I have battled with severe anxiety and panic disorders for years. At my worst, I was often unable to get out of bed for days at a time due to fear of having a panic attack outside the safety of my home.

Taking an SSRI has helped a lot, but there are times where I can feel a panic attack coming and know the only way to stop it is with a Xanax.

I regard benzodiazepines with a lot of respect. Their power is a blessing and a curse. Used responsibly, I believe they can be a very effective and safe tool to live a normal life free of panic attacks.

At this point, I rarely take them - one dose every month or two at most. But the knowledge that I have a tool to quell a panic attack, should I need it, has actually done more for me than the pills themselves. Knowing I’m not powerless gives me the strength to overcome the panic attacks on my own.

Recently, I’ve noticed doctors becoming more and more apprehensive about prescribing benzodiazepines. This is definitely a good thing - I think they should be reserved for severe cases as a last resort. But I also worry about a future where people who could have benefited greatly from them without abuse are denied a prescription.