Drug Ratings for XANAXAverage Rating: 3.9 (900 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
Charts & graphs: Reviews Summary for XANAX | Top 10 Adverse Effects (reported to FDA)
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR XANAX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 4 | Panic attacks | A bit drowsy, getting some chills, but overall getting a grip on reality | I don't need pills to run my life. However, when members of my family start dying and things are out of my control, panic starts to run my life. I was on xanax three years ago in college to help me cope with outside problems as well as the anxiety every student gets. As long as you're responsible, take the dosage your body NEEDS and when it needs it, and pay attention to the NO ALCOHOL warning on the label (it's there for a reason, idiots) this drug can help you through either temporary or permanent ordeals. Addiction is only an option and it's your responsibility to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that this doesn't happen. And everyone can be weaned when you feel it's no longer needed to live your everyday life. I was. | F | 25 | 2 days | 1/30/2007 | 4 | anxiety and ocd | none when i was taking xanex but i am currently in a withdrawel process that is really strange. I was on a small dose 15 mg per day so you would think the side effects of withdrawel would be small. NOT... everything was fine until the first day i could feel tingling sensations then bloated stomach, twitching muscles everywhere but then it really started. I started feeling like i was in a daze unable to land my feet exactly where i wanted them to go. Layering of thoughts going very fast. Then it gets better.. the thoughts beging to slow down but you feel even more in the fog... like your thoughts are whirling slowly around you. I started noticing almost grandiose thinking but really it was very deep thoughts and in the midst of this i am touching my other hand to make sure i was there. Very sensitive to everything. Sound, light, movement. Wow I hope this gets better it is driving me CRAZY. This is true for me but i really hope no one else has this kind of experience. I am still in the m | STAY AWAY FROM XANEX IF POSSIBLE | M | 47 | 2 years | 1/26/2007 | 4 | anxiety and ocd | none when i was taking xanex but i am currently in a withdrawel process that is really strange. on a small dose .15 mg per day so you would think the side effects of withdrawel would be small. NOT... everything was fine until the first day i could feel tingling sensations then bloated stomach, twitching muscles Then I started feeling like i was in a daze unable to land my feet Layering of thoughts going very fast. The thoughts beging to slow down but you feel even more in the fog... l thoughts are whirling around you. I started noticing almost grandiose thinking but really it was very deep thoughts Very sensitive to everything. Sound, light, movement. Wow I hope this gets better it is driving me CRAZY. This is true for me but i really hope no one else has this kind of experience. I am still in the middle of it okay i THOUGHT about it some more. It is just like when you got drunk and you are thinking okay i'm drunk but i can drive and then you get pulled over because you are driving | STAY AWAY FROM XANEX IF POSSIBLE | M | 47 | 2 years | 1/26/2007 | 4 | anxiety and ocd | none when i was taking xanex but i am currently in a withdrawel process that is really strange. I was on a small dose 15 mg per day so you would think the side effects of withdrawel would be small. NOT... everything was fine until the first day i could feel tingling sensations then bloated stomach, twitching muscles everywhere but then it really started. I started feeling like i was in a daze unable to land my feet exactly where i wanted them to go. Layering of thoughts going very fast. Then it gets better.. the thoughts beging to slow down but you feel even more in the fog... like your thoughts are whirling slowly around you. I started noticing almost grandiose thinking but really it was very deep thoughts and in the midst of this i am touching my other hand to make sure i was there. Very sensitive to everything. Sound, light, movement. Wow I hope this gets better it is driving me CRAZY. This is true for me but i really hope no one else has this kind of experience. I am