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Does Xanax pills help you calm down?

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kite:
When I first started taking Xanax, it would cut my anxiety quite a bit.  I wouldn't necessarily say that I felt like I could handle anything, though.  My body would just feel more relaxed after taking it.

Although, after I got up to the higher doses of 2-4mg, I couldn't even tell that I had taken it because my body had built up such a tolerance to Xanax.  At that point, it didn't work for me at all.

Albedo82:
On Benzos your anxiety doesn't go away it just makes you calm down if you're having a panic attack. I always found that the effect didn't last long enough for me I would feel alright for maybe an hour on it then my anxiety would be back again. I would do what everyone else said, take the zoloft that will eventually calm your anxiety down in the long run, but do not rely on the xanax to get rid of your anxiety.

AOKAY:
I keep Xanax around for those situations which I know will be anxiety provoking.  With me, for example, it's the stress of travel by air; not the flying itself, which doesn't bother me, but the anxiety of getting to the airport on time, clearing security, hoping your bag makes it to the destination, etc.  Rather than panic, I take a Xanax before leaving home.
One warning is that Xanax (and other benzos) can cause temporary amnesia.  While the drug is doing its calming, it's also removing your memory.  Sometimes that's a good thing, but if this is a moment you really want to remember, better not use a benzo.
Also, I agree that the anxiety does not necessarily go away with Xanax; you just don't care as much that it is there.

mom2boys:
Xanax has been a life saver for me. I have NEVER had a single bad side effect from it. I am very careful about how often I take it. When I'm "needing" it too often like what has been happening to me I know it's time ot start something else. I'm on zoloft now, still adjusting so I'm not sure how much it is going to help... I definitely notice I don't need the xanax as often which is what the plan was... I HATE daily meds but I know xanax can be addicting so I'm always worried about taking it too often.
I always have it on me. No matter how bad my symptoms have got the xanax does eventually help. I can't imagine not having it now.

dreamland:
Here's the deal with Xanax and other benzodiazepines: if you treat them with respect and use them on an "as need" basis then you have absolutely nothing to worry about as far as addiction or withdrawal is concerned. I take Xanax maybe once or twice a month, especially when I know that I will be faced with a situation which usually evokes feelings of anxiety or restlessness, so don't wait until your anxious but use it sparingly when faced with exogenous factors (giving Powerpoint presentations in front of 50 people, attending all day sales meetings that require stupid "role playing"scenarios, etc.) that usually make you anxious.

The nice thing about Xanax is that out of all the short acting benzos out there, Xanax will actually produce a slightly euphoric feeling, in addition to some mild disinhibition which usually consists of a more affable and facetious demeanor, but nothing crazy. Xanax does not work all that well for neurotic anxiety if you ask me (hypochondria, excessive rumination, fear of going crazy, etc.) and you're better off taking Lorazepam (Ativan) if that happens to be your predicament; Lorazepam is the #1 anxiety killer and also exhibits superior sedative properties if insomnia happens to be a problem as well.

Again, only use these pills on an as need basis and treat them with the utmost respect!

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