Hello everyone,

So my anxiety and panic attacks have ebbed and flowed throughout my life. Recently my anxiety got incredibly bad and I had practically stopped sleeping at night. I went 4 days averaging about 3 hours of sleep a night and NEEDED relief. My mind was literally coursing with adrenaline and even though I felt exhausted my mind was oddly alert and awake all the time. My anxiety by this point was driving me crazy and I thought I was going to eventually end up hospitalized for sleep deprivation at the rate I was going.

My doctor prescribed me a generic Xanax to help me sleep so I took a full tablet before bed and BOOM- instant relief. I no longer cared about my anxiety, the alert feeling was sedated, and I slept for a straight 7 hours. I'm hoping it was a restorative sleep and not just a sedation but I guess I'll see how today goes because I work tonight. I did wake up feeling a little 'wavy' like I was a little drunk but I'm just happy I had at least slept.

Here's my complaint: The doctor told me almost NOTHING about this medication (and as a first time user, I consider that dangerous). She never recommended cutting it in half or quarters to start, never explained the addictiveness, didn't even say how long to use it for and when to taper off. The only thing she said was don't mix with alcohol.

That is why people are addicted to this stuff. Doctors need to be way more careful.

So here begins my journey to get better, fuller nights of sleep to help ease my anxiety and eventually get to a point where I can cope without the meds. Although it's still a little early to say, so far I'm pleased with the results of the generic Xanax.

Also, on a side-note, I was at such a high level of anxiety for four straight days that I had no appetite because my stomach always felt upset. Guess what? I actually woke up feeling hungry this morning :). Thanks for reading my long post!