still in the m | STAY AWAY FROM XANEX IF POSSIBLE | M | 47 | 2 years | 1/26/2007 | 4 | anxiety and ocd | none when i was taking xanex but i am currently in a withdrawel process that is really strange. on a small dose .15 mg per day so you would think the side effects of withdrawel would be small. NOT... everything was fine until the first day i could feel tingling sensations then bloated stomach, twitching muscles Then I started feeling like i was in a daze unable to land my feet Layering of thoughts going very fast. The thoughts beging to slow down but you feel even more in the fog... l thoughts are whirling around you. I started noticing almost grandiose thinking but really it was very deep thoughts Very sensitive to everything. Sound, light, movement. Wow I hope this gets better it is driving me CRAZY. This is true for me but i really hope no one else has this kind of experience. I am still in the middle of it okay i THOUGHT about it some more. It is just like when you got drunk and you are thinking okay i'm drunk but i can drive and then you get pulled over because you are driving | STAY AWAY FROM XANEX IF POSSIBLE | M | 47 | 2 years | 1/26/2007 | 5 | recreation | tiredness, confusion, euphoria, relaxation, memory problems, disorientation, decreased sex drive, and generally not giving a damn about anything. So DO NOT drive or perform any skills that require attention until the drug effects are realized. | took xanax recreationally(2 mg), but i do actually have problems with anxiety/panic and it worked very well for that. I was also experiencing withdrawal from paxil (an ssri)and it really helped with thatas well. However, it didn't last very long(2-4 hrs). So I can see how it can become very addictive easily and in a short period of time. It is the most potent of the benzodiazepines and also the most addictive, so be careful with it and know what you're doing if taking it. DO NOT combine with moderate/high doses of alcohol. Bad things can happen. I am not a medical expert and do not have medical training. This information is compiled simply from personal experience It does not replace that of a doctor's. Everyone will have a slightly/significantly different reaction to the drug compared to what I described. | M | 20 | 2 times | 1/24/2007 | 1 | anxiety | my wife was prescribed xanax, cymbalta, lunesta simultaeoulsy which resulted in her suicide of dec. 12 '06. i understand now the brain zaps which others have mentioned since that was what i observed but did not realize what was occuring and she could not explain it. after taking the prescribed xanax, cymbalta - her disposition on dec.11 was one of docile as in lightly sedated, her last comment was that she was going to take lunesta as prescribed for sleep. i know for certain that approx. 9 or 10 pm she took the prescribed lunesta and suffered a reaction so severe that she shot herself 3 times in the heart area. these drugs taken in combination by doctors who indiscrimately prescribe them is criminal and the drug companies who promote these dangerous drugs with cartoon butterflies and the like are equally culpable. who ever takes these medication must be acutely aware they have the power to destroy you. the depression became more acute with brain zaps - she would hold her head and say | my wife was prescribed xanax, cymbalta, lunesta simultaeoulsy which resulted in her suicide of dec. 12 '06. i understand now the brain zaps which others have mentioned since that was what i observed but did not realize what was occuring and she could not explain it. after taking the prescribed xanax, cymbalta - her disposition on dec.11 was one of docile as in lightly sedated, her last comment was that she was going to take lunesta as prescribed for sleep. i know for certain that approx. 