Alprazolam and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Wor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 28, 2020

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have severe anxiety panic disorder that started when I was a child. I have been taking Xanax for over 30 years now. Every day I take 4 pills, but on really bad days I take 6 pills. My doctor has retired, and now I have a new doctor who is cutting me off. Instead of taking 4 pills every day, they only gave me enough for half a pill per day. I'm never able to sleep due to extreme insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks that plague me every day. I was shocked at how much they cut me off and so quickly. Right now, I am in critical condition. They say I exceeded my monthly limit. When I was given Xanax, I was able to function, sleep normally, eat, and live a normal life. I have been taking Xanax for over 30 years. It is truly inhumane. My body relies on taking medicine every day, and suddenly being cut off will be really hard on my body. Some people really do need Xanax."

• BWa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 9, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Been on Xanax for almost 10 years. It has saved my life, and I mean that. I couldn’t function from the severe anxiety that I would get every day. I recently moved, and my new psychiatrist won’t prescribe it to me. I am just thankful I still have 3 more scripts I can fill. He’s trying to get me off it by putting me on Buspar. What a mess this drug is. I can’t sleep and am nauseous all day long. Still take a low dose of my Xanax while on it but it scares me having to give up the only thing that has helped me over all these years. People who abuse it have given it a horrible reputation, and it’s not available for the responsible people that really need it."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2008

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Xanax saved me during my separation/divorce. We have one child and the realization that I would only see her on weekends destroyed me. I would have panic attacks and anxiety so bad I could not function in life. I lost weight, had nausea, could not sleep or eat and wanted to die. I was prescribed Xanax 0.25mg (the lowest dosage). I take half in the morning and half in the afternoon. Xanax has saved my life, I feel normal, can work, focus, and enjoy the time I do have with my daughter. It works!!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "Seriously, I would be dead without this medication. Pop culture has given it a bad rep, but as a prescribed user of this godsent medicine from the beautiful minds at Pfizer, I humbly thank you for saving my life. Had I known and addressed my severe depression, agoraphobia, anxiety, and PTSD (the alphabet goes on)... I would have NEVER SUFFERED FROM A STROKE IN 2010 DUE TO MY CONDITIONS that I had no idea there was a word for what's wrong with me. This is a quick-acting, short shelf-life in the system type of medicine, so it's a here-now, gone feeling. The low doses are like a mini invisible hug, the 2 mgs help me sleep and dream of a better life, and wake up to my Starbucks feeling alert as the medicine did its thing on my heart and mind. If during the day I feel sick with chest pain from anxiety, it offers immediate relief. I am responsible in my consumption. Thank you to the hardworking medical professionals for understanding the pain of the unseen sicknesses."

• Qan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I had severe postpartum anxiety to the point of no sleep for 3 months, which made me lose touch with all reality. I couldn’t take benzos as I was determined to breastfeed. Once I got through another bout of insomnia when I stopped breastfeeding, I was suicidal from lack of sleep and panic/anxiety. I was put on Xanax, .125 to .25 per day before bed. 4 years later, I still have anxiety around sleep, so I take half the lowest dose 45 mins before bed. I struggle with sleep at times, but I have not increased my dose over the 4 years and don’t freak out or withdraw if I miss a dose. My doctor hired a new nurse who seems bent on getting me off it, makes me plead my case to get refills. I don’t understand this thinking-a low dose of Xanax forever is better than a strung-out suicidal insomniac. I have tried all SSRIs, hypnosis, counseling, meditation, CBTI for insomnia, and hormone therapy. Nothing works as well as half a Xanax 45 mins before bed. It’s just reality for me."

• Sam...
• August 1, 2013

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Saved my life. I didn't know I had anxiety, doctors kept giving me high blood pressure medication only. Finally went to a psychiatrist, he gave me Xanax and Tofranil. Xanax helped a lot, the antidepressant I had problems with, sleeping mostly. Been on Xanax for 25 years and the only medicine that really helps my Panic Attacks."

• jos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2020

Alprazolam "Stop smoking back 6 weeks ago after almost 37 years. This has brought on constant coughing with problems of getting rid of smoker's phlegm, plus depression, lack of sleep, and constant thoughts that I am going to die because my respiratory and chest are full of phlegm and short of breath. Finally getting Xanax 0.5 twice a day. Real different is that I am positive now. I can sleep almost 8 hours a night and have positive thinking of an ex-smoker, and my body is recovering slowly but consistently."

