Just started Xanax...anyone have experiences to share?

@alanism I have been on alprazolam for thirty-two years for panic attacks. I have not been able to drive for over 20 years because my panic attacks started when I was driving. Just the thought of getting behind the wheel scares me to death. So, my husband has to do all of the driving. I am addicted to my panic pill (as I call it), but without, I would be off the wall. It makes me extremely nervous to think that the gov't might put more restrictions on it. But, I have taken it this long and never had any side effects. I need it to live and would do whatever I had to to get it. I know people who don't have the problem don't understand, but it is serious. I have been to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack or I would be in a crowded store and have to get out----just leave the cart and exit as fast as possible. So, those of us who need this type of med, need it, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Carol

There are street drugs that are sold, illegally as Xanax "The deaths caused by fentanyl pills disguised as Xanax provide a harrowing look into the real danger of purchasing prescription drugs on the street."

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc. They each have different half lifes, the amount of time that the drug still exists in the blood at half of a steady state value. Xanax is the shortest, about 10 hours, Klonopin is about 35 hours, and Valium is nearly 100 hours.

But, as we age, the elimination time of medication is increased, i.e. in senior years, it will take longer for the drug to drop to half it's steady state value, so the therapeutic action of shorter half life medications will last longer. Some people may benefit by a longer half-life medication. The short half life of Xanax is believed to contribute to it's addictive properties:

"Generally speaking, benzodiazepines with a shorter half life (such as Xanax) are harder to stop than those with a longer half life (such as Valium). Both drugs readily enter brain tissue which reinforces drug taking and is generally associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms."

I take Klonopin, due to other meds I take, a slight dose seems to provide significant, for me at least, effect. November 2018 I went into afib, and still am in afib, and for months I took a small dose every night. I was able to stop without side effects and without tapering. I have taken a Benzodiazepine, in one form or another, for 30 years now. I've learned to live with tension, so I don't take them often, but they are nice to have for troubled times. Those on higher doses need to consult their doctor about tapering, one should not stop, if that time comes, cold turkey.

@soliloquized Your post is enlightening and educational, but it still all goes back to every person is different and our doctors give us what we need to control our situations. I have never abused my dose, but if I didn't have it, I would be in trouble. It is good that you can have what works for you. I think with the Opioid crisis, everyone is careful and aware of what these types of drugs can do.
Carol

I have taken Xanax daily for 10 years. I seldom used the 3 a day I was allowed. For at least the past year+, I was only taking 1/2 pill at bed time. IF I felt I needed sone during the day, I would take another 1/2 pill. A few times I have had procedures done that I felt anxious about, I would check to see if I could take a Xanax before the procedure, which basically makes me feel sleepy. My preference would be not to take any of these meds but, with my other medical issues, this is what works for me. As I said, all my doctors know this. I took Valium eons ago and would not take it again. What works for one person might not for another. Always work with your doctors and let them monitor you. It is good to research things but, even here, you are getting a variety of information that can get confusing. You will need to find out what is right for you. What questions you are asking here, make a list and ask your doctor. You are still taking a low dose of the Xanax but, yes, many of these drugs can be addictive. Some meds you can stop and others you have to wean off of.

@margot69. Thank you for sharing your story. That is an experience that would have sent me over the edge too, nice to hear how you came through on the other side. Helps to hear your experience. I am afraid I am stuck in this house...I thought a different and more expensive house in a quieter neighborhood with a yard for a dog would make me happier and it hasn’t, tough lesson to learn, old house really had everything I needed. We got a puppy too for my daughter and I am not used to animals, so that is wearing on my nerves. First world problem. @merry you are smart for staying in your house! I did end up taking the other half of the Xanax yesterday before bed. The lexapro and Xanax just make me feel groggy, and I am having night sweats still from the medication, literally am lying in the bed I made. Hoping the sweats dissipate as my body acclimates to the meds. Thank your for your comments, so much.

Hi! I just read your post, as well as numerous replies, and thought my own story would be of help. 🙂
I’ve had anxiety since 1990, and have been on Alprazolam (generic Xanax) successfully & daily all 30 years. For me, it has been no different than a diabetic who may need insulin their whole lives. It has been extremely beneficial and essential, and I take it responsibly. Always have.

Since we’ve lived in numerous states, or have had to change doctors on occasion due to our insurance changing, I’ve had the “pleasure” of having doctors’ responses to Alprazolam ranging from (and I’m being funny now) “clearly it’s like taking crack and we must get you off it,” to “well, we at least need to taper you back because it could be addictive,” to “oh my goodness, you’re totally fine to take it as it helps people so much.”

We need to be careful when we throw around the word “addiction” when it comes to Alprazolam. Yes, there is that factor in some people who take it, and usually it becomes obvious, I would imagine, by them abusing it or needing more before their refill. For me, it is a very very essential maintenance medication. I get my refills at the appropriate time, and after all these years I know exactly when I need it, and how much. I’m in the no-guilt/no shame zone on this one. We wouldn’t do that to someone who needed their medicine for whatever condition they have. Like them, the ability to have a quality of life on a daily basis would be extremely hard and diminished if it weren’t for my depression and anxiety medications. End of story.

As far as which ones and doses on those, again keep in mind I’ve been on meds, for both, for 30 years. So, I’ve been on depression meds that work, absolutely don’t work, and some “work okay” ones. Same for dosages on each one. Hang in there until you find the right one, and above all else, get a doctor who has a clue about mental health! If one doesn’t, move on!

Right now, I have .5 mg 3x/day. Sometimes I need all 3, sometimes I only need 2, and sometimes 2-1/2. At one point years ago, going through a very stressful time, my doctor had me go to 1mg 3x/day. I actually found that to be too much, so after that stressful time passed, I told him I wanted to go back down to my original dose. Now THAT’S a doctor who understands this whole area. And yes, he healthily monitored me.

Oh, I’m also one where the depression medicines with built-in anti-anxiety portions don’t work for me. I’ve tried many! So....I have to have both meds. to stay even-steven.

I’m also a rare bird that not only uses it for my anxiety, but also as a very effective sleep medication. While I know that I am the exception rather than the rule on the sleep part, frankly I don’t care. I know my body, and I know what works for me. Plus, that’s why studies always have the small percentage where a medication is also effective for such ‘n such in a small percentage of people. Make sense?

Gosh I hope this has helped. I am passionate about the area of Alprazolam, because when someone that is new on it hears every which way, I’m always afraid they will be so fearful of it that they will either not take it, or be afraid to ask for the right dose for them. That is such a disservice to all of us who greatly use it properly as an absolute life-saver.

To end, my mom (now 88 and still lives in her own apartment, has many standing weekly engagements, and is sharp as a tack) always tells me: “have something to look forward to each day.” That is such wise advice. It could be as simply as watching “Wheel of Fortune” at 7pm! 😊