Question about Xanax
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| Tue, 12-13-2005 - 9:25am |
I've seen a few people here who have been prescribed Xanax. I'm not sure what it is but it sounds like something that helps you to calm down immediately during a panic attack?
My doc hates prescribing lots of meds which is fine by me because I hate taking lots of meds. However, I feel like I temporarily need something to get me through some of the panic attacks I go through. The Zoloft is working...slowly. So I'm not necessarily interested in trying something new. I've been slowly getting better on it but I still have a panic attack here and there and I feel like I just need something to calm me down or snap me out of it, KWIM?
So is this what Xanax is for? I wonder if I could talk my doc into prescribing me some. What do you all think?

Hello
Yes, Xanax is prescribed for anxiety. In my experience it's always worked quickly especially at the onset of an attack. For me, just the tiniest does works. Xanax is addictive and can cause withdrawal effects if you stop it suddenly after having taken it for awhile so you need to be careful with it. It also makes you tired so you might not want to drive after taking it.
My doctor switched me to klonopin because she said it lasts longer. It too makes me tired which I believe most anti-anxiety meds will. It works for me. You should speak with your doctor if you think it's something you might need and ask about the pros and cons.
Here are 2 links, bluemarlin_girl. The first is info on xanax. The second is tons of info on anxiety. It should be required reading for all of us:) However, if you scroll to near the bottom, it talks about meds used for anxiety.
I take the xanax and can't say enough good things about it. It works very quickly - as soon as 15 minutes for me & has caused no side effects for me. I'm not tired, I don't feel drugged, I don't feel any differently in the way I act, etc...it just stops the panic attacks & feelings of apprehension that I get. Klonopin & ativan are similar, but are longer acting. Xanax is out of your system fastest. Taking something in addition to the zoloft is probably not a bad idea, it will help while your body adjusts to the zoloft & the dosage is adjusted.
Sheri Ann
Sheri Ann