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A thirty day supply of Xanax lasts me a year.

I was given a 30 day supply 6 months ago and still have some left. I use it very judiciously but I'm not ashamed to say I sometimes need it now like I did when it was first prescribed for me. Panic attacks are something I thought only other people got and even then I was arrogant enough to think you should just 'get over it.' I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy and I really mean that.

THEY ARE HELL!!! And I mean that most sincerely. I tried everything for years--was very much against medication. I'd had panic attacks since I was a child, but they kicked in what was probably a near "nervous breakdown" when I was 18. I went to counseling and learned the techniques from my mother and aunts who had them, as well.

Then I got so physically sick about 12 years later, I ended up in the hospital and eventually lost my colon. That's when I gave in and took medication 10 years ago. WHAT a difference! I still take medication, although at a lower dosage than I used to need.

I use one half of a 0.5 mg Ativan (Lorazepam) tablet when I feel something coming on (usually shakiness and/or flashes appear in my field of vision like the after effects of a camera’s flash). Always heads off the panic attack in about 1/2 an hour.

The key is to always carry the stuff (I photocopy the prescribing doctor’s business card and/or the prescription label they include with the med’s info sheet to keep with the ziplock bag in case I get stopped by the cops and asked) and I keep ziplock bags in my vehicles, at home, backpack, first aid kits, etc. and to use it ONLY WHEN NEEDED.

My sister has had the same panic attack symptoms I had, and was prescribed Xanax and took her dose a couple of times a day and has had problems - her prescribed dose no longer worked and was bothering my mom for her’s when she ran out, etc. So some people (out of stubborness in her case) make their own problems.