Experience Taking Xanax

Updated on February 03, 2012
P.H. asks from McKinney, TX
12 answers

My doctor just prescribed Xanax for social anxiety for me to use on an as needed basis. My doctor said the dosage she's given me would not cause addiction. I tried a dose today and I did feel much more relaxed. I'm really interested to find out what your experience with Xanax has been. Thank you for sharing.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

Just be very careful.

I took this and many other anti-anxiety things for some time. Ativan was the only thing I could take and be able to function.

Watch the addiction issue too. I can take only a tiny bit used over a period of time to become dependent on it.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from San Antonio on

Just use as little as you need only when you need it and you should be fine. If you find yourself needing it everyday then talk with your doctor...they can find you another option.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.K.

answers from Dallas on

PLease only take as needed and you won't be addicted. Also people who worry about addiction to begin with have a lower chance since they are not careless with the med.
My dr had asked me to take 1/4th a pill first (of the lowest available dosage) and then continue to take 1/4th fill every 15 minutes until anxiety subsided (never taking more than one pill at a time) - actually I never needed more than 1 pill - sometimes even half would do the trick and this way I wasn't knocked out as it does cause some drowsiness...........
USe it as a tool to deal with the social anxiety...and just like in my case....when you stop having the attacks thanks to the pill you will slowly gain your confidence back and not need it any more....the thought of having the anxiety attack nornally caused me more anxiety and stress. Good Luck.....you can stay one step ahead of your own thoughts!!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Dallas on

My sister took Xanax several years ago and became very addicted. Just be careful.

Unfortunately for my sister, she had an irresponsible doctor who let her take as much as she wanted and would just authorize another refill every time she went to the pharmacy, even if it wasn't even time for the refill (2 weeks into a 30 day prescription). The pharmacy eventually reported the doctor and he ended up losing his license. My sister went cold turkey but it was a miserable time in her life overcoming the addiction.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.

answers from Dallas on

I used to take it as needed for flying and it took the edge off. My doctor only prescribed a handful because it can be so addictive.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

I take mine only for a few days once a month for PMS - it is great. I hear it is addictive. Depends on your dose and the frequency.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from Seattle on

xanax knocks me on my bum. I have a small rx of it for when I'm having insomnia. I fall asleep w/in 10 minutes.

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

I was given this in the hospital after surgery and had a horrible reaction. I was not anxious. I needed a muscle relaxer. The Xanax caused me to stay awake all night and made me very irritable. All of the sounds in the room, like a ticking clock, became very loud. I would never take that again.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Omaha on

I took Xanax when I was originally diagnosed with anxiety disorder and frequently had panic attacks.

The problem was, my pediatrician (I was 16) prescribed it for daily use. Do not do this! It is addictive and you will need more and more. Take it like your doctor said "as needed".

I haven't used it since, and can't remember too well how it worked. I eventually got a psychiatrist (the MD type... or is it psychologist?) who put me on Celexa, which I've happily and comfortably been on up until now. I do still have some Xanax, and I take it whenever I'm having a bad anxiety night and can't sleep.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.G.

answers from New York on

I used to have a script for xanax years ago when I worked a very stressful job and my husband was having major health issues. I was also newly married and was just dealing with a lot of changes in my life. I used to take one pill when I was really feeling anxious. A prescription for say, 30 pills might last me 6 months to a year. It really did help take the edge off. I was never in danger of becoming addicted - mostly because I just don't have that kind of personality - I don't even drink and I've never tried an illegal drug of any kind (not so say that others who've done any of that are addicts, of course).

Anyway, I found it to be very helpful in allowing me to relax and sleep instead of breaking down in tears. Just use it sparingly and absolutely not daily.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.H.

answers from Dallas on

I have currently been taking it for over a year. I was prescribed it for anxiety. I was going thru a divorce and every time I had to drop off my son to his father I had a panic attack. The xanax helped a lot. I am not addicted. I now only take it when I feel like I am having a panic attack or feel out of control. (which is like once - twice a month) I have tried to take it to help sleep but it never worked like that for me. When I just want to take the edge off I took half a pill. Hope it helps you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Dallas on

I love it. But I only take it as needed.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions