"xanax was a godsend in the short term. nearly immediate peace from all anxiety and panic symptoms. the longer i took it though, the more problematic it became. constantly increasing dose for effectiveness, switching formulations. finally addiction, dependence - didn&#039;t matter if it was called this or that. discontinuing xanax was painful. like weeks long, restless, climbing the walls, no sleep. i&#039;d still call it useful in a low dose, well supervised situation. "