How To Get Prescribed Xanax: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Prescribed Xanax PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Kirsten Thompson, MD and Devin McSween

Last Updated: February 4, 2026 Fact Checked

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  • Talking to Your Doctor or Psychiatrist
    • |
  • Recognizing Signs of Anxiety
    • |
  • Understanding Xanax
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kirsten Thompson, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Dr. Kirsten Thompson is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor at UCLA, and the Founder of Remedy Psychiatry. She specializes in helping patients with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum depression. Dr. Thompson holds a BS in Operations Research Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and an MD from The State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,837,127 times.

You may have heard Xanax is a good drug to use for anxiety and other disorders. That much is true. However, most doctors will not readily hand out prescriptions for this drug because it does come with some problems. Therefore, you will need to convince your doctor that you actually need the drug, mainly by showing that you have an anxiety disorder.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Talking to Your Doctor or Psychiatrist

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  1. Step 1 Talk to your regular doctor about your anxiety. 1 Talk to your regular doctor about your anxiety. Anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of some other illness. Therefore, your doctor needs to check you out first. For instance, psychological symptoms can be a symptom of a neurological problem. They can also be the result of a medication you're taking.[1]
  2. Step 2 Describe your symptoms... 2 Describe your symptoms thoroughly. Though it may be embarrassing to talk about how pervasive your anxiety is, your doctor needs to know the full extent of the problem. In fact, it might be helpful if you keep a journal of when you are having negative thoughts and how they affect you, such as stopping you from enjoying the moment or from going on an outing.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Ask about seeing a psychiatrist. 3 Ask about seeing a psychiatrist. Once your regular doctor checks you out, she will often recommend you see a psychiatrist, since psychiatrists are more qualified to prescribe psychiatric drugs. Therefore, if your doctor doesn't make a recommendation, ask about seeing a psychiatrist.[3]
  4. Step 4 Describe your symptoms to the psychiatrist. 4 Describe your symptoms to the psychiatrist. Like you did with your regular doctor, you need to describe your symptoms thoroughly. You also need to be able to talk about their effect on your life.[4]
    • You need to be comfortable enough to talk freely about your symptoms. If the psychiatrist you see at first is not a good fit, don't be afraid to find another one.[5]
    Find the right diagnosis and treatment. "I've tried so many anxiety meds, and none of them have really worked. This article helped me realize I need to better explain my specific symptoms to the doctor so I can get the right diagnosis. I'm hoping that will lead to finally finding some relief, not just getting handed the wrong prescription again." - Hillary R. Ask for a psychiatrist referral. "For years, I've struggled to get my regular doctor to really understand and treat my anxiety. This article said to ask for a referral to a psychiatrist specializing in mental health meds. With their expertise, maybe I can finally find some help instead of being brushed off again." - Karen N. Describe debilitating symptoms persuasively. "Ever since my pain medication was stopped, my anxiety has been out of control and really disrupted my life. The steps here taught me how to fully describe my symptoms and explain how they prevent me from functioning normally. I'm hoping that will help me get prescribed something that can provide some stability." - Eugene M. Renew an expired prescription responsibly. "After my husband passed away, Xanax was so helpful for me in managing my grief and anxiety. Like the article suggested, I plan to be honest with my new doctor about how it helped me before and how I took it exactly as prescribed. Hopefully, I can get a limited renewal to help me sleep and manage my ongoing anxiety." - Rita K. Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.
  5. Step 5 Ask for a prescription. 5 Ask for a prescription. You need to approach this topic delicately, since the doctor may become suspicious if she thinks you came in just to get this medication. As noted, Xanax can be abused.[6] However, it doesn't hurt to ask for what you want.
    • For instance, say, "I've heard Xanax and other drugs like it can help with anxiety. Would that be an option for me?"
    • Never lead with this question with any doctor. Talk about your problems first to help establish that you really do need it.
  6. Step 6 Ask about Xanax as a sleep aid. 6 Ask about Xanax as a sleep aid. Another option is to ask for Xanax as a sleep aid in relation to anxiety. Some people take a very small dose before bedtime to help them sleep. Once again, never lead with a request for the prescription. First, describe how you have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts or anxiety, then move on to asking if Xanax could be a possible solution.[7]
    • While Xanax can help with insomnia, it is not indicated to treat insomnia by the FDA and is not typically prescribed for insomnia.[8]
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Recognizing Signs of Anxiety

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  1. Step 1 Know how anxiety can feel. 1 Know how anxiety can feel. You may feel like everything is going wrong or is about to go wrong, and you can do nothing to stop it. Alternatively, you may feel a sense of panic about the situations in your life.[9] [10]
    • Some people feel like they are always on edge or that everything in life can lead to something horrible.
    • Some people experience panic attacks, which are sudden onsets of fear that can feel overwhelming.
  2. Step 2 Watch for feelings of nervousness or powerlessness. 2 Watch for feelings of nervousness or powerlessness. Though everyone feels anxious from time to time, anxiety that is persistent and pervasive is a bit more serious. If you have had major anxiety in your life for half a year or more, talk to your doctor about it.[11]
  3. Step 3 Pay attention to the physical manifestations. 3 Pay attention to the physical manifestations. Anxiety doesn't just manifest in psychological ways; you'll also notice physical symptoms. For instance, you may shake, sweat, or breathe too quickly. You may also have a rapid heartbeat.[12] In addition, you might feel very tired or unable to focus on what you need to do.[13]
    • You could also have symptoms such as stomach problems, dizziness, headaches, or even chest pain.
  4. Step 4 Note how much it affects your life. 4 Note how much it affects your life. If you are just upset by anxiety every once in a while and have few side effects, that likely means you don't have an anxiety disorder. However, if your anxiety affects your life every day, whether by consuming your thoughts or stopping you from doing things, you may have an anxiety disorder.[14]
  5. Step 5 Understand anxiety can appear in different ways. 5 Understand anxiety can appear in different ways. Depending on the type of disorder you have, your anxiety can look somewhat different. In addition, what triggers it can vary widely from person to person, or it may have no trigger at all.[15]
    • Generalized anxiety disorder means you may feel excessive worry about your everyday life, even if nothing bad is happening at the moment.
    • Panic disorder is when you suddenly have attacks of fear or anxiety that often last for just a few minutes (though they can sometimes last much longer).
    • Social anxiety is essentially a fear of being embarrassed. This embarrassment may keep you from doing certain things or going where you may want to go because you're afraid you'll do something embarrassing.
    • Specific phobias are a fear of one particular thing or several things; in other words, when you are exposed to your phobia, you have fear or anxiety.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Understanding Xanax

