xanax making me MORE anxious???

[averica]

hi...they gave me .5 mg...only taken it twice...neither time did it calm me much...and last night it seemed to make me more antsy and even put me on the verge of a panic attack...umm isnt it supposed to have the opposite effect?

[lynn57]

I would really think about something like Zoloft to keep your anxiety at bay.  Yes, there are unwanted side effects at the beginning, but if you can get through them you are usually left in a better place.  I take Klonopin, but it was never enough on it's own.  I take Celexa and my anxiety is nearly 100% under control.  Down side is that the Celexa saps a little of my energy.  I'll take that over anxiety and panic attacks any day.

[averica]

no...tried zoloft and buspar over the summer...didnt like the sides so i quit...havent really had any major issues until sunday..just felt weird all day so i popped a xanax but it had the opposite effect on me it seems..

[lynn57]

Benzos don't work for everyone, but they do for most.  The quick up and downs with Zanax may be too much for you.  There are longer acting benzos like Klonopin and Valium.  If you are nervous and just need to calm down, valium may work well for you.  It's not so great for severe anxiety or panic attacks.  I find that Klonopin works well for me and keeps me from working into a panic state.  Are you taking any thing else?