"i had 2 panic attacks in my entire life. i went to a doctor and was given xanax at half mg to take immediately and 6 hrs later. it worked and i thought i would keep some handy for any possible future attacks. he prescribed 0.25mg pills 3 times a day. i looked it up on the internet and didn&#039;t like the information on addiction. i went to my doctor when i got back home and he prescribed ativan. i believe xanax should be used only when having a panic attack and not as a maintenance drug."