Alprazolam and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2021

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Makes me very sleepy, which is hard to deal with, but worth it not being paralyzed from the flight or fight all day and night. Also want to say shame on the ones of you for talking about the horror stories of withdrawal, that it is so bad for you and benzos ruin your life. Your horror stories stopped me from taking the med when I got it, which made me suffer longer. Withdrawal DOES not happen to everyone. Did you ever think about the fact that some people can't take antidepressants or other options? Some of us have to rely on therapy and benzos. Don't go scaring the people who clearly need the medicine. Please, just take the med if prescribed and get a doctor you trust. I cried and refused treatment I needed because of what some people have written. Rated lower right now because I haven't found the right dose yet."

• lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 8, 2013

Alprazolam for Depression "I have had severe panic attacks for years. Finally got a doc that prescribed this, and wow, it is an amazing medicine. My doctor retired, and it seems every doctor now is afraid to prescribe it due to the ones who abuse it. I don't take it daily, but my mind stops racing, and I can sleep when I use it. I gave it a 9 because of slight drowsiness some mornings."

• NEK...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2014

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Yeah, it works. Some people are more sensitive than others. Generally, you take a pill (depends on dosage) and you just start feeling your tight chest and stomach release, and I notice I begin breathing more calmly and normally. Just feels good all over, which is such a contrast from the horrors of anxiety. It can make you a little sleepy. I think for 'normal people' it would make them very sleepy. For 'anxious' people, I think it makes you normal and relaxed. The one problem is that if you take it too much, like three days in a row, the effect is reduced and you have to 'up' the dosage. I think it works best for occasional use, like before a difficult situation or when you're just having a lot of anxiety and need calm."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2010

Alprazolam for Tinnitus "I have tried EVERYTHING, and this is the only thing besides ginkgo biloba that helps. I strongly recommend it. I'd rather be a little sleepy at times than hear totally insane ringing in my ears all the time."

• del...
• April 19, 2013

Alprazolam for Anxiety "After my divorce, I was depressed and having anxiety attacks. I went to a reputable doctor, but she prescribed me Wellbutrin. After taking it for a while, I felt numb mentally. I tried a 1mg Xanax, and it was perfect! I slept great, but when I first started taking them, I would wake up groggy. A shower would wake me up. I've been taking them for about 7 years. I am currently cutting my doses down to try to wean off them! I do not have an addictive personality, but after a job loss of 10 years, I tried to quit cold turkey! Not a good idea at all! I can only say use as prescribed and less if possible! Don't just pop one because you are stressed out! Take a walk, talk to a friend, please use with caution."

• 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."

• maz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 19, 2019

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have severe OCD, with accompanying anxiety and debilitating insomnia. Xanax helps me break thought loops. I only take it a few times per week, almost exclusively at night, and rarely during the day when I'm hit with a paralyzing bout of obsessional thought. I take .125 mg (half a .25 mg pill). Surprisingly, that is enough to stop the ruminating and make me a little drowsy, and that adds up to falling asleep. Sometimes I take it in the middle of the night to get back to sleep, but only if I don't have to get up early the next day and if I didn't take it to get to sleep that night in the first place. The way I see it, if .125 to .25 mg stops working for me, it'll be time to move on and maybe revisit Xanax at a later date. Having tried a great many different medications, I'm beginning to think rotating treatments is the way to go anyway, to prevent tolerance, addiction, and avoid long-term side effects/consequences."

• Trk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2013

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Saved my job... I'm a truck driver, so I spend a lot of time in a truck, and it gets really depressing being away from the family for weeks at a time, but Xanax helps me cope with the situation. This is the only medicine I've found that won't make me tired and drowsy, unlike Zoloft that made me so tired I had to take two days off work. Xanax helps me relax and gives me focus so I can deal with my work situation."

• Kbs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2016

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I urge anyone to start on the smallest dose, as I was pleasantly surprised that a tiny nibble of 2 mg worked amazingly quick and helped curtail a full-blown attack. I have taken a full 2 mg at once when the panic attack was at worst. I simply fell asleep and awoke with the same anxiety. If I take the small dose as I feel the attack coming on, it just stops. I know everyone is different, but I have always been within the mindset that the stronger the better with meds. That has not been the case with Xanax for me. I also keep in mind this is a med that your body will eventually need more of for equal benefit. It's a miracle med for those who have unexplained fear. It has saved my marriage!"

