Xanax and Addiction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• KMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 16, 2019

For Anxiety "Jewels411. No, you're not crazy. I took Xanax for 35 years. Yes, it definitely helped. But warning, extremely addictive. It can ruin your life. I would recommend Valium. It will relieve your anxiety, yet doesn't have near the addictive traits. Good luck."

• rox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2017

For Anxiety "Xanax is a medication that must be taken seriously and with precaution. This is not a game. Taking it when you don't need to will only create addiction, and the withdrawal is worse than living with the actual anxiety. Please don't take this med unless you suffer from anxiety and you are having a panic attack. It works well in these situations, but my advice is to stay away from it and only take it in an emergency. I prefer lorazepam. When you take lorazepam, the withdrawal symptoms are more tolerable than Xanax. Xanax is awesome, but it can become Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You can die from this or get a DUI if you are caught in a driving accident. This is serious."

• Sta...
• August 12, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I was on Xanax for a couple of years for severe panic attacks. I started out on .25 mg, and soon that was not enough. I had to keep increasing the dose as my panic and anxiety increased. I ended up becoming agoraphobic. I could not leave my house without taking a handful of Xanax first. In the end, I was taking way, way, way too much, enough to kill an elephant. I know it sounds hard to believe. It's amazing I am still alive. I had to beg my insurance company to put me in the hospital to detox. I tried to kill myself. I almost died while in the hospital. They took me down to 8 mg a day, and I had a grand mal seizure and almost died. It was the most horrible experience of my life. Be careful. It's highly addicting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I suppose one reason why Xanax is so addictive is because it works, and it always reliably will. (There's also a 'high' that you get at the higher doses, but it quickly fades with ongoing use.) A significant problem with Xanax and all other benzos is the amotivational symptoms that result from chronic use. It certainly becomes increasingly hard to perform basic tasks, as one feels too relaxed to get anything done. Even more serious of a problem with Xanax in particular are its rebound effects that make the symptoms worse than before. Because Xanax is so powerful but short-acting, within just a couple, or maybe a few, hours of taking it, one feels the urgent, overwhelming need to take more. It can quickly form dependence. It also makes it difficult to sleep because you rebound in the middle of the night."

• Sas...
• March 17, 2016

For Anxiety "I started taking this medication since I was 18 years old, on and off. Let me put it in simple terms: it is highly addictive. Yes, it cured my anxiety, but only temporarily, as long as I was on it. Miss a day, and you want to crawl out of your own skin. The withdrawals are horrendous. Xanax just masks the problem. As soon as I got back on it, my brain just wants it, and that's all I think about. Valerian root is healthier and natural, think twice before taking Xanax. Go for natural products if you can."

• D i...
• January 7, 2016

For Anxiety "I started taking Xanax over ten years ago for my anxiety. I started with 0.5 mg twice a day and ended up at 0.5 mg every 4 hours and still feeling like I needed more as I was addicted. I had one heck of a time weaning off. I now take 1/2 of a 0.25 mg tablet every 3 to 4 hours when needed for my tinnitus. It works to lessen the anxiety caused by the constant ringing in my ears, and I try some days to take it only once or twice. It has worked great for me, but I suggest being very conservative with your dosing because it is very easy to build a tolerance and form an addiction."

• Joy...
• October 12, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Life saver for me. BUT only because I take it when I truly need it. I suffer from day-to-day anxiety, but I do not take it for that. I try to get rid of anxiety other natural ways. But I do suffer from severe panic attacks, especially nighttime. So I only take it when I am having an attack. I am on the lowest dose possible (0.25), and I can get away with taking even just half of that sometimes. It takes the edge off very fast, and I feel so much better shortly after. Take it on average 1-2 times a month, sometimes less, rarely more. Extremely addictive med, so I urge you to stay away from it for daily use or if you have an addictive personality."

