Today, Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders including panic disorder, which is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or worry along with physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
Most physicians or therapists will prescribe Xanax for “as-needed” treatment. When someone suffering from anxiety feels a surge of panic, or their anxiety prevents them from performing a task like driving or sleeping, taking a dose of Xanax can be extremely helpful.
Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is someone with a medical degree who practices the treatment of all types of mental health illnesses, challenges and disorders.
XANAX Tablets (alprazolam) are indicated for the management of anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM III-R] diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder) or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
Xanax is a brand name for generic alprazolam, which is routinely prescribed for the treatment of: Anxiety. Panic disorder. Insomnia.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
For its high-potency and long-lasting effects, the most potent benzodiazepine is Clonazepam, also known as Klonopin. Other high-potency but short-acting benzos are alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and triazolam (Halcion).
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
How to Ask Your Doctor for Anxiety Medication. The first step in getting anxiety medication is meeting with your provider, whether that be your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Talk to them about your symptoms in depth, and discuss what options could be best for you.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking Xanax. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. The lowest effective dose of Xanax should be used for the shortest time possible.
For individuals with acute distress, Xanax can really be a life saver and do quite some good. Long-term use of Xanax though can have polar-opposite effects. Extended Xanax use can cause the user to become physically dependent to the drug (leading to addiction).
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden onset symptoms or short-term anxiety. Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed).
Valium and Xanax are both benzodiazepines that can be used to treat anxiety. Both are equally effective for this use. When taken by mouth, both are quick to have an effect (within half to one hour), although Valium may work slightly more quickly.
For example, if you have general anxiety, a long-lasting benzo, like diazepam or clonazepam, might be the best first choice.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Alprazolam may be taken every day at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”) basis. Typically, your health care provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.
These medications are regulated by law and it is illegal to take Xanax without a prescription from a medical doctor. Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, can produce dependence and addiction. This risk is higher among people to take higher doses for extended periods but may occur even at lower doses.
Xanax should only be taken under the advice of a prescribing physician. Xanax can cause feelings of euphoria when taken in large doses or by people who don't have anxiety, making abuse of this substance more likely.
Popular benzodiazepines to treat OCD include:
Xanax (Alprazolam) Ativan (Lorazepam) Valium (Diazepam)
Xanax works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to promote calmness and a relaxed feeling. This greatly helps people who suffer from anxiety disorders so that they are able to remain calmer in a particularly stressful situation, help curb panic attacks and calm their body's overactivity.