Alprazolam and Addiction: What Users Say

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have Polyradiculoneuropathy (when polyneuropathy and polyradiculopathy occur together). Xanax is not so great for general anxiety, but I appreciate this drug, since I discovered its off-label use for my terrible neuropathy. It reduces my leg pain and stiffness by ca. 70% and set me free from being bedridden. Now I can walk several km with the help of crutches and feel more like a human again. I am getting addicted to it, but I could care less."

• Bea...
• January 6, 2020

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

• Jgm...
• December 14, 2016

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

• Ola...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I was prescribed 0.5 mg Xanax as needed for my PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic attacks. I can say it works 100%. My panic attacks lasted about 45 mins before it was prescribed, and now they last about 5 mins. I take about 1 mg (2 doses of 0.5 mg) when I feel it coming on. This drug saved my life! I am also on 150 mg of Zoloft and hydroxyzine for the evening to keep my anxiety down and help me sleep. They say this drug is very, very addictive, but my psychiatrist said it’s hard to get addicted if you use it correctly and only as needed. Make sure to not drink much with Xanax, or it will make you sleep for a long time and is super dangerous. I will be on this med for a very, very long time."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Let's be honest, guys. If you have anxiety, you know all too well it's the only thing that helps. I've tried several other medications for my anxiety, but none of them worked as well as Xanax. I've tried Paxil, Amitriptyline, Zyprexa, Celexa, Seroquel. All of them were a waste of time. The only problem with Xanax is that it is addictive and can become easily habit-forming because it WORKS!"

• Big...
• January 15, 2015

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have been on Xanax 1mg twice a day and it has been a godsend. I suffer from panic attacks and actually had to be hospitalized. I was placed on Klonopin, and then I was switched to Xanax, first at 0.5 mg, then to 1mg. It's a wonderful medicine, however, be very aware of this medicine being very addictive."

• Reb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2019

Alprazolam for Depression "Amazing drug. People say it’s bad, but they lie about it all the time in the news. Bottom line for me, it’s a safe drug. But like all things, even video games, it can be addictive. Just use it responsibly. In other words, don't take too regularly."

• Alp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2019

Alprazolam for Anxiety "The first time my doctor gave me Xanax, I thought this is the best! I started with 1 mg per day, then 2, and then 3. It made me feel so calm and more happy. But I realized after how addictive it is. Now I take Xanax up to 6 mg per day because I feel it is the only thing that helps me not have anxiety and panic attacks. Sometimes I just enjoy how it makes me feel. It has been very effective, but I also think it is dangerous. Because I don't care about the side effects, but I am very scared of the thought of overdosing. I lie to people about how mg I take in a day. Take care of yourself if you have depression. It is easy to get addicted because it gives you that empty feeling you might find pleasant."

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I am giving it a 10 because it simply works, and it's the best medication out there for anxiety. The bad thing is it's very addictive. I have been taking it for almost a year now, on and off, 0.5 mg if I feel very anxious before going to bed. Yes, withdrawals can be bad, but don't listen to all the bad things people say when going off, if you need it, you take it. My mother has been on this medication for 10 years as prescribed. If you don't abuse it, you have no reason to be scared. Cheers!"

• Dav...
• August 23, 2019

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking Xanax for 7 years now. And I do not feel like myself anymore. Everything has become worse step by step since I started this! I can barely go out now! Xanax took my life away! My agoraphobia and panic attacks have increased over 1000 times! I'm so addicted to this medicine by now, so if I miss one dose, I get crazy panic and feel I will DIE and get a stroke or heart attack! Have been close to calling an ambulance many times! I had one bad seizure a while ago. NOW I have decided to quit this 'medicine' but at the hospital under the supervision of a doctor! I cannot quit myself! I have been taking 4 mg every day for 7 years! Please STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRUG! If you take it for years, it will be like selling your soul to the devil! Xanax is the devil's candy! I would have torn my first prescription in 2 parts if I could travel back in time! Now I need 4 mg a day, at least just to survive! Only to keep my nose above the surface! Remember I WARNED YOU! I lost my girlfriend! Pray for me, please!"

• NJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2018

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "This drug can be habit-forming, so control your desire to dose and skip doses to 'up' yourself in terms of pills. Once you master the addictive side of this medicine, it can be a REAL benefit for anxiety disorders. It's given me control over my life again. I love this medication, but I respect it and am afraid of it at the same time. ONLY take it when you need it, do that, and it will be an asset."

• Pat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 29, 2019

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Well, I've been taking Xanax for more than 22 years now for panic disorder. I'm literally addicted to Xanax. The doctor told me my panic disorder would last 6 months only, but it turned out it lasted for years. The doctor didn't inform me about the addictive nature of Xanax. Only in 2007, after much research, I found out that all my mental disorders are caused by a lack of nutrients. I started taking nutrient supplements. It worked, but unfortunately, I had to stick to Xanax for quite a while until I could find a way to quit it altogether. Though Xanax is useful in treating anxiety and panic disorder, unfortunately, it is a terrible and addictive drug. I urge you all to take nutrient supplements and try tapering on Xanax. It will work. God bless."

• Whi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 26, 2013

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Xanax was a godsend in the short term. Nearly immediate peace from all anxiety and panic symptoms. The longer I took it, though, the more problematic it became. Constantly increasing the dose for effectiveness, switching formulations. Finally, addiction and dependence - it didn't matter if it was called this or that. Discontinuing Xanax was painful. Like weeks-long, restless, climbing the walls, no sleep. I'd still call it useful in a low dose, well-supervised situation."

• Bor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have been on every medication out there to help with my anxiety, depression. I was taking Effexor, which worked at first, but I noticed that my head was just filled with unnecessary garbage, to say the least. My Dr. took me off of the Effexor and replaced it with Brintellix and Saphris, which really helped my moods and depression. But my anxiety was still affecting me to the point I thought I was having a stroke. He prescribed me 1 mg of Xanax 3 times a day, and wow! The difference is night and day! I am actually able to function normally and am so relieved. I'm still scared to be taking it because of the addiction that can come with it, but with my Dr.'s guidance, I am feeling better about this medication. My anxiety has subsided! Grateful!"

• alp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2025

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have been prescribed Xanax 8 mg QID at first in 2007, along with Klonopin 6 mg 3x daily every 8 hours apart. It is now 2025, and I am 36 years old. Xanax is a wonderful drug if you have panic disorder, paranoia from abuse, and anxiety disorder with severe agoraphobia. After I got away from my daily abuse when I was 18 and had no idea why I was on this earth, and every pebble that hit the ground made me have a fit of panic-based mania, Xanax was the only thing that helped me. The only downside is after this long of taking it, the tolerance is a huge challenge. Having the longer-acting Klonopin works well alongside. I give it a 9 for Xanax, and that's because long-term use has me so addicted I don't know how to function without it. Good vibes to all."

• Nic...
• September 27, 2015

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I've been taking this medication for a long time. 10 yrs.! I wasn't warned about the memory problems, or any way of becoming addicted. I can happily say it has helped me, I even went into agoraphobia stage. Also, from my own personal experience, be very careful in taking this medication. I actually saw for myself how bad the memory problems can be. When I experienced that, I went to my Dr and said I wanted to wean myself off, but slowly, not stupid either. I've been addicted to this medication, but you have to realize our brain, our mind is more powerful than we give it credit for. I was using 0.5 mg 6-8 times a day. I'm now down to 3 and a half times per day, I'm getting better again."

• Rob...
• December 12, 2015

For Tinnitus "I took clonazepam instead of Xanax, but they are in the same family. I found it greatly helped my tinnitus. I was ready to lose my mind when I first got tinnitus from a virus in my inner ear 12 years ago. I swear clonazepam saved my life, as I was struggling with the idea of living with tinnitus forever. Anyone considering it should be aware that benzos are addictive and can have long-term negative side effects-I didn't realize it at the time. I'm now tapering off clonazepam, as I hope to be able to handle the tinnitus with meditation, Effexor (anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug), and a stubborn will. I do not regret using clonazepam for 12 years, but be aware going off it can be difficult. Most doctors aren't aware it helps tinnitus!"

