Is Xanax/Alprazolam Safe for You?

Xanax or Alprazolam is one of the most commonly used medications to treat anxiety but it is also one of the most abused. Learn about the proper uses as well as the things you need to be watching out for if you want to safely take this medication.

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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/mental health professional **

[Bonbonbon]

Before even watch your video I had a very rough life. Anyway, if I wasn’t on Xanax, I wouldn’t be able to work. I would have to be on disability. And I really don’t want to be on disability. So for me, it’s a lifesaver.

[kimkats]

Finally - someone who actually acknowledges that there is a valid reason to use it. As with all meds, you need to take it properly. And if you aren’t an addictive personality it shouldn’t be a problem. Used it for a few months, prn, and 1/4 mg is the most I take when I need it, which is not every day. It’s a wonder drug for me.

[Sandra-]

Xanax is prescribed for more than just anxiety and sleep. I have Essential Tremor (head and hands) which started 50 years ago. It’s a neurological disorder that progresses over time. I’m now 71 and it’s gotten really bad. My neurologist prescribes .25 mg to take as needed. I’ve used it for years and I’m not addicted. I only take it in certain situations if I REALLY need my head and hand tremors to calm down.

[rodneypainter]

Been on 3mg daily. No problems. Been taking it for 43 years. I’m 76 and never had any issues

[adoraciondalan]

I never have those side effects. Thank for that.

[JL]

Thank you, Doctor! For me, I take .25 mg as needed - but when it's needed it's a life saver for me and helps with severe panic disorder, even sleep and allows me to function. I do not feel any major side effects but as noted - I only use when needed - maybe a few times a month. Fortunately, I do not drive any longer and live downtown in a major US city so use public transportation so no risk there.

[cashhall]

Extreme anxiety now based on a situation. Only way to cope.

[justaguyandhissilver]

This is how it becomes dangerous. Most people are prescribed this medication after experiencing a chain of anxiety attacks. With good intentions, most people begin using them only during an attack. After realizing how helpful it can be, people make the mistake of using for more reasons than just anxiety attacks. They begin using them to avoid stress, to help sleep, etc. They start taking them in the same fashion as you might have a glass of wine. Before you know it, your addicted. Benzos are horrible, and extremely dangerous coming off them. If you've experienced opiate withdrawals, benzos are 1000 times worse. Your blood pressure spikes. You have extreme episodes of depression. Your anxiety attacks will quadruple, or in some cases begin happening daily. Your thought process changes. You become physically ill. You can literally die from benzo withdrawels. My advice, even if it only saves one person who reads this. If you're prescribed xanax or any kind of benzo, your goal should be to only take them if absolutely needed. Don't make the mistake of turning them into a daily treatment. Obviously if your battling with DAILY panic attacks attacks and anxiety I understand. But if that's not the case, using them should be your last resort as a solution. Good luck everyone. Stay healthy.

[GM-yqwk]

My son was killed 4 th June 2022. The Doctor put me on them I am struggling to get off them I have tried but I am a mess 😢 they definitely work but it’s a mask… I have new Doctor now and she going to help me I believe better.

[jimbrow]

I use it daily for insomnia unless I have had alcohol. I've had chronic insomnia for 12 years and trazadone and this help can't sleep without them

[smpengwin]

I've been using alprazolam for 14 years. I have a prescription for .5 mg but I cut them in half. I take .25 mg. I take a .25 mg dose once every 12 hours for 2 days then I stop for 4 or 5 days then start again. This strange regimen seems to keep my anxiety under control which can sometimes build to the boiling point if left untreated. I hoard the unused pills because sometimes a Dr won't agree to refill my prescription

[bynkro]

I wish this guy would talk more about dosages. Taking .25 mg of Xanax is very different from a 2 mg regimen, and how long you're on it for, etc...

[joeljoss]

It can be a life saver or a taker. If you've taken it for maintenance over a long period of time. Have some put back in case you get cut off. It's a long ruff road without a cushion.

[chadr]

Xanax is a good drug when used correctly. The problem is overprescribing. I hurt my back once and had spasms that took my breathe away. The specialist wrote a prescription for 5 days of xanax xr and 30 days of celicoxib. Xanax for spasms and cramps has way less side effects than gabapentin.

[mikebritt]

I take one as needed for severe anxiety. By as needed I can make 30 pills last 3 to 6 months and sometimes a year . I only use it for extremely stressful situations

[snafu]

you’re almost right, however rebound symptoms or withdrawal symptoms are not caused by lack of gaba but from the downregulation of gaba-a receptors. as per professor ashton there is enough gaba just not enough receptors for the gaba to attach to.

[PaulineMak-iutv]

He has no experience of taking Xanax. He simply read things out from a textbook.

[ryanv]

Thanks for the video doctor. For me its a very slippery slope with klonopin use (an alternate benzo with longer half life and similar effects). On one hand a small dose of .25 is enough to very significantly ease my anxiety, inhibition and boost confidence to the point that I've found I perform pretty much everything at a higher level. Im talking from sports, to public speaking, to even being more of a pleasure for my family and friends to be around. I have had anxiety as long as I can remember and what's tough for me to accept about this medication is I can't use it as frequently as I'd like, as it could significantly advance my life, but I'm pretty much terrified of the long term effects that could one day begin if I was to persistently use it. On the other hand I've tried CBT, meditation, nootropics, buspar, SSRIs, propranolol, I'm in great shape and always exercise but nothing has made me as affective as a small dose of a benzo. I wish I were able to use it more consistently but sadly I may just have to accept never hitting my full potential that I have experienced on the medication without the medication. Is what it is I guess. Would love to hear your thoughts

[Faffy]

Hmm. I’m slow tapering a 20+ yr Xanax dependency, with 2 previous, horrific CT/fast tapers. Was up to 6 mg day; now down to 1.5. Originally prescribe for anxiety/panic attacks and never abused them. But I NEVER EVER got some of the side effects U mentioned: dizzy, sleepy, can’t drive a car. Sounds like the dose was too large or person is using recreationally. Xanax calmed me down, still does although not 4 long as I slow taper. I mean, I never woulda taken them in the first place if they acted like opioids - they’re anxiolytics, not really sedatives. Helped me cope during stressful times. Except no one told me about tolerance & dependency. Aargh. Had Xanax turned me into a stoner zombie, I never woulda taken them. In retrospect, wish they had bc I wouldn’t be having to deal with getting off this drug at age 70. Oh, also no memory loss, dementia, clumsiness. In fact, reflecting on ppl I’ve known who have Xanax available to them (fear of flying), can’t think of anyone who ever nodded out on them.

[charleswilson]

WELL I BEEN TAKING XANAX SINCE 1994, DANG I AM STILL LIVING