I have been on Xanax for over 30 years. I was once agoraphobic and a total wreck. I don't know if I could have gone on the way I was. I started very low with the idea that I would just take it for a few months. It helped a lot. The dose was adjusted and I started taking it daily. I felt so much better. My anxiety didn't disappear but I had the ability to start getting out and slowly getting over agoraphobia. I now take the XR version which is much better for me. No ups and downs. I have been through so many things that I could never have handled if not for Xanax. I am not saying that is all I had to do to deal with anxiety. I have done lots of behavioral work and lifestyle changes to help me deal. But panic attacks are a thing of the past and I know I can handle what comes along. I still get anxious and have areas that I need to work on but I have lived a full life. I have never taken more than prescribed or abused it in any way. Been on the same dose for 17 years. As for depression, it helped because I could do more and wasn't as isolated but it isn't an antidepressant. If you are depressed, an SSRI would probably help your depression and, to a degree, your anxiety. Your doctor or psychiatrist can advise what us best for you. I do strongly recommend self help techniques for anxiety whether you are on meds or not. You need to train your brain. Best of luck.

I would try to get off the alprazolam (Xanax) and get on a beta blocker called Metaprolol. It works by sticking to the receptor blocking epinephrine (adrenaline) in your bloodstream so you don’t get the fight or flight response causing anxiety. Alprazolam just blankets the problem instead of keeping it from happening.

I have found alprazolam to be quite helpful during panic or anxiety attacks. I use it as an as needed medication in addition to my daily medications. I try to deal with some of my anxiety on my own but sometimes when it is too much I use the alprazolam and it helps. The only slightly negative side effect is that it tends to make me sleepy. It isn’t so bad that I can’t function or anything though.

Xanax has been an absolute lifesaver for my panic attacks. I highly recommend it. I am on a small dose, .25-.5mg, and it has done wonders, and doesn't make me too sleepy.