Alprazolam and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rac...
• October 13, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I like to think of this as headache medicine. Take only when you have one. This medicine should be used in emergencies only. It is not for taking every day. For that, I recommend something that has a longer shelf life-that takes longer to break down, like Klonopin. Because of Xanax's short wait time and short shelf life, it can make you feel like an addict. If you forget a dose, in less than 4 hrs you can experience worse symptoms of anxiety because they come without warning or provocation. Instant panic attacks, inability to think or work, etc. However, as a panic attack reducer or for the instant release of an intense anxiety-related event, I do highly recommend it."

• Pam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 18, 2012

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I am a female veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Navy. I got out in 2003 and have been going to the VA ever since. I have post-traumatic stress disorder and extremely bad panic attacks, at least 3 to 4 times a day. I can't leave my home; I'm paralyzed with fear. At first, the VA came up with the right combination of quetiapine and 3 mg Xanax daily. I was able to go back to work as a correctional officer at a Georgia state prison. I was happy, and my kids were happy. Miracle. Then the VA Mental Health Center at Dublin canceled all Xanax for everyone last January 2011. In the last year, I have lost my job, friends, and kids. I'm scared all the time. I have lots of panic attacks and can't leave the house anymore."

• Blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have had bad anxiety for years. Started with buspirone, but it gave me nightmares and made me stutter a little bit, so I stopped the pill. I went in for my board exam for respiratory care, and I failed. During the end of my test, my heart started racing, chest pain. I was having a panic attack. I went to the doctor, and I was prescribed Xanax. She told me to take 1/2 a pill (0.5) before my test, and I did. During my test, I felt calm, normal, fresh mind. I could think clearly. I wasn't anxious at all. I passed. It's been a great pill. I love it. But tonight, I took 1/2 before bed, and 30 minutes later, I started crying. I am depressed too before starting pills. But for the most part, Xanax has been so good to me."

• Mer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2021

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I had the most horrible experience with this drug. I was prescribed it by my doctor for anxiety at .25 once nightly. By the 2nd week, I was 100% convinced I had a heart problem and was going to die. Heart arrhythmias every minute, all day and night. Went to the ER twice, and both times was cleared from any heart problems and was told it was panic attacks. I've never had an issue like this in all my life. My anxiety has never led to panic attacks or pounding arrhythmias. When the ER told me it was anxiety, I stopped the Xanax, and a week later, my 'heart problem' was magically gone. I just want to put this out there for anyone else that might experience this problem. Even at such a small dose, this drug made my anxiety 10x worse once the half-life wore off."

• dj1...
• November 21, 2010

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have tried many medications for panic disorder. I don't think there was not one tablet I have not tried when I was prescribed Xanax. I felt I was given my life back. No horrible side effects of anxiety or panic disorder whatsoever. I can now function without worrying if I went out I would have a panic attack or drop whatever I was doing and go home as I felt like I was dying. My heart would race, my breathing felt like I was taking my last breath, excessive sweating. They all went away. I take 1 mg when needed and have never abused this medication, but it has been a lifesaver for me. It took 30 years to find a tablet that would stop my panic and anxiety disorder, and then I tried Xanax from my doctor, and I thank her every day."

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2019

Alprazolam for Anxiety "This can be a good medication for many people, but please be very cautious. I took it for about 5 years at 4 mg per day. That is a relatively high dose. When I was ready to stop (which I did over a 2-week period, and I don't recommend that), it took several months to really get back to myself. The interesting thing was that once I got through that period, my anxiety and panic attacks stopped. They were at their worst while I took the medication."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2022

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "If you're reading this, you were just like me, scared to death to take Xanax due to reading the side effects and scared to know the feeling of the medication. I avoided it for 1 year, didn’t leave my house, didn’t do anything due to a horrible panic attack I had at work. Let me tell you, I finally just got tired of feeling the doom and hopeless feeling I was having, so I took the lowest dose possible, 0.25. I had the worst panic attack at first, and then when it finally kicked in, I looked over at my girl and told her I feel okay, and a smile came on my face. It’s so crazy how effective this little pill can be. I wish I had started taking it sooner, it completely changed my life, and I’m now able to leave my house and live a normal life. As far as the feeling, there is none if you need it besides normal, no more crazy thoughts and body tingling, anything with anxiety is out of the picture. I wanted to share my experience because I have read every single review on this page. Xanax 10/10"

