"began taking xanax during a time when my one and only child left home for college and i lost my job a month later.  it allowed me to cope and move forward.  the most i ever took was 1 mg per day, but i now take .25 when i have periodic depression and anxiety.  i sometimes go 6 weeks without taking one.  the best way to describe it is like rebooting your mind.  life saver for me."