| Key to ratings for xanax: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 1 | anxiety | Drowsiness, clumsy, food cravings, more anxiety, slight urinary retention, stomach pain, bloating. | I rated this dissatisfied because although it took away my anxiety at first. After only about a week on it, if I didn't take the next dose I felt the withdrawal symptoms. I experienced worse anxiety between doses and eventually stomach pains/bloating. It's highly addictive. I've used this drug in the past just to help me with my fear of flying. One dose and that was it. But a longer duration just didn't work for me. Be very careful not to rely on this unless there are no other avenues to turn to. I stopped it completely 3 days ago and I'm starting to feel like myself again with much less stomach distress. | F | 46 | 30 days | 11/13/2009 | 5 | Anxiety | Slight sedation... be careful about addiction and tolerance as xanax is short acting meaning that you can feel it wearing off and feel the anxiety come back and need to take more | If used responsibly is an absolute godsend! Because of its short half life and fast onset its perfect for situational anxiety. It's such a shame that this medication has such a bad reputation (caused by doctors not eduating people about it's addictive nature and some people abusing them... I have to order mine from the internet - but I use it very responibly.) | F | 24 | 1 days | 11/12/2009 | 5 | Anxiety, severe panic attacks, dep | Very relaxed, don't have a worry in the world, and happy, i guess happy from being calmed down | This is the best benzo, this is the heavy hitter, i think it works the best, it helps stomach pain, sometimes my headaches, definately stop a panic attack, and relieve your stress, i think the world would be more happy and calm if everyone was on this, but people should not abuse it and ruin it for people like us who need it. I been on this since i was 16 very lightly until i was about 24 and been on it steady up to 4 mgs a day, i lowered my self to 2 mg a day and now back at 3 mg a day, i will admit it is addictive, but not to bad to lower your doseage if you wanna wean off just start taking halfs for a few weeks then just nibble on em for a few more weeks, seriously, 100% great pill if used in the right hands, my doc told me the benefit outweighs the side effects which i have none except relaxation. | M | 30 | 14 years | 10/19/2009 | 3 | Sleep | Eye twitch that wouldn't go away, I got very mean and snippy while on it and ultimately it made me horribly depressed, had to kick it. But DAMN that stuff could knock me out! | M | 30 | 7 days | 10/15/2009 | 5 | anxiety/stress/insomnia | none | I've had anxiety and insomnia for a year. I have only been taking Xanax for one week now and I am finally getting some long overdue sleep which should help the anxiety & stress. Hopefully won't have to take it for an extended perion. I feel great. | F | 54 | 1 weeks | 10/13/2009 | 5 | panic/ anxiety | None, a little tired when I first started taking it | This stops panic and anxiety attacks dead in their tracks. I took it for 4 months, 4 times a day. Not addictive in low doses. I had no withdrawel symptoms. I went off it when I started in Lexapro which worked beautifully. I was taking xanax prn and all of a sudden realized that the lex had kicked in and i hadn't taken a xanax all day! Was a great feeling! I keep it with me in case of emergency. I loved xanax. | F | 35 | 3 years | 10/8/2009 | 3 | panic disorder | sleepiness and drowsiness | Keeps panic away, but finding the right dosing is a problem. In me there is a wear off effect that begins anywhere between 11 and 16 hours after taking the Xanax XR. This is what makes finding the dosing hard. I cannot quit this med no matter how hard I try, but the doc says that is because of the strenght of my panic disorder coming through. | M | 51 | 4 years | 10/3/2009 | 5 | anxiety & panic attacks | Worked great for 7 years until my doctor was on vacation and did not refill for 5 days - I thought I was gonna die!! I was truly addicted!! | I went to another doctor that put me on Celexa 30mg. and I feel great!! I quit the Xanax completely (sure it took a few months) but I am no longer (for lack of a better word "addicted") I feel so much better knowing that I don't "have to have" a Xanax handy at all times. The PANIC & ANXIETY ATTACKS ARE COMPLETELY GONE. I dont worry anymore about having another attack at all. If you are afraid that you NEED it too much - there are easy ways to get off it. Take Care. | F | 48 | 7 years | 10/1/2009 | 4 | Panic attacks | Drowsiness, and that "I don't have a care in the world" feeling | This is very fast acting for panic attacks which is why I was prescribed it, and it works very well to help control them. I can physically function with Xanax where as with other anti-anxiety drugs would make me go to sleep. Sure I got a warm fuzzy feeling, but that's what Benzodiazipenes are supposed to do. The drawback I found was that for longer lasting episodes of anxiety, it wears off to quick, and you have to up your dosage if you're taking it regularly. | F | 25 | 6 years | 9/18/2009 | 4 | anxiety, insomnia | I have odd memory lapses. I can't remember things I've done or said weeks or months ago that relatives remember. Diarrhea if none taken for 24 hrs; diarrhea if too much taken. | Taken for 20+ yrs after divorce; now no sleep without .5mg and melatonin. Am switching to valium and will taper off xanax that wears off too fast and wakes me up. I think it causes lack of emotion or "flat affect" which reduces enjoyment of life. | F | 65 | 22 years | 9/14/2009 | 5 | migraines, anxiety | Dry mouth, occasional sleepiness and forgetful. | I have had migraines for over 10 years. I have tried several preventative medications - depakote & topamax gave me the WORST side effects ever. The tiredness, forgetfulness, scatterbrain side effects of these drugs was 10x worse than Xanax. After recent family tragedies, I was unable to sleep. I would take Tylenol PM, benadryl, excedrin PM, melatonin.. OTC meds which used to work so well on me. None worked. I ended up on Xanax to combat my anxiety after my fathers death.. and started noticing that my headache/migraine frequency/severity had been lessened - having about 50-75% decline per month. It has been amazing for me. I know there are risks of dependency,but if you're a chronic migraine sufferer -- you will know what that ANYTHING that relieves that pain is worth it... I take .5 mg's per day..sometimes less. | F | 1 years | 9/12/2009 | 5 | Anxiety & depression | None | From the day I took my first dose, my severe anxiety and fear of speaking in front of others disappeared. It helped immensely with depression which I'd had since I was 11. For years now I've been on .5 mg. 3 X daily. Never had to increase. | F | 59 | 24 years | 8/13/2009 | 4 | anxiety | Tolerance build up. | Works well for about the 1st year to stave off panic. After the year, it still calms, but not nearly as much as it used to. I am hoping my dr. will try me on something new next time I go. | F | 28 | 5 years | 8/10/2009 | 1 | Anxiety / Panic Attacks | The Xanax works wonderfully when you are on it. However, if you have been on it for longer than a few months, go ahead and try stopping it. You won't be able to because Xanax withdrawal creates anxiety and panic attacks. It's one of the most ironic things about this drug is that the drug itself causes anxiety when you don't take it. It took me 4 months to ween myself off the drug and was very difficult. I encourage anybody taking this drug long term to reconsider. It is very addictive after only a few weeks. | If you must take this drug, only take it during extreme panic attacks, no more than once a week. If you are taking it on a regular basis you will get hooked on it. I have spoke to several other people who experienced Benzo Withdrawal like I did. It is not a fun thing. I felt like I was having a heart attack every day not on this drug. Don't let this happen to you. | M | 33 | 1.5 years | 8/8/2009 | 5 | GAD, PTSD, OCD, PCOS Mood swings | A decrease in sex drive above 1.75mgs/day Slight drowsiness at the beginning of therapy No others. This drug saved my life! | This drug has saved mylife. After years of SSRI's Triptans and every other group of drugs that could be thrown at me I found a doctor that stopped trying to give me anti-depressants or Ativan (nasty stuff and useless) and gave me Xanax. I can leave my home, be in crowds, I am pursuing a career in medicine and run my own business. My temper isn't short anymore and when panic attempts to strike I know that within 15 minutes I can handle any situation. It has given me my sense of self and power over my life back. This medication was an answer to my prayers. The rest had just been nightmares. | F | 30 | 2 years | 8/3/2009 | 4 | Panic Attacks | Tiredness, loss of concentration, unmotivated | Xanax helps immediatley at the onset of a panic attack. Calms me down. Unfortunatley I'll be tired and unfocused for the next couple of hours on it. I only take it once or twice a week when needed. | F | 23 | 4 years | 8/2/2009 | 4 | GAD and Nausea induced by anxiety | Just a bit loopy but MUCH calmer and and increase to appetite. | If you are not an addictive personality type take the thoughts of dependency off the table (also invokes anxiety). Been on SSRI (Lexapro) but it does not produce calmness as advertised - so Xanax is my only saving grace. I take.50mg 3x/day. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR OF ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS CONSTANT NAUSEA and is being treated for that with SSRI/Xanax. Kind of feel alone in this therapy plan (go to CBT therapy sessions all the time too). | M | 45 | 5 years | 7/22/2009 | 5 | anxiety & panic attacks | None - I take 0.125mg in the AM, under tounge | I use 3 x 10mg Buspar generic daily for base line control and then start my day out with the 0.125mg Xanax under tounge. This causes quick action and I start my day level instead of "35,000 ft and climbing". Obviously I reduce my chances of building up a tolerance. If I do air travel, etc. then I add what's necessary for unusual anxiety. My thanks to all the contributors to this forum. | M | 73 | 9 months | 7/16/2009 | 5 | Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia | none | wonder pill, I've heard about the withdrawls, but I don't plan on experiencing them anytime soon. Xanax gets rid of panic in about 15 minutes, agoraphobia sometimes need 2 doses of 1mg. 1 before going out, and a 2nd while out shopping, in the car, or wherever your at. Best thing out there for anxiety. I take 2-3 doses of 1mg. | M | 29 | 3 years | 7/6/2009 | 4 | Anxiety, Panic Attacks | muscle twitching, rebound anxiety, feelings of going to pass out | I was on a very low dose for a little over a year. I averaged about .5 mg a day and I have never taken more than .75mg for any major attack. The drug works great when you need it. The problem is long term use. Even though I was on a low dose, I had to wean off this drug for weeks. I am now 3 weeks off of it completely and my body still does not feel right. I am determined to stay off this drug and only use it when I need it. It is a security blanket for me, as I walk around with it in my pocket, just incase I need it. It is great for short term usage or for when you need it, but I would not take this drug long term. | M | 50 | 1 years | 7/1/2009 | 2 | Chronic Anxiety | Depression after 2 weeks of .25 mg spaced throughout the day. Constant desire to sleep. | Definitely does the right thing by preventing a panic attack, but by no means is it a long term solution pill. I only use them in quick, special needs cases. | M | 20 | 1 months | 6/30/2009 | 1 | to calm me during upsetting events | Instead of calming me when I was upset, it made me more upset, even threw me into a fit publicly. | I took only 2 pills, on 2 separate occasions a few days apart. The first time, I was coming home from the hospital after surgery and took the pill in the car on the way home. When I got out of the car I had a sort of weird fit/seizure in the driveway in front of everyone. The second time, I took it to calm myself because I was in a fight with my mom. Instead of calming me, it made me even more upset and I ended up crying all night long. But I haven't seen on this board anyone else with my experience so maybe it's really rare. Maybe I should try it again one day when I'm not upset, just to see if it really was the drug causing these problems. What's for sure is, it didn't calm me, unless I would have been even worse if I hadn't taken it, which is doubtful. | F | 41 | 2 times | 6/26/2009 | 1 | anxiety attacks | after just a few days of .5mg use, I fainted, hit my head during the fall had a concussion and spent a day in the hospital. I have NEVER fainted before. | Be careful | F | 37 | 3 days | 6/26/2009 | 4 | anxiety | extreme tiredness, black outs | It does the job... relaxes me completey... i only take these AS NEEDED because they make me tired and I won't remember doing things...which is super scary. Also can become addictive. | F | 21 | 1 years | 6/19/2009 | 4 | agoraphobia, insomnia | lightheaded, tired, slow | i was originally prescribed xanax 0.25mg for insomnia due to a bipolar manic phase. i had also been given Ativan and Ambien neither of which i liked at all. The xanax didnt really help me fall asleep, so it didnt work for the insomnia. however, i also have social anxiety and agoraphobia which leads to severe panic attacks. i was prescribed Ativan for those, which did all right. I decided to try 0.5mg of Xanax instead of teh Ativan and it works likea charm! no anxiety at all. I still have the same thoughts of panic and anxiety but i do not have the same physical reactions to stress as i did and it is easier for me to go into situations that would normally cause me panic attacks (for example, airports). i am asking my psychiatrist to change me over to Xanax as needed. | F | 31 | 2 months | 6/15/2009 | 2 | anxiety post surgery complications | memory loss, headache, drowsiness, clumsyness/balance issues, dry mouth (especially in morning), loss of apetite. | Hi Everyone... I was on xanas for about 3 - 4 weeks taking approximately 2.0 MG/day for anxiety related to some surgery complications. I have been off Xanas for the last 48 hours or so and am experiencing a lot of odd body issues including headache, dizziness, chills (sporadic), tingling in toes, neck pain (left side, by vein, not muscular), feeling heat-like feelings in my veins, and blurry vision. All of these symptoms are not happening at once but each has been noticible over the last 2 days or so... Anyone else experience these withdrawal-like symptoms after 3-4 weeks of usage? | F | 32 | 3 weeks | 6/10/2009 | 4 | sexual dysfunction/anxiety | made me sleepy, made me much less irritable, helped with anxiety attacks. When took to close together made me sort of manic. Did not increase sex drive, but did help with the stress hindering from being able to have sex | Took as needed, not daily | F | 29 | 2 years | 6/9/2009 | 5 | severe anxiety, panic attacks | headaches, lightheadedness, short-term memory loss (alot), dizziness | well, actually, 4 years ive been taking it off and on, because i was taken off of it back in 2008 because i got caught ODing on xanax and went to the psych ward. now a year later and i talked my shrink into letting me take it again. and now because my anxiety is so very severe, he has me taking 4mg a day PRN. but i really love it whether im addicted to it or not. it calms me down, dangit!!!!!! nuttin like a good tranq i say! despite the side effects, its still worth taking for me because of my serious condition. | F | 23 | 4 years | 6/4/2009 | 5 | panic anxiety ptsd | slight memory loss | Xanax has helped me finally live a more active life. I take it with mirtazapine for my ptsd. I'm not worried about addiction. (.5 X 3 a day) | M | 63 | 2 years | 6/3/2009 | 5 | GAD, Chest Pains | Sleepiness if I take too much. | Wonderful drug. Has helped immensely with stress related anxiety. I went to the ER with chest pains that turned out to be anxiety. I have already been able to stop taking one of my high-blood pressure medications and hope to be off the other one in about a month. I take .25mg before work in the morning and half of that in the early afternoon if it's a bad day. I also take half of .25mg before bed to make sure I sleep through the night. Had taken it about 3 years ago and stopped, but I'm back on it now and won't get off until I am able to quit this job. | F | 49 | 2 months | 5/26/2009 | 1 | Anxiety - Stress | I was on the drug at a low dose of .25 three times a day for 14 months. I then tapered carefully for 9 months and has a horrid withdrawal that lasted 4+ years - and it was not simply the old symptoms returning - I had dozens more I never had. Was forced to stop work for 3 years. I belong to an Internet support group of over 4,000 people harmed by benzos - many permanently | M | 38 | 14 months | 5/23/2009 | 4 | anxiety | TIRED. | This stuff calms me down quite a bit and keeps me from freaking out and being nervous/anxious about everything. I only use it about once a week. Don't abuse it like a moron and you won't become addicted. The only drawback is I can barely stay awake after taking it. | M | 33 | 8 months | 5/22/2009 | 4 | Anxiety,Panic Attacks | Sleepy out of it, some short term memory loss,feeling close to addiction. | TO ANYONE PLANNING ON TAKING XANAX I TRULY ADVISE U NOT TO IT IS VERY ADDICTIVE ALTHOUGH I WAS TAKING A SMALL DOSE A DAY THE FIRST THREE WEEKS I FELT DEPENDENT ON THEM OR ELSE I COULD NOT FALL ASLEEP ITS A PROBLEM OVER A PRBLEM U MIGHT BE FIXING THE ANXIETY BUT WHO OR WHAT WILL FIX YOUR ADDICTION. I SEE SOME PEOPLE WROTE THEY HAVE BEEN ON XANAX FOR 6 OR 8 YEARS OMG I WOULD KILL MYSELF IF I HAD TO TAKE THAT EVERYDAY . I ADVISE YOU TOO UNDERSTAND ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDER BE STRONG AND DEPEND ON YOURSELF TO FIX YOUR ANXIETY I WAS ABLE TO PUT A STOP AFTER A MONTH OF TAKING THEM I JUST DIDNT FEEL LIKE BEING ADDICTED TO ANYTHING SO I STOP TAKING THEM AND I WAS FINE.DOCTORS WILL SAY U NEED THEM LIKE THEY TOLD ME BUT USE THE XANAX AS A BRIDGE TO REALITY AND BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR SELF GOOD LUCK! GOD BLESS | F | 23 | 1 months | 5/19/2009 | 5 | GAD, Panic Disorder | None. | I wish benzos didn't lose efficacy over time. I started out twith 1/16 mg 2x per day. That was 8 years ago. Now, I need .5 mg 2x per day to combat anxiety, and 1 mg to fight a panic attack. Unlike Klonopin, which I had taken for 3 years and "detoxed" terribly when I stopped taking it, it seems that in calm times, I can go with little or no Xanax for days without any side effects. | F | 34 | 8 years | 5/10/2009 | 5 | panic disorder/ anxiety | light drowsiness, sleepy | try to take the smallest doses when possible | M | 29 | 7 years | 5/9/2009 | 5 | 5/6/2009 | 4 | Severe GAD | Occasional drowsiness | Everyone complains about the addictive nature of this drug. Who cares? It's the only one that has worked for me. Tried most SSRIs and SSNRI's to no avail. After a nervous breakdown, a house fire, the unexpected death of my wife in a auto accident, the loss of a two year old foster daughter whom we were to adopt (she had to be moved after wife's death), then my very best friend died from cancer - all within a year and a half. The last thing I care about is being dependent on a prescription drug. I am more worried about a "self-medicator" driving around drunk and killing my kids and myself than Xanax dependence. Puts things in perspective