xanax causing possible agitation

I just started taking a 0.25 dose twice a day of xanax for panic attacks and severe anxiety about a month ago.  I started taking the medication a couple days before I went back to work after an extended medical leave.  I became very agitated and basically lost my nice filter and told people at work they were lazy etc.  I didn't say anything that wasn't true, I just normally would word things differently.  Anyway, I noticed I was getting really agitated and clenching my jaw about and hour and a half after I would take my medication.  I tried decreasing it and I also tried increasing the dose.  I even took 3 pills all at once thinking I needed a higher dose (I did get the Doctor's permission about this).  I just spoke with him on the phone and he said he never heard of this as a side effect, so I was wondering if anyone else had this side effect or if maybe the dose is to high or to low.  I made an appointment with him for tomorrow so I just want to be educated as much as possible so we can make a good decision about treatment options for my anxiety.  I do also take 50mg of Zoloft and have been taking that for about 2 years.  Thanks for any advice I appreciate it.

HI Seraphina,I take xanax now sometimes and it works pretty good for me,it just makes me feel a little drowsy. Now,i will tell you that i have tried ativan which is the same class of drug as xanax according to the doctor. Those made me snappy and agitated,so i stopped taking them and changed to xanax. So with that being said,you might want to ask your doc about ativan. Those might not make you feel agitated. Those drugs are in a class of drugs called benzodiazapines.(hope i spelled it right) Anyway that's the best advice i can give you hun! Good luck!

Lyn,out of all the drugs i've taken (smile) I've never taken valuim. What does it do? I had to smile when i thought about all the meds my doc has tried me on all these years!

Valium is another benzo..diazepam
it has been around a lot of yrs n yes it really can help
im on 10 mg twice a day
i believe the lowest is 2mg ..
the reason im on both ativan n diazepam is because since becoming totally deaf
i constantly hear noise in head like tele going off air ya know
the meds help but am scheduled to hv nerves in ears cut/ cauterized
i know they help me but i also think mant drs are not too willing to rx valium anymore

hope ive answered your question hun..
hugs
lyn

It can cause agitation big time......