• lio...
• November 27, 2015

For Anxiety "Thankfully, I only took this med for a few weeks and at the lowest dose possible. I was taking .25 mg 2-3 times a day for a few weeks until my long-term anxiety medication started to kick in. This medication truly does help for extreme anxiety and panic attacks but should only be used short-term. The use of this medication for any longer than a month on a daily basis is a recipe for disaster, this drug can be very addicting and is really hard to come off after long-term use. Luckily, I researched this drug and knew this shortly after taking it, so I was aware because the doctors never informed me of the risks."

• sab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2019

For Anxiety "I was first very fearful of taking any kind of medication. However, I eventually gave in, and I am very happy I did. Xanax is a very effective drug. However, you must be careful because this medication is a benzodiazepine, and it can be super addicting. Therefore, I personally only take it when I absolutely need it, mostly to sleep. This medication relaxes me, which makes me happy and especially hungry. It really takes the anxiety right out of your stomach if that's where you hold it. I do notice since I've started on birth control it affects me differently, not bad, just different."

• Anv...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 9, 2017

For Panic Disorder "So many other reviews on here, but this drug is important. I will chime in as well since it has been prescribed a little differently for me. I used to wake up in a panic a couple of times a week, but it's pretty easy for me to gauge my stress level and predict which nights are going to be bad ones. I take 0.25 or 0.5 mg 1 or 2 nights a week, before 2 am, or I'll be so zonked I don't respond to my alarm. It does the trick so I can fall right back to sleep after waking, instead of panicking and then ruminating for 5-6 hours, and being a mess at work and with my kids the next day. It works so well, and I can easily see how it would be addictive, but it's a life-changer, so I am very careful."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2009

For Anxiety "I had anxiety so bad from work I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I didn't take it until I got home from work because it made me sleep. I was on it for 6 weeks and I noticed I had an addiction to it. I was hurrying home after work to take it (no, really doctor, I can stop it any time I want to). My doctor said to stop taking it. I was awake for 3 days, but I did it. I know now that I needed to reduce it a little at a time because I had been taking a high dose for a while. It's a lifesaver for bad anxiety, just watch the dosage and be careful about how long you are taking it. If you keep those 2 things in mind, it's the best anti-anxiety medicine."

• bar...
• June 13, 2010

For Anxiety "I have been prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) and a variety of other benzodiazepines for the past ten years when I was first diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. My dosage is 2 mg 2 x daily. This was recently reduced from 2 mg 3 x daily, and I admit I do suffer a little, but I make the best of it. The most important thing about Xanax is it is addictive, and NEVER suddenly stop taking it! You could suffer from what's called a 'benzodiazepine withdrawal seizure.' You need to taper your dose down. This is a proper and safe way to wean off. But overall, wonderful medicine for anxiety!"

• Cha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 12, 2020

For Depression "I’m sorry my doctor ever put me on Xanax. It’s an evil drug. If your doctor puts you on it for more than a few weeks, you will have a Xanax addiction. It’s not safe. Read up on Xanax. This will be my third relapse, it’s not in your mind. I almost died twice trying to get off of Xanax. My heart stopped six times and five seizures. Other benzodiazepines are safer. The doctors are at fault, not the company. Pfizer has a warning: no more than two weeks on Xanax."

• Anx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2023

For Anxiety "I love Xanax, and it also ruined me. If you have extreme anxiety, panic attacks, etc., Xanax will make it disappear almost magically. The problem is, it’s so addictive. And if you have persistent anxiety, Xanax cannot be the answer. I became dependent on it twice and couldn’t function without it. I started with taking 0.5 mg, which was strong at first, and ended up taking 5 mg daily just to function. It was a nightmare. It works so well, it’s scary. In 20 minutes, you feel like a new person. But 4 hours later, the anxiety comes back. This drug is really dangerous. Be cautious. I struggled to get off this medicine for 3 years."

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

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!!"