a little doesn't it? I take 3 mg a day now - so what if I have to go up! | M | 44 | 3 years | 5/6/2009 | 4 | Help Sleep relieve stress | Feeling of drowsiness at early stages then it became useful for when you have those bad bays and need to take the edge off, generally calms you down and makes you feel good occasionally loopy. | Apparently this is a sleeper drug thats very addictive and dangerous and can lead to seizures if you stop taking it. Any drug that rewires the way your brain works seems bad for recreational use... be careful- knowledge is power | M | 24 | 75 days | 5/5/2009 | 4 | "Excessive Worrying" | Xanax is a side effect in itself!!! The more you take the more you'll NEED to take! It's a creeping vicious cycle! The withdraw is hell! Save yourself the agony, and don't start taking them in the first place! | Although I'm on the lowest dose 0.5, my body adapted to it very quickly. It's highly addictive! I am weaning myself off! I've decided it's worse to become a slave to xanax than it is to worry to much. I've cut my dosing down to 1/2 pill at dinner time, then the other 1/2 before bedtime. I thought weaning from 150mg Effexor to 37.5mg was going to be tough. My humble advise - don't take this medication unless you truly NEED too. The MORE you take the xanax the MORE you'll need to take it! I'm sitting here typing this and feel the withdraw symptoms rearing their ugly head. I refuse to take it! If I give in I'll only feel better for a short time. It will just make it harder the next time. I'll have to sit here and ride through the chills, sweats, and desire to take another dose. The withdraws will settle down eventually. They come in waves. Their like a roller coaster! You feel them coming, you close your eyes and go with them, then they pass. I don't know how long this coaster will go up and down, but I refuse to let this beat me. I'll tell you one thing, I'll NEVER take these again. It's unbelievable how quickly my body got adjusted to them. I can feel my body craving them. Addiction? I would have never believed it possible on such a small milligram, and for such a short time. Never again will I take anything remotely similar to this class of medications!!! ~Bright Blessings to all~ | F | 58 | 6 months | 4/16/2009 | 5 | GAD | Very sleepy, sometimes I feel "out of it", and I definitely had some short term memory loss. | This medication saved me from my anxiety. I have anxiety on a daily basis without cause, really. i feel "normal" now besides the every now and then loopy feeling. Much better than wanting to run home from wherever I am and hide. I have noticed that I do have withdrawl symptoms when I have surpassed the time I should take it next which worries me. But it helps. (I take 1mg 1x daily). | F | 26 | 4/13/2009 | 5 | Lupus | Weight gain, short-term memory loss, decreased sexual drive, slurred speach, and loss of thought. | I started taking this two years ago for Lupus. My Lupus is brought on by stress, and the Xanax prevents me from being stressed. It's an alternative to taking plaqunil and steroids that most Lupus patients use. It is aggravating when you're trying to do something and can't remember what it was you were doing... People look at you like you're nuts. It is very addicting, but not the same way crack is (or I hear). Do not drink while you're on this medication, it really does intensify the effects. It can also take away headaches! I usually take 1/2 mg /day, sometimes I don't take it at all... Just depends on how I am feeling when I wake up. | F | 24 | 2 years | 4/8/2009 | 4 | Anxiety | Nothing bad. Can make me sleepy. | Most of the time it does a good job in calming me down during periods of high anxiety or panic. I don't take it unless I really need to because of the risk of dependency. | M | 29 | 1 years | 4/7/2009 | 1 | anxiety attacks/GAD | tolerance,increased anxiety over time,increased insomnia over time,weakness,depression,short term memory loss, | Great for short term anxiety. Do not take more than two weeks. You will get addicted if you do. Horrible drug if taken long term. Dont do it. Its hell coming off these drugs and its my own fault. | M | 38 | 2 years | 4/7/2009 | 5 | Severe Anxiety | Slight drowsiness and mild short-term memory loss | Best thing that ever happened to me! I developed anxiety at 13 years old. Started out of the blue with NO external trigger(s). In time I learned to sort of talk myself down but the older I became the more anxiety I had. I went into "talk" therapy for several years with NO decrease in anxiety despite all the coping mechanisms I was taught. I researched anxiety in college and found that some people have a brain chemical disorder for which "talk" therapy is useless. I still didn't want to take any drugs but I finally did when I was about 35. My Doctor first tried anti-depressants but they didn't work & had numerous side effects. Buspar gave me anxiety attacks. Finally, my doctor prescribed Xanax. When the first dose kicked in I knew this was the answer to my nightmare of a life! NO more anxiety attacks, feelings of unreality, NO more "on edge ready to run & hide" feelings. I have seen my current Dr (a psychiatrist) for about 10 years. A few years ago he talked me into taking Lexapro so I could decrease my dependence on Xanax (.75mg three times a day) and also help with some mild depression. The Lexapro worked and I reduced the Xanax to .25mg three time a day. However, in the last year or so, I noticed I had become rather emotionless. I am now off Lexapro (HORRIBLE withdrawals!!) but my anxiety level has increased. I suppose I am technically addicted to Xanax but since this is the only therapy that works I will continue using it EVEN if I hav | M | 50 | 16 years | 4/2/2009 | 2 | anxiety, depression | a little drowsy | didn't do a thing for me I would take 1.5 mg at a time like a placebo | M | 22 | 10 days | 4/2/2009 | 4 | 8 months | sleepiness for about 15 min's after taking; slight brain fogginess when doses wear off | On .5mg per day and has been a lifesaver to be honest; have tried numerous ADs and xanax makes me feel much more normal without all the wierd side effects. At daily low doses, I do believe xanax can be effective and safe for GAD without becoming addictive or harmful. | M | 26 | 8 months | 3/25/2009 | 5 | anxiety | sleepiness | As someone who has was once almost housebound with panic attacks twenty years ago, this drug has been wonderful. I only take it when I start getting speedy and my thoughts are racing. It helps be get back to neutral and I haven't had a panic attack