You need to be comfortable enough to talk freely about your symptoms. If the psychiatrist you see at first is not a good fit, don’t be afraid to find another one. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source

For instance, you could say, “I’ve heard Xanax and other drugs like it can help with anxiety. Would that be an option for me?” Never lead with this question with any doctor. Talk about your problems first, to help establish that you really do need it.

Some people feel like they are always on edge or that everything in life can lead to something horrible. [8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Some people have Stop panic attacks, which are a sudden onset of fear that can feel overwhelming. [9] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source

You could also have symptoms such as stomach problems, dizziness, headaches, or even chest pain.

Generalized anxiety disorder means you may feel excessive worry about your everyday life, even if nothing bad is happening at the moment. Panic disorder is when you suddenly have attacks of fear or anxiety that often last for just a few minutes but can last much longer. Social phobia is essentially a fear of being embarrassed. This embarrassment may keep you from doing certain things or going where you may want to go because you’re afraid you’ll do something embarrassing. Focused phobias are a fear of one particular thing or several things; in other words, when you are exposed to your phobia, you have fear or anxiety.

The active ingredient in Xanax is Alprazolam, which essentially slows down your central nervous system, that is why it’s considered a tranquilizer. It does this by binding to receptors in your brain, stimulating production of GABA. [13] X Expert Source Kirsten Thompson, MDBoard Certified Psychiatrist Expert Interview. 18 August 2021. GABA is a naturally occuring neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons to which it binds.

Xanax can stop or lessen panic attacks. Xanax can get you through a crisis, such as a stressful exam or difficult meeting. The correct dosage will get your anxiety out of your way so you can focus properly. It treats the symptoms, not the cause. Xanax is not a cure for an anxiety disorder. Talk with your doctor about what treatments can help you in the long term.