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

@alanysm. I used to have severe Anxiety. The kind that would send me to the ER because I thought I was literally dying. I had never heard of Xanax before, but I began to question the medical staff when they would only give me 10 pills at a time. They explained how addictive Xanax is, which terrified me, so I asked them for something non-addictive and they told me about Vistaril. It’s simply a prescription strength Benadryl. It’s used for allergies, but it worked way better than the Xanax did. The Xanax was barely taking the edge off my anxiety. The Vistaril knocked my anxiety completely down. The generic name for it is Hydroxyzine. I’m so thankful they were able to help me without adding “opioid addict” to my problems. Opioids are terrifying. If you can find something else that works for you it would be in your best interest to switch. Even if the doctor is giving you a low dose. Opioids in any form are addicting. And in my experience Klonopin wasn’t much help at all, but everybody is different. I hope you feel better

Thanks for sharing your story, @thequeenjaida, and welcome!
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is used for short-term treatment of the symptoms of anxiety and tension or as an alternative to other habit-forming anxiety medications. Here’s some more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydroxyzine-oral-route/description/drg-20311434

@thequeenjaida, do you have to take this medication everyday, or can you take it "as needed”? Have you experienced any side effects?

My doctor told me it is for use in the short term only, and said that .5 mg of Xanax twice a day is a low dose. I don't know if that is true or not and am curious what others think. The doctor didn't say anything about tapering off. He also suggested Lexapro instead of sertraline as it is supposed to be more effective for anxiety, so I was planning on switching to that today actually. I had a friend who said Lexapro worked well for her, but it just made her too nauseous. Nothing has ever worked for me like the Xanax though, but I am afraid of it.

I understand in my opinion that most ppl have a misconception of medications for anxiety & depression. However it is not the medication that will make you an addict or cause addiction issue's it is you as a person who has a prescription of Xanax/aka alprazolam or Valium or whatever else you get. It is not the medications themselves but how you take them on a daily basis. Stick to what is prescribed by the professional's who treat you. Never ever take more than prescribed.
As far as Xanax/Alprazolam I have been on them for 15yrs & I'm very happy with the results. I'm prescribed 1.mg 3xday. But I try to stick to 2mg per day unless I feel like I'm losing it. But I too use breathing excercize. Also some ppl can not take Sertraline/Zoloft or Lexapro or Wellbutrin some of us take Celexa/Citalopram for Depression.

As far as safety I find it safer than Valium for me. I had 4 different Dr's try to make me switch only for me to come back scratching & crying & feeling like I'm not well. So definately I believe what works for 1 May not work for someone else & vice a versa. Take it as prescribed & u have nothing to worry abt. Especially if it is helping your condition. Also Xanax comes in a lower dose .25mg & .5 = .50/half a mg. 1.mg & 2mg I don't know how much higher it goes but I had it raised 1x in 15years & it has not made me feel like consuming other drug's that are not prescribed for me. I wish you well & do not over react about the medications. They were prescribed to help you. However if u feel nausea or any bad side effects call ur Dr immediately & ask them for further info. Good luck & well wishes to all.

@alanysm. I used to have severe Anxiety. The kind that would send me to the ER because I thought I was literally dying. I had never heard of Xanax before, but I began to question the medical staff when they would only give me 10 pills at a time. They explained how addictive Xanax is, which terrified me, so I asked them for something non-addictive and they told me about Vistaril. It’s simply a prescription strength Benadryl. It’s used for allergies, but it worked way better than the Xanax did. The Xanax was barely taking the edge off my anxiety. The Vistaril knocked my anxiety completely down. The generic name for it is Hydroxyzine. I’m so thankful they were able to help me without adding “opioid addict” to my problems. Opioids are terrifying. If you can find something else that works for you it would be in your best interest to switch. Even if the doctor is giving you a low dose. Opioids in any form are addicting. And in my experience Klonopin wasn’t much help at all, but everybody is different. I hope you feel better

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. 👍

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?

Hi @ps1947, fellow patients on this forum aren’t qualified to recommended doses or which drug may be right for you. What is clear is that your anxiety is not being addressed with your current regimen. These are good things for you to ask your doctor. Are you seeing a therapist to help with your anxiety?

I’m very sorry to hear of your son’s illness and passing. Losing a child is unimaginable. May I ask if this happened recently?

It sounds like your husband is dealing with long term effects of COVID. You may be interested in following the Post-COVID Recovery expert blog and the support group here on Mayo Clinic Connect:

- BLOG Post-COVID Recovery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/
- SUPPORT GROUP https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/

Were you or your husband in ICU with COVID?