in 20 years. I only use this drug as needed - less than 30 pills/yearly. | F | 59 | 3/23/2009 | 4 | Insomnia and anxiety | none | taken at very low doses it works quite well | F | 83 | 25 years | 3/20/2009 | 5 | Anxiety-induced insomnia | NONE!!!! | This drug saved my life. I was on a six day insomnia binge and I was about TO LOSE IT. My heart was racing and my BP was 157/120. I tried Zoloft for two days and it made my insomnia worse! Ugh! If you have severe anxiety and occasional or regular insomnia- I DO NOT RECOMMEND ZOLOFT. Zoloft works well for depression and people whose anxiety does not interfere with their sleep. Anyway, back to this past weeek, I was in hell and drove myself to the ER and pleaded with them to give me something to help me sleep. The ER doctor prescribed Xanax and I slept for the first time in 6 days the first night I took it. People don't understand what it's like to be deprived of sleep for so long. I have a good life, great parents and family, a wonderful, amazing boyfriend and super supportive friends. But all of that means nothing if you are suffering from underlying anxiety and insomnia because you cannot contribute to those relationships. Also, I will say this: there is no substitute for diet and exe | F | 32 | 2 days | 3/14/2009 | 1 | anxiety | addiction, depression, memory loss, brain damage and job loss | Xanax is a very addictive drug, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. To all those taking it long term you are going to be very sorry someday. The key researcher for Xanax and Halcion, Dr. Louis Faber, has been accused of fraud and negligence in his clinical trials and was recently suspended by the FDA. This drug is illegally on the market because of fraudulent clinical trials. | M | 45 | 6 years | 3/14/2009 | 5 | Panic and Anxiety | Slight drowsiness | XANAX REALLY HELPS my Panic and Anxiety. I have been on it for 7 years and have NEVER taken more than .75 mg per day in that entire 7 years. My doctor says that I wont be addicted if I stay below 4mgs per day. Yes, I do HAVE to know that I have it or I kinda freak a little bit - but besides that - I am not afraid of taking it. I tried BIO feedback and Relaxation therapy which were both kind of a joke (and expensive) and do almost nothing when you have a real anxiety disorder. I wonder about long term effects but I have to be on something or I can't work. It seems from what others have written that it has FAR LESS side effects than an anti-depressent. Until they find a cure for anxiety and panic - I am staying on XANAX - GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU and thanks for sharing!! | F | 48 | 7 years | 3/7/2009 | 1 | relaxant before laser eye surgery | could not stop crying for about 5 hours | F | 32 | 1 days | 3/6/2009 | 5 | anxiety and panic | I became a bit agoraphobic but it wore off | A god send of medication.....be careful u dont get depressed | M | 37 | 3 years | 3/4/2009 | 5 | Panic disorder, anxiety | some drowsiness at first,soon went away | This med should not be used long term I found out the hard way. at first it was great pop a few MG's I could do anything i was usually afraid to do, now after 8 years I am still on it and all the DR's can do is increase my dose so I dont have withdrawls from it. I really wish i listened to people that told me if i feel like it is a crutch than to try to slow down on it,but i didnt and now take 18 mg's daily.4mg a.m. 4mg H.S. 2mg Q2-4hours PRN | M | 8 years | 3/3/2009 | 4 | anxiety/panic attacks | groggy, relaxed, hard time concentrating | A few years ago I had difficulty with panicing when getting on airplanes. I take .5mg about 30 minutes before flights and it helps. My physician said this drug works for everyone - it's just a matter of getting the dosage correct. He also said it's addictive, which for me it just makes me drowsy and a little loopy, more relaxed. I will never get addicted to this drug I can tell you that, and am glad to have it available for when I fly. The first time I took it it did nothing, I had to take two pills for it to work. | M | 42 | 2 years | 2/28/2009 | 4 | Sleep / Insomnia | Hard to shake the groginess in the morning. Possibly memory loss or hard to remember words in a conversation | I was prescribed this for anxiety when my teenage daughter was driving my wife and I into the nuthouse. I have never been a good sleeper and discovered .5 pill would literally put me to sleep. I suffer from terrible insomnia, I have tried and tried to sleep without this drug as I really would rather not take it. One .5 milligram pill knocks me out within 15 minutes. Without this drug I simply would be a zombie. With it however I am wondering if I am a zombie as well. It just seems to hang with me in the morning for a couple of hours. | M | 46 | 6 years | 2/19/2009 | 5 | anxiety | none | M | 58 | 3 months | 2/17/2009 | 5 | severe, chronic insomnia | Aside from a decreased sex drive, I've had no other side effects, except a good night's sleep. Dose is 1 mg. at bed time. | This drug saved my life. I had severe, chronic insomnia along with some anxiety, for several years. I tried every herbal remedy there is, as I believe natural is best, but absolutely nothing worked. Also was prescribed several prescription drugs before xanax, but none of those worked either. | F | 50 | 12 years | 2/10/2009 | 5 | GAD, Panic, Agoraphobia | None | This is the only medication that works for me. I have been put on just about every antidepressant out there and NONE have worked. They all have terrible side effects. I also tried Buspar and I couldn't take more than 2 doses without vomiting. I just couldn't keep it down. It was so hard to get Xanax because doctors are reluctant to give it out. I hear so much about addiction but when this is the only thing that helps you, you take as little as possible and only on an as needed basis. I don't want to be on ANY drug longterm. I prefer the natural route, but when I have panic or Insomnia Xanax is necessary. I am disgusted by the people that use this recreationally, because it makes it so the people who really need it have a horrible time getting it. I have never used Xanax to get high and I don't have an addictive personality. I don't drink when I take it. I am so sick of people making me feel bad for taking this. Nothing else helps my panic or agoraphobia. I have taken on | F | 28 | 5 years | 2/10/2009 | 5 | anxiety | perhaps drowsiness - will not take if driving madhouse Seattle traffic | Doc warned me Xanax cd become habit forming - I started with half mg tabs several times a day. Habit? Not so - am now down to only quarter mg. tabs for help sleeping , none during day any more. I take no other drugs. I find other ways to avoid anxiety during daytime - long walks, TV blabbermouths, good book, longish naps, bothering friends on phone... I feel for users who seem to have the bizarre side effects and wonder if they are taking wrong med, too much, or have more complex probs. | M | 72 | 21 years | 2/6/2009 | 2 | anxiety | very sleepy especially next day and irritability | not very effective for me | F | 38 | 15 times | 2/6/2009 | 1 | I minor anxiety problem | I was ok while I was on the drug for the first few months then tolerance set in. My dose became increased & increased & then I started having withdrawal while still taking the drug(in between doses)! The dr. then basically cold turkeyed me off. I have not been the same since. | NEVER take this drug more than 2-4 weeks! This and ALL benzos cause withdrawal and may cause a withdrawal syndrome. I have been in withdrawal for over a year now with no healing in site. Take it from me, these drugs are NOT worth it to lose your life over. | F | 28 | 2 years | 2/4/2009 | 2 | gad, ocd | a little drowsy | didn't do anything for me except make me a little drowsy | M | 22 | 10 days | 2/2/2009 | 5 | anxiety (SAD & GAD) | drowsiness, slight headache when they wear off | i've read some horrible stories about benzo addiction and withdrawal so i've been very careful with the dose/frequency. i only take .5mg once or twice a week depending on the circumstances, and use lexepro (ssri) and propranolol (beta-blocker) on a daily basis. this combo has worked wonders for me- especially when all 3 are used i have zero anxiety. TBH i dont think any amount of meds can cure anxiety, you have to mentally conquer your fears.. but we all need a break- which xanax can provide | M | 23 | 1 years | 1/25/2009 | 5 | Chest Pounding | I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin and my chest would pound. Felt like I was going to have a heart attack. | I have been taking Xanax for 8+ years, it is addicting and you will increase you dosage after time. I have a one MG bar that I chip away at as needed. I usually use that 1MG bar by the end of the day. Be careful I feel addicted to it and am starting myself to wean myself off of it. DECIDED TO JUST USE IT AS A RECREATIONAL DRUG NOW WHEN I GET OFF IT. | M | 45 | 8 years | 1/23/2009 | 5 | anxiety panic attacks | very slight drowsiness | Wonderdrug! If you're experiencing severe anxiety or a panic attack this will make you feel normal in about 30 minutes. It has been a life saver for me! I only take .25mg as needed and it seems to be enough to stop the anxiety without making me feel messed up. | M | 26 | 2 years | 1/22/2009 | 4 | Tinnitus, anxiety | Had mild drowsiness | I took 1.5mg/day and found I didn't react negatively to my tinnitus. Felt very relaxed. Had withdrawal symptoms for about a week after I stopped taking it - this I expected. Would not hesitate to take it again. I am a firm believer Xanax on low dose does not cause addiction in most people. | M | 40 | 8 months | 1/22/2009 | 1 | anxiety | SEVERE MEMORY LOSS, freakishly abnormal behavior (like compulsion to steal), anger and depression coming off a dose. | This med should be taken OFF our pharmacy shelves and out of circulation. It is BAD NEWS. | F | 36 | 14 days | 1/22/2009 | 4 | Anxiety | Sleepy | I have been on .5 mg for 9 years I would take when needed. I was on Paxil for 2 1/2 years, gained 50 lbs, worked out 5x a week , never loosing any weight. Tried lexapro for a year, I was still fat.. took wellbutrin for 6 months,made me have worse panic attacks. I need something stronger, I feel crazy , cant relax or go out to dinner, worried about everything, what could happen etc.. But that said.. I have lost 25 lbs.. | F | 38 | 9 years | 1/19/2009 | 5 | anxiety | Make's me feel sleepy sometimes. | I take lowest dose of Xanax .25mg as needed. I'm on the lowest dose because it has the tendancy to put me to sleep. Helps with anxiety a lot! Doesn't take too long to kick in compared to other anxiety drugs, i.e. Klonopin. I always take 2 at night to help me sleep. I've also been on Ativan and Klonopin in the past but find that I like Xanax the best. I'm on Cymbalta 90mg, too. | F | 31 | 2 years | 1/15/2009 | 5 | anxiety | if taken at night time, i sleep in late and have a very hard time getting up. | Have taken .5 mg for a year. 90 pills a month. I only take as needed, maybe once a day. I have not had the feeling of being addicted to it, but like I said, I don't take it all day long either. | F | 26 | 1 years | 1/15/2009 | 5 | anxiety attacks | none | I started taking .25 milagrams and realized i had to take .5 imediately. which is still a low dose. I have been on this dose of .5 for three years. i have to take claitan D 12 hr 2 times a day for bad allergies and that increases my anxiety. the xanax i was prescibed 3 times a day. i still now and always did only take it twice a day. Both times with my claritan d to eeze the hyperness from the decongestant. I have on rare occasions taken half of one if i cant sleep. i dont feel anymore addicted to this then if i dont take my allergy medicine. i never had to up my dose and sometimes, and just recently ,i take 1.5 pills a day instead. all i know is it helped me with panic attacks and calm my anxiety when i went places with alot of ppl. If i have to take it forever i will just so i dont have those attacks ever again. I think ALOT OF PPL THAT POST THINGS LIKE THEY WERE SUICDAL ECT... THEY HAVE WAY BIGGER PROBLEMS THEN ANXIETY. THEY PROBABLY SHOULD BE ON SOMETHING ELSE. NEVER HAVE I FELT | F | 40 | 3.5 days | 1/7/2009 | 5 | Extreme anxiety & depression | Sleepy, dry mouth | In 2000, My mother died and my brother was charged with assisted suicide. Nine months later he took his own life. These last two years have been a living Hell and if I did not have Xanax (.50), my mind would have shattered. | F | 59 | 2 years | 12/20/2008 | 5 | anxiety | feeling disconnected and sleepy | Xanax definately helped my anxiety short term. It is hard to use it long term as it takes more and more to get the effect. My doctor did not really want me to take anymore. I have stopped taking this and have started on Buspar as per my doc. | F | 38 | 4 years | 12/16/2008 | 5 | Overactive Gag Reflex | No bad side effects other than it tires you out quickly depending on dosage. It most definitely calms you down. | I take it for an overactive gag reflex that in-turn causes anxiety and panic attacks