Has anyone had a panic attack while on Xanax?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 3:43 pm

I have been on xanax for about 4 years now. When I was first prescribed I was started on .25mg twice a day (3 times if needed but I never took it 3 times.) At first it was wonderful in controlling my panic attacks and if I felt like one was coming on it generally faded after taking the xanax. However this past year my symptoms started resurfacing after some stressful events in my life and I felt it was not working at all. My Dr. upd my dosage to .05 and told me I could take just half of one 3 times daily if a whole was too much. I have been afraid to take a whole one at one time since a half of one makes me sleep all night. (I know that doesn't sound like a bad thing, I just don't want to be drowsy all the time.) This time I am having alot of other symptoms, however for the few hours after I take half a xanax I can seem to cope better. I definately think depending on the situation a panic attack can still occur while taking xanax, also when our bodies become adjusted to it it doesn't seem to work as well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:39 pm

I also take xanax. I intially started on 0.25mg twice a day as needed but i didn't that often. But when I hit low points--meaning excessive attacks or bouts of depression I would double of triple the dose just so I could knock myslef out. So I built a tolerance and I am now on 0.5mg and it seems to help. Although lately I have been having an increased in panic attacks.

I think that panic attacks happen to us because we are not addressing the root of our stress. Right now as I am typing this I can feel the panic but I am drinking calming tea first and if that doesn't work than I will get the xanax. I try not to get xanax first if I can help it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:00 pm

I have been on Xanax for almost 25 years - yep, years! Along with an anti-depressent. they were prescribed TID as needed, and actually I had been down to where I only took one before bedtime. Since the death of my 18 yr. old grandson five months ago and am back up to 3 a day or sometimes 4. Do they help? Sometimes I think I have used them too long - but they seem to calm me down when the panic starts. I am also what my dr. calls "paradoxial" which means the a very lot of RX's do just the opposite for me, especially sleeping pills - I'm awake all night when I take them - owl eyed! Don't give up on your Xanax - walk outside - get fresh air -find someone to hug, call a friend or someone you feel safe with. I have had GAD, depression and panic attacks for well over 40 years-I'm still alive and functioning and am so happy to be on this program God Bless you! Hugs!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:57 pm

Hi Dana G. Just a little something I thought I would share. I was on effexor also and my dosage was up'd until I was out of control. Effexor makes u feel untouchable, however skip 2 dosages and your in trouble. I know everyones body is different. Just be careful.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:09 pm

Your medicine is not a cure. It is only treating the symptoms. This program will teach you the coping skills to "cure" your condition. If you need to review do so. Remember panic attacks will go away, they will not hurt you and your medicine will not prevent them. Only you can, REMEMBER PANIC ATTACKS ORIGINATE IN YOU SO ONLY YOU CAN ELIMITATE THE SOURCE, not your medicine. And you can if you apply yourself to the program. If for no other reason than WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?
The important thing is to rememeber that your medicine is not a cure. It is there only to help you with your symptoms it is up to you. Work with your Doctor with the goal to elimiate or reduce your medicine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:18 pm

I have been on Xanax for a long time and still have panic attacks on a regular basis. I am terrified of most medicines and can't take an anti depressant cause I freak if I feel weird.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 2:31 pm

I recently used the generic Xanax on a trial basis for about 30 days. My doctor prescribed it on an as needed basis. It did not do anything for my general anxiety but did help slighlty with panic attacks. Towards the end of the bottle, though, It seemed to quit working. I switched to Lexapro and have had great success. No noticeable side affects and have eswsentially gotten rid of general anxiety. My big issue now is performance type anxiety. I don't like to be in the spotlight. Anyone have suggestions on performance anxiety?