Xanax and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2010

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

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

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."

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

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."

• Rx2...
• October 27, 2009

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

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!"

• Hug...
• December 28, 2016

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

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."

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

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

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."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2011

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."

• tHE...
• January 14, 2011

For Anxiety "At first, I didn't like the fact of taking medicine every day, but ever since the day my doctor (psychiatrist) prescribed this to me, at first a little drowsy in the morning, but after a couple of days, I felt great, especially in the morning. If you have anxiety like me, it will make you feel like a whole new man without always being tight, and chest feels heavy, and sweating could go on. Xanax is a wonderful medicine."

• Zio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2019

For Anxiety "I’d taken Ativan prior to this, and my experience wasn’t that great with Xanax. It made me feel really sedated and gave a drunk feeling and hangover the next day on only .5. Kind of made me paranoid a little bit. I would highly recommend Ativan over Xanax, as Ativan gives you a calm feeling, better for anxiety, at least for me, and not that disgusting drunk feeling."

• Di ...
• September 8, 2013

For Panic Disorder "No side effects besides drowsiness. It puts me at a calm to help me think clearer."

• TJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2019

For Anxiety "Best medication for anxiety. Kills anxiety instantly and makes you feel good. It’s sedative, but it’s worth it."

• tay...
• October 2, 2018

For Anxiety "This medication makes me really happy with stress relief, anxiety relief, and a lot of energy. Love it, no side effects. The first few days might cause drowsiness, but then it goes away."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2012

For Anxiety "Xanax is great. It gets rid of anxiety but makes me drowsy."