usually leading to vomiting. The Xanax slows/stops my gag reflex from becoming active since it being a type of muscle relaxant. The feeling is very calming. I have also taken it twice for possible flying anxiety. I took two 1mg tablets with half of one of the tablets I let dissolve under my tongue to kick in faster. It made me so calm that if the plane were going down to crash, I would probably put my hands up like I'm on a roller coaster. Those with horrible anxiety, I would definitely suggest chewing the tablet or letting it dissolve under your tongue for faster delivery! | M | 26 | 3 years | 12/15/2008 | 4 | very bad anxiety | no side affects that were bad, when I would get a panic attack i would take one and then I would instanitly feel better and much calmier. i would reccomend this to anyone but only in the cause of very bad anxiety or panic attacks. | Not alot of doctors like to prescribe this because it can become addictive but it really does help. pretty much has helped me the most, i have taken all the doses on Lexapro, Trazadone, prozaic and now cymbalta. | F | 23 | 1 years | 12/10/2008 | 1 | for panic attacks | either euphoria or numbness of emotions. Became addicted.. | Ended up in jail!!!!!!!!!!!!!! would not recommend it = it is too powerful! | F | 26 | 2 months | 12/10/2008 | 3 | GAD/Panic Attacks | Queasiness (but not nausea), easy irritability, drowsiness and can easily sleep 12+ hours unless I set the alarm clock. | It has stopped my panic attacks more quickly than other benzo's I've tried (Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium). It works relatively quickly, but its easy to become physically addicted to it. I take .5mg, 2 to 4 times a day and haven't had a serious panic attack in quite some time. As soon as I feel a panic attack coming on, I take it. I did however, (not anticipating that I would run out) have a seizure when I ran out during the holidays and couldn't get another script for it right away. | M | 31 | 1 years | 12/7/2008 | 5 | Anxiety | None | I worry about the addictive properties of Xanax - Sometime I don't take it when I probably should. I now take 0.125mg 2 hrs before bedtime. If I have a really bad night, I'll take another 0.125mg in the AM. It's great to read about other users on this website - it's encouraging to see that other people have used it for years. It's a great drug! I just don't want to buildup a tolerance to it. | M | 72 | 1 years | 12/5/2008 | 1 | stress | euphoria and loss of fear. upon attempting to stop, emotional trauma. | This drug has it's purpose, but one must be careful about the dosage they take. I started right away with 2mg doses, and was fine. At first I got that "drunk" feeling, but that soon went away. At the peak of me taking it, I was taking 2mg 3 times a day. When I finally realized I had developed an addiction and tried to down dose to 1.5mg, it has caused my emotions to go severely haywire. First I had the signature headaches and tingly feeling, now I have the emotional inclinations of a menopausal woman. I realize I never truly NEEDED this drug. What I needed was to excessive, or do yoga, or something else natural and constructive. I didn't know what stress REALLY was until I tried to stop taking this stuff. The withdrawal from this, that's REAL stress. | M | 26 | 3 months | 12/5/2008 | 4 | GAD, insomnia | Worst side effect is making sure you have your stash. Forget Sleeping without it. Vacation? Good Luck @ Customs. You can't just go to a hotel and fall asleep like a child. | I envy those who just fall asleep and don't have to take pills first. Makes me feel like a mental patient. It is Salvation for daytime anxiety caused by a divorce. Or from personal problems? I am a slave to it and I hate this. Take .75mg at bedtime. | F | 64 | 20 years | 12/1/2008 | 5 | panic attacks | can put me to sleep at times | i prefer to take xanax the 2-3 times per week i need it, over taking an anti-depressant every day. anti-depressants all have HORRIBLE side effects. xanax calms the mind, and sometimes puts you to sleep. there are really no side effects. the only problem is doctors HATE prescribing it, and make you feel like a criminal when they write it. i really dont see a downside to being "addicted" to it. if i didnt have xanax, i would surely turn to a bottle of alcohol, which makes you gain weight and hurts the liver. xanax has helped me so much. | F | 28 | 4 years | 11/29/2008 | 3 | anxiety and panic attacks | relaxed, tired, worked great on my anxiety | This med should only be used for short periods, doctors nowadays hand this med out like candy for long period of times. It is very addicting and can build up tolerance really fast. Also when discontinuing it take your time, very long time. Do not cold turkey. I went thru months of severe withdrawal symptoms while trying to get off. It effected every part of my body and mind. Still feel effects to this day being 7 months off. Please research and use with precaution. | M | 24 | 1 years | 11/29/2008 | 5 | insomnia | hangover | It works when nothing else had. | M | 57 | 2 years | 11/21/2008 | 4 | Panic Disorder | No negative side effects WHILE TAKEN. | A MIRACLE WORKER to keep in my purse but extremely addictive and hard to stop taking. I eventually built up a tolerance and had to increase my dosage. Withdrawal symptoms after running out included: Insomnia, Panic, Depersonalization, Floaty and "Unreal" feelings, Auditory Hallucinations, Shakiness, Muscle Twitches. | F | 20 | 9 years | 11/16/2008 | 4 | Anxiety | heartburn and excess acid in stomach. | M | 64 | 3 years | 11/14/2008 | 5 | anxiety, rised blood pressure | Short term memory loss | This is the only drug that does not cause any side efefcts except for short term memory loss. I have been taking it for about 10 years in small doses (0.5mg- 0.75mg) in the evenings, initially 2-3 times a week, now every evening. I sleep well and fell refreshed in the morning. | M | 52 | 10 years | 11/11/2008 | 5 | Menopausal Anxiety Disorder | None. | I felt compelled to write many of these postings are from people who either abused the drug, or should never have been on it. I went to ER with what I thought was nervous breakdown at 46 years old. I had always been somewhat 'hyper', but never had GAD. The hospital explained this was very common to "come out" during perimenopause and I was having a severe anxiety attack due to fluctuating hormones. I told myself I don't want to take pills. So I disregarded their advice to find a doctor and get a long term prescription, and within 30 days, had another