xanax???????

Question

Well I just was prescribed .5mg of Xanax for Anxiety today and dont really feel any different. Im still stressed about the same things. Is this normal or should this take more than once to start workin???

Answer 1

I am surprised you don't feel anything. Its a short acting drug, but it usually does create a relaxing feeling.Talk to your doctor about changing the dose or trying a different medication. Everyone is different. I take it only occasionally and .25 mg is plenty for me.

Answer 2

Be very careful with xanax....I began taking it years ago before it was considered addictive, my doctor put me on a very high dosage because I was going threw some very traumatic situations....for me it kept me on a very even mood level...no ups no downs....not so sure that's a good idea! I never felt *high* from the drug, so you may not feel different...also I am thinking that your doctor is gradually introducing xanax to you...so stick with what has Been prescribed, there should be a follow up visit with in a few weeks to determine if any adjustments need to be made. MAKE SURE that you do not just quit taking it...EVER!!! At the time I was taking it, I quit taking it because i could not afford it....not good! I thought I was going crazy...seriously...but I later found out that quitting xanax cold turkey make you experience sever withdrawal symptoms....so the idea is....step up gradually...and then step down gradually. I no longer take xanax, I prefer Zoloft.

Answer 3

I don't remember the dosage of Xanax that I was prescribed years ago, but I needed to take NoDoze along with it as it made me so tired I couldn't function. I've never been the same since! Be very careful of this drug and it's side effects.

I also liked Zoloft better, although it did have weight gain and sexuality issues. (I didn't want to be touched, much less have sex while I was on the Zoloft. Once I was off, these issues went away, thank goodness!)

Has your doctor talked to you about Wellbutrin? or Paxil? these might be better drugs for anxiety issues. Xanax is used if you have stomach/digestive issues along with the anxiety. If he doesn't say anything, ask him about these drugs.

Answer 4

Hi there!
The effects of this medication don't work straightaway unfortunately. It is not a quick fix. Your body has to get used to it. It may take a few weeks or so. Try not to stress too much about it. You are only on a very low dose.
This is good mediction for the treatment of anxiety but I would STRESS that it should only be used over a short period of time. It can become VERY addicitive. I know someone who has been on it for a while.

May I suggest that you also get some other alternative therapy as well.
I suffered with severe panic attacks(so bad I had to call an ambulance).
I did a six week anxiety course at my local Community health Centre. It was a free course that taught me how to relax.
The key was in the breathing and changing my thinking patterns.
Within six weeks, my panic attacks disappeared. I felt like a new woman.

I am not saying "don't take this medication" but please see your dr. regularly and have it monitored.

Don't become too dependant on it.
It will work eventually but try and find the reasons as to why you are so anxious.

I wish you well.
A good tip. Try walking .........it really helps with the stress levels
and releases natural endorphins.....the best anti-anxiety drug...and it's free!!

stay smiling : )

Answer 5

I take .5mg in the morning and in the evening....I also took classes to learn how to control my anxiety response. I still experience the panic attacks, but with the xanax on board, they are not as severe and I can control them with the skills I learned in class. Suggest you find a therapist that offers the phobia and anxiety workshop so you too can learn these skills. Xanax, nor any other drug for that matter, will not completely control the anxiety, you have to learn to do that yourself. All the drugs do is make it easier for you to control your own anxiety response.