• Gec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2021

For Anxiety "Been prescribed 1 mg a day. I try to get by with 0.25 or maybe 0.5. I am using colloidal gold, and I think it helps. Also, black seed oil and lavender pills at night. Spent over 2 grand on alternatives for anxiety. Waste of money. Tried lithium orotate, helped a little. I would feel better if I took it as prescribed, but I'm scared I will get addicted. Reading my Bible helps, and meditation and exercise."

• Now...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I took Prozac for 12 years, and it became more or less useful to me as I became more tolerant. However, I cannot live without it due to my condition of extreme severe anxiety and panic. I grew up with this disorder, and as an adult, I can't control it at points. I have never had an addictive nature. And I do not take it on a daily regimen. I refuse to be addicted or forever bound to a drug. So, I use other methods of meditation and zen relaxation techniques, even sleeping all I need to when I can on days I can. However, I have high-stress days that even Prozac doesn't help these nature elements and body chemicals, so I had to look for an alternative. I started using Xanax. Due to its addictive nature, I broke them in 4, taking smaller doses."

• Liv...
• February 13, 2010

For Anxiety "I am a 19-year-old male prescribed a 0.5 mg dosage of Xanax to be taken twice daily. Depending on my bouts of anxiety or an occasional panic attack, I either take one or a half of one to calm my state of mind. I try to just take a half of one because this medication can be addicting. I noticed these effects and feelings right after my first intake. It does indeed help suppress my anxiety and panic attacks. Due to the addiction-prone aspects, I'm giving it an 8."

• GJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2018

For Anxiety "Careful with this one. Very addictive. It was prescribed for anxiety, but after a while, I found myself habitually taking it and getting desperately anxious when I didn’t. Addiction to barbiturates in my mid-forties was not part of the plan, so I stopped. Withdrawals were terrible. I also experienced short-term memory issues. I achieved safer results with antidepressants, although they take a week or more to ‘work,’ they are not addictive. Lifestyle changes also helped: no drinking, took up jogging, gym, and watching what I eat and being more mindful of the spiritual aspects of life. Pretty obvious stuff, really..."

• Mic...
• February 7, 2010

For Anxiety "I had 2 panic attacks in my entire life. I went to a doctor and was given Xanax at half mg to take immediately and 6 hrs later. It worked, and I thought I would keep some handy for any possible future attacks. He prescribed 0.25 mg pills 3 times a day. I looked it up on the internet and didn't like the information on addiction. I went to my doctor when I got back home, and he prescribed Ativan. I believe Xanax should be used only when having a panic attack and not as a maintenance drug."

• Anonymous
• April 30, 2011

For Anxiety "Xanax is an excellent medicine for myself. It has prevented panic attacks and helped me through times of rough anxiety. Ativan never worked for me, and Klonopin makes me drunk-like and put me in the hospital 3 times. The hospital finally said I have an allergy to Klonopin and could no longer take it. After going on Xanax, I felt so much better and relieved. I try not to take Xanax every day, as it is not meant to be a long-term solution to anxiety and can be very addicting, so be very careful. I am on Paxil CR and Risperdal on top of Xanax for my anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder, and OCD."

• Mol...
• September 15, 2009

"I'm a 64 yr old female and have been on 0.05 mgs of Xanax four times daily as needed. I don't always use four but have found that it has helped me a lot. I sometimes wonder if I'll be on it for the rest of my life because I realize the older I become it may or may not affect me differently. I know it's addictive, but since most of my anxiety is genetically related, I feel I must stay on it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2025

For Anxiety "This medicine is the best at stopping panic attacks. It's really a shame that it's addictive, I personally never had problems with that, but it does seem like it's not the best to take long term, and that's the only problem!"

• Daf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2020

For Anxiety "Xanax worked within 20-30 minutes. Excellent for anxiety and sleep. The low dose works. Took 0.5 mg PRN for anxiety. It is addictive, so do not take routinely."

• Inc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2019

For Anxiety "Really helps instantly, just remember benzodiazepines are very addictive. Do not use alcohol while using this!"