Xanax and panic attacks/phobia

[MKlein]

Since my first panic attack about a month ago I have barely been able to leave my house.

My biggest phobia has to do with being in a car. I used to drive all the time before that panic attack.


A week and a half ago I got some Xanax, and I took .25 mg for awhile.

And then I took .75 mg and I was able for the first time to drive to a nearby restaurant, but I was still feeling bad.

Finally tonight I took 1 mg and I was able to drive fine for a long time (although there was no traffic).

My questions are as follows:

A) My doctor says that I should be on Xanax for 3 weeks so that I can feel the effects. I don't know what he means because I thought Xanax was sort of an instant relief thing.

B) How many mg's should I take at a time. I'm thinking about taking 1-2 mg only before I drive, but others say you should take .25 mg 4 times a day instead.



Any thoughts?

[savexourxship]

Forget drugs, If you could be fine in a car " about  a month  ago", you will be fine again.  Personally unless you have a chemical imbalance I believe drugs are the ultimate devil.
All they do is mask the problem, and sooner or later it comes again, ten fold.

[tigerpaw]

My experience over many years would have me disagree with "savexouxship" totally. His analysis is flawed.

MKlein, and med's reaction in your system is different for each person. Its perfectly normal to work with your DR. on th right dose.  From experience the DR. is as much interested in how you react to the dose as you are. You both will work together.

Xanax is a short term but has other good qualities in the long run. You and your dr may find that another Med will work better than the xanax depending on your reaction to the xanax.

So keep in touch with your dr as you start off, I would say your doing fine. It just takes time.

 

[studdmuffin]

i wouldn't take it before you drive. you can easily get a DUI. 
the thing about taking a benzo like xanax daily is it will keep your anxiety low for an extended period of time. this could be very beneficial for you.