attack. PLEASE UNDERSTAND - there is a big difference between panic attacks that are caused by psychological reasons (fear or specific places, activities or things) and and a physiological problem that isn't "in your head". Many of these posting suggest (correctly) that if your anxiety is CAUSED by something, you shouldn't be on xanax, you should find a good therapist or work on relaxation techniques. However, in my cas | F | 48 | 1 years | 11/7/2008 | 1 | Anxiety | Rebound anxiety, depression, insomnia, pacing, racing thoughts, wired feeling. Then later, heavy depression, hopelessness, delusional, suicidal thoughts. | Was taken for six weeks, everyday at the lowest dosage, .25 or less just once per day. Was not told that it should only be taken everyday for two weeks at the most. Unbeknownest to me, I started experiencing withdrawals from this after about two weeks, and I just thought the drug was not working anymore, so started taking less towards the last of the six weeks, and that's when the withdrawals really kicked in. It's been over two months since I "withdrew" from this drug and I still have some side effects from it, I just do not feel right. This is a very dangerous drug, there should be major warnings given by the doctors that prescribe this because tolerance is reached very quickly and it stops working unless you increase the dosage. I learned all of this way after I got off Xanax, unfortunately. I never would have taken it had I known these things first. | F | 43 | 6 weeks | 11/2/2008 | 5 | anxiety, panic attacks | None now. When taken at night I at first woke with dry mouth but no more. | I love it, take it as needed. It can take me from unglued to relatively calm and normal within 15-20 minutes. I'm very sensitive to psych meds so .25 or max of .5 mgs will do it for me. I am not worried about addiction because I don't take regularly. | F | 49 | 9 months | 10/25/2008 | 5 | GAD anxiety & chronic insomnia | Desired effects within 20 minutes of dosing (0.50 mg for anxiety); drowsiness if taking higher dose than needed for anxiety (1.0mg for insomnia). Tolerance is only draw back; dose will need to be increased eventually if you take it daily. | Started taking after death of spouse; response to his death was like PTSD. Decrease in anxiety attack within 20 min of dose; decreased agitation. It helps me think BEFORE I say something I regret, so I take it if I anticipate a stressful sutuation/confrontation (and avoid the situation for 15-20min until it takes effect). I also take Effexor XR 225mg a day, and am thankful I do not have addictive tendencies. I can stop it anytime without problems(and have run out before); except no treatment for my insomnia. Recently I have decided to switch to Ambien at night instead of Xanax to minimize the acceleration of tolerance. I've taken this for 10 years. Started on 0.25mg, which used to knock me out. Now I take 50mg without any drowsiness and need 1.0 mg to go to sleep. | F | 33 | 10 years | 10/24/2008 | 4 | GAD, SOCIAL ANXIETIES | Heartburn. | Works very well for intermittent control of anxiety. I am told that 1: tolerance can build rapidly. 2: dependance, physical and/or psychological, can occur rapidly depending upon the individual. Similar to a previous poster, I too get heartburn from the medication. I was advised that certain anti-heartburn meds such as Zantac and Pepsid can interfere with Xanax. I drink alot of water when I take a dose and this does seem to lessen the the degree of gastric upset. | M | 49 | 3 years | 10/24/2008 | 1 | stress induced insomnia | Temporary relief of insomnia only to grow into worse insomnia, anxiety, depression, TMJ, intrusive obsessive thoughts. | Do not take this drug or any benzodiazepines. They are extremely dangerous. It took me many years to withdraw and left my body and mind in a state of carnage. Educate yourselves. www.benzo.org.uk | F | 39 | 5.5 years | 10/24/2008 | 4 | Tolerance build very fast. Use it as prescribed. Using it everyday quiting is hard (but possible) | It does what is supposed to. Good for an escape of Panic Attack, just that. I don't recommend use it as a daily medication. | M | 30 | 1 years | 10/20/2008 | 4 | Anxiety | ACID REFLUX. HEARTBURN. | Works well for controlling the anxiety - problem is my anxiety is always worst at night but I cannot take the Xanax within several hours of going to bed because it causes reflux. If I take the Xanax at night - I get reflux - if I don't take it at night - I don't get reflux. | F | 44 | 7 months | 10/18/2008 | 4 | anxiety, depression | Loss of effectiveness over time. Horrific suicidal thoughts after stopping. | I don't remember why I stopped taking it, but I think it was because I'd become more depressed than anxious and had a goal of eventually being meds-free. I'm supposedly bipolar now and am not liking the prospects (side effects) of any of the bipolar drugs and am considering Xanax again. | F | 52 | 3 years | 10/18/2008 | 1 | SAD, GAD | this drug will just mask your problems, there are other ways to deal with SAD, GAD and panic attacks. It should only be used in the most severe cases; even then i would be reluctant to recommend a benzo. go to benzo.org and read the stories of benzo withdrawal. | IT MAY TAKE AWAY YOUR ANXIETY, BUT IT WILL ALSO TAKE AWAY YOUR PERSONALITY, YOUR EMOTIONS, YOUR SOUL. YOU WILL BE AN EMPTY SHELL WALKING AROUND IN A DREAM. | M | 24 | 2 years | 10/17/2008 | 3 | anxiety | Very hyper, shopped and spent lots of money and could not remember. Horrible withdrawals. | Very addictive. In fact, I became so addicted that I started driving to Mexico and bringing xanax back. I took it so much and I think I lost 6 months of my life. I had a very bad seizure when I came off of it and almost bit my tongue off. | M | 32 | 2 years | 10/6/2008 | 5 | GAD, Agoraphobia | None to speak of. | I take .5mg twice a day and find that it really relaxes me. Especialy while in stores and new places I have never been to before. This drug is very easy to take and works for me with in 15 - 20 minutes. I'd recomend you talk with your doctor to see if this medicine is right for you. It's given me back the life I once knew months ago. | M | 30 | 4 months | 9/29/2008 | 5 | GAD | little to no side effects. Can make you tired, but takes away all anxiety. Alot of doctors dont like to prescribe it b/c it is a Benzo, but i think it is a whole lot better than a antidepressant that makes you gain weight, lose sexual desire,etc. I really love xanax | F | 32 | 10 months | 9/27/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
