Xanax for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

• Unsure
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 7, 2019

"I have panic disorder, anxiety, some OCD. I’ve been on Xanax (1mg as needed which ends up being daily but usually only at night and then I take 2) for about 7 years. I was originally prescribed it more than 20 years ago but kept it as a security blanket. I’ll never forget the first time I actually got the nerve to try it. “This is what normal people feel like???”, was my response. I would keep my review at a 10 EXCEPT, now I’m hearing LOTS of talk (and medical reviews) that it causes dementia/Alzheimer’s!!! This is the ONLY drug that works for me and I feel I need to get off of it. Scared and torn and would love a solution."

• Hollis
• 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."

• Bella...
• March 16, 2017

"Only med that has ever really worked for me. I've tried every holistic approach to treat my anxiety, taking a .25 takes the edge off like nothing else. I'm afraid to take meds but taking xanax doesn't make me nervous. I only take it when my anxiety and panic come back, sometimes I have it under control for long periods of time. I read a lot of negative things about becoming addicted and the withdrawal effects but most of us who really suffer hate taking meds. We rather get better with no drugs. It helps me calm down so I can think clearly and get through the day or night. Wanted to post something positive for those who are afraid to take it."

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

"I rated Xanax a 5 because yes at first it was a god send! 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!"

• chig
• May 7, 2014

"This medication has helped me live a normal life well more normal. I don't worry much about nothing and I can go into Walmart and feel comfortable. My social life is improving as well. There were times I couldn't get 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."

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

"I have Poliaradiculoneuropathy (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 legs 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 human again. I am getting addicted to it, but I could care less."

• MotoM...
• 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 some one who can help you with Anxiety if you have it. And BE HONEST! Tell them how hard it is for you!!"

• JUJU
• 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 amazing for sleeping issues as far as anxiety I just break a piece off and let it dissolve under my tongue (nasty taste) but takes anxiety away immediately. I'm so glad my psychiatrist put me on this medication for anxiety /panic attacks/insomnia I don't abuse it sometimes I even go days without having to even take it .... Its definitely a life saver to have though!!"

• L1oness
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 18, 2019

"Many have said that alprazolam is a life-saver. 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."

• Sunny
• May 28, 2021

"Poison. This drug ruined my life. I was on this for 3 years 1 mg in the morning and 1mg in afternoon and 1mg at night. One day I decided to not take one and I almost had a seizure . For 5 YEARS I HAD WITHDRAWAL - bad withdrawal. I had drop attacks constantly and randomly. I stopped driving for 5 years because I would get drop attacks in the car. I stopped going outside . It completely made me a vegetable. I couldn’t swallow I could not breath. 5 years later and I finally have driven a car thanks to tramadol. Tramadol saved my life. But Xanax is the worst drug!!!! Do not take it!! Bad bad bad consequences. I promise you. I have been in Xanax groups of people going through exactly what I did . Countless suicides from it because people didn’t have resources and didn’t understand what was happening. Thank god for my husband. It’s a withdrawal unlike anything. Worse than any opioid. Opioid withdrawal is like flu symptoms for couple months. This is more like a vegetable for YEARS! All those years I LOST!"

• doxie
• August 2, 2014

"After a recent medical diagnosis, I had a difficult time coping and felt a tremendous sense of fear and worry constantly. Brought me to the point I was physically ill everyday 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."

• BWano
• 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 everyday. 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 theses years. People who abuse it have given it a horrible reputation and it’s not available for the responsible people that really need it."

• kappa...
• May 31, 2020

"I’ve had benzodiazepine prescriptions (ativan, k-pin, & xanax) since 15 y/o until now (20 y/o). Over the past 5 years, it’s been rough managing physical and psychological dependency issues. I’ll blackout for a week at a time and proceed to buy fake xans from friends (usually cut with fentanyl and other bad stuff). During my attempt to wean off the drug, I ended up having a grand mal seizure at a party (Dec. 2019). Since then, managing sobriety from all benzos has lead to self medicating through other substances (cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, kratom, norcos). I was living in my sorority’s chapter house but moved into a fraternity house about 3 months ago, in which 3 brothers are active xanax users. It is really rough Basically, if you’re prone to addiction (runs in the family, other psychiatric conditions, etc) watch out dude"

• YIKES
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2017

"I am prescribed up to 4mg 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 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."

• Deano...
• 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. 7 Years ago my doctor put me on a combination of Xanax 1.5mg per day over 3 doses and 15Mg of Mirtazepine. 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 long standing script renewed (I've just moved country).. he reduced the dose to Xanax two 0.5mg which isn't enough as s 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 reduce or take me off them. These are literally the only thing that has work. I'm willing to accept the risks as the rewards of having a normal life far outweigh the bad effects."

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

"I've been on a variety of different benzodiazipines for about 16 years now for anxiety, Agorphobia and even insomnia and I have to say Xanax is by far the most effective. I've been on Valium, Klonopin, Ativan and even SSRI'S 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, associate with my family ...these are all triggers of my anxiety. Even answering the phone! I've taken 2mgs two times daily now for the past 7 years and it works great!"

• Stude...
• 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 anti-depressants 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 do have a small neighborhood radius of "comfort". I have in the past felt shamed 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" and 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."

• 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."

• sunny...
• January 19, 2020

"I have been using this drug for several years for my anxiety attacks, and it 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 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."

• amyjl...
• 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."

• AJPis...
• 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 of Pristiq for 8 months now and have lowered my Xanax from 1 mg in the morning, 1mg midday and 2 mg at bed. I am now taking 0.5mg in the morning and 1.5 mg at bed. I am taking vitamins, doing yoga and taking better care of myself. My doctor knows, I am honest. He wanted me to take 2mg every 8 hours but never did. My Mother just died a few weeks ago and have been getting really bad anxiety and still the same dose helps me. Hope this helps."

• Hulio
• 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 earky 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."

• NoToX
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2018

"From my experience with Xanax it ruins lives, period. Xanax was made for 14 day use for acute crisis but is grossly misprescribed. Xanax is more addictive than heroin and turns normal people into weird and angry shells of who they previously were. The drug causes the brain to stop producing chemicals it needs and the half life is so short that you go into withdrawal every time the drug “runs out” every 4 hours. You believes the feeling is “anxiety” and take another pill to treat it! However the feeling is just withdrawal. You will need more and more of the drug just to get the original effects and you will not really be aware of how you’re acting. The longer you take the drug the worse it gets- and eventually the doctor who got you hooked on it will stop prescribing it. A safe way to get off of Xanax is the Ashton method (Benzodiazepines How They Work & How to Withdraw)- switching slowly from Xanax to Valium. Valium like a longer acting form of Xanax which then is easier to cut down on. I urge you never to start the drug."

• Nadethi
• June 12, 2019

"I had been on paroxetine (Paxil) on and off for 15 years which worked great for treating generalized anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, self-esteem, socialability. Without medication I feel like I'm going crazy with the nonstop chatter in my brain and constant worry and doubt.I have achieved so much while on paroxetine, but it eventually pooped out on me on the highest dose. For 2 months I have tried Lexapro now and I feel like it is just making things worse, but when I take a 0.25 Xanax I feel a lot better and the anxiety and constant worry, butterflies in stomach, dreadful feeling about life dissipates. The cloud over me lifts and I can actually feel positive emotions again. They say the benefits of Xanax only last a few hours which is why they can be so addictive, but I feel relief for about 24 hours on the smallest dose. It is making this transition in finding a new long-term solution for my anxiety and depression at least bearable on the days that I really need relief."