How to Get Prescribed Xanax

Co-authored by Kirsten Thompson, MD and Devin McSween

Last Updated: May 11, 2024 Fact Checked

You may have heard Xanax is a good drug to use for anxiety and other disorders. That much is true. However, most doctors will not readily hand out prescriptions for this drug because it does come with some problems. Therefore, you will need to convince your doctor that you actually need the drug, mainly by showing that you have an anxiety disorder.

Part 1

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Talking to Your Doctor or Psychiatrist

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Anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of some other illness. Therefore, your doctor needs to check you out first. For instance, psychological symptoms can be a symptom of a neurological problem. They can also be the result of a medication you're taking.^{[1]
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Describe your symptoms thoroughly. Though it may be embarrassing to talk about how pervasive your anxiety is, your doctor needs to know the full extent of the problem. In fact, it might be helpful if you keep a journal of when you are having negative thoughts and how they affect you, such as stopping you from enjoying the moment or from going on an outing.^{[2]
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Once your regular doctor checks you out, she will often recommend you see a psychiatrist, since psychiatrists are more qualified to prescribe psychiatric drugs. Therefore, if your doctor doesn't make a recommendation, ask about seeing a psychiatrist.^{[3]
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Describe your symptoms to the psychiatrist. Like you did with your regular doctor, you need to describe your symptoms thoroughly. You also need to be able to talk about their effect on your life.^{[4]
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- You need to be comfortable enough to talk freely about your symptoms. If the psychiatrist you see at first is not a good fit, don't be afraid to find another one.^{[5]
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Find the right diagnosis and treatment. "I've tried so many anxiety meds, and none of them have really worked. This article helped me realize I need to better explain my specific symptoms to the doctor so I can get the right diagnosis. I'm hoping that will lead to finally finding some relief, not just getting handed the wrong prescription again." - Hillary R.

Ask for a psychiatrist referral. "For years, I've struggled to get my regular doctor to really understand and treat my anxiety. This article said to ask for a referral to a psychiatrist specializing in mental health meds. With their expertise, maybe I can finally find some help instead of being brushed off again." - Karen N.

Describe debilitating symptoms persuasively. "Ever since my pain medication was stopped, my anxiety has been out of control and really disrupted my life. The steps here taught me how to fully describe my symptoms and explain how they prevent me from functioning normally. I'm hoping that will help me get prescribed something that can provide some stability." - Eugene M.

Renew an expired prescription responsibly. "After my husband passed away, Xanax was so helpful for me in managing my grief and anxiety. Like the article suggested, I plan to be honest with my new doctor about how it helped me before and how I took it exactly as prescribed. Hopefully, I can get a limited renewal to help me sleep and manage my ongoing anxiety." - Rita K.

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Ask for a prescription. You need to approach this topic delicately, since the doctor may become suspicious if she thinks you came in just to get this medication. As noted, Xanax can be abused.^{[6]
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Go to source} However, it doesn't hurt to ask for what you want.
- For instance, say, "I've heard Xanax and other drugs like it can help with anxiety. Would that be an option for me?"
- Never lead with this question with any doctor. Talk about your problems first to help establish that you really do need it.
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Ask about Xanax as a sleep aid. Another option is to ask for Xanax as a sleep aid in relation to anxiety. Some people take a very small dose before bedtime to help them sleep. Once again, never lead with a request for the prescription. First, describe how you have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts or anxiety, then move on to asking if Xanax could be a possible solution.^{[7]
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- While Xanax can help with insomnia, it is not indicated to treat insomnia by the FDA and is not typically prescribed for insomnia.^{[8]
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Part 2

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Recognizing Signs of Anxiety

