what do you think

I have been taking .5 mg xanax for the past few weeks.  I was prescribed to take 2 a day but i find that if i take just one in the morning i am anxiety free all day and rarely have to take 2.  I have tried paxil and other medications but they have all given me side effects and i do not suffer from depression just extreme anxiety an panic attacks.  i know of the addiction with xanax but it makes me function.  My question is there anyone out there who takes only xanax, and if so how long, and is it okay to just take it.  i am taking the .5mg cr.

[magen7984]

Hello. I only take xxanx. I am prescribed the .25mg and to take up to 3 times a day.  I dont ake it 3 times a day. Maybe once. The reason why i like to take xxanx is because there is not a lot of serious side effects from it and it does help! I have been having panic attacks for 3 and a half years and have tried every under the sun. Xxanx is the only thing that has helped me. if it helps you contiue to take it. If you notice you can skip a day not taking it do it. My doctor told me to take as needed so thats what i do. Another thing i like about xxanx they work right away so if i am having an attck i take one or 2 and 20-40 minutes later im calmer. I hope i answerd all of your questions if you need to know more feel free to ask me

[magen7984]

my doctor first prescribed me xxanx xr witch is new but expensive if you do not have insurance. It is a timed release xxanx so it helps a lot more and is not as addicting but the smallest dose is 1mg so it makes you tired well me any way (light weight) lol but the current xxanax at .25 mg i have been taking for about a year and i am not addicted but i also dont take it everyday i take it every other

[Jessl]

I hate to say this but unfortunately taking xanax regualarly (everyday)can cause bad side effects. I was on it for a month and it worked great but then it started to make me severely depressed. It is increadibly addictive, you will eventually end up having to take more and more to get the same anxiety relief as you once did on lower doses. The recommended period for taking xanax is 4 months, thats it. It can also be very hard to withdraw from unless u r put on other drugs to counteract its withdrawal symptoms. I know this because I have experianced it and it was not pleasant. It is good as a "only when really needed drug." I know that for most of us that is everyday but its best not to take xanax that regularly.

[babyboo81]

I Just wanted to let u know i have had anxiety/panic attacks for 10 years as of 1/2008 i am only 26 i have tryed everything under the sun too and still i take a xanax at least 1-3 times  a week and it helps me two of my biggest problems are feeling like i cant breath and shaking everything i have tryed didnt work i have been taking xanax scine 4/05 and i am not addictied i started of at .25mg and still that is what i am on just wanted to let u know it does help

[Michiganbabe]

I have been on Xanax for a long time. My script is .25. I wasn't even taking one a day but now I am up to 2. They also started me on Zoloft, not sure it's helping me any though. I really just want the Xanax and that's it. Don't like taking pills at all. it's probably going to end up back that way before I am through.

[therealbill]

Your abusing your Xanax. This has to stop. You should not be taking more than 3 a day and if you doctor said 3, you take 3.  You should report your behavior immediately to the doctor. YOU ARE SELF MEDICATING and that won't help.  

If you are having serious panic attacks, like I did, it took me years to learn to get over... mine was war related. You need to take your medication as prescibed, keep your doctor posted and go to a counselor routinely (even if 3 times a week like I did) until you get to a point you have more control over the problem. Xanax works well but taking huge amount can have a reverse affect and make things worse not to mention the addiction factor. You must be careful with this drug.

IF YOUR AS BAD AS I THINK; you need to be prepared to fight like mad to overcome this problem. I assure you.  LIGHT IS AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. Remember also that if you drive a car and get in trouble, this is the same as DRIVING DRUNK. Further compounding your problem.

YOU CAN DO THIS BUT DO IT WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND COUNSELOR and FIGHT LIKE A MAD DOG.  Like I said, it took me years.  I have to have valium around to help me sometimes and take other medications.  YOU CAN FIND A WAY OUT OF THIS.