Xanax User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• L1o...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 18, 2019

For Anxiety "Many have said that alprazolam is a lifesaver. I endorse that statement fully. If you panic or become anxious, you'll be unable to process thoughts properly, which affects ALL your decisions, from making coffee in the morning to DRIVING your car to fulfilling your employment. Also, highly endorse taking the 0.5 mg before bed. Wake refreshed by the benefit of uninterrupted sleep. Thirdly, I read from someone up above my post, and I've experienced this awful phenomenon too, so => DON'T share what prescriptions you take with anyone that is not a health professional. You'll leave yourself open to criticism that is detrimental to you by non-doctors! Xanax is an important, very helpful prescription. I'm sorry that some have the 'addiction gene' (my terminology, not official). They should definitely 'watch it' if they know themselves to have an addictive nature. I believe the script can still help them. Sometimes I go for a few days without needing it and notice no withdrawal. Prescribed patient of 30 years."

• JUJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

For Anxiety "I was prescribed 2mg Xanax 2 times a day for severe anxiety and insomnia. This drug works amazingly for sleeping issues. As for anxiety, I just break a piece off and let it dissolve under my tongue (nasty taste), but it takes anxiety away immediately. I'm so glad my psychiatrist put me on this medication for anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. I don't abuse it, and sometimes I even go days without having to take it. It's definitely a lifesaver to have though!"

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

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 15, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Xanax is by far the best anti-anxiety medication on the market. I take it as needed and it works within minutes. I can't stand doctors who talk bad about the medication and how addictive it can be. People will abuse anything and everything. Xanax is amazing, and I take it as needed, not like an addict would."

• dox...
• August 2, 2014

For Anxiety "After a recent medical diagnosis, I had a difficult time coping and felt a tremendous sense of fear and worry constantly. It brought me to the point where I was physically ill every day and having panic attacks frequently. Xanax is wonderful when you find the right dose. Too much and I became a zombie. 0.25 mg was my perfect dose. It brought me down from panic and allowed me to take a step back and deal with my problems rationally."

• Nev...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I rated Xanax a 5 because yes at first it was a godsend! I got an appetite, became interested in daily activities again, gave me motivation, and I once again had goals set for myself. However, this drug is for short-term use and that's it! I was on it for several years, and when I became physically dependent on it, what was prescribed to me was never enough! I not only was physically dependent but also addicted! It began to cause increased anxiety, irrational behavior, destructive actions, and really bad mood swings! I weaned myself off as soon as I realized it was causing the problems in my life! If you get on this medication, don't stay on it for too long! Getting off of this medication was the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole life. I am still struggling with it 2 years later!"

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

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."

• YIK...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2017

For Anxiety "I am prescribed up to 4 mg a day and usually take 2 to 3 mg a day. I can't be given any SSRIs due to bad reactions on my maternal side of the family. Xanax just works for me. Was it overprescribed for years and given to people who had no business taking it? Yes. But this drug works wonders for some people. And it's not a placebo. Am I dependent? Yes. Is my quality of life better on them? Yes. They don't make me sleepy or black out. In fact, they give energy and on bad days motivation to get out of bed. I'm in good health, sleep 6 to 8 hours a day, and can interact with people better. Are they for everyone? NO. But they've helped me immensely."

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

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."

• sop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 17, 2014

For Anxiety "I've been on a variety of different benzodiazepines for about 16 years now for anxiety, agoraphobia, and even insomnia, and I have to say Xanax is by far the most effective. I've been on Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and even SSRIs, and none helped me the way Xanax did. Ativan did absolutely nothing, Valium was 'decent' (I'd give it a 5) because of its long-acting qualities, and Klonopin made me tired all the time. Only with Xanax can I lead a normal, productive life. Without that medicine, I would not be able to hang out with friends, go to the grocery store, go to the mailbox, or associate with my family. These are all triggers of my anxiety, even answering the phone! I've taken 2mg two times daily now for the past 7 years, and it works great!"

• Ric...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 12, 2019

For Anxiety "The withdrawal from long-term Xanax and other benzos is the longest and most agonizing experience you will ever go through. This is not an opinion, it’s a fact. The withdrawals can last years...yes, years. Don’t believe me? Take a good look online and start researching now. This drug is the absolute worst drug to get off for most people. Narcotic withdrawals pale in comparison. This is not a review...this is a warning."

• Tru...
• September 16, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Xanax for over 30 years. I have a panic disorder of some kind. It has changed my life and allowed me to function normally. Now my psychiatrist retired, and I am seeing a young resident who wants me off it. I could have seizures and terrible withdrawal, and be back to not leaving the house."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2008

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!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 22, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Was first prescribed this seventeen years ago after years of panic and anxiety and trying other useless medicines due to many deaths and tragedies in my family. What a revelation. Taking 0.5 once a day made me feel, for the first time in years, normal. I’m not on a regimen, just as needed, and usually take 2-6 per month as needed. Doctors would not prescribe it, so had to see a psychiatrist in a big city who was quite understanding. I am 70 years old now and cannot believe the medical community ignored my concern for so long. Thank you to the mental health experts. I have had not one issue with dependency. But at my age, I would not care if I were dependent."

• Big...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2015

For Depression "I've suffered from generalized anxiety for 25 years. At one point, I could barely leave my house. Afraid to drive on bridges, tunnels, fly... I even had anxiety about taking anxiety medication. Xanax was a game-changer for me! I rarely take it, but I've taken trips I never thought I would be able to take. Get this, I was even able to skydive! Not bad for an agoraphobic. It builds confidence. Just having it in my pocket really helps. I had to take a 0.5 mg dose tonight because I've been in panic mode for five days and I finally needed to reset my mental state. I think David Burns' 'Feeling Good Handbook' is an awesome tool too. I'm rambling because after 5 days of super anxiety, I finally took a 0.5 and now I feel great."