9 or 10 pm she took the prescribed lunesta and suffered a reaction so severe that she shot herself 3 times in the heart area. these drugs taken in combination by doctors who indiscrimately prescribe them is criminal and the drug companies who promote these dangerous drugs with cartoon butterflies and the like are equally culpable. who ever takes these medication must be acutely aware they have the power to destroy you. the depression became more acute with brain zaps - she would hold her head and say | F | 61 | 8 months | 1/23/2007 | 5 | Panic-Anxiety | M | 20 | 2 weeks | 1/14/2007 | 5 | | 1/9/2007 | 4 | panick disorder | i have not had any side effects that im aware of | F | 41 | 6 years | 1/4/2007 | 5 | insomnia | sleepiness--the intended outcome | I'm afraid of becoming physically addicted. I have been addicted to klonopin and the withdrawal was sheer hell. I am supposed to take the Xanax "as needed" but my insomnia tends to be chronic. I'll just have to see... | F | 46 | 4 weeks | 12/26/2006 | 5 | Generalized Anx Disorder/Panic Att. | None. | I take 1/2 a .25mg tablet 1 or twice as day as needed. Sometimes 3-4 days go by without needing it. If anxiety /stress kicks in or palpitations-in 30 minutes it goes away. My Doctor said is only addictive in larger doses after 3 or months from use. It had done wonder for me. It has given me my life back. I have 3 kiddos under 5 so I need to stay calm and happy. | F | 40 | 60 days | 12/23/2006 | 4 | anxiety | I've been very cautious to not abuse this drug. However, in the five days I've had it, I only took it as needed for three out of the five days. When I'm on it, I feel very relaxed and I sleep very deep but when I'm off I have insane NIGHTMARES!!! Vivid dreams like you wouldn't believe. | M | 32 | 5 days | 12/19/2006 | 5 | | 12/13/2006 | 5 | panic attacks | i'm a little sleepy when i take it but other than that i have no other side effects. | I started taking xanax about 2 years ago...i was having horrible panic attacks everyday and i thought i was gonna die. xanax is a lifesaver be/c i now take it whenever i feel any sort of anxiety coming on. now i can go months w/out having one and if i do i know i have my xanax. i usually put it under my tongue when i feel one coming on and it usually takes about 10 minutes and i feel back to normal..each pill is .5mg so sometimes i have to take multiple pills when i'm having an attack..i totally recommend this to anyone who is experiencing anxiety of any kind.... | F | 26 | 2 years | 12/12/2006 | 2 | insomnia caused by Effexor | complete loss of inhibitions, especially at high dosages, as well as blackouts. withdrawal is terrible--vivid gruesome nightmares, lack of appetite, intense agitation. abrupt withdrawal is even worse; 2 days after stopping I had a grand mal seizure while working out, resulting in $30,000 worth of shoulder surgery. | I loved how Xanax (at first) helped me sleep, and disinhibited me socially (I'm an introvert) and at the keyboard (I am a writer.) I hated how I became addicted as as the months went by, and began ordering it over the Internet, and ultimately lost interest in everything except obtaining more Xanax. Xanax can wreck your life as sure as alcohol or any street drug. | M | 40 | 19 months | 12/11/2006 | 5 | panic attacks diagnosed | none | taking 4 times a day, .50 mg. for a grand total of 25 years. I started and stayed on .25 mg. 4 times a day from age 17 til age 37-increase was due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. DO NOT MISS a scheduled dose of this medicine if you don't want to experience numbness/tingling sensations in extremeties and then the panic attack nightmare. This medicine allows me to be a functioning, working, normal human being thankfully who can drive and all the other things that most with panic attacks avoid. | F | 42 | 25 years | 12/10/2006 | 4 | anxiety, stress | drowzy | My doctor perscribed this medication for me because for a week i felt like i couldnt breath, shortness of breath, dizzyness, and just didnt want to do anything. My doctor also gave me Celexa, i took Xanax to start with and it has helped me a lot, i feel so much calmer. On the other hand with Celexa that was horrible. Now i am trying to cut down on the dosage of Xanax, i take .25mg 3 times a day. Hopefully it will not be too hard to stop, this medicine has helped me a lot | F | 30 | 1 months | 12/8/2006 | 5 | anxiety | If I take too much, I get sleepy | It works very well in moderate doses. I am frightened about building up a dependency. | M | 64 | 2 years | 11/30/2006 | 5 | F | 47 | 1 years | 11/27/2006 | 5 | Anxiety,Panic Attacks,& Agoraphobia | None | Xanax has been a life saver for me. When I was first diagnosed with panic attacks, I didn't leave my house for almost 3 months. I couldn't handle it. The doctor put me on Zoloft and Xanax. The Zoloft actually caused more problems, so I stopped taking it. I have been on Xanax for about 4 years now at .25 mg. I only take it when I need it and I may go months without a panic attack and not have to take it. But when I get really stressed out I may take 3-4 a day. I used to worry about the addictiveness, but have had no problems. Without Xanax, I don;t know what I would have done. I've finally figured out that I'm not going to die from the attacks (took a while to figure that out), so they come less and less. I still have to take it if I go to a concert or anywhere there's going to be a large crowd of people. But atleast I can go to those places instead of hiding out at home. It's a great help if used correctly. | F | 30 | 4 years | 11/24/2006 | 5 | Bipolar Anxiety | No side effects, other than the ones you should have | take .25 mg daily, anxiety related to rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Panic attacks and anxiety attacks come on quick and taking xanax stops them in their tracks and puts me back in control. Great drug, don't really worry about the addiction, since I take about 20 pills a day for my bipolar disorder, I will be taking medication the rest of my life so this is just one more! | F | 37 | 6 months | 11/23/2006 | 5 | anxiety attacks | none, I took a small amount usually to help me fall asleep. My advice, try giving up caffeine and you may not need the drug afterall. | I had been experiencing panic attacks as soon as I laid down to fall asleep. I would become anxious and feel very stressed. The doctor reluctantly prescribed alprazolam. Then I experimented with giving up coffee. After the initial withdrawal from caffeine, I haven't had anxiety since. I had been using this drug 3-4 times a week for 2 years. | M | | 11/20/2006 | 1 | Panic Attacks | Complete and utter laziness. | I was prescribed this medicine to take if I felt a sudden panic attack coming on. I would usually take one at night to fall asleep, but when morning came along, I just wanted to lay in bed all day and that's what I did on my days off. It kind of became addicting for me to take them in the evening just to get to sleep, but I went off it cold turkey. It was terrible! | F | 26 | 3 months | 11/20/2006 | 4 | social anxiety | I am on the extended release and am only taking 1 mg a day. But I have a huge increase in appetite; not like "Oh, man, I need to go out and eat!" but when I sit down to eat I eat alot more than I used to. I also would get tired after taking it for the first few days, but for awhile now I've been fine. Also, for awhile my doctor had me taking the normal xanax as I needed it, and that would make me very drowsy... kind of like a very unpleasant high. I am also starting to notice mood swings, though I dont know if that is the Xanax. For instance, a little thing will make me unusually sad, and then something just as insignificant will make me unusually happy. I think this is the Xanax as before taking it I was a fairly consistent person regarding my mood. And the final side effect was a decrease in my sex drive for the first week, and since then it takes a little bit more to get me going, though I havent had any problems with impotence yet... I just need a little bit more foreplay | I worry about the dependancy issue even though I am at a low dosage. However, it has helped very much with my anxiety. For example, I went to a concert last week and was more sociable among strangers than I normally would be due to feelings of anxiousness around them. I also am able to put myself into positions where I would normally feel anxious and not feel so bad anymore, and this has helped me rebuild some relationships that I had abandoned due to my anxiety issues. The increased appetite is also a good thing, because I've always been on the lighter side and have been trying to gain weight for years now. So the drug helps and with minimal side effects. I have to admit, I am a bit skeptical when doctors try to put me on medications. They had me on Lexapro, Reglan and even Zolfran in an effort to stem my anxiety and the nauseous feelings I get when anxious... but these didnt work very well. When the doctor told me Xanax, I freaked out because there is a stigma attached to it and I kn | M | 19 | 1 months | 11/16/2006 | 3 | M | | 11/16/2006 | 1 | anti anxiety | Helps with sleep and sedative BUT very addictive. | Slowly built up tolerance to Xanax. Had to take more than just one per day. Very hard to detox off. Had SEVERE withdrawals. Also know of friends with similar problems. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR DOSAGES, KEEP IT LOW! | M | 36 | 6 months | 11/15/2006 | 4 | M | 27 | 2 days | 11/12/2006 | 4 | panic attacks/anxiety | works very well I haven't had a panic attack in at least 5 years. When I am at work it does nothing except make me more relaxed. If I am at home on the weekend and take one while resting I fall asleep. | The doctor oringally perscribed 2mg 3 times a day but I found this was too high a dose. I asked to be given a lesser amount so doctor perscribed 1 mg 4 x day. I take 1 1/2 mg in the a.m. and 1 1/2 mg in the early afternoon. I found that at night I don't need it. | F | 52 | 8 years | 11/12/2006 | 5 | anxiety, sleeplessness | very sedating. makes me "loopy". | very effective for anxiety. | M | 40 | 3 months | 10/29/2006 | 4 | stress tension /Sciatic nerve pain | tiredness,decreased alertness | DR prescibed this medication for sciatic nerve pain, why I still dont know, but it seemed to help. After taking it for 3 yrs dosage increased to 2mg a day, I know that you develop a dependency on it very fast, I have since then slow reduced dosage to 1mg a day, that took a long time to do, about 6mths. I now take 1/2 tablet, .25mg every 4 hrs. Mornings are usually the worst with the withdrawl. Does anyone know the long term effects of taking this drug. My advice to anyone who is looking to take it is. Dont take it for more than a couple of months, There is a severe dependency that develops, my new DR told me withdraw symtoms if stopped cold turkey can lead to fatal results! right now my plan is to reduce dosage by .25mg every 3mths. Good luck to all who are trying to get off xanax. | M | 48 | 6 years | 10/17/2006 | 5 | anxiety | I am not sure which are from the Xanax. It helped my anxiety but I was constipated, had headaches, and fatigue. | Very effective medication against anxiety. But now I am quitting and the withdrawal is terrible - terrible headaches, stomaches, nausea, diarrhea. I will never take it again even though it is very effective. Too addicting. | F | 57 | 1 years | 10/15/2006 | 1 | insomnia | confusion, clumsiness, lethargy, memory loss | Taken only at night for sleep, but still I feel very tired in the daytime. Have had several falls since in the last months taking it, I am so tired I'm not walking right. I have loss of focus, I just go through the motions all day, and enjoy nothing. Occasionally suicidal thoughts. I am also having memory loss and I have trouble making decisions. I have increasing anxiety and fear. I feel my family is against me. These things all began shortly after I began the Xanax. I wish my doctor had given me something else for the insomnia because it is helping me less and less and I am afraid to increase the dose for sleep and afraid to quit, but I know I am not myself on this drug. I don't know what to do. | F | 79 | 1 years | 10/9/2006 | 1 | having trouble sleeping | felt sluggish, uncoordinated, forgetful, withdrawn | This made me withdraw and not want to be in company of others, but feeling isolated and lonesome. I felt a heaviness in my limbs and had trouble moving well. Weight gain due to inactivity. I hated the way I felt in the daytime even though I slept a bit better it wasn't worth it. | M | 72 | 90 days | 10/9/2006 | 5 | anxiety | NONE | Love it for my panic and GAD. But, I am concerned about dependence, so I am very careful how much i take. | F | 35 | 1 years | 10/8/2006 | 5 | personal trauma in my life | calmness,sleepy, no anxiety at all..no worries in the world | F | 39 | 9 years | 10/2/2006 | 4 | panic attacks | fatigue | very helpful in calming nerves | F | 54 | 3 months | 9/26/2006 | 4 | panic attacks | fatigue | very helpful in calming nerves | F | 54 | 3 months | 9/26/2006 | 1 | Anxiety due to Lamisil reaction | Drowsiness for two hours after taking it. Overall it was good in the beginning for coping with my other side effects from Lamisil. However, after taking it for about 4 weeks I became nauseated to the point where I had a masive head ache and shakes. | Xanax I've read is only for short term use. For me I have figured out it is best not to take any RX at all. | F | 41 | 4 weeks | 9/25/2006 | 3 | anxiety | dizziness, euphoria, light headed, sleepy | really calmed