Have Been Prescribed Xanax For Anxiety And Depression What Are The Pros And Cons?

Posted on Mon, 1 Jul 2013

Question: I have a prescription for Xanax, and I am very concerned about side effects. I have been prescribed the Xanax for mild anxiety and depression What are the pros and con's of taking Xanax. What about difficult withdrawal symptoms? Will it impede my auto driving?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (18 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. Xanax is a medication which can treat mild anxiety. It also improves the mood as a possibly weak antidepressant. However, it is better to limit its usage after the age 65. It is metabolized by the liver, and liver capacity to do is decreased after the age of 65. It is not an absolute thing, but you can talk about it with your doctor. In the elderly, some medications which do not have sedative properties could also be prescribed. You can ask about the risk of fall from your doctor with use of a medication from the class of benzodiazepine.
People who use this medication more than 6-8 weeks, may find mental dependence to this medication. Another alternative could be a medication from Z class if your problem is mostly improved with sleep improvement.
I wish you a good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (19 minutes later)

Would Xanax hinder my driving skills. I need to be able to drive to run errands, visit clients, doctors, etc. in this town of 26,000 people. I do a lot of local driving. I have been driving since I was 16 years old, and have done some traveling.
Many many years ago, I took Wellbutrin for a difficult time in my life during a divorce with 5 small children to raise. I have not taken antidepressant pills since.
I have never had a traffic ticket.

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (3 hours later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. Xanax half life is 12-18 hours depending on the person taking. After the age 65, this half life is increased because liver can not change it as fast as the past. It is better to take it as just half a tablet and also in the early hours of the night if you want to start taking.
Let me know if you find any other point to ask. Best of luck with managing your mood.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar