I've been on xanax for over twenty years. I have been concerned about dependency, but am on such a small dosage that I've been able to get off it w/o a problem. I've been using a bit more lately--actually I'm using the dosage that my doctor has been prescribing for years. In the past I've just taken 1/2 of what he prescribed, now I am taking the full dosage--1/2 in the a.m. and 1/2 in the p.m.

Yes, xanax is wonderful. A couple of times I have had a panic attack and this drug has settled me down. I do take it if I am super stressed or anxious (if I remember).

One word of advice--at one time I was given the generic version. While other generic versions of drugs have worked fine, the generic of xanax was not at all like xanax. So my doctor writes the prescription as 'brand specific'.

I'm sure that you can get another prescription.

Good luck to you. I certainly know what it is like to experience anxiety!

Michelle (aka Eloise)

Xanax is FANTASTIC!

I have had this on and off for some years and now take two of the lowest dose tablets daily, one morning and night and find that they help me soooooooo much with 'dealing' with the mental side of everything.

I do occassionally with my GP's knowledge take the odd extra one. Like one day when I had an episode of acute leg weakness that set of a major panic attack. Got me out of the panic and through the mental episode.

Pity it wouldn't work more on the steroid mind at present, just likely to bite anyone's head off, BUT, it does seem to take the edge off that and I just get out of the way. Bleeding optic neuritis.

Yes, xanax & I have been pals for awhile. Low dose takes the edge off & it helps. Have never broken these tabs in half because they are so small.

Thanks guys! This is exactly the kinda of info I was needing! It cracks me up when I mention the "X-files" :o) I get responses like I'm trying to "score" meth or crack....I'm just wanting to be and FEEL like "sane" Rhonda...or as sane as I'm capable of. :o) Eloise, I think a small dose to take the "crazy" edge off is right on target. Thanks again!

Thanks Spud and Darcie too!

I just thought of something. There is something even better than xanax, but only available at the dentist--Nitrous Oxide. It is because of this 'laughing gas' that I actually look forward to going to the dentist if I have to have some work done. Wow, I love that stuff. Complete and total relaxation and not a care in the world. I only experience it every couple of years though as I don't need much dental work--just replace an ocassional crown (ouch--so expensive). It's probably a good idea that the average person can't go out and buy a tank of nitrous--if so, I'd probably never go to work or get anything done--I'd be in my 'happy' place all the time. LOL

Totally with you about the nitrous oxide. Feels like the best feeling in the universe!
My husband used to be mega paranoid of going to the dentist & now he has no fear at all.
Wish I could have my own personal portable tank.

Man, I haven't been to the dentist since I was pregnant with my son....who just made NCO in the Navy! :o) I really need to start going! :o) In the meantime, I'm getting geared up to call my Neuro's office to refil my outdated Xanax script....It would be a very good idea for them NOT to give me any grief on this topic. I have been told I can get scary...."who me???!!!!" :o)

I've taken this at times for anxiety and insomnia. It works and I have no adverse side effects and no dependence on it. I've always taken a small dose and its effective. And I need a prescription for it right now - I'm utterly exhausted from insomnia and stress from work etc. But I'm having a terrible time getting someone to prescribe it. Its like pulling teeth! The last time I was able to get a prescription for it, they would only issue 15 tabs. I've come to the conclusion that I know I'm going to rely on having it on hand for the rest of my life in order to get the sleep and rest I need for my health and well-being w/ MS.

How are you all approaching your dr's who are giving you ongoing refills? I am far from the drug dependent type of person, but that's how the dr's make me feel. I get nervous just thinking about trying to convince a dr to give me a prescription for it. Now I'm getting to the point that I'm a basketcase because I'm averaging 5 hrs of interrupted sleep and I can hardly see straight and it's affecting everything. And I'm afriad that its going to cause worsening of my MS symptoms.

Please advise ... I have an appt w/ my neuro but not til July 2nd! What am I going to do until then? I'm exhausted.

Thanks to anyone who can respond to this.

Let me know what you find out on getting a rx on this. The "MS Specialist" I WAS going to, didn't, wouldn't or COULDN'T (Couldn't is what I'm thinking) do a xanax script. But she DID rx BuSpar. ...so in 2 or 3 three weeks (when it finaly kicks in) if I'm not locked up in the city jail or booby hatch for stress related violence, things will be wonderful! (yes, that was sarcasm) :o) BTW-Eloise had some good info on her post about long term usage of Xanax. I want her dr.! :o) I don't know if this is an option for you, but, I'm gonna try the ER at a local hosp.

I too take this occasionally. I was prescribed it for the occasional panic attack that I would get. I take Effexor XR 150, and that mostly does the job....but recently I have been extremely fatigued and stressed with my job and family issues that I have needed to take them. It definitely helps me. If I am feeling fatigued or in pain, I get cranky and just start snapping at everyone (especially my kids who seem to need something every minute of everyday...LOL). Xanax takes that all away, the way that Effexor cannot.

I too worry about the addictive nature of the drug, but I use it so rarely that I don't foresee it becoming a problem for me. Hope it helps :)

YES XANAX IS MY BEST FRIED I ONLY TAKE AS NEED. I TAKE 0.25 MG