TREATMENT DATABASE
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzopiazepine. It was introduced in 1982 to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and insomnia. It is also widely prescribed to treat panic attacks, agitated depression, and phobias. Xanax is more rapidly metabolized and eliminated than other benzodiazepines and causes less “hangover.” It has a half-life of 12 to 15 hours, rapid onset (about 15 minutes), and its peak action occurs within 1 to 2 hours.
USES IN ME/CFS: Because Xanax acts so quickly, it is usually recommended to treat panic and anxiety attacks. It is not often prescribed for persistent insomnia, although it may be recommended on a short-term basis. As with other benzodiazepines, Xanax should be taken at the lowest possible dose. It is not recommended as a daily medication, but only as needed to alleviate the effects of panic or anxiety due to overactive nervous system responses. It is highly addictive.
| Rating | Side Effects | Reason for Treatment | Dosage / Duration | Age | Sex M/F | # of years Ill | Additional Comments | Illness Severity | Date Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | none | Insomnia - the only drug that helps me sleep. I also get benefit from taking .125 mg before going out shopping or socially. It gives me strength to get through the event. | 14 year .685mg 1X day | 77 | Female | 24 | I don't get any benefit from it if I am feeling drained and bedridden. I depend on it to help me sleep and have the stamina to go for short socializing or shopping. "They" want to wean me off it and take it away. I don't know if it is my age, or the crack down on drugs, will my doctor get in trouble if she continues to allow me to take this drug? It is a life saver for me | Moderate/Severe | 02/02/23 |