Has anyone on the forum tried taking xanax (alprazolam) on an as needed basis to avert or lessen panic attacks? Did it work? How long before it took effect? Side affects? Most of the information I've seen is related to a continuous regiment. A continuous regiment of meds is not recommended in my case. The only trigger that causes debilitating panic attacks is having dental work done. It's been suggested that I take a "chill pill" before dental appointments. I'm guessing that if I do that, I probably shouldn't drive. That creates another problem.

I generally don't like taking meds. I'd learned some relaxation techniques that enabled me to stop shaking and gagging enough to let the dentist do his work. I leaked tears the whole time (embarrassing, but oh well). During my last appointment a well meaning assistant tried to comfort me putting her hand on my shoulder. In doing so, she inadvertently touched my neck and set off my flight response. I bolted off the chair and out the door wearing the metal chain and paper napkin (without my keys, purse, and coat). Looking back I find humor in that story, in spite of the fact that I was pretty sick with anxiety for the next two days. I must be warped.

Perhaps I should skip the meds and just take a couple shots of whiskey instead? just kidding

I have taken Xanax and it works within 20 minutes. If the dose is low the side effects will hardly be noticeable. I suspect drowsiness, dizziness, delayed response, and a little spacey.
It worked for me.

Peace
Tammy

Thanks Tammy!
That helps relieve some of the anxiety about taking the anti-anxiety med.
Best regards, Red

I take Xanax for certain dental procedures, flying and a few times when my panic attacks were not allowing me to do something I really needed to do. One minute I am thinking the worst and when the Xanax hits all is okay with the world.

One thing I learned the hard way is do not eat any grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice before taking Xanax. I forgot one time and ate some grapefruit two hours before taking the Xanax. I was about as goofy as I could be.

vst

vst,

Thanks for the warning. I thought grapefruit minimized the effectiveness of most meds. At any rate, sounds like it's better off to avoid it. I don't think that warning is on the paperwork I got with the script.

Red

I think any dentist worth his or her weight in Spam would give you a script for a few Xanax to get you through the visit, if he or she were compassionate and liked his or her fingers intact and the carpeting dry. Then call around to Walmart, Target, and the grocery stores if it's cheaper to buy that script without your insurance, and if it's cheaper than Walmart's four-dollar deal.

Ruddy

I've been using Xanax for years and it is my life saver. I use the $4 generic from Walmart and have only the usual side effects. I could not function without it for my attacks.

I find your response to the dentist very interesting since I have the same intense fear myself. My gag reflex is awful and most of the time I FAINT! All this along with the trembling and tears pouring down my face. I truly thought I was the only person with such a strong aversion to the dentist.

When I was a kid our dentist actually lived across the street from our house AUGH!!

Pills are not such a bad thing REALLY they aren't!

I have a script from my family doctor. Fortunately, I have good medical and prescription coverage. I just generally don't like to take meds of any kind. It's a decision that I weigh carefully. I guess that's why I asked for your input. I really appreciate the feedback.

Herc, I also thought I was the only one with the dental anxiety attacks. I had one therapist tell me that he didn't think it could be related to my trauma. After all, why would being choked and gagged until I passed out make me fearful of having someone put hands and things in my mouth? Why would that be a trigger? DUH - fired that therapist.

And if the therapists are clueless, how can we expect the dentists to be any more enlightened. The attitude seems to be - well, lots of people don't like to go to the dentist. I'd like to go back to the dentist I went to before I moved, but it's a 70 mile drive. He ignored my tears (at my request) and somehow that made it easier.

I take benzo's on an as-needed basis. Sometimes I get into a string of days where I need them, but then I try to back off asap to prevent addiction (again).

I always take them before facing a known trigger. It usually prevents an all-out panic but not the decompensation and retreat later.

Just my 2 cents.

FLF

.

I take Xanax as needed for panic and anxiety attacks. It usually takes about 10 minutes for it to start taking effect for me. There have been times when it has really been a life saver. I try to not use is unless I really cannot breathe my way through the attack, as I don't want to become dependent.