me down but not exactly the best drug if you are trying to get through your day and be productive | F | 23 | | 9/20/2006 | 3 | sleeplessness | memory loss -- could be creeping old age or some of the other medicines I take for high blood pressure, or could be Lunesta, which I take with Xanax (only .5 mg -- be real careful taking two or more sedative/sleep medicines at a time -- it can be very dangerous). | I take .5 at night with Lunesta and get 6-7 hrs. of sleep (actually sedation, not sleep -- there's a big difference). I know it's addictive but haven't tried to stop since it has worked for me for years. Without xanax I only get about 4 hrs. sleep (sedation). This is my own solution and seems to be o.k. with my doctor if I don't increase the dosage. | M | 63 | 3 years | 9/20/2006 | 3 | sleeplessness caused by Effexor | sleepiness, slurred speech, memory loss and manic behavior at high dosages | Effexor was the first antidepressant I'd tried that helped my depression. Unfortnuately, it kept me from sleeping and left me nervous all the time. Xanax helped with both problems. I was fine for several months at 1 mg, then developed a tolerance, and also started taking it for naps after work. Soon I was up to 6-7 mg/day, and friends were noticing changes in my behavior. Stopped it abruptly in June and had a seizure while working out. Advice: only reduce Xanax under Dr's supervision!!! | M | 40 | 14 months | 9/11/2006 | 2 | severe anxiety and panic attacks | None | I'm really resentful of people who use this drug recreationally, and even more resentful of people who admonish them for doing so. I would thank baby Jesus if Xanax actually had any effect on my anxiety and God forbid made me slightly less miserable. If I had the capacity to become addicted to it, at least that would mean it worked it in the first place. | F | 25 | 10 days | 9/7/2006 | 4 | Slight anxiety | none to my knowledge | I hate taking medication for the most part but I take a .25 mg of xanax very seldomly. I maybe take one about every 2 weeks to a month to get me out of the cycle depression/anxiety. It works very well. When I start to feel my GAD kick in, which happens about every 2 weeks to a month, I pop one in and am usually fine for another month. I guess I could see how this medication could be addictive to some, but I really don't like taking medication in general so I would find it hard for me to get addicted. I think I got a prescription 8 months ago and still have 21 pills left from my starting 30. Be careful and don't take this drug until you are for sure you need it or are experiencing a panic attack. If you take the medication just for the heck of it or because you think you might have a chance of getting a panic attack then you probably have a greater risk of dependency. | M | 20 | 8 months | 9/6/2006 | 5 | Heartbreak | Worry about dependency. Sleepiness in the morning if I take it late at night. | I have to rave about this, even though I am not a "drug" person -- that is to say, I generally take the "natural" route and gut things out or use diet and meditation to get through illnesses and hard times. However, I had my heart broken really badly this year, and was in danger of losing my job because I just couldn't function at work. Finally, I asked my doc for some xanax. With the very first pill I took, it was a world of difference. Sure, my heart was still broken, but I was not in the debilitating pain that had kept me tearful every day. I could function. I never thought I would see a "cure" for the pain of a broken heart. Heaven knows, alcohol doesn't help. But the xanax took the edge off the pain and kept me sane. Of course, a good therapist is a must, too. Bonus: seeing what the heartbreak felt like without the razor of anxiety pushing it on made me realize that the depth of my pain was caused by my tendency to panic when I feel betrayed; this all | F | 47 | 90 days | 9/5/2006 | 5 | | 9/3/2006 | 4 | Anxiety | Side effects of lethargy, muscle tension/cramps, mild depression seemed to only take effect during my six-week tapering process. It took two weeks of mild but uncomfortable withdrawal to clean my system entirely from the drug. | Like other postings, I am very medication intolerant. Xanax was prescribed after Atenolol (for tachycardia) blew a hole in my nervous system. Xanax proved to be a real help with