Is Xanax Effective At Treating Nervousness?

Posted on Tue, 6 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Mar 2018 Answered on

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has althimers I’m her caregiver.its making me nervous.would Xanax help me.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Only if for a short period, otherwise other options are preferred.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Xanax isn't a much-preferred medication as it is a benzodiazepine which is a class of drugs with a high potential for dependence.

Furthermore in the elderly there is a higher risk for side effects such as confusion, drowsiness.

For that reason, if there is a chronic anxiety issue it is preferred to use SSRI class antidepressants such as citalopram which cause fewer side effects and dependence issues.

The only problem with these medications is that they need some time for their effect to happen, up to a month.

So if it is a question of taking something only for a couple of days Xanax may be used, but not for more than a couple of weeks because of the risks I mentioned.

If on the other hand, it is a question of long term treatment antidepressants such as SSRIs are preferred.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Olsi Taka, Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar