Alprazolam Compared to Alternatives

For Anxiety: I have taken Xanax for 8 years when suddenly, my doctor stopped writing it for me and all her patients who were taking Xanax. I’m not certain this was wise... at least for me because the sudden cessation of the drug caused severe insomnia, anxiety and I felt I had been catapulted back to the dark time of 8 years ago. Thankfully, I was able to see another doctor but he, too, wants me to cease taking Xanax. He prescribed 15 tablets to last a month and wants me to gradually taper off them entirely. My question is this ... In the past 2 years, I took only 1 tablet a day, at night, was able to sleep, was well-rested and functioned at a high level on my job. With the new dosage, my sleep has been curtailed, I remain jittery and anxious. I am very conservative in its use and think - at least for some - the drug has a place if it’s used responsibly.

For Anxiety: I have gone on and off Xanax for a few years now and all I can say is that it WORKS! I take 0.5-1 mg as needed. It kicks in pretty quickly and it's the only med I've tried that can stop a severe panic attack in its tracks. It has helped me regain control of my life and think clearly in stressful situations. I don't get drowsy or feel impaired as long as I don't take more than my dose. Works better for me than Ativan and clonazepam. Make sure you properly taper off this med if you take it for more than a few weeks- I tried to stop cold turkey once and it felt awful.

For Anxiety: Its helps me function on a daily basis, It is non drowsy. It was made for me. It's not addictive (for me) and I can take up to 3 1mg tablets per day. I probably take one primarily at night. Some days 2, once during the day and one at night. I take it for anxiety and depression. I also take Endep at night. I feel almost normal!

For Anxiety: I would rate this drug a 10/10 if it wasn't for the fast tolerance that you develop the more frequently you take it, and the very high risk of dependency, because it really works like magic and I felt no side effects. I tried my best to be careful while taking this, and although I definitely developed tolerance as I feel the lower dose (0.25 mg) does nothing for me, thankfully I didn't become dependent on it because I tried to minimize usage as much as possible. I would say Xanax can be like magic when you feel like you're going through debilitating anxiety and have frequent panic attacks, but it is a quick fix and should be used as a short-term treatment while finding a long-term treatment, because I can see how physical and psychological dependency can easily develop - if the issue isn't addressed and use is frequently continued. I'm currently taking an antidepressant which seriously made such a difference to my mental health, and now rarely need to take Xanax.

For Anxiety: I have been on 2mg clonazepam for more than 5 years. It has done wonders for my anxiety and panic attacks. When I informed the Dr. I was concerned about addiction he advised me I am DEPENDANT on it, not ADDICTED. Addiction is the misuse of a drug he said, big difference! I am allowed 2mg up to 3 times a day but very rarely take more than 2. It has literally changed my life.

For Anxiety: This medication saved my life. I take it once a week, or whenever I'm having an unbearable anxiety attack, where I'm nauseous and shaking. It isn't meant to be used every day. It's habit-forming and you'll develop a tolerance, so I only take it when I really, really need it. Having it is just a comfort. It's like a safety net. Knowing that if the panic attack comes, I can stop the horrible effects and the pacing and the vomiting and shaking. A downside is that you'll develop a tolerance if you use it more than once or twice a week, so you do have to be extremely careful. It stops my panic attacks and it's saved my life. It's kept me from killing myself because I thought I'd never be able to escape the anxiety. I'd only recommend it if you've tried SSRIs and they haven't helped, and your anxiety is unbearably severe.