Is the drug Xanax addictive?

Question

Do you take it "as needed" or do you have to take it every day?

Answer 1

Xanax CAN be addictive if taken regularly and for a good while.  Many people take it only "as needed" , and that does help reduce the likelihood of becoming dependent on it.

Here is an answer posted by another user some years ago, and i cannot say it better than she did, so i am posting it here:  (with spelling errors corrected).

"Xanax (or generic, alaprozolam) is a benzodiazepine type drug. It is in the same class as valium, and Ativan and Klonopin, although each of the drugs is slightly different. These drugs do cause a physical dependence , especially if used over a long period of time (more than 8-12 weeks). However, they are usually given in doses of 0.75 mg to 4 mg, although in some cases the doctor may prescribe larger doses if the condition indicates it is needed. The larger the dose, and the longer the time used, the stronger the physical withdrawal symptoms will be if the drug is suddenly stopped.

You are taking a smaller dose than usual. If you take it regularly and continuously over a long period of time, if you suddenly stop taking it, the sedative, or other effects it is being taken for, reappear, often with a vengeance. All such drugs should never be suddenly stopped, or the dosage changed without the supervising doctor's guidance. Doing this can sometimes be accompanied by seizures.

These are useful drugs. They are prescribed because something about the brain/body chemistry is out of balance and for the health of the person this needs to be medically controlled. There are good medical justifications for prescribing these medications. The medications are not evil. If your doctor has prescribed this, then you should not avoid taking it because of fear of becoming addicted to the drug. Just work with your doctor. If you move, or see another doctor for any reason, be certain to tell them you are taking this medication.

You will do fine.

Susie "

i hope this helps!   write if you have more questions.

kathy RN,  MSN

Answer 2

Yes. I take occasionally. But it gets boring really fast, it's basically a sleeping pill.  

Answer 3

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugi...

Answer 4

Many people start it "as needed" but soon they have to take it several times every day. It is highly addictive.