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Re: how does xanax work? » gingersnap

Posted by Viridis on July 22, 2003, at 0:30:31

In reply to how does xanax work?, posted by gingersnap on July 21, 2003, at 22:28:24

You can certainly take Xanax on an as-needed basis -- most doctors prefer this, since it has a reputation for inducing dependency with regular use. It should act very quickly. It's not like most antidepressants, which can take weeks to show an effect -- generally it works almost immediately. One trick if you want the fastest relief is to dissolve the pill under your tongue (if you can tolerate the bitter taste; it doesn't bother me but some people hate it).

The main thing to watch out for is that it can make you sleepy and/or uncoordinated if you only use it occasionally, a concern if you're driving etc. For me, this is very dose-dependent, and there's a fine line between the amount that calms my anxiety and that which makes me drowsy. I haven't noticed any "high" with it, although it tends to improve my mood.

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine and typically wears off after 3-4 hours. Another one to consider for longer relief is Klonopin (clonazepam) -- I find it great for anxiety, and it lasts all day. It can also be taken on an as-needed basis. Different people have different responses to benzodiazepines; I do very well with Klonopin and/or Xanax, but don't like Valium at all. Generally these are very effective, flexible drugs if used properly, and they have a long record of safety.


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