Generic Name: Xanax XR (alprazolam)
Xanax XR Reviews
For Panic Disorder "Makes me very sleepy, which is hard to deal with, but worth it not being paralyzed from the flight or fight all day and night. Also want to say shame on the ones of you for talking about the horror stories of withdrawal, that it is so bad for you and benzos ruin your life. Your horror stories stopped me from taking the med when I got it, which made me suffer longer. Withdrawal DOES not happen to everyone. Did you ever think about the fact that some people can't take antidepressants or other options? Some of us have to rely on therapy and benzos. Don't go scaring the people who clearly need the medicine. Please, just take the med if prescribed and get a doctor you trust. I cried and refused treatment I needed because of what some people have written. Rated lower right now because I haven't found the right dose yet."
For Panic Disorder "I absolutely love this generic alternative to regular Xanax because I can attest to previously having urges and cravings to take more when I was on regular than I ever do for Xanax XR. SOO thankful for this drug, one of those XR formulations actually turned out to be useful in deterring abuse and misuse. I would recommend this 10x over than any other benzodiazepines currently available on the market for anxiety. This drug has changed my life and it doesn't negatively impact it, nor do I find myself running out early. I actually have more than needed at the time my medication was due for refill."
For Anxiety "I've been taking this medicine for 2 days and all I can say is wow! Is this what normal life is supposed to feel like? I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition that is caused by a lifetime full of anxiety and the tightening and clenching of muscles that were not intended to be in constant use. The pit in my stomach is gone, and I am actually looking forward to waking up in the morning and being able to face the day anxiety-free!"
For Panic Disorder "I’m a proud United States Veteran, unfortunately I suffer from several mental illnesses due to service-related issues. Panic disorder with agoraphobia being the worst and most debilitating one for me. I have been on almost every SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, TCA’s, Beta blockers, and antipsychotics. With nothing working but benzodiazepines! I have been on Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Xanax. They all work well but Xanax ER, out of the Benzo family, works best in my opinion. I was recently put on Xanax XR instead of Xanax IR and it works amazing for me! It lasts throughout the whole day nice and steady, and I’m not even thinking about the next dose. Words can't describe how much it has changed my life in this past month. I take 1mg twice a day!"
For Tinnitus "I have been taking Xanax XR for about 8 years. Prior to that, I took Xanax every 4 hours. My tinnitus is so loud it cannot be tested, and after a lifetime of living with tinnitus, I sought help. Xanax XR is better than Xanax for me because you take it once a day and it continually releases, preventing ups and downs and the autonomic functions check, which increases T after sleep. Panic attacks are gone from residual nervousness tinnitus causes. Definitely my quality of life is better, although Xanax XR is not a cure."
For Panic Disorder "I use alprazolam ER. Have been on some form of benzo for panic issues 20-30 years. Xanax worked best. Problem was with its relief time, # of hours it would work before needing to take another. I think the main issue was with my system's ability to notice the absence of fear because the medication would give me comfort by inebriation, feeling intoxicated. Which is fine for some people, but my system began needing more. Stopping would magnify my fear, bring on withdrawal, make life beyond miserable. I was given Xanax ER, and my fear almost disappeared without intoxicating me; wish I could describe it more precisely. All I know is I do not feel like my fear is being replaced by 2-3 pints of lager. It is gone almost always without having to increase medication. Pretty amazing for someone who has medication issues."
For Panic Disorder "Started Xanax XR 1 mg about 10 years ago. I took it on and off for GAD. Then increased to 1 mg plus 0.5 mg if needed. Due to extended release, my doctor kept telling me that it is not an addictive drug. Rubbish. Also, tapering off is a problem because you can only do 0.5 mg at a time. So now, after cancer and death in the family, I had to stay on it for anxiety. New doctor (psychiatrist) after 10 plus years. First word out of his mouth: I don't like prescribing Xanax XR that much. Great. Plus, appointments are with telemedicine, which stinks. The drug works, but definitely dependence and tolerance. Any feedback would be nice."
For Anxiety "I was originally just on the regular XANAX for years, and at first it helped, but then it wore off and wasn't effective. My doctor searched and searched for another medication that would be very effective, especially because I have 'LUPUS' and have been having severe anxiety and depression. I really had to be on something before I stressed my 'Lupus' to flare up! So XANAX XR was recommended, and OMG this XR is so amazing and very effective. I absolutely love it! It helped with anxiety, depression, and sleep! It works wonders and I totally recommend it to anyone."
For Panic Disorder "I've had severe panic attacks for most of my life. At first, I began with 0.25mg of regular Xanax (IR) as needed, but found that I would feel it wear off. I now take 0.5mg of Xanax XR every morning, and it has been a complete life-changer. I also struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Xanax XR has also helped lessen the symptoms of both of those as well, which I was not expecting. Xanax XR completely helps the racing thoughts, helps me stay in the moment, and overall helps me feel calm and at ease."