• lau...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 12, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Do not use if you have acute anxiety. I've had lifelong daily anxiety and depression that has never gone away. I ended up dropping out of school because I couldn't sit still without having a full-blown panic attack, shaking. My head spins all day, and my anxiety causes me migraines. I've tried yoga, meditation, and all-natural remedies. I've come to terms with the fact it is genetic. I didn't know Xanax existed. I've tried all antidepressants, and they messed me up pretty bad. But I do have a very high tolerance to this medicine. I hate that it's addicting because it's the only thing that makes me feel normal and able to live my life happily."

• Ano...
• June 4, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Very helpful in reducing anxiety for me. It is fast-acting, and it made a difference in me being able to keep up with my job. Now I'm on Klonopin, though, since the doctor said that it stays in the system longer for anxiety. However, the fast relief of Xanax works very well when an immediate spike in anxiety happens. The effects usually only last a few hours for me, and I can understand how it can be addictive for this reason, but it's been great for immediate panic symptoms and helpful with focusing. I did not notice that 'drugged up,' foggy feeling on a small dose of 0.5 mg-1 mg as needed."

• Jeb...
• July 16, 2015

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I've had vertigo for three years now due to a head injury. This caused inner ear damage, and I have chronic dizzy spells. I have tried every medication out there and was introduced to Xanax at an urgent care clinic. BINGO! Finally, I found something that works. It's also the only medication that helps me sleep. I don't know what I'd do without it. Addicting, but at least I can make it better with Xanax."

• dea...
• September 6, 2009

Alprazolam for Anxiety "The fastest acting anti-anxiety medication I've ever been prescribed, and by far the most effective. The anxiety I experienced prior to medication was crippling, I would stay in bed all day and not want to leave my house to go to school or anything that involved other social interaction. This medicine got me up, happy, and willing/wanting to do the things I could not do before. However, through prolonged use of this medication, I have, as a result, become addicted, as when I do not receive my scheduled dose, I feel withdrawals. Overall, this medication has done so many good things for me I would be content taking this until the end of time, for the pros outweigh the cons, tenfold."

• Man...
• November 10, 2015

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I take 'Xanax' prescribed by my doctor. Not every day, though. Sometimes for helping me sleep when my thoughts are going crazy and my imagination is wild. It does help for sleep. Addictive if you take it every day."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 26, 2013

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I take Xanax very rarely with Lexapro as my primary anxiety med. Xanax works perfectly to knock out secondary panic and anxiety symptoms, the best as-needed anxiety med on the market. I don't recommend it as your primary anxiety med, though, too addictive."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 14, 2017

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have been on Xanax for 15 years. I'm only 30 years old. While this is a miracle drug for pulling you out of a panic attack and preventing them. This medicine works extremely well for my anxiety. That said, it can cause a very nasty dependence and addiction, where you will need larger and larger doses to combat this rebound anxiety (this is what the doctor calls it). It's your brain screaming for more of the drug. This is not only a mental dependency but also a very strong physical one. If you are thinking about taking Xanax, remember less is more, the less you take, the better it works. It has become part of my daily meds, 2 mg, 3 to 4 times a day, and that's coming from being on the max dose legally available, 10 mg daily. You don't want that. Use caution."

• Fid...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2017

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I suffer from complicated grief and PTSD, I lost my only child to severe mental illness almost six years ago. My anxiety is through the roof right now. A psychiatrist prescribed Ativan, but it does nothing really (0.5 MG) compared to alprazolam (generic for Xanax). Even splitting a 0.5 MG pill helps me to stop frantic behaviors. But this stuff is addictive, you have to be careful never to go over the prescribed daily dose, and I don't know how difficult it will be to stop this medication if I ever decide to do that."