• Lgi...
• February 27, 2012

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've taken Xanax for years for occasional insomnia. For the past year, I've been battling with high blood pressure along with some new health issues that popped up. For the last two weeks, my heart has been racing and my stomach has had butterflies. I really felt like hiding under the covers and didn't know why. I kept wondering why I am SO afraid lying in bed watching TV? I felt as though my heart was about to just rip itself out of my chest. So I decided to take a Xanax during the day, and it was like a miracle cure. Hopefully, the panic attacks won't last forever, but thank God I had something to help."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I started having severe anxiety back in September. I think it was triggered by nicotine withdrawals, but I was horrified. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me at 27 years old. I was on vacation in Aruba and had to go to the ER over a panic attack! Once I got home, things were better until November... I stopped juuling (electronic cigarette) again, and the anxiety was even worse than it was before. I was having panic attacks daily that lasted for hours. My mind was in the darkest place. I even started to smoke cigarettes again to take off some of the tension. The only thing that made me feel better was alprazolam! I split a .25 into four little pieces and take them as needed (that is how it was prescribed to me). I hate admitting this, but it’s really a miracle drug. I try really hard not to take it unless I desperately need to because I fear getting addicted. This stuff works, no doubt about it."

• cjb...
• March 14, 2023

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've taken Xanax for 5 years. I do not take it daily. I take half of a .25 mg occasionally, only when I need it. Most days I am fine, but when I have extreme panic attacks or social anxiety, I take half of the .25 mg. That's plenty for me. It calms me down, and I am functional. I do not take it daily, I did for a while, and it made me have more panic attacks and anxiety. I use it only for severe days now. I take a half of .25 mg 2 or 3 times a week at most. That way it actually works when I need it to."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

Alprazolam for Anxiety "After years of talk-down therapy, I reached a breaking point. A doc gave me Xanax, and it was a miracle. I was able to go to stores and travel on airlines without panic attacks. I have been on Xanax since 1999, .25 mg before bedtime. This has given me my life back. I do take more for long flights where I spend 12 to 24 hours inside the airline system. I started on .25 mg daily, and 10 years later, still use the same amount. If I miss a dose for more than a day, I get antsy, then clammy skin, and finally, unjustified panic attacks on the 3rd or 4th day. This is a well-expected and acceptable response to quitting abruptly. Doc has been upfront about me using this or some other drug for the rest of my life. It is well worth it."

• don...
• June 1, 2011

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I started using Xanax XR about 2 years ago, and it has been a lifesaver for me. I was suffering from really bad anxiety that would bring on bad panic attacks that sent me to the ER twice. My doctor started me out at 1 mg once a day, then she decreased it to 0.5 mg about a year ago, and that's what I've been taking. I hated the way I felt for a day or two when I was brought down to 0.5 mg, so that has made me too scared to even try to start weaning off of it. I can function perfectly well on this medication."

• Jun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 12, 2016

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I started taking Xanax in 1992 after having a heart catheter that went wrong. I went into V Tach after that, I suffered from arrhythmia daily and panic attacks, ending up in the hospital a few times. First, the arrhythmia starts, which brings on panic attacks. I realize now this is all PTSD. My new internist put me on Xanax at 0.025 mg, which had little results, then upped to 0.50 mg, which I take twice a day. Twenty-four years later, I'm still on it, taking the same dosage. Tried going off a few times unsuccessfully. New doctor lowered it to once a day. Hoping for the best."

• Ste...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 28, 2017

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I was having many issues with anxiety attacks, panic attacks. First started on 1 mg 3 times daily. Then was having night terrors too. So, I ended up on 2 mg, 4 times daily, and 2-3 pills of 2 mg Ativan at night. I got to say not many doctors would give you that, I would not ask! I had a job accident 3 years prior to this and was on OxyContin 60 mg twice daily and 30 mg oxycodone 6 times daily. Sounds like quite a mix, I know. But with proper monitoring, it was a godsend. The pharmacist was not impressed, but that's not his problem, his is to count and fill. If they wanted to be a doctor, then that's their issue. Moral is don't judge yourself by how a pharmacy makes you feel. Now I'm just on the 2 mg of Xanax and 1 mg of Ativan and am normal thanks to a brave, understanding doctor."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Xanax has a paradoxical effect on me. Makes me have panic attacks like I had never experienced before. So many doctors have told me how safe it is, and it wasn’t until I was almost committed for attempted suicide that my doctor admitted that it may not be for me! For some reason, doctors are really in love with Xanax, and it is hard to get them to listen to patients' criticisms."

