One of the most popular prescription medications today is Xanax (alprazolam). It’s been around since the mid-1980s and has been prescribed by doctors for everything from anxiety to sleep disorders to panic attacks. While there are many people who take Xanax without any problem, there are others who find that this medication may not be the best way to deal with their issues. For example, some people find that Xanax can lead to dependency or addiction, which can result in withdrawal symptoms once they go off the drug.
My personal experience with Xanax
The first time I was prescribed Xanax, it didn’t work. This is not unusual for my ADHD; stimulants often make me jittery and unable to sleep, which then makes my ADHD worse. After a few months, I gave up and took some off-label Adderall that made me feel worse than before. Finally, with pressure from my parents and friends who saw how bad things were getting, I tried Xanax again—this time with a small dose.
What does health insurance cover?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines 10 essential health benefits, also known as EHBs. The EHBs include preventative services like vaccines and screenings, as well as inpatient and outpatient services such as hospital care, doctor visits, maternity care and mental health services. They also cover prescription drugs that are on a list of covered medications. However, each state has an approved formulary (list of approved drugs), which may limit your options for prescriptions to treat your injuries or illnesses.
The cost of medications
Patients often don’t realize that medication isn’t covered by health insurance, which means prescriptions will come with a price tag. You may be surprised to learn that a single prescription medication can cost hundreds of dollars every month. When deciding whether or not Xanax is worth it to you, consider these 3 questions: Will your symptoms affect your life in significant ways without treatment?
How long will my insurance pay for this medication?
Generally, Xanax will cost about $500 per month. If your insurance covers some or all of your medication costs, here’s what you need to know. Since Xanax falls under a category of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are generally used to treat anxiety and depression disorders and panic attacks, it may come as no surprise that many health insurance plans cover a portion of Xanax costs.
Are there alternative options to reduce my anxiety or sleep issues?
Although Xanax, a drug that’s generally prescribed as an anti-anxiety treatment, can help with sleep issues and some forms of anxiety in some people, there are other forms of treatment that may work better for your specific condition. For example, other sedatives (i.e., Zolpidem) may help with sleep problems and cognitive behavioral therapy may help reduce anxiety disorders. Discussing alternative treatment options with your doctor might ensure that you get something that works best for your particular situation.
Should I get a second opinion on my prescription?
At first glance, Xanax appears to be a wonder drug. It’s effective and affordable and readily available in many forms. Some people find that taking xanax helps them deal with daily stressors, anxiety, or depression. But there are risks associated with taking xanax and other prescription drugs, especially when taken for prolonged periods of time without talking to your doctor about possible complications.
