I was perscribed xanax for my anxiety, but when I would have an attack I would get this feeling of being in a dream, or almost like i'm stuck in a coma and i'm just dreaming life away. The feeling would pass and in a couple minutes it would be completely gone until the next attack, hours, days or even months later. Over the past year my anxiety has gotten completely out of control and this "dream-like" feeling is here to stay. It never goes away anymore. Its so exhausting and drepressing. I know i'm real, but sometimes I have to remind my brain that I am. Its hard to describe or understand unless you have dealt with it. So back to main question, will xanax help me, or just make these symptoms worse? I am so afraid to take it, when I have the pill sitting right infront of me, and I just can't bring myself to put it my mouth and take it. PLEASE HELP!
Will xanax make derealization/depersonalization symptoms worse?
Question posted by amano28 on 24 Dec 2011
Last updated on 20 January 2021
9 Answers
Hello, I know this was posted years ago. Curious to see how you are doing and if you’ve found anything to help this terrifying feeling.
I have been suffering from this since January. I was prescribed Xanax and at first the Xanax helped a lot and would “ground me” I guess you could say. But now as I take it, it doesn’t work. It’s like I’m completely stuck in this fake world and feel like I am just existing. I just want to feel like I am living my life already.. again. I can’t even remember what normal feels like all I know is what I feel everyday is not IT.
I just started taking Effexor and abilify like two weeks ago and it doesn’t seem to do much for me which makes me feel hopeless after being on countless medications.. you’re not alone.
Hello, I don’t even know where to begin. I was googling questions related to this topic and it led me to this page, I scrolled reading the responses in hopes of someone possibly going through what I am and when I got to yours I gasped... I feel like I wrote it! It is EXACTLY how I feel as well. I don’t want to say I’m glad I’m not alone because I wouldn’t want to wish this feeling on anybody but I am somewhat relieved someone else on this planet has experienced this as well. Xanax was the only thing I could depend on but now, I feel like it’s made the depersonalized feeling intensify making the anxiety grow greater and the depression enhance. I’m so sorry you feel this way too because it is AWFUL!! And very very scary. I hope one day we both feel alive again and feel a sense of comfort with each day. Peace to you my friend.
Hello, I don’t even know where to begin. I was googling questions related to this topic and it led me to this page, I scrolled reading the responses in hopes of someone possibly going through what I am and when I got to yours I gasped... I feel like I wrote it! It is EXACTLY how I feel as well. I don’t want to say I’m glad I’m not alone because I wouldn’t want to wish this feeling on anybody but I am somewhat relieved someone else on this planet has experienced this as well. Xanax was the only thing I could depend on but now, I feel like it’s made the depersonalized feeling intensify making the anxiety grow greater and the depression enhance. I’m so sorry you feel this way too because it is AWFUL!! And very very scary. I hope one day we both feel alive again and feel a sense of comfort with each day. Peace to you my friend.
I am feeling the same way for past 5 years. I have taken multiple medications and the only thing that worked for me for a while was lexapro until I started drinking with it, now it won't at all. Xanax also did not do much for me either. If anyone has found anything that helps please let me know. I am on Zoloft now and it seems to calm me down a bit but I still don't feel like myself. Only been on it for a few days now so we will see
I have been feeling this way too! Has anyone on this post found anything that helps?
I don't know if you'll end up reading this, but i made an account just to reply to you. I know EXACTLY what you're going through. It's more than anxiety, it's literally like going insane. You look in the mirror, & question what you're looking at... & wonder if you're real. It's like you realize you're in a body, but you're disconnected? Everything i see, seems unreal, & alien.. even people i've known my whole life , seem unreal.. it's like being in a dream 24/7. Nothing seems real. Nothing seems real. It's a horrible way to live. Anyway, if you find an answer please get back to me. I'm desperate. I'm also terrified to take medications because i don't want to make it worse.
Thanks, take care
Hi! I also made an account solely to comment on this post. I know exactly how you are feeling as well and it is awful. It’s absolutely crazy seeing other people are experiencing this and I’m not losing my mind because it does make you feel quite alone... and like nobody could ever understand. Has it improved at all for you???
Thank you for all your responses. After I posted this question I took half of the xanax and I dont know if it wasnt enough, or if it really did, but to me it made everything worse. I ended up sitting in the ER (Christmas Eve) all day and night for a counselor to basically tell me what I already knew, I have anxiety and depression. I wanted to scream "no sh*t, thats why I am here".
The xanax was perscribed by my family doctor. She wanted to put me on Lexapro about a year ago but the anxiety wasnt too bad back then, just every once in a while. I could kick myself for not going on it when she wanted me to, because now the anxiety is so out on control i'm afraid to even leave my house. And I truly believe the anxiety is the reason for the now depression. I'm calling my doctor asap in the morning to get in and hopefully she can give me something to start making this feeling go away. And I already have a call in to a therapist.
Unfortunately for me, this is all happening over the holidays so everything is closed. I can't even describe this feeling into words. I look at myself in the mirror, I know its me, but I have to remind my brain that it is really me. Its like i'm a robot, or someone else is controlling everything I am doing. Its the scariest feeling I could ever imagine going thru and I just want it gone.
Again, thank you for your responses and I hope everyone had a happy christmas and enjoy the new year!
Hey there, I was reading this thread and was curious to see how you are doing.
I think that you should follow your doctors advice here if he didn't know the risk and benefits associated with it.He wouldn't have prescribed it and if you are really worried about it.Then the next time that you go and talk to him tell him the side effects that are bothersome and he will tell you where to go from there.Thanks and I wish you sincerly the best and a very merry christmas if you don't celebrate christmas whatever holiday you do celebrate.XD lol
Amano28, I totally agree with the other two responses. Your doctor would not have prescribed the xanax if he/she did not feel it would help you. Please try it, & if it doesn't help seek additional help from your doctor. What kind of doctor prescribed this? Your regular MD or a psych? I believe when it comes to having anxiety attacks to the degree you are talking about, you really need to see a psychiatrist to get the correct meds. Then it's up to you to take them as prescribed. I also believe you need some talk therapy as to why & what is causing these attacks. Just my thoughts...
Hi aman28,
What you are describing is a classic panic attack, the feeling of 'being outside oneself, very common and the xanax should take care of it.
Best wishes to you!
If the derealization and depersonalization are brought on by anxiety, then I would say yes, the xanax should help. Don't be afraid of the medication. If it doesn't work, then don't take it anymore. You may just find that it does the trick and allows you to function more normally.
Be aware that it can be habit forming and should only be taken as prescribed. Otherwise, it is a great medication for anxiety.
Related topics
xanax, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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