"i&#039;ve taken xanax (generics) for anxiety and panic attacks for seven years.  i&#039;ve taken it just as my doctor instructs (actually, he wants me to take it more often) and have had no issues with dependency, even during periods when i needed it three or four times a week.  i love that it kicks in in under five minutes.  i take it as soon as i start panicking, and five minutes later, my mind just calms down.  it doesn&#039;t numb me or get me high, it just keeps my brain from going into a panic spiral.  it also helps reduce the urge to self-harm. the only side effect i&#039;ve experienced is drowsiness, but it usually isn&#039;t enough to keep me from going about my day.  one warning, though: do not take with alcohol. "