• hul...
• June 7, 2017

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I was extremely against Xanax because of knowing people who abused it, and being someone who will try homeopathic cures before using prescriptions. That said, it really helps me. I have anxiety I would describe as anywhere from mild to severe depending on the day and week. But sometimes I get in these intensely anxious thought patterns, where I cannot let go, it's terrible. Taking medication during these periods is a godsend. It allows me to return back to my normal non-anxious self. I rarely have noticed sleepiness as an effect of the medication-only when I was already sleepy before taking it. If you don't abuse your dose, it shouldn't cause you to feel out of it or have memory loss if you truly suffer from anxiety. That's my experience."

• fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2013

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have severe anxiety, including social anxiety, that confines me to my apartment 95% of the time. I also suffer from trichotillomania, where my anxiety is so bad I pull my hair out. Have had this for 20 years, and all the shrinks could not help me. I am 32 years old and just recently have been put on Xanax 0.5 mg, 3 times daily as needed. Well, the first week I slept and slept, which is good because I wasn't sleeping before. I also have bipolar disorder and severe depression. Pristiq helps a little, but I am allergic to everything else. Xanax slows down my racing thoughts so I can think clearer and make decisions easier, and is helping with the hair pulling, but I am still desperately searching for help with that and have not found it."

• Tre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2017

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Xanax has saved my life. I have GAD, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and major depressive disorder. This medication has made life worth living for me. I have been in therapy with a therapist, life coach, and psychiatrist for 3-4 years now. I can tell you if the drug makes you drowsy or hungover, it's not for you. Also, the therapeutic dosage should not exceed 3 mg per day, ideally around 1 mg per day. As long as you stay in therapy and see your psychiatrist regularly, you will not become 'addicted' or whatever else people feel about this drug. IT WORKS!"

• 804...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2023

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking .5 mg as needed for panic attacks for about 5 years now. It is a miracle drug. It's my security blanket. I've been using the same prescription filled in 2019, and I'm getting low. I cannot find a doctor who will prescribe more. I'm getting anxious about running out because when I have a panic attack, I end up in the ER without this medication. I never have to take it any more than two a week at the most, even though my doctor (who is now retired) prescribed it 3 times daily. I do not want to become dependent or addicted to this medicine. It takes away the pains and impending doom that I am dying. If not, I end up in the ER swearing that I'm having a heart attack or something else that I'm not going to survive. Why would a doctor give me this wonderful cure for my panic and then other doctors want to take it away? It's not fair at all. The only side effects I've gotten were headaches on occasion and sleepiness."

• McJ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 30, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Alprazolam has improved my quality of life dramatically; more than any other anxiolytic I have tried, including other benzodiazepines. I'm diagnosed with panic disorder with specific phobia and have experienced debilitating panic attacks throughout my entire life. My fear dictated my life before I began taking alprazolam. Since beginning alprazolam, that has no longer been the case. I now feel as though I'm in control of my life since I'm not perpetually paralyzed by fear. I've been taking 3 mg daily for five years now with no loss of benefit. Initial side effects consisted of drowsiness, which subsided fairly rapidly. Overall, alprazolam has been an absolute godsend for the treatment of my panic attacks."

• min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I've always suffered with anxiety, but I've been able to control it. I've been out of work for 3 weeks, with a phobia of going back, because I had a panic attack, and I was exposed, and people were watching. My secret was out. Rewind - 3 weeks ago I had a kidney infection, I was in the hospital for 5 days, home for 5 days, then went directly back to a stressful job. That's where it happened, the attack. People were surrounding me and causing me more stress, I was put back in the hospital. I'm now on Buspar and Xanax. Buspar I have my negative thoughts on that, not sure it's helping or not, dizzy spells. But the Xanax does help with the anxiety. It makes me super sleepy and groggy. I'm seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, pray for me."

• Anonymous
• June 2, 2009

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Have been taking for a few months now with great results. Little dosage changing. I tried SSRIs and other medications without much luck other than feeling down or drained. Used Trazodone for sleep, I was living like a zombie. With Xanax, the sedation wore off after roughly 5-10 days, which was the only thing I can complain of. I have been doing better at school, less worrisome tics, better sleep instead of waking up screaming. Longer acting was better for me than a rollercoaster ride of taking lorazepam or Xanax (same dose worked wonderfully for 6 years), and now I just found that this time of my life, I needed something long-acting that I wouldn't have to think about my anxiety or worry about it anymore."