• Ala...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 12, 2024

"I was prescribed alprazolam 22 years ago. I had a tendency to be fast to anger and to verbally lash out at people that I loved. After trying many SSRI-type medications, my family doctor gave me a prescription for alprazolam. Everything in my life got better, and I was much happier. I was on 0.5 milligrams and stayed there for over 20 years. I never took it as prescribed because I only needed 1 pill a day taken at bedtime. My doctor retired last year, and my new doctor refused to allow me to continue on the medication. So for six months, my insomnia has taken my sleep and joy away. My BP is out of control because my doctor thought my previous beta blocker was bad for me. Somebody find me a doctor that is not working for a corporation, taking their cue from some damn handbook. Oh, by the way, I am no longer able to take international flights or continue scuba diving due to my new friend anxiety. So because we have a group of people that abuse medications, we will punish the ones that don't!"

• dav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 11, 2015

Alprazolam for Anxiety "It's been 3 months now off Xanax (was taking up to 4 mg a day for 2 years after my brother killed himself) and I'm just now starting to feel like myself again. Coming off the Xanax was the hardest thing I've ever done. I had to force myself to work and keep my job. I had good days and bad days (more bad than good). My symptoms were crazy. No sleep, headaches, shakes, twitching, pain everywhere, memory problems. If I knew how hard it is to come off benzos, I never would have touched it. Short-term use = okay. Stressful event = okay. If this helps one person, then yay. Please be careful! Don't end up detoxing off of a benzo and going through hell for weeks or months. Research this med. Not fun!"

• Luv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 11, 2017

Alprazolam for Depression "I started Xanax 14 years ago after taking Klonopin for years. My life changed for the better instantly. Before Xanax, I was trapped in my own mind, constantly worrying instead of enjoying my family! It has now become a curse. For years, I've been on 4 mg daily, and I have severe panic attacks, depression, and insomnia. 50 mg of Trazodone for insomnia is not helping, so I use my Xanax to sleep, then, I run out early, leading to detox. I'm just going in circles! I discussed with my family about going to a detox center and starting over with other meds."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 11, 2019

Alprazolam for Depression "For anxiety, I give it a 10, but for depression, a 1. It is very good medicine for GAD, but after a couple of months, you get addicted. If you stop, insomnia is terrible and the brain doesn't function at all, so be aware of that."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2013

Alprazolam for Dysautonomia "Helps anxiety symptoms that POTS (a form of dysautonomia) causes. Someone else who reviewed alprazolam said it helps to keep them sane with their dysautonomia. I have to agree; it also helps to keep me sane. I'm on Xanax XR 2 mg once a day. Also helps insomnia caused by POTS with the adrenaline surges. Have combined Xanax XR with tramadol and I can function a lot better now!"

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 13, 2018

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I have my life back because of Xanax. I have suffered from anxiety my entire life but somehow kept it manageable until my fifties. I was getting more and more agoraphobic and afraid to drive. Finally, I found myself pacing the house, unable to sleep and scared that I was actually going to harm myself. I have been on .5 mg Xanax XR up to three times daily for almost two years, and I am fully functioning again."

• Swp...
• January 1, 2016

Alprazolam for Depression "My wife uses Xanax. She is bipolar II. She has a lot of depression and anxiety but not much hypomania. She takes two 1 mg when she is having a really bad day, which is about every other day. It knocks her out for about four hours. Oftentimes, she will wake up, and then about four hours later, she needs to take another Xanax. It helps in emergencies but does nothing for the underlying cause of her severe depression and anxiety. I'm glad it's there for emergencies, though. I wish it did something to decrease the frequency of emergencies."

• Naz...
• September 22, 2016

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "Please be very careful, and I repeat, very careful. My doctor prescribed Xanax to treat my panic disorder from underground stations (London) phobia of being under the earth's surface. I was managing fine with other medication such as Vistaril, which did a great job but was keeping me tired. Almost two months later, I asked my doctor to take me off of them because Xanax just makes me want to sleep and sit on the couch doing nothing. We tried all dosages, and I still felt sad inside. Here is the shocking part: only eight days after my last dose (which was weaned slowly over two weeks), I had my first ever seizure at the age of 29. I never had seizures, no family history. Never ever will I touch this stupid medicine again, never."

• Con...
• July 31, 2019

For Anxiety "I have taken Xanax for 8 years when suddenly, my doctor stopped writing it for me and all her patients who were taking Xanax. I’m not certain this was wise... at least for me because the sudden cessation of the drug caused severe insomnia, anxiety, and I felt I had been catapulted back to the dark time of 8 years ago. Thankfully, I was able to see another doctor, but he, too, wants me to cease taking Xanax. He prescribed 15 tablets to last a month and wants me to gradually taper off them entirely. My question is this ... In the past 2 years, I took only 1 tablet a day, at night, was able to sleep, was well-rested, and functioned at a high level on my job. With the new dosage, my sleep has been curtailed, I remain jittery and anxious. I am very conservative in its use and think - at least for some - the drug has a place if it’s used responsibly."

