Advantages to Xanax

[for_today]

This is now my second post on here, Im a 21 year old male with anxiety disorder. My anxiety is usually pretty spotty and very situational, often times I can think myself into an anxiety attack. When its at its worse is at night, when im hungover or generally just worried. The impending fear of doom would probably be the worst symptom for me, but who can blame me? feeling you are going to die isn't the greatest feeling. I know a few people whom are prescribed to xanax and valium and I was thinking about trying to get a script for it. I feel as though it could help with my lack of sleep/ situational anxiety....... Any thoughts?

[mammo]

Good advice from the above, but keep in mind that alcohol ramps up our anxiety, making it worse.  Since you don't have constant anxiety, therapy may be a better choice for you than medication.  I would see a psychiatrist and go from there.  The two of you can then decide the best course of treatment for your needs....therapy and/or medication.  Therapy would address your fear of dying, and once you do this....your anxiety may be non-existent.   I hope this helps and best of luck to you!

[erin626]

I take xanax as needed for panic attacks. It really helps if I'm having a horrible one and can't calm myself down. They're great for random panic attacks. If you don't have constant anxiety then they work well. If you're anxious everyday then something more long term would be better. Klonopin is another benzo that stays in your system longer so its better for long term regular use.

[AnxiousinGA]

I like xanax but I only use it when I'm absolutely at my worst because, as vbilger said, it's pretty addictive stuff if you use it regularly.  It works really fast when you are having a bad attack.  Best wishes in finding the right combo.

[vbilger]

Well I have taken both. Xanax stopped a panic attack for me and brought my pulse down from 150 to 100 within just 10 or so minutes, but I've heard from 3 doctors that it's super addictive and eventually it won't work as well for me unless I take more, then more, then more, etc. My last panic attack (in January), I was prescribed Valium. It worked really well for me too. I only took it when I absolutely had to, and I would still be taking it if I weren't pregnant. It definitely calmed me down an helped me relax, which helped me sleep too. I hope I've helped some :)