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@margot69

Hi alanism,
I can suffer from anxiety also and it can become a walk down a very bumpy lane. What works for some may not work for you. It may take a trial and error period to see what helps. Some years ago, I was put on Prozac which did help but I had to decrease the dose as I was working and it made me feel tired. I eventually weaned off of it.
I am probably going to be the exception here but I have been taking Xanax daily for probably 10 years. Anxiety reared it's ugly head when I was/am having health issues and still had to deal with other fami,y responsibilities. My original prescription was .5 mg 3 X daily. I seldom took that much. For a long time, I was taking 1/2 pill at bed time, which didn't do much, but Instill do. I am sure I have built up a tolerance to it. Sometimes, if I feel anxious during the day, ir I am going to be in a situation that might make me uncomfortable, I will take 1/2 pill. There have been times where I need some medical procedure done, last being an MRI, I will take a whole one before. Let me add, I "always" check with the doctors first to make sure that is ok to do.
Usually, my prescription for a month's supply, lasts me 2 - 2 1/2 months. There are no refills so my doctor can see I am not abusing this med. All my doctors know I take this and how long I have been on it and none of them have suggested I stop it. They know I am under a lot of stress and this takes the edge off. I am in no way saying this is right or wrong. This is only "my" experience with this med. Always go in the recommendation of your doctor.
If you feel anxious, take a half a pill and lay down for a while, if you are able to do that. Sit down and count to 4 and take a slow, deep breath in. Hold it and count to 4. Exhale slowly and count to 4. My accupuncture Doctor suggested this and it really does help me and I can do it anywhere.
You can make yourself anxious just from feeling anxious!
One step at a time. You CAN do this. 👍

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Replies to "Hi alanism, I can suffer from anxiety also and it can become a walk down a..."

Margot69, do you take anything else for anxiety or just the Xanax? You mentioned you went off Prozac, wondering if you replaced that with anything. I started Lexapro today instead of sertraline, had terrible night sweats with sertraline so that is not helping my anxiety. Do you ever feel like you need to take more than the half pill at night and occasional afternoon pill, and if so, do you just power through it and not take any more?

My story is almost like yours. I've had my script for ten plus years and am also on Prozac plus Buspar. I am prescribed 90 a month so I could take 3 a day but I'm pretty sure I've never done that. I rarely take more than1 a day and that's not even every day. For me it's a Godsend. It's always with me in case I need it but I am not addicted. I have terrible anxiety and find that walking helps a lot, but right now I'm home bound because of a health issue. I also find talking about it helps at times too. So this forum is a good place to do it.

I too have been on Xanax for many years. Used to take occasionally as stress hit or to sleep thru the night. Dr increased my dosage to 3 a day. I never take that many but helped during my sons illness and passing. I don’t think it’s working as well as I get quite anxious since husband and I had Covid. He is having long term issues including delirium etc. The Xanax are not working for my anxiety. Husband was put on Lorazepam 1 mg 3 times a day and it’s keeping him from getting agitated. Have I built up a tolerance or not taking often enough (never 3 a day) ? I don’t know?