> > what do you think: should I take it? > > Pro's and con's, please. I'm desperate! >
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; Not an easy answer! If you have the potential for addiction, might not be a good choice long term. Xanax has a short half-life, so you will get immediate relief which will fade out after a few hours. Xanax is the treatment of choice for panic attacks, do you have the signature 'impending doom feeling'? For general anxiety and certainly for depression, i don't understand this was prescribed. There are better meds for those issues, which will last longer, be smoother, less side effects and no addiction potential. You probably wouldn't want to take a Xanax again as one wears off, to keep yourself level on Xanax, it is highly addictive. That said, it is a life-threatening withdrawal for an addict, so one would definitely need to detox under medical supervision in a hospital or rehab-type setting....not a home withdrawal. Very dangerous. Takes a while to build up to that level of addiction so short term no worries, and you will feel immediate relief. But so will deep breathing give you immediate relief. Don't suffer. Take it now, exactly as prescribed. You can continue to research better treatments/providers. Any psychiatrist will tell you that for psychotropic meds, you need to be seen for evaluation/diagnosis and treatment from a psychiatrist. Can your GP refer you (or can you get in on your own) to see a psychiatrist? That is the best route if you're serious you want to try these types of meds. Might be an idea to start writing down everything you can about your symptoms, when do they occur, how do they feel, are some episodes worse than others, what happens immediately preceding these 'attacks', what gives any relief. Also some notes about what is happening in the major areas of your life right now. When you see the psychiatrist, the more info you can give, the better he can diagnose=target the correct med from the start. These type of meds (psychotropics) involve the art of prescribing. Sometimes you need a lot of patience til they find the correct dose or combination with other drugs, time of day to take, etc. Do not suffer. Do not be afraid.