For Anxiety "My psychiatrist had me on 2mg Xanax XR as needed daily. I have severe anxiety and had tried Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc. None of them seemed to work. Finally, I found that Xanax did. Unfortunately, Xanax isn't a long-acting drug. I was finding that being on such a high dose of XR, I was having to take it even when I didn't need it for anxiety but just to keep from having withdrawals. I was miserable until I was prescribed 2mg Xanax XR twice daily. It does pretty well to control my severe anxiety, racing thoughts, and OCD! I do still take 1mg Xanax XR as needed if I'm having a hard day with my anxiety or if I have a panic attack. All in all, I recommend trying this medication for treatment of moderate to severe anxiety disorders."
For Panic Disorder "I was on 0.5 mg (1/2 mg) 2x daily of regular Xanax for 15 years for panic attacks and anxiety disorder. It worked wonderfully, and I had a very good quality of life with it. Suddenly, last month, my psychiatrist of 20 years decided he no longer likes to prescribe regular Xanax anymore. Well, I had a very bad anxiety relapse when he prescribed me Xanax Extended Release 1 mg one time per day instead. It was horrible! It felt like I didn't even take my Xanax, and I had waves of normalcy mixed with horrendous rolling anxiety and intermittent panic attacks daily and nightly. What I didn't know was that it was only giving me 0.25 mg at a time 4 times per day. Well, I was used to the 1/2 of a mg 2 times per day, which was much stronger. People with anxiety or panic disorder notice every subtle detail and bodily change, so I started panicking when I felt like they weren't working. My anticipatory anxiety shot through the roof, and I felt panicked for the past month. It has been a roller coaster ride!"
For Panic Disorder "Over 40 years with panic disorder, bipolar II, PTSD, the only drug that worked was Zyprexa, which caused 80 extra lbs., so the doctor discontinued it. I continued with Zoloft and Depakote and 0.5 mg Xanax 2-3 times a day. Two years ago, I was pulled off the Depakote due to liver issues. My Xanax 0.5 mg IR intake went up and up and still felt panic. A new doctor prescribed 2 mg XR, and wow, it changed my life. I take it twice a day, never craving it like the IR. I just get up and go about my day! Honestly, I’ve used it all, and Xanax XR has calmed my anxiety and evened out my moods. Sometimes I forget to take the second dose. It’s so nice not to be up and down all day fighting anxiety, panic, and dread! It’s not a high for me, never has been, I just feel normal and do more writing, going out, etc., than I’ve done in years. I honestly did not see this coming, but this drug has given me a whole new lease on life and life possibilities."
For Anxiety "I have daily anxiety and was on Ativan for a while. While I loved the Ativan, I was looking for something longer acting. My psychiatrist tried me on Xanax XR 0.05mg. For me, this medicine is a Godsend. In the beginning, when I first started taking it, I did notice some slight dizziness and 'weird' feelings, but I stuck with it. Once it regulated in my system (about 3-4 weeks), I feel totally normal and calm on it with zero side effects. I have since upped my dose to the 1mg Xanax XR twice daily if I need it, but some days I only take one pill to get me through the day and deal with the anxiety at night since I'm home. Then, I take a pill in the morning like normal. My advice would be to start on the lowest dose and work your way up."
For Anxiety "I was prescribed regular Xanax in the early '90s for anxiety, and it changed my life - for the better. I was more productive than ever, my relationships got back to where they should be, and I was finally sleeping well. As time went on, my tolerance increased and I suffered significant peaks and valleys between doses throughout the day. Xanax XR was a complete game changer for me - a completely different medication. I take it in the morning and feel great all day long, and I sleep well. I still take the regular Xanax on occasion if my anxiety flares. The XR version is far better but much more expensive. The $120/month is nothing when it comes to quality of life."
For Anxiety "This has been a Godsend for me. It makes me feel like I'm on a more even playing field, and I've had fewer panic attacks. With only having to take 1 every 12 hours, that is also helpful as I am on other medicines for depression and fibromyalgia. I would recommend for anyone with anxiety and/or panic disorders to definitely try this if you can get your doctor to prescribe it for you, as it is becoming harder and harder to get the medicines that actually work for us because they think we will all become addicted. I always say give us the medicines we need for our problems that WORK and we'll worry about the rest later."
For Panic Disorder "I have been on and off Xanax since its release in the '80s. Two years ago, I attempted to wean myself off. My reasoning was that 0.25mg twice a day was too much and I was still panicking. After 3 days, I had a full panic attack. I took 1/2 of a Xanax and called my MD. He said that he did not know what to do. I called a psychiatrist. I continued on the 0.25 mg twice a day. I continued to be panicking and paranoid. He prescribed Xanax 0.5mg XR in the morning and 1mg XR at bedtime. I feel so much better. I continue to worry about withdrawals, but having to take two pills a day is no big deal if you have ever had an attack. I also did not try to hide the fact from people I thought would find me flawed for taking Xanax. This was freeing."
