I've been on alprazolam for probably 30 years, for GAD. I have never upped past the therapeutic dose of 4 mgs. Per day.
I now remove part of each pill. I do not ever want to go off, as GAD runs in my family, & I've been on valium or xanax most of my life. It helps me. Right now going through pudendal nerve entrapment extremely difficult and painful. I couldn't even imagine going off of it, never has made me depressed, and still helps with panic. I do not experience the calming effects, but I can tell if if it is time to take, and still works for me. I think we are each different, and have to do
what is good for us.