What is normal dose for Xanax?

I just recently started having anxiety/panic attacks again and they are severe. My doctor put me on Xanax thinking this would be short lived anxiety. She put me on 0.5 mg every 12 hours. I have only been taking it as needed but it only helps for a short period of time. Should I take it every 12 hours no matter what? I don't want to get dependent on Xanax but I also want to stop having the attacks. I was on Klonopin for years and stopped taking it about 2 years ago. Thinking of going back to that instead of the Xanax. I go back to work tomorrow (off three weeks for surgery)and am afraid the Xanax won't last long enough to get me through the day. I tried to go back a week ago but had severe panic attack! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[M4Y0U]

Hello there,

The usual starting Xanax dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken three times a day or as needed.

If you take more than 4 mg per day, you are at risk of extreme physical or mental dependence. You may also experience more severe withdrawal symptoms (including seizures) if you stop taking Xanax or if you lower the dose.

If you are afraid the Xanax don"t last long enough you can take a dose in the morning and at lunch.

Please consider that i'm not a doctor and therefore i recommend you speak with you doctor and consider this only a suggestion.

Best regards,
M4

[bbq33]

I am taking 2mg of Klonopin 3 times a day. I had very bad panic attacks. I had about five a week. I have been on Klonopin for about 8 years. I stopped it about 6 months with a little tapering down. I just had a very few minor withdrawl (withdrawal) side effects. I wanted to see if I still had the panic attacks. The panic attacks returned so I went back on Klonopin.
Xanax is very addictive. It can have long bad side effects. It acts fast (within an hour) and has a short 1/2 life. 12 hours or so. Klonopin starts acting within 1 to 4 hours and has a long half life, up to 40 hours. this it why it is hardly addictive at all compared to Xanax.
If i were you, I would go back on Klonopin. It works and is a lot safer with 24 hour protection.

[Chrissy1972]

mnkyluvr68

I am in the same boat here...taking .25mg-.50mg of xanax a day but have been starting on .25mg of klonopin the past week & 1/2. I notice that since I started taking the klonopin my anxiety/panic seemed to get worst???  So I am still using xanax to get the edge off. I was on klonopin at a much higher dose years ago and it worked wonders. It makes me feel a little strange too like my visions a bit distorted at times but then again maybe thats just anxiety manifesting in me. I welcome any info about either drug as well.
Best of luck to you mnkyluvr68, you can do it and when it gets too intense you know you have your xanax to fall back on to help.

[bbq33]

.25 of Klonopin is not nearly enough for panic attacks. I can't believe a doctor would put you on that low of dose. The recommended dose is 2mg twice a day. I'm on 2mg three times a day as I have developed a little tolarence to it. I still think Klonopin works better and is safer.
Panic attacks are not fun and they can be stopped with the right medicine and dosage thank God.
Good luck
bbq33

[mnkyluvr68]

False hope... I made it through yesterday without a bad panic attack. I had great hopes for today but that didn't last long. Had panic/anxiety most of today. I took the xanax yesterday but opted to try today without taking one. Bad idea! Sitting here still feeling like I'm having a heart attack, dizzy and very scared, again. Why does this happen to us? I'm having trouble understanding this disorder now. I have a lot of good in my life (if I could just get out there and live it) for the most part, good job, an amazing son, family that loves me (though they may not always understand)... so why am I such a mess? It just doesn't make sense to me. I think I could deal with the FM and CFS if I could get a handle on this anxiety! I'm calling tomorrow to get an appt with the doc to go back on the klonopin, was hoping this was just a short term set back, guess not. Thank you all for your feedback, it really does help.