It took some courage to admit this. Good for you. This med gets a bad rap everywhere on the net. But you have acknowledged it as a life saver. I do believe in what you have just done. Needless to say continue to use with caution, this type of med can be as bad as any that you should endeavor to stay away from.

Please look into the long term effects of taking benzodiazepines. Taking xanax for a period of time can even cause brain damage. Look into exercise and meditation to treat your anxiety, instead. Exercise and meditation are two of the healthiest things you can do to improve your mental and physical health.
http://www.cchrflorida.org/benzodiazepines-can-cause-dementia-and-other-serious-side-effects/
http://liveanddare.com/benefits-of-meditation/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/emotional-benefits-of-exercise.htm

Any doctor who hands out benzodiazepines like candy is misinformed, irresponsible, and downright incompetent. Please take xanax with caution, and do not take it regularly, if ever. Perhaps, consult with another doctor about safer medications and/or lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your physical and mental health.

Meggie, i'm not sure where your "candy" comment comes from.

Before I take your advice, would you mind telling me where you went to medical school and then did your internship and residency? If none perhaps you are the one who is 'misinformed, irresponsible and downright incompetent'.

The internet, by the way, can supply you with all sorts of links depending on what that organization is trying to sell. Or perhaps it's just an individual with bizarre ideas like "don't vaccinate children". If you want to post links, I would appreciate some links to good pornography.

I understand why you are reluctant to trust a stranger on the internet. It makes no difference to me whether someone I don't know continues taking a harmful benzodiazepine. However, the brain is our most complex and valuable organ; you do not want to risk brain damage and dementia. You should really get a second opinion from another doctor.
These are reliable websites explaining the risks of long-term benzodiazepine use. Also, I've heard that porn hub is a good site.
http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5205
There is a long list of references at the bottom of the article.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/benzodiazepine-use-may-raise-risk-alzheimers-disease-201409107397

Hi WVguy,
Anxiety and panic attacks are new to me.
Mine basically started about 6 weeks ago.
I won't go into a long story, but mine have to do with sleep Apnea. I wake up and have massive panic attacks because I've stopped breathing. I can't get back to bed and I dress and walk the neighborhood.
Can't imagine having it so bad I would go to the Dr. I feel for you there..... With the anxiety that come with mine I don't think a drug will help. I'm going to the Dr. To see about a mouth guard or cpap.
I never realized how at a loss people are from anxiety until I started to feel this was....

I was just prescribed Alprazolam .25 mg and was told it was the same thing as Xanax? I have had a lot of anxiety recently. I am flying in two weeks. I get pretty bad anxiety on planes. I am afraid I am going to have a full blown panic attack on the plane. I was wondering if I should take one when I board the plane? Or try taking one before the day comes to get on the plane (to make sure I don't have any adverse side effects)? Or should I wait for symptoms to occur? If I wait for symptoms, I'm afraid it will be too late. Then I'll be stuck in the air having a full blown panic attack. Ps. My doctor is of no help and I am unable to see a new one since I am in a different country right now. My flights are 3 hr 40 min, then 55 min layover, and 6 hr 30 min. Please help.

Hi! My Xanax bottle says it’s a different name “substituted for Xanax.” I can look to see the actual name if you like. You and I probably have a generic form of Xanax.

Yes, take one the day before to see how you feel. And yes, take one before getting on the plane. My doctor is always after me to take one before I go into a stressful event. I rarely do. Sometimes I end up regretting it, big time. The good news is that Xanax acts within minutes. The bad news is you’ll be super tired afterwards. If I knew how I’d send you my phone number for supprt. Please take comfort in knowing you have a great tool to fight anxiety attacks on a plane. BTW, you have the same dosage as me .25 mg. It’s ok if you need to take more than one.