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Know how anxiety can feel. You may feel like everything is going wrong or is about to go wrong, and you can do nothing to stop it. Alternatively, you may feel a sense of panic about the situations in your life.^{[9]
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Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.}^{[10]
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- Some people feel like they are always on edge or that everything in life can lead to something horrible.
- Some people experience panic attacks, which are sudden onsets of fear that can feel overwhelming.
Though everyone feels anxious from time to time, anxiety that is persistent and pervasive is a bit more serious. If you have had major anxiety in your life for half a year or more, talk to your doctor about it.^{[11]
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Pay attention to the physical manifestations. Anxiety doesn't just manifest in psychological ways; you'll also notice physical symptoms. For instance, you may shake, sweat, or breathe too quickly. You may also have a rapid heartbeat.^{[12]
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Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.} In addition, you might feel very tired or unable to focus on what you need to do.^{[13]
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- You could also have symptoms such as stomach problems, dizziness, headaches, or even chest pain.
If you are just upset by anxiety every once in a while and have few side effects, that likely means you don't have an anxiety disorder. However, if your anxiety affects your life every day, whether by consuming your thoughts or stopping you from doing things, you may have an anxiety disorder.^{[14]
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Understand anxiety can appear in different ways. Depending on the type of disorder you have, your anxiety can look somewhat different. In addition, what triggers it can vary widely from person to person, or it may have no trigger at all.^{[15]
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- Generalized anxiety disorder means you may feel excessive worry about your everyday life, even if nothing bad is happening at the moment.
- Panic disorder is when you suddenly have attacks of fear or anxiety that often last for just a few minutes (though they can sometimes last much longer).
- Social anxiety is essentially a fear of being embarrassed. This embarrassment may keep you from doing certain things or going where you may want to go because you're afraid you'll do something embarrassing.
- Specific phobias are a fear of one particular thing or several things; in other words, when you are exposed to your phobia, you have fear or anxiety.

Part 3

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Understanding Xanax

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Know that Xanax is a type of sedative.^{[16]
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Go to source} Xanax belongs in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications are grouped under central nervous system depressants.^{[17]
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- The active ingredient in Xanax is Alprazolam, which essentially slows down your central nervous system; that is why it's considered a tranquilizer or sedative. It does this by binding to receptors in your brain that stimulate the production of GABA.^{[18]
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  Kirsten Thompson, MD
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  Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.} GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons to which it binds.
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Understand what Xanax is prescribed for. Most often, Xanax is prescribed for anxiety disorders.^{[19]
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Kirsten Thompson, MD
Board Certified Psychiatrist

Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.} You may also get it prescribed if you have a diagnosed panic disorder. However, some doctors are reluctant to prescribe it for this condition, as some people are more likely to experience panic attacks.^{[20]
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Research source} Xanax is sometimes used as a sleep aid in a mild dosage.^{[21]
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- Xanax can stop or lessen panic attacks.
- Xanax can get you through a crisis, such as a dealing with a stressful exam or difficult meeting. The correct dosage can get your anxiety out of the way so you can focus properly.
- Xanax treats the symptoms of anxiety and related disorders, not the cause. It is not a cure for an anxiety disorder, though it can help reduce your anxiety. Talk with your doctor about what therapies and treatments can help you in the long term.^{[22]
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Know why your doctor might be reluctant to prescribe Xanax. Xanax can become addictive over time.^{[23]
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Research source} Therefore, this drug can be abused, and it has been a factor in overdose cases.^{[24]
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- Xanax can also cause side effects like drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, irritability, trouble concentrating, and weight change.

Expert Q&A

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Is Xanax a sedative?

Kirsten Thompson, MD
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Kirsten Thompson is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor at UCLA, and the Founder of Remedy Psychiatry. She specializes in helping patients with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum depression. Dr. Thompson holds a BS in Operations Research Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and an MD from The State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine.

Kirsten Thompson, MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Expert Answer

Kind of, but not entirely! Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax helps increase a brain chemical called GABA, which helps promote a calm and relaxed state of mind.

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Warnings

Do not convince your doctor to prescribe you Xanax for any reason other than anxiety or panic disorder treatment. Do not shop around for doctors if yours won’t prescribe it to you, either. If you think that you or someone you know may be addicted to Xanax and are manipulating their doctor or therapist to have it prescribed to them, call an addiction hotline or find other means of assistance immediately.^{[25]
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It's not recommended to stop taking Xanax all at once. Wean yourself off the drug under the guidance of a doctor. If you don't, you may end up with withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, nervousness, and even seizures.^{[26]
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Xanax can temporarily ease anxiety and stop panic attacks. This can allow you to get rid of your anxiety in the short term so you can handle situations without stress getting in your way. It is not a cure for an anxiety disorder. Seek therapy and/or long-term medication for your disorder in order to live a healthier, happier life.^{[27]
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Do not take Xanax if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to get pregnant. Xanax can harm you or your baby.^{[28]
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Do not consume alcohol or take other central nervous system (CNS) depressants while taking Xanax. Xanax is a CNS depressant and simultaneous use of more than one CNS depressant can increase their effects, leading to side effects including tachycardia, arrhythmia, muscle weakness, coma, acute blood toxicity, and liver failure. These are very serious complications which can result in death.^{[29]
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Do not eat grapefruits or drink grapefruit juice while taking Xanax. This may increase the amount of the active ingredient entering your system and slow down its elimination.^{[30]
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