• mes...
• August 20, 2010

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for years. It got so bad I would actually be driving, pull over to the side of the road, and call 911 because I thought I was having a heart attack, it was really scary. I've been on Xanax for 10 years, off and on. I take 0.5 mg once a day when I start feeling anxious, and my insides feel out of control. It does frighten me to think I could be addicted to this medication, but on the other hand, if it relieves my symptoms, then I guess I need to take Xanax as needed."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I started on Xanax after the birth of my second child for postpartum anxiety. I used Ativan after my first baby, but my new doctor wanted me to try Xanax. I thought it worked great at first. .25 mg, four times a day. Most days, I only took two or three. My baby developed colic issues, and my husband was working 60-70 hours a week, so I had no help and was going crazy from no sleep and endless hours of non-stop crying, so they upped my dose to .5 mg three times a day. Things calmed down around three months, so I tried to cut back down but ended up with severe panic attacks and shaking, etc. Even when I take my regular dose on time, I am still struggling with increased heart rate, shakiness, irritability, etc. Hoping to switch meds or something at my next appointment."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2021

For Panic Disorder "Greenstone generic alprazolam used to be great, but something changed in 2020. I thought my panic attacks were just getting worse. I noticed the texture of the pills was weak, and they dissolve right away. I was having panic attacks in my sleep. I had to take another during the day. Brand name Xanax works 100% better for me. I have noticed a huge difference. If they are supposed to be the same drug, why is the generic 7 dollars and brand name 500+ dollars, and my insurance won't cover it? I am very curious as to whether the binders in the generic have been changed over the years."

• Agi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 15, 2019

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I will never take this medicine, Xanax, again. One of my worst decisions ever. Made me addicted, couldn't get off it, and for 3 years had bad side effects: increased panic, sweating, heart racing, and 3 seizures if I didn't take another dosage. I weaned myself off Xanax with Lexapro. Thank goodness I will never go back again. Worst drug ever!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2017

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Took Xanax for a month for anxiety and panic attacks. I took it 3 times a day (the lowest dosage) 0.25 mg in the morning, 0.25 mg in the afternoon, and 0.50 mg in the evening. The first week seemed fine with little to no changes, but after that was torture. Horrible insomnia, nausea, and panic attacks got WAY worse. My psychiatrist added Adderall to the mix because of my ADHD. This is when the nightmare really started. I couldn't sleep for 4 days straight-- I had to miss work, I was threatening suicide in front of my family-- I was LOSING it. Couldn't keep anything down. The best way to describe it was like a bad trip that you were certain was never going to end. I tapered off of it and felt normal again after 2 weeks. Please use caution."

• Boo...
• August 21, 2009

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have taken Xanax now for six months, and it has been the best six months in a long time. I have finally been able to go out in places where before I absolutely would not go for fear of panic attacks. I was on 8 mg Ativan and 60 mg Tranxene before, and all I did was stay in my house and sleep. Thank goodness my doctor prescribed Xanax."

• Joe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 10, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Started having panic attacks when I retired. Was given alprazolam, which works well. Was on it for 10 years. My new doctor was incompetent and wrote my script for 15 days instead of a month as usual. I ran out of medication. Was unable to contact the doctor after numerous attempts. So I was left without it for a week, an end of pure hell. Withdrawal was horrible. But I got off it and changed doctors. It is a great medication, but be careful. Only use as much as needed. I was on 0.5mg when I stopped."

• Lyn...
• September 14, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I would like to know if those posting are taking this specific generic form of alprazolam. I also have cervical dystonia. For many years, I was prescribed a different brand. This one pictured makes both my panic and tremors worse, and it must be cheaper because it seems to be the pharmacy's choice. Has anyone else had this experience?"

• 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."

• mul...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2022

For Anxiety "Someday someone will figure out why benzos as a whole rewire your brain to the point that you are worse than before you started if you try to quit. I was prescribed this drug by a sleep doctor, and I was told nothing about its effects. I stayed on the low dose for over five years until I started to experience tolerance withdrawal, where I would get anxiety until I would take my sleeping dose. I spoke with my doctor about it and was told to just stop taking it because I was on such a low dose. BIG MISTAKE. I was basically incapacitated for a week while I tried to wait it out. Constant horrific anxiety that left me unable to leave the house, unable to eat, barely able to care for myself. I ended up going back on and working with a doctor to medically withdraw. The process took months, and I still ended up with about 1.5 years of panic attacks, agoraphobia, and extreme general anxiety. I had to go on disability for my work and eventually leave."