For Panic Disorder "I took Xanax for over thirty years, and it worked great for my anxiety and depression. I had one problem with it, I took another med that I should've used, and there were extreme side effects. I asked for Xanax IR, and the doctor wouldn't prescribe it, but after trying different meds that failed, I was put on the XR, and I am doing well after two months. I just filled another Rx for XR, and I am glad it works for about eight to twelve hours. I take two 3 mg twice a day, and I wouldn't switch for any other med on the market. As another person posted, I forget to take the second dose."
For Panic Disorder "When big pharma came out with XR, my life has really changed. I'm no longer anticipating my next dose, as a matter of fact, I've forgotten to take my dose and been fine, just waited until the next dose was required. I recommend anyone on regular Xanax to ask their doctor to change them to XR just to see if it's easier and less worrisome about the next dose."
For Depression "When you are depressed it's hard to want to take the effort to feel better such as exercise, walking, friends, and company. The XR version, I feel, is less for panic attacks (prevention instead) and more of a mood elevator daily. Social anxiety is curbed, and being able to go outside the house and hang out with friends has helped my depression so much. It helps prevent and end negative thoughts throughout the day and makes your brain think calmly. It lasts about 12 hours or so, then I take an IR in the afternoon to relax and fall asleep. The best part is not having to carry around a controlled substance all day."
For Panic Disorder "This was the first medication I was prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a few other problems I had going on at the same time. I started taking 1mg once per day, then 1mg twice per day... this worked well for quite a while. Then I changed to 2mg once per day and after several months went to 2mg twice per day. I took this for about 4 years total and had no nightmares, seldom had racing thoughts, the panic attacks stopped pretty much altogether after the first week or two, and this also kept the general anxiety at bay as well. The only problem was that if you have no insurance or discount card it's very expensive! I had to go to 10mg valium 3 times daily at 1/3 the cost, but wish I could still afford the XR's because they work well!"
For Panic Disorder "I used to live with severe panic attacks and overall was always full of anxiety. This medication works so well that I feel very normal again. The nightmares, shaking, nausea, panicking, sweaty and restless feeling, and anxiety all stopped. I highly recommend this medication for people who genuinely need a benzodiazepine to regulate the central nervous system. Make sure you don't abruptly stop taking them though, as you will feel extremely ill! Do keep your doctor informed of any side effects. They are pretty mild, however, they can cause weight gain and lower sex drive."
For Panic Disorder "Xanax XR (2 mg every morning) has controlled my anxiety and panic attacks since 2008. One of the SSRIs I tried worked (Zoloft), but the side effects were unacceptable. The XR does not have those side effects and keeps working at a constant dose, though I occasionally need 0.5 mg Xanax PRN. Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Meditation have helped, too, but they are not enough."
For Panic Disorder "I was taking Xanax XR 1 mg for panic disorder. I was having them so bad and couldn’t do my job, lost my job, lost my family, and had to completely start over. The Xanax helped my panic attacks about 93%, and I just had to tough out the rest. I took the medication for 2 months with a beta blocker. I had to take a DOT (Department of Transportation) drug urine test, so I dropped the medication like a hat. Completely stopped taking it! Oh my, you talking about miserable! Not only was my anxiety so much worse, I was having constant panic attacks, extreme chest pains, couldn’t breathe, feeling lightheaded, and muscles twitching. It was awful. After four days of it, I took a 1 mg XR Xanax last night, and I feel so much better. It truly helps with panic disorder. I take it exactly like the doctor says. No more or no less."
For Panic Disorder "In my opinion, this medicine has saved my life. It keeps me calm and relaxed. It has been my miracle drug. I never knew life could be this good again. I try not to remember the life I had before taking Xanax."
For Panic Disorder "I am a very anxious person. I am diagnosed with panic disorder, which has had an extreme impact on my quality of life. I have been on various benzos throughout the years, namely Xanax for about 5 years. I used to take 4 mg a day and then went down to 3 mg a day for the past year due to circumstances outside of my control. I recently discussed with my Dr. how my anxiety has been consuming me and how I think I need to be back on 2 mg twice a day. She wanted me to try 1 mg of Xanax XR (slow release) a day in addition to the regular 3 mg I take. I find little to no relief with the Xanax XR. If I take it in conjunction with 1 mg of regular release, it helps better, but I shouldn't have to do that. So now next month, I have to talk to her yet again. I'm a first-time mom, and all I want is to live life without anxiety dictating my every thought. Anyone have a similar experience?"
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