Anxiety self help vs medication?

[lulu91]

I've been taking xanex .5 mg as needed and it seems to help I'm so scared to feel addicted to them when I don't take it I feel sorta dizzy is that normal? I've never taken anxiety meds before. Should I quit w them before I become Dependant help?

[Hypomeanx]

How often are you taking it?

It's really recommended to be on those short term less then 4 weeks past that your body gets used to it. They usually pare it with an antidepressant, and until that kicks in (4 weeks) that's where the xanax comes in handy.

I took xanax .25mg, and I'm 5'1 180lbs, and that would knock me out cold in 5 mins I only took it for a week and It was starting to grow on me.

[boawoman]

I have Xanax too....I take it only when I need it which is probably not the best thing (or so the dr would say). But it knocks me out! I can't take that and go to work ... so, I do the "only when I really need it" route. I think it would be a good thing to express your fear to your doctor...you don't want to become dependent. He/She should totally support that. So, that leaves you with what else can you do to help yourself. Your doctor should also have some suggestions about that . Getting past the fear of having an anxiety attack is tough ... just last week I went thru a terrible moment of fear - which I knew logically was silly but I could not seem to control. Out came the Xanax. I break the pills (.5 in half) - the pharmacist told me it was ok to do that. I took a small dose and it got me thru the thing I needed to face (which was going to the dentist - silly, huh?) Anyway, talk to your dr., post here, try the suggestions you find here that you feel might work for you. Try NOT to be afraid ... I know, so much easier said than done. Blessing to you ... hope you find a path soon that works for you. Please remember that FEAR is just "false evidence appearing real." There have been times when I think I have chanted that saying a hundred times ... if you say something enough times sometimes it sinks in and you believe that it is true - which it really is. Hang in there.