• Tho...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 9, 2024

For Anxiety "I began taking Alprazolam (Xanax is the brand name) 40 years ago. I found out I was having anxiety and panic attacks manifested by chest pains to being dizzy. My doctor let me try all the other benzodiazepines too. I chose this as a 2mg pill could be broken into 4 parts to take the lowest effective dose without sedation at work. It works quite well but is a drug one develops a tolerance to. My doctor is not the best. I ended up needing to take 6mg at night as it is not a great sleep med for me. The biggest thing I would like to share are the side effects of suddenly stopping taking them, the higher the dose the worse. One time my doctor did not refill them on time. I suddenly didn't have them as my body was used to I was awake for 9 days and nights and days straight. It was pure torture. When they were finally filled I took one and instantly fell asleep. The second side effect I had not taking them was a reversible psychotic episode, horrific. Xanax withdrawals can be SERIOUS!"

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have a crippling phobia of needles, as well as anxiety disorder. I’ve refused crucial medical treatment such as IVs and vaccines for deadly diseases, and it put my life at risk. So my doctor prescribed Xanax. At first dose (1 mg), it didn’t make my mind any calmer, it just sedated my body so I couldn’t run away, but my mind was just as desperate and terrified as usual. My dose for such visits is now 3 mg, and I am doing so much better!!!! 3 mg is not healthy for most, but since I have a severe case, it is necessary. Granted, I need assistance walking during the time I’m on it, and it makes me ‘blackout’ (I don’t remember a thing from hours it’s in effect), but it’s worth it to be able to receive medical treatment. Please note that Xanax won’t make your phobias any less scary in the moment, but it will help you get through life. All in all, I think Xanax saved my life."

• sf1...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 25, 2019

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I have been on Xanax XR (extended release) with IR (immediate release) as needed for about 15 years. Xanax XR seems like a different drug than IR because I don't notice that I've taken it, but it dramatically reduces the frequency of panic attacks. I started Depakote ER about 3 years ago and cut my daily XR dose from 2 mg to 1 mg because of sedation (the 2 drugs affect the same receptors). By themselves, XR and Depakote aren't strong enough for my social anxiety, for which I take additional IR and propranolol. If I take enough IR to manage social stress, it affects my ability to recall basic information until it's out of my system. Still, Xanax XR and IR make it possible to function reasonably well."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2017

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I'm a 19-year-old girl, and I've been diagnosed with anxiety for a long time but never had an anxiety attack until now. My doctor prescribed me this medicine yesterday after I told her I had an anxiety attack one day ago. My heart was literally at a speed of 100, but she gave me medicine to slow it down. It really helped me sleep last night, too. This medicine took me about 30-45 minutes to kick in, and then it knocked me out, and I was fast asleep."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2012

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I was suffering from nocturnal anxiety attacks for several months, but Xanax helps me get a good night's rest most of the time. 0.5 mg gets me to sleep, but 1 mg knocks me out for the whole night. I do not find that I wake up groggy or experience any other side effects, although I am wary about withdrawal symptoms. It's a great medicine overall though!"

• Fit...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 29, 2017

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I’ve been on Xanax for several years, and it works wonders for my anxiety and panic attacks. I only take it as prescribed and try not to take it or taper down 1 day a week. When I take half of a bar, I feel clear-headed and normal. Any more than that, I become sedated, so that’s why I regulate it so carefully. The only downside is the withdrawals are almost unbearable. When I go a couple of days off it, I feel extra anxious, nervous, mildly depressed, and at times it feels like my mind is messing with me. Overall, a great short-term medication for panic or anxiety, but if you choose to take it long-term, please be careful and take exactly what you’re prescribed, and if possible, less."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 21, 2017

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

• Not...
• November 26, 2008

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I was suffering from panic attacks for over a decade. I am now 39, and towards that time of the month, it becomes worse. Today I went to the doctor to get some Xanax, and I was surprised to learn how fast-acting it is. I feel like I could go to sleep, though. But I sure am feeling better already."

• Doc...
• May 5, 2009

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have used Xanax for the past 15 years for moderate to severe panic and/or anxiety attacks. Were it not for this drug, I am not sure what I would have done. It was and still is a godsend. I only use it as needed, as opposed to daily use. Two downsides are that it makes me drowsy, and if I drink alcohol when I have taken it, I get very testy. Don't drink and drive, and don't drive while on Xanax."