• 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!"

• Med...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2024

For Dysautonomia "Xanax has been a godsend for my POTS. I originally went on it for anxiety related to a traumatic event at work (I am a paramedic, use your imagination). It was supposed to be a temporary med twice a day at 0.5 mg so I could sleep and function at work, but has ended up being a (hopefully) permanent med that helps my POTS so much. The stupid random adrenaline surges caused by POTS have all but disappeared. I am almost never super dizzy. My insomnia is better, my exercise tolerance is better, and my overall health and happiness have improved. Even my migraines and GI issues have improved, probably from the reduction in cortisol surging through my system. I am writing this review so that hopefully anyone struggling to convince their doctor that they need Xanax can show them this review along with all the other ones and be persuaded to at least give it a chance. Xanax is a drug with a lot of stigma, but it can be so incredibly helpful and massively improve quality of life."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2017

Alprazolam for Anxiety "STAY AWAY FROM XANAX. Please! It will help you-in the moment. But literally hours later, the rebound anxiety and insomnia will hit you and make you regret taking it at all in the first place. And before you know it, you'll go from half a bar to multiple bars just to sleep at night. Oh, and the increased depersonalization and dark thoughts are not potential 'side effects'-they are some of the many very real, consistently DIRECT EFFECTS of taking Xanax. Benzos should be used as rarely and as short-term as possible. Even in these cases, the withdrawal is VERY real...it hurts just to live. Please, take my word for it. I'm going through it for the TENTH time right now. ADDICTIVE."

• Ctf...
• September 6, 2011

Alprazolam for Depression "Have panic attacks approximately twice per year, emerging with breathing problems. Resulted in depression, with sleep hours falling from a normal 8 hours to 2-3 hours. I fight depression with citalopram hydrobromide (Exenadil 20 mg). Xanax helps me sleep whenever I feel I will miss my sleep. My schedule: take depression medicine every two months for a 6-month period. Take Xanax ONLY at night before sleep WHENEVER I feel I will miss my sleep. Fight my ugly morning wake-ups by my own doing the most favorable things of the day in the morning."

• mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 7, 2024

For Anxiety "First of all, I would say Xanax is the best medicine for people who are suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, social disorder, and more reasons. But because some people abuse it, it becomes harder for people who really need it. I have been taking Alprazolam 2mg, 2 per day, total 4mg for almost 12 years. When I was 23, my lovely mother hung herself and I was the first person who saw his mother hanging from a rope around her neck. I started yelling to neighbors to call 911 and cut the rope to give her CPR, but unfortunately, it was too late. I did not know what PTSD, anxiety, and other things are. So, nobody took me to a doctor. I couldn't sleep at night, always had fear. My older sister took me to a PCP, but it did not help. I moved to a different city with my ex and met the best doctor who completely understood me. He first gave me 2mg per day, and over the years, I built up a tolerance so he added 2mg more. For 1.5 years, I had insomnia, so the doctor added a different benzo for my sleep, and now I sleep very well."

• hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 15, 2017

Alprazolam for Panic Disorder "I take it at night in order to sleep because of a bad insomnia side effect from a MAOI. But now, if I miss just one night of the med, I wake up with paralyzing anxiety - chest tightness and heart palpitations. This drug does its job most of the time, but it creates physical and psychological dependency and an AM hangover. I am looking to wean off of this soon once my new psychiatrist introduces other med changes. I see other users below saying they cut them in half - my psychiatrist said that is dangerous because of the XR properties. That is why the XR pills are not scored. I repeat - regular use of this med creates dependency."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2009

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I had anxiety so bad from work I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I didn't take it until I got home from work because it made me sleep. I was on it for 6 weeks and I noticed I had an addiction to it. I was hurrying home after work to take it (no, really doctor, I can stop it any time I want to). My doctor said to stop taking it. I was awake for 3 days, but I did it. I know now that I needed to reduce it a little at a time because I had been taking a high dose for a while. It's a lifesaver for bad anxiety, just watch the dosage and be careful about how long you are taking it. If you keep those 2 things in mind, it's the best anti-anxiety medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 26, 2021

Alprazolam for Anxiety "I read most of the comments and see myself in them. I am 76 years old, was on Xanax for 12 years. My doctor also retired, and right away the PA working on me to give up Xanax. Just 4 days ago, I finished with the withdrawal, what a nightmare. Can't sleep, had anxiety attacks, hot tingling feeling in my chest area. They started me on Effexor, was on for 3 days, got myself off, can't deal with this."