xanax

I have been doing alot of reading here about xanax and how it is not good for long term use.  I take half of a 0.5 mg tablet at night before I go to sleep. Mostly just to relax me enough to get a few hours sleep. I do n ot require alot of medicine and a few times I have had to take a quater of one during the day. I have been doing this for a few months. I know how xanax makes me feel and I have tried so many other meds that have had too many side effects. I have gone to bed at night without the xanax and have had no problems. Do you think this is ok. I was given the xanax because of back and neck problems I have and the anxiety that is coming from this. It also relaxes me so I can sleep a few hours pain free. What is anyone's opinion about this. I have had anxiety attacks for over 20 years now on and off. I took xanax years ago with side effects when I stopped.
thanks,
Chadry

[chadry]

I had to go to the er last week for severe shoulder pain. They gave me half a 5mg valium and I really felt it. It was very relaxing. She sent me home with a script for I believe 2 mg. valium. I ended up getting the generic brand and I tried it 2 nights. It did nothing. I called the pharmacy and she told me it was the same exact drug. All it did was give me wierd images in  my head. I could not sleep until the pill wore off.It was really strange. I think next time I go to the doc I will ask for valium but not the generic. They have to specify I was told not to give the generic. Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.
Chadry

[Toxicologist420]

If you can function normally and sleep okay without any medications, then you should try to. But if not, and xanax isn't working, there are other benzodiazepines out there that are either stronger (like the others said) or a stronger dose. But benzodiazepines are very addicting and are not commonly used in long term treatment of anxeity.