Skip to main content

Xanax User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Xanax has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 918 reviews on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 8% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Xanax

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • lin...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 2, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been on Xanax 1mg TID since 2013. This has been a miracle drug for my anxiety. I also take Celexa 40mg daily in combination with Xanax. Within minutes of taking my prescription, I feel a tremendous amount of stress relief. I normally take 2 at bedtime and sleep straight through the night and never wake up groggy. I feel refreshed each morning and get ready for work. 2 thumbs up for this medication. Those that abuse it, you give patients who truly suffer from anxiety and depression a bad name."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
99 Report
  • Mis...
  • December 13, 2016

For Anxiety "For years, I didn't know I was suffering from Anxiety and Panic Attacks. My doctor told me what was happening to me & prescribed Xanax. It helps me TREMENDOUSLY. I feel 'normal' now. Been using it for 10 years."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
89 Report
  • Jsa...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 1, 2020

For Anxiety "I've taken Xanax to help me sleep for several years. I try to take it as little as possible so I won't get addicted. It makes me tired, even at 0.25, so I don't take it during the day. Luckily, I don't suffer from panic attacks very often. I probably take it a few times a month just before bed. It works better than antihistamines, although I frequently wake up after 6 hours, which is all it seems to last. I have heard about it leading to Alzheimer's, though. I'm afraid of that."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
65 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Mad...
  • April 16, 2015

For Anxiety "Xanax made me a normal person again. I had bouts of anxiety seemingly my entire life, but it didn't become debilitating until I reached my 20s and became overwhelmed with everything on my plate and I lost sight of who I was. I couldn't focus on anything because I was too worried about school and work and my health issues. It became too much, and I dropped out of school with a 4.0! Anxiety stole my life away, but Xanax gave me the strength to gain it back. I'm finally about to graduate, have a wonderful job, and just recently got engaged! I am a normal person, and I thank anxiety for calming my brain and enabling me to live a beautiful, productive life. I highly recommend it if you genuinely suffer from debilitating anxiety."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
106 Report
  • Bea...
  • January 6, 2020

For Panic Disorder "This drug, Xanax, does exactly what it’s supposed to do for panic attacks. It’s honestly the only prescribed drug I’ve ever taken that really fulfills what it says it will do. I’ve been taking this medicine for close to 20 years, sometimes not for long periods of time but very steadily for about the past 7. I gave it nine stars because it is super effective but has a good deal of drawbacks. For one, it’s crazy addicting. I feel I’m definitely addicted to it and start having very serious withdrawals if I skip a few days. Personally, I feel like it’s the lesser of two bad options, being that not having it in my life is just constant anxiety and panic, but it creates its own anxiety knowing that you need it. I currently take 2 mg a day, and sometimes I break it up throughout the day. If your anxiety is truly severe and strongly affecting your life, I would recommend taking it, but if that’s not the case, I would use some discretion before getting involved with a drug as strong as this."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
67 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Sha...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 9, 2018

For Anxiety "Seriously, I would be dead without this medication. Pop culture has given it a bad rep, but as a prescribed user of this godsent medicine from the beautiful minds at Pfizer, I humbly thank you for saving my life. Had I known and addressed my severe depression, agoraphobia, anxiety, and PTSD (the alphabet goes on)... I would have NEVER SUFFERED FROM A STROKE IN 2010 DUE TO MY CONDITIONS that I had no idea there was a word for what's wrong with me. This is a quick-acting, short shelf-life in the system type of medicine, so it's a here-now, gone feeling. The low doses are like a mini invisible hug, the 2 mgs help me sleep and dream of a better life, and wake up to my Starbucks feeling alert as the medicine did its thing on my heart and mind. If during the day I feel sick with chest pain from anxiety, it offers immediate relief. I am responsible in my consumption. Thank you to the hardworking medical professionals for understanding the pain of the unseen sicknesses."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
79 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 27, 2017

For Anxiety "Ever since my hot flashes started, I couldn't sleep. When I say I couldn't sleep, I mean I spent 8 years with maybe 2-3 hours of sleep per night. I just tossed and turned, watched TV. My PC prescribed every sleep medication under the moon, nothing helped. I mean NO SLEEP FOR YEARS... Ambien, Lunesta, Seroquel, Zolpidem. Then he suggested a psychiatrist, thinking some other issue was causing my insomnia. I would actually look at my bed and dread getting into it because I knew how long the night would be. Well, my 'nut dr.' prescribed a few and none worked. LOL, finally she started me on Xanax. Let me tell you... I really don't care what addiction I might have, what risks there are... I can finally sleep and no after effects. A Godsend."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
90 Report

More FAQ

  • Div...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2013

For Anxiety "I have always suffered from anxiety attacks, but at the age of 22, I seem to have them more severely. I have had a rough past, that I try to keep to myself. This last month, my panic attacks were so severe that I thought I was going crazy or dying. I lost all sleep, and I felt so ashamed in front of my kids. My mind was racing, and all I could think was these terrible thoughts. I was prescribed 0.5 mg of Xanax, and I cut the pills in half throughout the day. I have never had such a quick relief from panic attacks. I almost instantly feel normal when I take them, and it lasts for quite a while until I take the other half of the medication. No side effects I have had with these, which is great because I have a fear of taking medications."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
114 Report
  • The...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 12, 2014

For Anxiety "Works very well for anxiety. The best way to take these types of medicines is to take them as needed. Some doctors will tell you to take them every day as prescribed, but I found in my 20 years of experience with Xanax that taking them every day is an easy way for it to become habit forming and addictive. When I take them as needed, I don't become dependent on them. I think doctors disagree with this method because they feel that you need to counter the anxiety before you get it and that way you can learn to tolerate it. I have tried using Xanax both ways. It's nice not having anxiety, but your body and mind will adapt to the dosage, and if you take it long enough, you will find you need a higher dose to feel like you did."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
107 Report
  • Xin...
  • January 28, 2013

For Anxiety "I have taken Xanax on and off for 18 years, and I would say it has been a lifesaver for me. I have episodes of anxiety - nothing earth-shattering, but debilitating nonetheless. Xanax has helped smooth those times over and make life manageable. This is a wonderful medicine!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
119 Report
  • Jun...
  • January 1, 2019

For Anxiety "I've had severe anxiety all of my life manifesting in different forms. I take Pristiq, which works well for my generalized anxiety. I have horrible situational anxiety that makes me sweat feverishly, and it's so embarrassing. Xanax is a miracle for this. If I have an event going on that I know is going to take my anxiety over the edge, I can take Xanax, and it makes me totally comfortable and not sweat uncontrollably like I'm in a sauna. I don't take it every day. 1mg maybe 4x a week if needed. It's a shame how people can abuse this drug (I don't get how) and promote it in rap music, which gives it a terrible reputation. This ruins it for people who need it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
69 Report
  • ays...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 19, 2019

For Anxiety "I have had no problem taking Xanax for sleep for years. I am now trying to get off of it, only out of the fear that they won't be manufacturing it for long, and doctors are so reluctant to prescribe it. I'm scared I will have withdrawal effects, so I have to do it very slowly. But I truly have no complaints about taking 1 mg or half for sleep at night and for anxiety. Too bad it's abused and is now known as a bad drug."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
71 Report
  • Rex...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 16, 2016

For Depression "I had always heard the negative jargon of Xanax, and was afraid to take it because I was afraid I would be addicted and unable to control it. Eventually things were too tough and I was in one of the darkest points of my life. So I broke down and talked with my doctor about giving it a try. It totally changed my life. It helped me to focus more at work. It helped manage my anxiety so my mind could rest and I could sleep. I could see how this medication could be misused. It's important to take as prescribed."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
88 Report
  • Kay...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 1, 2019

For Panic Disorder "After our son committed suicide, I developed PTSD and panic disorder. Xanax literally saved my life. No big deal stopping this drug, but others have severe problems. By God's grace, I'm off of all drugs."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
68 Report
  • lam...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 16, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been on Xanax for about 30 years now. I have suffered with anxiety since I was a child and depression later in life. I started out only taking 0.5 mg a day, even going for periods of time without taking it at all, and then over the past 15 years I have graduated to only 1.5 mg a day. I feel no need for an increase. I suffer with all the usual anxiety symptoms, but one symptom that is most annoying is the choking sensation I feel in my throat. I believe I carry my stress and worries there. When I take Xanax, it takes this terrible feeling away. I find it extremely difficult to get a doctor to prescribe me this medicine as I moved to another state. The people who abuse this drug make it extremely difficult for those of us who need it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
93 Report
  • mbe...
  • September 4, 2013

For Anxiety "I have a very stressful life. After my mother passing in 2005, I started having major anxiety. It truly was debilitating my entire life. My doctor put me on 0.5 mg twice a day to help. It was the best thing I ever did. I have been on them for 8 years now. I'm 32 and a mother of 4. There are days when I really feel the anxiety peak and I take one. It's the only thing that will work within 15-20 minutes. It really has helped me tremendously. I can take my meds as prescribed and still am able to take care of home, kids, and work feeling normal. I would suggest this for anyone who has anxiety or panic attacks or tons of stress."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
111 Report
  • Nic...
  • March 23, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I am one of those scared of taking any medication related to psych. I had a stable job for 20 years before the onset of anxiety and panic disorder. I thought I will brave it. So read books, took yoga, etc., but it only got worse. Before long, it was affecting my performance at work. Finally, getting into elevators became impossible. Then, I became almost housebound. People even began to notice. That’s when I resolved to solve this problem once and for all. After several trials with my doctor, I found Xanax and it completely changed my life. I take 0.5 mg daily. All my symptoms are gone. Thank goodness for that medication."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • Bus...
  • March 15, 2016

For Depression "If I could rate Xanax higher I would, this is without a doubt the most effective medication I've ever taken for anxiety, and fast-acting. I've always dealt with public speaking anxiety since high school. I'm 29, healthy, and active, and have never been depressed, so that's why I've been reluctant about SSRIs. My GP prescribed Celexa, went up to 20mg and it was a nightmare, had panic attacks and very vivid intrusive thoughts. My GP switched to Lexapro @10mg and I still get panic attacks. If I get a panic attack, I take a 0.50mg of Xanax and it takes like 15 min to kick in and I feel great - I hate SSRIs and wish Xanax was a daily med."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • Xan...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 23, 2013

For Anxiety "I was 19 years old when my family doctor prescribed me Xanax 0.25mg for my stress and anxiety from work and life at the time. I'm 43 now. I only take it when I'm under a lot of stress or when my anxiety level goes up in any situation in my life. At the same time, when I'm stressed out, I go walking and running because it helps too. I wouldn't know what I would do if I didn't have Xanax to help me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
116 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 8, 2010

For Tinnitus "I have tried EVERYTHING, and this is the only thing besides ginkgo biloba that helps. I strongly recommend it. I'd rather be a little sleepy at times than hear totally insane ringing in my ears all the time."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
129 Report
  • Jgm...
  • December 14, 2016

For Anxiety "I have severe social anxiety and have tried every other medicine out there and nothing has worked. Xanax so far has changed my life. I'm able to talk to people and look them in the eye and not feel stupid everywhere I go. I take 0.5 mg three times a day. I'm just worried about the addiction part. I've heard it's pretty bad. But I'd rather be happy all the time than have panic attacks all the time."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
83 Report
  • Dan...
  • October 5, 2018

For Anxiety "I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t severely depressed & anxious & without obsessive thoughts. I had severe emotional abuse/twisted mental abuse from my first memory at 3 until I was an adult. I’m 43. There are times I’ll go for days & not need Xanax or take it. But when the panicking & anxiety start I can take 5-6 mg (no, not 0.5 - actually 5) and finally function. I only use it as needed although I’ve been told I should take it daily. Drug seekers have hurt people like me SO bad. This is the only medication that works when I panic or feel anxiety to the point of wanting to die. I have & never will abuse it, but if I didn’t have it I would for sure be dead. I’ve NEVER had a withdrawal feeling or problem at all. But at that level of panic and obsession, I am crippled. My daily meds (especially the anafranil) work very well now to prevent this, but when I get triggered, it’s a wrap. So there ARE some people who aren’t abusers, and who couldn’t function without it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • Alp...
  • November 30, 2012

For Depression "I am prescribed 45 2mg tablets a month (brand name). I take a half 3 times a day, and am also prescribed 90 1mg Klonopin a month - morning, afternoon, and night. While the Klonopin seems to aid in keeping the panic/anxiety at bay and keeping me calm and relaxed, the Xanax is the real 1-2 punch to panic attacks and anxiety; it takes all my sadness and depression away and allows me to think about all the amazing things I am working on not as a chore or as work, but as a creative idea. Being prescribed 2 Benzos is 'odd' practice like Klonopin 3 times a day with a fast-acting Xanax."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
126 Report
  • Bri...
  • February 19, 2017

For Panic Disorder "This medication is a miracle if you have extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I've been on it close to 10 years and have never changed my dose. If you don't overuse it and only take it when you can't take the anxiety anymore, then you should be fine. Within about a half hour, I'm feeling much better and my anxiety is at bay."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
84 Report
  • Cum...
  • August 23, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Started at 24. Took it until 44. It's the only medication that ever worked for me. I was a guinea pig for 6 months. 2 days after taking it, it was a miracle medicine. I actually called my Dr thanking him. I had finally gotten the elephant off my chest. Never abused it, sometimes dealing with anxiety so as not to get addicted. Are there any doctors left that will prescribe real, working medication for people who really need but do not abuse it? I do not need a psychiatrist, I just need (as one put it) one in hand just in case. Doctors today think it's taboo to even mention this medication. I'm not 15 nor do I abuse it. I take a 1 mg at night and sleep like a rock. Hey doctors, this medicine works!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
85 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.