"if i could rate xanax higher i would, this is without a doubt the most effective medication i&#039;ve ever taken for anxiety, and fast acting. i&#039;ve always dealt with the public speaking anxiety since high school. i&#039;m 29, healthy and active and have never been depressed so that&#039;s why i&#039;ve been reluctant about ssri&#039;s. my gp prescribed celxa, went up to 20mg and it was a nightmare, had panic attacks and very vivid intrusive thoughts. my gp switched to lexapro @10mg and i still get panic attacks. if i get a panic attack i take a .50mg of xanax and it takes like 15 min to kick in and i feel great - i hate ssri&#039;s and wish xanax was a daily med."