little side effects BUT please try to use this drug for short term purposes only; I began weaning off small dosage of .25mg 3XDaily halfway into 4 month duration, replacing drug therapy with counseling, exercise and better diet....You are always better, much better without these drugs, if possible. Even if it means getting through some tough days. For those who need higher doses, longer duration my advice is to always keep in mind the source of your anxiety and work on this along with the Xanax....Taper whenever possible and best of luck! | M | 50 | 4 months | 8/31/2006 | 5 | anxiety | Relaxation, decrease in anxiety level. Better sleep. | My child was diagnosed with cancer, understandably I was very anxious. This medication helped me get through some very scary days and nights. Reading the comments from the "Recreational" users of xanax makes me irritated. Why would you drink and pop pills, then blame the medication for your reckless behavior? Grow up. I truly hope you never have real anxiety, but if you do, xanax used properly is a very good medication. | F | 40 | 6 months | 8/28/2006 | 3 | Panic attacks | Calming effect, smoother daily chores, sleepiness, contentness | .25 mg once or twice a day as needed, though .25 does nothing for me so I take .50 mg every couple of days. Was originally prescriped for panic attacks though just started Wellbutrin and my anxiety is ridiculous. Hoping my body is just adjusting to the new meds and I can begin taking Xanax for panic attacks only. They make me feel too good to take them too long -- I can easily see how people get addicted. | F | 24 | 13 days | 8/22/2006 | 5 | panic disorder/anxiety/depression | initial drowsiness, currently some residual morning drowsiness | Initially prescribed short release xanax but was afraid to take it (afraid of addiction). Remained very ill. Did not respond appropriately to other medications (i.e. valium makes me VERY manic). Finally prescribed xanax xr at initial dose of 2 mg/day...one a.m/one p.m. Moved up very quickly to a dose of 6 mg./day...2 a.m./2 afternoon/2 bedtime. This was when I experienced daytime drowsiness, but I had no more attacks and was able to eat (initially, food was making me horribly ill and I stopped eating..lost around 60 pounds in 2 months). Because of the fear of addiction and knowing I was taking a large dose, I gradually decreased (very difficult) my dosage and currently take 2 mg/day (both in the evening..strange). I am still working on decreasing dose to at least 1 mg/day if possible. Yes, it's true that it's almost impossible to taper and eventually stop xanax...but you can find a comfortable level that suits your particular illness if you are aware of the benefits/disadvatage | F | 44 | 3 years | 8/18/2006 | 4 | PANIC | 15 days | 8/13/2006 | 5 | Bipolar - Depression/Anxiety | Drowsiness. Slight dizziness. | I am medication intolerant. Xanax is the only medication my body can handle with very little to no side effects. It has helped my panic and anxiety only, though Xanax is not a cure. Does not help depression. | F | 36 | 2 years | 8/10/2006 | 5 | panic attacks and to just chill | calm me down, but mixed with alcohol is awesome. | badass, but can be very addicting | M | 18 | 3 months | 8/6/2006 | 5 | Anxiety | No side effects just calming effect. I would just advise people taking this for "Panic Attacks" that they may not be having Panic Attacks and it may be Arrythmia which is what I ended up having after being prescribed Zoloft & Wellbutrin...ended up that I needed an ablation procedure to correct my arrythmia...Xanax is still a good drug to calm your nerves in stressful situations! | M | 43 | 3 years | 8/4/2006 | 5 | panic attacks/agoraphobia | very slight drowsiness early in treatment | They would not be told to try to get off of them because of possible side effects of which there are MANY or because they were dependent on them,, because the quality of their lives would decrease. I think Xanax should be seen in the same way.It is not a drug to be taken lightly, or without proper diagnosis and medical supervision. But then neither are any other prescription medications. | F | 49 | 10 years | 7/29/2006 | 5 | panic attacks/agoraphobia | very slight drowsiness when first started, none now | Like another post here, I feel Xanax has actually given my life back to me. My husband