"i&#039;ve been taking xanax as needed since i was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder,  social anxiety, panic disorder, and a mild case of ptsd. i take .25 mgs, but i usually have to take 2 or 3 when i&#039;m having an episode of high anxiety and/or panic. my doctor won&#039;t up the dosage. it works very well for what it is intended for. it has always been helpful for me to take before doing something that i know will trigger anxiety in me. since i don&#039;t use it as a drug to take daily, i have to also take sertraline (zoloft) every night. the sertraline helps keep me balanced while i use the alprazolam when something triggering is happening or going to happen. for what i need it for, it works great. calms me down within 30 minutes."