New here / Xanax prescription

[moonknight1]

Hello everyone! I'm writing here for the first time and would appreciate your help. A little about me, I am a 22-year-old male and am transferring to another college this fall. However, this transition has made me really anxious and I've had panic attacks nearly every day. I want to go to this new school, I worked really hard to get into it, but now my panic attacks may prevent me from doing so. I've been working really hard to reduce the symptoms, but sometimes it's just too much. I've been throwing up nearly every day so I went to see my psychiatrist. He prescribed me .5mg of Xanax but I'm anxious that I might become addicted. He told me to use it only as a last resort, sort of like a security blanket and that does make me feel better. Has anyone here taken Xanax and any advice you might have for me?

[Against_the_current]

Hi, That's really relatable. I'm almost 22 and on another benzo Clonasepam and having panic attacks and throwing up almost every day. Firstable i was told to use it only in emergency but then a lot of things happened and psychiatrist tell me to take it daily and i sometimes forget to so i guess im not addicted. It's really hard living that way, i know from personal experience, and i know how hard it is to study like that so proud of you. I really wanted an internship and i Ended anxiety high from it and still haven't even started it. Just going to interview got me all paniced

[moonknight1 in reply to Against_the_current]

Hello Real. Thank you for the kind words. It sucks having to give things up just because our brains aren’t wired correctly. Glad to know I’m not alone in this.

[Against_the_current in reply to moonknight1]

Always welcomed. Sometimes a little kindness can change everything. And somethimes we don't give up, just have some setbacks. Maybe it's trauma, not our hard were being wired wrong cause tbh i don't think many ppl re wired right

[TrustYourSoul]

Hi🙋‍♀️. I have been taking Xanax for several years. I only take half a pill in order to quiet my mind at night, take the "edge off", and sleep. I also take half when I know I am about to walk into a high-stress situation and must remain calm. Never more than half at a time because it IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. The warning insert that comes with the prescription is very accurate. The "withdrawal" process is very risky if someone takes Xanax daily for a while, then quits suddenly, includung stroke, heart issues, heightened anxiety.... It is fine to take it only occasionally, again, just to "take the edge off" a high-stress or high-anxiety situation. Taking it once in a while will Not result in strong withdrawal symptoms. I would Never take an entire pill at one time, as you likely wouldn't be able to stay awake, drive, speak well, etc.

[moonknight1 in reply to TrustYourSoul]

Thank you for the advice! I am feeling better about the situation after talking with my family. I do agree that it should be used in high-anxiety moments. Cheers

[Fearoffear]

Great first steps Hiba!! You can do the Lerner's permit you will be great. Just remember cars are safe, just as safe as walking except with less energy spent😁 My daughter is 16 and mad because I told her she needs to show more responsibility and consistency in her cleaning of her room. I told her driving is a privilege not a necessity. She doesn't believe me😂 Good luck and gentle hugs 🫂

[moonknight1 in reply to Fearoffear]

U might have replied to the wrong chat bud

[moonknight1]

Thank you for the link. Very informative!

[designguy]

I've used klonopin which is similar to xanax, on and off for a number of years and have had no problems with addiction.

[moonknight1 in reply to designguy]

Thanks designguy, I feel much better about it then I did yesterday. I still haven’t had a need to use it though haha

[designguy in reply to moonknight1]

You're welcome, hope it helps and you feel better.

[Agora1 in reply to moonknight1]

moonknight1 You know sometimes just the fact that you have somethingto turn to can be reassuring. Welcome here xx

[designguy]

I took it daily for about a year and a half and then quit cold-turkey without any real issues. My med guy wanted me to quit because there was a study that came out that it supposedly caused dementia but I checked out the study and found that the participants with dementia were alcoholics so the study was actually flawed. i now take it occasionally to break the anxiety loop or if i'm having trouble sleeping but don't have any withdrawal or addiction issues.

[Audiomarc1]

Hey moonknight1. I was addicted to Klonopin for many years. Xanax, like Klonopin are benzodiazapines. These are seriously addictive drugs not to be taken lightly. The average amount is .5mg to 1mg once a day. I was up to 6-8mg per day and finally had to be admitted to a drug addiction hospital this past February. I have been going through withdrawal since then. This withdrawal is brutal on the brain and body. I am still going thru withdrawal after 5 months. The withdrawal period could go on for another 6 months or more. Sorry about such a long story but I wanted to warn you about what these drugs are all about. Just be very careful, keep the dosage below 1mg per day if needed. Don't fall into a false sense of security with these drugs. If you need to ask me anything else feel free to contact me. Good luck 🤞.

[moonknight1 in reply to Audiomarc1]

Thank you for sharing. I hope things are better. I will definitely be wary and only take is as needed.

[designguy]

Great metaphor - LOL!

[Balloffur2468]

I use to take it for years when I would panic. I never felt like I was addicted to it. It was nice to feel calm and to be able to focus on other things. I don’t see it as addictive though. Maybe try a half of a half of one pill? I think with the panic attacks and throwing up it could help you. Ask your doctor about lexapro.

[Audiomarc1]

Thank you Snowdayze. We're here to help each other. I definitely am quite experienced with the use and MISUSE of benzodiazapines. 👍

[Hidden]

I been using Xanax for years. Never developed addiction. I only take 1 a day. It helps my panic attacks and 1 keeps me calm ALL day. I like it better than all anxiety meds. I don't have addictive personality..but after trying all other meds I prefer this. But..u young. I old. U going thru a great time in ur life...embrace the change. I know it hard bit u got this.