I use Xanax (alprazolam) for my acute panic attacks. For me, nothing works better for acute attacks or high anxiety situations. It starts working with 10 minutes of taking it and lasts for about 3 to 4 hours. I do caution that you can become addicted to it. That is why I use it only when I really, really, need it.

Medication for anxiety is very tricky. Most of the meds are considered benzodiazapenes and therefore very addicting. When one of my daughters became very ill about 15 years ago my doctor prescribed klonopin for my anxiety. I've never become addicted to it. She prescribes 1mg as needed but all I take is .25mg a day and I take it at bedtime to help me sleep. I cut it up with a scissor in 4 parts. I do not want to become an addict and I know people who are addicted to benzodiazapene. They are tough drugs to get of from.

I have been taking xanax for about 2 years now.. 3 times per day. I started at .25mg and now take .05mg the thing with this drug is that it's short acting.. and as your body gets used to it.. it does not work as well. I am going to make the switch under my docs care to a longer acting benzo like klonpin.. and then slowly wean off that in a VERY safe fashion. Have you tired an SSRI?? I would not reccomend the benzo route.. wished I had never started with these.. very hard to come off of. I now have a long road ahead of me.

Hey for some people there body reacts in diffrent ways, for me with my real high anexiety and depression adn agrphobia zoloft works for me that is an ssri but i am also on a benzo, valuim generic form name is dizapam. I am on 10 mlg of that. but that is what works for me and it also depends on your health as to what meds they put you on as well. So you need to see your doc and start you on a med and go from there to see what works for you, because like I said above meds work diffrently for diffent people what might work for one maynot work for the other or you. So start the prosess of finding the right combo for you and what works with your health needs.

BE CAREFUL XANAX IN ADDICTING TRY TO AVOID IT!A GOOD DOCTOR SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO

I have always told my friends that if they are experience anxiety and panic, to try and find a "non prescription" way to deal with it. Once you are on them, you are on them. You rely on them. But only you know yourself and are ready to deal with that. I wasn't warned, i went to the doctor the first time and told him i was having trouble catching my breath, and instead of him telling me to go exercise, jog, do something physical to relieve some stress, he automatically gave me a prescription. He gave me zoloft. I am a firm believer that meds are in line with personalities. I dont know if anyone will agree with me. I have never taken an antianxiety, they are different than anti depressants. I take Paxil, but my personality is very outgoing, very friendly, and i hate being uncomfortable. I fight it every chance i get. I still get it though. People who are more kept to themselves seem to do better on zoloft. There are so many more out there though that i would definately talk to you doctor and see what he thinks! Good Luck!

I took them all (all the benzo's) my last one was klonapin. I did not think I was addicted but after 4 days of not taking it boy did I get sick. My body needed it. The withdrawl was not good. Try and find some natural ways, once you've been thru withdrawl you will never want to do it again!!!!!! Try meditation, exercise, something.

ALL OF YOU HAD VERY GOOD ANSWERS IF I MAY SAY!!!!

I been trying to years to take care of my panic attacts without pills. I try perty good too. Lately I'm have the worse time with my panic attacts I think it's over my illness right now.

May I ask? When you all say talk with your doctor are you talking about a GP type doctor? I not stupid just learning. I am one too afraid of pills. YOU all listed why I feel this way very well.
So I don't want to become addicted!!!!!!
I just want to stop this horrible panic attact that has taken control over me.

Thank you very much

i am taking xanax i was on klonopin but all i did was wanna slep when i was on it xanax works for me it not only helps with y panic attacks but also helps calm me as i have a anger problem and adhd

I take Ativan (Lorazepam) only when I have an attack. If I can't talk myself out of an anxiety attack within a few minutes, I take an Ativan. I take an Ativan immediately when I have a panic attack (I can't ever talk myself out of those). The Ativan works very quickly.

I can have an anxiety attack just from worrying about having an anxiety attack. Consequently, knowing I can take an Ativan if I need it has reduced the number of anxiety attacks I have.

Thank you for that information..Justshoot, and dolphin67//

I made apt for later this week to see a counsler....all I could get in to see faster then waiting for a Psy. whatever.

I made apt for later this week to see my GP and ask him for somthing and now you all gave me a handle more on the med's and I look them up....so if he tells me what he will give me anything at all? Then I might be ok.

so thank you both again.....and all the people I didn't memtion but read on seveal posts ideas.

God Bless YOU

Hi.... Well I hope you found some peace.... I take Zoloft and Klonopin.

Hi and thank you....well maybe I did/ just reading and seeing and writing has greatly help me.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

NOW bad news my copd is having (can't spell the word) flair-up and I been taking the med's for it...fighting all the way. So I am trying to stay out of ER....I just hate to go. They always have trouble starting IV's and I get poke a lot. I take it like a champ,,,,just still....OUCH/

Breath, just Breath.

Have a good night
God Bless you

Saw my doctor today.....he gave me clonazepam
I suppose to take at bed time.
My husband told the doctor how I don't sleep. Yeah right. I do go to sleep just not stay asleep....

Well anyway I am trying it tonght. i am scared.

Don't be afraid to try klonopin.. the benzos work well for sleep and anxeity.. but they are short term use drugs. I've been on xanax low does for 2 years. I see how it now is not as effective.. and I must wean from it slowly and try a better long term drug to control my symptoms.. since mine seem to be severe. Good luck.