• Mis...
• February 28, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I’m a young adult & I feel like all I experience in my life is anxiety & panic. I’ve tried a number of antidepressant and anxiety medications over the years that do indeed help, because without them I would never be able to leave my house. However, I still do get extremely anxious and have panic attacks. My new psychiatrist has actually been able to figure out my particular chemistry. She prescribed Xanax for the panic attacks, which has helped tremendously. I only take 2mg when I’m having an attack. At most 15 minutes later, I feel twenty times better. My attacks can easily last hours so the Xanax cuts that time greatly. Afterwards, I get sleepy and my concentration isn’t very good, but I’d much rather be calm & not be able to concentrate than to be panicking & feeling like I’m losing my mind & STILL not able to concentrate. I don’t see myself using it for years like some people have to because I do take Fetzima and Prozac daily, but for now it’s helping me so much!"

• Aut...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 16, 2019

For Panic Disorder "My child has been sick and disabled for 40 years. She has seizures and autism and is a wanderer. We have both been through enough nightmares to write a series of books. I have panic and anxiety. Now because of silly adolescents and adults trying to get high, I am unable to get Xanax - the only medication that has kept me sane for 30 years. I only filled my prescription 3-4 times a year. I never got high from taking it. I didn't know you could. I barely leave the house now, and I have panic attacks while driving, and this is new to me. Panic attacks wake me up. I can't even sleep in peace. I'm in AZ where pot is legal but Xanax is not. No one prescribes it anymore. The stupid doctors here think panic attacks are not real and laugh at me. They see my child. She is always with me."

• Ben...
• February 19, 2017

For Depression "From 2002-2017 I have been on many different types of medications: Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax, not to mention all the psych drugs, none that helped until my doctor realized I had social anxiety and paralyzing panic attacks. By far, the best for not only my depression but my anxiety as well was Xanax 2mg. I had to take at least the full bar to ease my anxiety, however, not only did it help with my fears and anxiety, but it also helped with my depression which stemmed from my constant panic attacks. It is easily abused, however, when it's needed, it's a savior and can help me get what I need to accomplish done as a mother, a wife, a personal trainer/lifeguard, and a graduate of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which without Xanax, I wouldn't have."

• Anonymous
• February 29, 2008

For Depression "I have extreme depression and Anxiety - sometimes panic attacks. I have this horrible habit of pulling out my hair - on my head, eyelashes, and other areas excessively. Xanax and Lexapro have made me feel normal - for the first time in years, I actually have eyelashes growing in. I don't care what people say about the negative effects of Xanax - I personally know I needed it. I feel like the nightmare of my mind has been treated."

• Stu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2013

For Anxiety "I am about to turn 50, and my life of anxiety has been a recent and unpleasant downward spiral. I ended up in the emergency room twice with soaring blood pressure, flushing, and heart palpitations, plus overwhelming feelings of panic. I live daily with either anxiety or small panic attacks, they are debilitating and have affected my ability to continue work on my degree. After my last ER visit, a doc felt I was having panic attacks and directed me to seek help at a Mental Health Clinic. I've tried several antidepressants, and I have not tolerated them well. Xanax (0.5 mg) has gotten me through many a day and night, and I prefer this medication over all the others. It decreases the anxiety very quickly and helps to maintain a sense of normality."

• Dea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 25, 2021

For Anxiety "I've C-PTSD after having an extremely violent home environment growing up. I've gone through everything to try and calm my symptoms down. Seven years ago, my doctor put me on a combination of Xanax 1.5 mg per day over three doses and 15 mg of Mirtazapine. I went from a hermit to having a normal life. Having a career, a solid relationship... my life did a full 180. Now I have a new doctor and went to have my longstanding script renewed (I've just moved country)... he reduced the dose to Xanax two 0.5 mg, which isn't enough as I get nausea and dizziness between doses if I leave it too long. So I carried on with my 0.5 three times a day and have to go back tomorrow to get him to fix the script. I'm terrified that he will try to reduce or take me off them. These are literally the only thing that has worked. I'm willing to accept the risks as the rewards of having a normal life far outweigh the bad effects."

• Cal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 25, 2014

For Anxiety "I have to start by saying that I'm fearful of medications. For starters, secondly, I have dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia for many years now. I'm not housebound, but I do have a small neighborhood radius of 'comfort'. I have, in the past, felt ashamed of my condition as I thought I was unique and alone and somewhat embarrassed to try to explain my irrational feelings and thoughts, which I have learned since that they are entirely 'made up'. Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to behaviors, all of which can be undone with the help of medicine, therapy, relaxation techniques, journaling, diet, exercise, and not being afraid to open up about your anxiety. You are NOT alone! Learn to RELAX, it WORKS."

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

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."

• DEW...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2015

For Depression "Began taking Xanax during a time when my one and only child left home for college and I lost my job a month later. It allowed me to cope and move forward. The most I ever took was 1 mg per day, but I now take 0.25 when I have periodic depression and anxiety. I sometimes go 6 weeks without taking one. The best way to describe it is like rebooting your mind. Life saver for me."

• Sap...
• January 28, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I had a breakdown in my doctor's office after my Klonopin stopped working. She said I needed something stronger for my daily panic attacks as I could not even function at my part-time job that was only three days a week. I am on 2mg twice daily. It's affordable and helps like no other medicine I've tried. I take it with chamomile tea to relax if I've had a stressful day. Or if things get too hectic at work, I may take half of one. It also cured my insomnia. I feel like a normal person now."