Xanax

So, recently I was prescribed Xanax to help with the recurring anxiety attacks I have about death. Not about dying myself, but of losing people close to me. If you know me well, you're probably playing amateur psychologist and thinking this started around the time my grandmother passed away, but alas...you would be incorrect. These attacks have been happening since my teens, got worse when my son was born, and reached their peak when Gaga died. Since I hadn't had a physical in years, I finally decided to mention them to my doctor at the one I had a week or so ago.

In any event, I had such a horrific day yesterday that I decided to go ahead and take some. The various annoyances I had experienced throughout the day added up into a full blown state of mental turmoil, and I wanted to relax so I could go out and salvage the evening. I was skeptical though. I didn't want to get groggy since I knew I would be drinking. So me being the person I am, I decided to Google everything about Xanax...

Wow! Apparently they are among the most prescribed AND highly abused drug in America. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that acts on certain areas of the brain like a tranquilizer to create a calming effect. And they are highly addictive. Greeeeeeeeeeeat. Like I need anymore addictions. Oh, and not only are they highly addictive, they also cause terrible withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are on a high dose and stop suddenly. My dose is a very low starter dose, so I went ahead and took one anyway, but everything I read said not to take it everyday no matter what your prescription says and not to take more than 2mg a day. Luckily I am nowhere near that on the dosage.

Mine says, "Take one tablet orally twice a day as needed." To me, as needed = my symptoms of anxiety are prohibiting me from functioning normally so luckily that is not everyday.

Sheesh. Sometimes the stuff they give you fix your problems is worse than the actual problems!

Disclaimer: It did help. I had a nice mellowed out feeling about 20 mins or so after, so at least it is fast-acting.