QUESTION:

I was wondering how you feel about the long term use of Xanax as treatment? I have tried everything. now after 14 years I was introduced to Xanax and can finally RELAX. it has been 3 years and I am 100% addicted. I am concerned yet I remember how I was without it.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

Xanax is indicated for panic disorder. Panic attacks are on a par with BPD dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair). Most individuals can switch to SSRI's over time - Paxil has a greater than 90% success rate for panic.

The problems with Xanax are sedation, impairment, addiction, and in borderlines "behavioral dyscontrol" (losing control of one's behavior). One has to carefully weight the risks v the benefits when prescribing or taking Xanax.

Whenever possible you want to get all your diagnoses effectively treated, particularly so you need to take Xanax far less.

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