Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
• Method 2 of 3: GP visit
• Method 3 of 3: Medicines

Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. You should only use Xanax if prescribed by your doctor because it has health risks for people who are pregnant or in poor physical health. The use of Xanax can also have all kinds of side effects. It is therefore important that you are only prescribed Xanax if you have a condition that can be treated with this drug.

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Method 1 of 3: Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder

1. Pay attention to how your body reacts to stressful situations. The following symptoms may indicate that you have an anxiety disorder.
   • Cold and sweaty hands and feet. This occurs, for example, in social situations or events and phobias, but also for no apparent reason. A numb feeling in the hands and feet is also not uncommon.
   • Watch your sleeping habits. Insomnia and nightmares are common symptoms. Flashbacks to traumatic events may indicate post-traumatic stress syndrome.
   • Repeated hand washing or other compulsive actions may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, and anxiety problems.
   • Nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and tense muscles are also symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
2. Watch for thoughts or feelings that could be signs of an anxiety disorder. The emotions and ideas below are symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
   • Feelings of panic, anxious or uncomfortable are usually accompanied by anxiety disorders. Or maybe you have a bad feeling and you constantly think that something terrible is about to happen.
   • Feeling out of control of your thoughts. Thinking obsessively or feeling panicky with normal actions can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
   • People with an anxiety disorder can also be easily irritable or restless. This can affect your ability to relax, work, and have fun.

Method 2 of 3: GP visit

1. If you suffer from one or more of the above symptoms, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor right away. This can then refer you to a psychiatrist.
   • Few doctors treat anxiety disorders or depression with drugs alone. Often the drugs are accompanied by therapy or regular follow-up visits.
2. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many doctors recommend that in addition to taking medications, you talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist on a weekly or monthly basis.
   • Anxiety disorders and depression can be treated in different ways. For example, you can undergo cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy or psychotherapy.

Method 3 of 3: Medicines

1. If your doctor or psychiatrist has prescribed your medication, get it from the pharmacy. It is possible that, based on your health or symptoms, you are not prescribed Xanax, but a different psychoactive drug.
2. Stop using alcohol or other narcotics. Under no circumstances should Xanax be combined with these agents.
3. Take the dose prescribed by your doctor. Taking more or less Xanax can lead to unpleasant side effects and can affect the way the medicine works.
4. If you have thoughts of suicide or dry mouth, or if you suffer from dizziness, difficulty concentrating or a rash, contact your doctor immediately.
   • In the package insert of the medicine you can read which side effects the medicine could have. Make sure you have read the package leaflet carefully and always have it within reach so that you can read it again if you have any problems.