Is Xanax An Effective Medication For Panic Attacks?

Posted on Wed, 23 Aug 2017

Question: I have been waking up with anxiety/panic attacks the past two nights. My doctor has given me xanax and said that I can take 2 0.25 mg tablets if I need them. Can I take them before I go to sleep so that I sleep through the attacks?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Xanax is a very bad medication for panic attacks. It is actually not supposed to be used at all in people older than 65, because of risk of addiction, withdrawal, worsened anxiety, memory loss, falls, fractures, and delirium. I would not use this medication at all, as it is short-acting and will not help you sleep through the night. I recommend talking with your doctor about trying mirtazapine, an antidepressant medication that treats anxiety and insomnia.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (25 minutes later)

This week my doctor put me on buster 10 mg two times a day. I was also on mirtazapine to be used as an appetite enhancer. Shall I try the mirtazapine 7.5 mg tonight

are there any serious interactions between buspar and mirtazapine

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, that would be a good idea!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
No, these medications are perfectly safe to take together. No worries!

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy