What You Need to Know About Xanax

A review of the literature in Germany showed Xanax to be the most effective benzodiazepine (or anti-anxiety agent) for panic disorder with agoraphobia (Bandelow, 1999). In other words, there were more controlled studies with positive results for Xanax published than other anti-anxiety agents.

Because it has been proven effective in studies since it was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1981, I thought I would write a little about Xanax, what it is and how to use it right so it will help you and not hurt you.

First of all, what is Xanax?

Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, or anti-anxiety agent, prescribed mainly for temporary relief of mild to moderate anxiety, nervousness, or tension associated with anxiety disorders. It has also been used effectively for panic attacks. In some cases, it has been used to treat stress-related illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Xanax comes in two forms - Xanax and Xanax XR. What's the difference? Xanax XR is just the extended release version of the original Xanax which, if you are taking Xanax daily, lets you just take one dose per day rather than three or four.

What's the best way to use Xanax for panic disorder with agoraphobia?

Since Xanax, like most anti-anxiety agents, causes the body to develop tolerance and can be addictive, the best way to use it for panic disorder with agoraphobia is to keep it in your pocket and take it only as needed to get through rough spots, times of unusually high anxiety, or when you are practicing desensitization or exposure therapy.

It's important to remember that no pill will cure agoraphobia. Not even Xanax. Pills only work as long as you are taking them. That's why Xanax is best used as part of a larger recovery plan for agoraphobia that includes a long-term solution like psychotherapy.

So how fast does Xanax work?
Xanax offers pretty quick relief for most some anxiety patients. In healthy adults, it may take an hour or two to take effect.

Is there anything you shouldn't eat or drink when taking Xanax?
Yes. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking so he or she can make sure you won't experience a bad interaction. Also, you shouldn't mix alcohol with Xanax or any other benzodiazepine because it amplifies the effects.

Can you take Xanax if you are pregnant or nursing?
It's not recommended. You should definitely not tak Xanax in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy under any circumstances.

How will Xanax effect your daily routine?
It may make you really drowsy, so don't be driving or operating dangerous machinery on Xanax until you test it out and see how it effects you.

If you feel Xanax stops working, should you just take more?
Never. under no circumstances should you increase your dose without talking to your doctor, even if you think it's not working and you need more. This is because even when used as recommended, Xanax can cause emotional and/or physical dependence. In other words, you can get extremely addicted to it.

Can you just stop taking Xanax if it's not working?
No again. It is not safe to just stop taking Xanax cold turkey. Do not even decrease your dose without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Xanax or decrease your dose too abruptly you are likely to experience serious withdrawal symptoms. Many of the withdrawal symptoms are similar to the panic and anxiety you probably started taking Xanax for in the first place. In the worst case, you can have a seizure if you try to stop taking Xanax too suddenly.

What about side effects?
If you are going to have side effects from Xanax, you will probably have them right when you start taking it. In many cases, initial side effects subside if you keep taking it. Most common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, irritability, light-headedness, memory impairment, insomnia, and headache.

Hopefully after reading this, you can use Xanax to help you and not hurt you if you have panic disorder with agoraphobia.