of 27 years said told my doctor it gave him back his wife. I had become homebound from anxiety and panic disorder. There was one period that I did not leave the house for nearly 4 months. My husband had to do all the shopping, etc. I had my first panic attack while driving into town with a friend, and it was because of her that I went on the to hospital that day. I was diagnosed then with panic attacks. I resisted any medication for almost 6 months, but after becoming homebound for fear of another attack in public, I decided I could no longer live this way. I am a registered nurse, so I knew many of the different medications for these conditions and was not anxious to try any of them. I was blessed with a knowledgeable and caring primary care physician who was brave enough to do what a phsyciatrist would do, prescribe the correct amount. Many are terrified of prescribing the correct doseage, which c | F | 49 | 10 years | 7/29/2006 | 5 | panic attacks/agoraphobia | very slight drowsiness early in treatment | I eventually stopped the evening dose and now take 1mg tab every day, around 9am. I have had 3 fullblown panic attacks since the original large doses were stopped, and about 5 that never really became full blown. Learning that they are self limiting and that you are NOT dying seems to take a lot of the fear away after all these years.To me addiction is a physical and psychological need fpr something that is bad for you and decreases your quality of life. I do not consider Xanax to be bad. Nothing that could give me back my life could possibly be bad! I have tried the SSRI's, zoloft, paxil, prozac, all without any help. In fact, it was during the time I was being treated with them that I had the fullblown attacks again. I feel that if you call taking Xanax to prevent a disabling disease, ie panic attacks, it is no more of an addiction than a diabetic would have to insulin injections, or someone with asthma has for their inhalers. They would not be told to try to get off of them becaus | F | 49 | 10 years | 7/29/2006 | 5 | Panic/Anxiety | None so far. | I tried Paxil and thought I was going to die. This drug is like having a Glass and a half of wine, but lasts longer and doesn't make you drunk. Just takes the edge off. It calms me down during a panic attack, but only if I let it. In other words, also try to relax and know that the meds will kick in. I freaking hate panic attacks, I'd rather lose 3 fingers or have alimp for the rest of my life rather than have a PA. Word to the wise. I you only suffer anxiety and panic, don't let your doc put you on a lecapro, pacil, zoloft, etc. without first trying xanax for a month to see if it can take the edge off and then during that time seek counseling and natural means. Yeah this stuff is addicting, but have you read what the ssri withdrawals are like...living hell. Especially for a panic/anxiety person who will worry constantly about the withdrawals and side effects (LIKE ME) | M | 38 | 2 months | 7/24/2006 | 5 | Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, Insomnia | no side effects. was taking this for the past year, only as needed, and it worked great them my doctor wanted me to try Klonopin which caused a severe allergic reaction with rash, swollen eye lids, weight gain and confusion, so now im back on xanax | only addictive if you are using it all the time, so only take as needed | F | 33 | 1 years | 7/21/2006 | 3 | anxiety attacks | Tiredness, and dizziness when coming down off the pill | Xanax saved my life when I needed it at the time. At 16 I had very severe anxiety attacks when my parents divorced and was put on .5 mgs. Now at 20 years old, I am on 2 mg a day. This medication is VERY ADDICTIVE and almost impossible to get off. I have highly considered going into detox. The withdrawl symptoms or symptoms you get from not taking your dose on time are HORRIBLE!!I was extremly dizzy, would be a complete zombie, have the shakes, everything. So although while I needed it I couldnt imagine getting through what I didn with out it, but now that I dont need it I cant get off of it and it is causing my health issues now I never feel like myself. So be VERY CAREFUL when taking this drug and only take it AS NEEDED not just because you like the effects in the long run it makes for a very difficult recovery. | F | 20 | 4 years | 7/21/2006 |