Question: I feel embarrassed by asking this question. I wanted to ask if it is safe to take xanax if you are a former drinker? Awhile back I lost my job. This resulted in me losing my home and my car. I then immediately afterwards went thru a divorce. It was a dark time and a lot of turmoil. I started to drink because I found if I had a couple shots of whisky right when I went to bed I would fall right asleep, sleep thru the night and wake up feeling rested. I do know this was foolish but I wasn't thinking very straight during that time. This proceeded for about a year and a half. I'd like to add that at no time during this time or even now did I ever crave a drink or even think of one during the day or early evening. I did it right at bedtime as a sleep aid. I have not had anything in a week now and have no urge for one.

I have a history of anxiety and about 10 years ago prescribed a short treatment of Xanax in which I did fine and discountinued when the anxiety resolved. Well I just recently had a scare where I had both liver and kidneys scanned and thank goodness both were benign. Blood work was done and Metabolic, Lipids, CBC, and thyroid was done and all was excellent. Everything all within range. But my anxiety kicked up quite a bit. I saw a doctor who prescribed me xanax for use when it flares up but I have not taken it. I have read that when you drink it changes your brain chemistry. I wanted to know if I needed to if it was safe to take? I feel very awkward asking this but if not asked I'll never know. .Thank you for your time.

Thank you greatly Dr Zografakis