 0.5 mg, usually 3x a day, and find it relieves my anxiety without the level of sleepiness a whole mg gives me. I usually only take a whole pill if I feel a panic attack coming on. But I'll take the mild drowsiness any day over the level of constant anxiety I had prior to starting the drug, and a couple of cups of coffee usually does me good. I can definitely tell when a dose starts to wear off though, some withdrawal."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Very good. A little drowsiness after panic subsides, though I'm not sure if this is due to a physiological response to subsiding high levels of hormones associated with the fight or flight response (e.g., cortisol and adrenaline) involved in panic attacks."

• Rx2...
• October 27, 2009

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Xanax got me through a year or so of acute anxiety and debilitating panic attacks. I got rather attached to those pretty lavender pills. I called them 'my darling little Easter eggs', they were so precious in relieving the terror that developed into agoraphobia. At max dose, I was so sedated I started calling it 'Zombinal.' It had stopped working its magic, and under the care of a naturopath, I simply stopped taking it. Amazingly, after a couple of shaky days, my anxiety diminished and panic attacks were history. I later learned that between depleted receptors and mini-withdrawals, Xanax was actually causing my symptoms. No more Xanax, no more panic, not even the slightest anxiety. I guess I got cured."

• pan...
• June 16, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have taken alprazolam for about 2 weeks now, and it has really helped control my anxiety. I had my first panic attack and then started getting them every day, and they would last all day. For the first 3 or 4 days, I had to take alprazolam every 5 hours (3 times a day). Then I would get the panic attacks when I woke up (9 am) and then around 5 pm, so then I took 2 pills a day for about 4 days. Now I am down to one pill in the morning because I keep waking up with anxiety. The alprazolam works in the first 20 minutes, but my anxiety gets a little worse when I take it, and then it gets so much better! The downside is the bad taste, causes drowsiness, loss of appetite and weight, and is highly addictive. Great for temporary relief!"

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2022

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Surprised to read so many high ratings for Xanax. All it did for me was make me go to sleep for an hour, and the minute I woke up, I was just as panicky as if I hadn’t taken it. Klonopin works better for me, more long-lasting."

• Hug...
• December 28, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've been on quite a few different kinds of medications for anxiety and depression, but I've never had a reaction quite like I did with this one. Within hours of taking it for the first time, I began to feel nauseous, drowsy, uncoordinated, shaky; my vision was blurry and I couldn't drive a car. These symptoms persisted until I stopped the medication. I tried it once or twice after stopping the first time, and the horrible symptoms came right back. I couldn't even do my work. If you have any sensitivities to this medication, I would not recommend it. I'm no doctor, but even I know when a pill isn't worth the risk."

• Anonymous
• September 17, 2011

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety for years and tried to combat it without medicines. I finally gave in and went to the doctor and was given Xanax. This medicine has tremendously helped my anxiety. I take 0.50 mg as needed (about once a week). It begins working within 10 minutes and doesn't wear off until 4-5 hours later, which is perfect for me. It can make me a little drowsy, but not to the point where I feel like I'm going to fall asleep while I'm in public. I have never been addicted to this medicine, as I've been very careful to ONLY take it when I really need it."

• Tim...
• December 17, 2011

Alprazolam "I am happy for all the success stories above, glad it worked for you. Myself, I found it to be a bit much. The 0.5 mg did nothing, 1 mg just made me dopey, but the 2 mg simply conked me out. Could not function during the day. Found that Valium was better for me. (Condition: severe anxiety/paranoia) claustrophobia, got REALLY tired of having to use stairs to ascend 5, 6, 7 floors. Elevators were out of the question."

• Yae...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 31, 2012

For Anxiety "I've taken Xanax (generics) for anxiety and panic attacks for seven years. I've taken it just as my doctor instructs (actually, he wants me to take it more often) and have had no issues with dependency, even during periods when I needed it three or four times a week. I love that it kicks in in under five minutes. I take it as soon as I start panicking, and five minutes later, my mind just calms down. It doesn't numb me or get me high, it just keeps my brain from going into a panic spiral. It also helps reduce the urge to self-harm. The only side effect I've experienced is drowsiness, but it usually isn't enough to keep me from going about my day. One warning, though: DO NOT take with alcohol."

• Abb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2013

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "This medicine (Xanax) works effectively and quickly to resolve anxiety and panic attacks. However, I found that after I went on the antidepressant Pristiq, the Xanax made me fall asleep. I had to switch off of the Xanax as it was too sedating. At this point, I have another benzodiazepine that I can use if I have to, but Pristiq has been keeping most of my panic attacks away."

• Abb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2013

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "This medicine (Xanax) works effectively and quickly to resolve anxiety and panic attacks. However, I found that after I went on the antidepressant Pristiq, the Xanax made me fall asleep. I had to switch off of the Xanax as it was too sedating. At this point, I have another benzodiazepine that I can use if I have to, but Pristiq has been keeping most of my panic attacks away."

• now...
• December 21, 2015

For Anxiety "I take this whenever I'm out where there will be loads of people or crowding. It stops my anxiety attacks from becoming full-blown. I feel relaxed and at ease, but when I take more than 2 pills in a day, I start to feel drowsy and nauseous. But I rarely take more than 2, I love this medication, it works great for social anxiety."

• Bea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2019

"Alprazolam worked great for long-term insomnia. VA cut me off when I moved. No withdrawal for me. I took as described. Now had to go elsewhere and still won't give any. On Temazepam now. Very dopey and not very effective for me. It is garbage that I can't get my old meds. Life is much worse on 10 hours of sleep a week. Totally changed my life."

• pok...
• September 18, 2015

For Anxiety "Due to a neck injury and cervical spine fusion, I have restless nights' sleep. I wake often. I have taken the meds for 3 nights, and it has allowed me to have a full 6 hours of sleep without waking. I feel so much better in the morning after sleep. I feel less overall body pain and am able to get more done in the day. I am a little drowsy for a little while when I wake up, but it goes away. Getting more sleep is very beneficial in many ways."

• Pet...
• October 23, 2010

For Anxiety "From the first dose of 1 mg of this medication on the bottle. I have not had one episode of a panic or anxiety attack, nor felt drowsy, and have been able to clearly understand and interpret the current issues in my life and the decisions and actions I will be required to make. At present, take 1 mg 3 times a day, with the hope of reducing this shortly."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2011

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with a severe panic disorder that literally took over my life. I was prescribed Xanax 0.25 mg, it is my lifesaver. I feel like my old self, and I look forward to getting up in the morning. I was petrified of getting the panic attacks, and this medication has helped, and it works within 15 minutes of taking it. I have had reduced attacks and feel so much better. The only downside is you feel a little bit drowsy, and if you are late taking it on time, I found I would get severe blurred vision. It usually passed within a few hours. You definitely have to take it on time."