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  1. Step 1 Know that Xanax is a type of sedative. 1 Know that Xanax is a type of sedative. Xanax belongs in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications are grouped under central nervous system depressants.[16]
    • The active ingredient in Xanax is Alprazolam, which essentially slows down your central nervous system; that is why it's considered a tranquilizer or sedative. It does this by binding to receptors in your brain that stimulate the production of GABA.[17] GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons to which it binds.
  2. Step 2 Understand what Xanax is prescribed for. 2 Understand what Xanax is prescribed for. Most often, Xanax is prescribed for anxiety disorders.[18] You may also get it prescribed if you have a diagnosed panic disorder. However, some doctors are reluctant to prescribe it for this condition, as some people are more likely to experience panic attacks.[19] Xanax is sometimes used as a sleep aid in a mild dosage.[20]
    • Xanax can stop or lessen panic attacks.
    • Xanax can get you through a crisis, such as a dealing with a stressful exam or difficult meeting. The correct dosage can get your anxiety out of the way so you can focus properly.
    • Xanax treats the symptoms of anxiety and related disorders, not the cause. It is not a cure for an anxiety disorder, though it can help reduce your anxiety. Talk with your doctor about what therapies and treatments can help you in the long term.[21]
  3. Step 3 Know why your doctor might be reluctant to prescribe Xanax. 3 Know why your doctor might be reluctant to prescribe Xanax. Xanax can become addictive over time.[22] Therefore, this drug can be abused, and it has been a factor in overdose cases.[23]
    • Xanax can also cause side effects like drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, irritability, trouble concentrating, and weight change.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Is Xanax a sedative? Kirsten Thompson, MD Kirsten Thompson, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Kirsten Thompson is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor at UCLA, and the Founder of Remedy Psychiatry. She specializes in helping patients with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum depression. Dr. Thompson holds a BS in Operations Research Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and an MD from The State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine. Kirsten Thompson, MD Kirsten Thompson, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Expert Answer Kind of, but not entirely! Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax helps increase a brain chemical called GABA, which helps promote a calm and relaxed state of mind. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 50
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Warnings

  • Do not convince your doctor to prescribe you Xanax for any reason other than anxiety or panic disorder treatment. Do not shop around for doctors if yours won’t prescribe it to you, either. If you think that you or someone you know may be addicted to Xanax and are manipulating their doctor or therapist to have it prescribed to them, call an addiction hotline or find other means of assistance immediately.[24] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • It's not recommended to stop taking Xanax all at once. Wean yourself off the drug under the guidance of a doctor. If you don't, you may end up with withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, nervousness, and even seizures.[25] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Xanax can temporarily ease anxiety and stop panic attacks. This can allow you to get rid of your anxiety in the short term so you can handle situations without stress getting in your way. It is not a cure for an anxiety disorder. Seek therapy and/or long-term medication for your disorder in order to live a healthier, happier life.[26] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not take Xanax if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to get pregnant. Xanax can harm you or your baby.[27] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not consume alcohol or take other central nervous system (CNS) depressants while taking Xanax. Xanax is a CNS depressant and simultaneous use of more than one CNS depressant can increase their effects, leading to side effects including tachycardia, arrhythmia, muscle weakness, coma, acute blood toxicity, and liver failure. These are very serious complications which can result in death.[28] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not eat grapefruits or drink grapefruit juice while taking Xanax. This may increase the amount of the active ingredient entering your system and slow down its elimination.[29] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
  2. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  3. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  4. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  5. ↑ https://www.nami.org/blog/finding-the-best-psychiatrist-for-you/
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
  7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19498-alprazolam-tablets
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
  9. ↑ Kirsten Thompson, MD. Board Certified Psychiatrist. Expert Interview
More References (20)
  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
  2. ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/symptoms/
  3. ↑ Kirsten Thompson, MD. Board Certified Psychiatrist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying
  5. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-fear-panic/
  6. ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.asp
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/alprazolam-oral-route/description/drg-20061040
  8. ↑ Kirsten Thompson, MD. Board Certified Psychiatrist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Kirsten Thompson, MD. Board Certified Psychiatrist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018276s052lbl.pdf
  11. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19498-alprazolam-tablets
  12. ↑ ​​https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  13. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
  14. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018276s052lbl.pdf
  15. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
  16. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
  17. ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  18. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
  19. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018276s052lbl.pdf
  20. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018276s052lbl.pdf

About This Article

Kirsten Thompson, MD Co-authored by: Kirsten Thompson, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist This article was co-authored by Kirsten Thompson, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Dr. Kirsten Thompson is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor at UCLA, and the Founder of Remedy Psychiatry. She specializes in helping patients with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum depression. Dr. Thompson holds a BS in Operations Research Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and an MD from The State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine. This article has been viewed 1,837,127 times. 20 votes - 95% Co-authors: 48 Updated: February 4, 2026 Views: 1,837,127 Categories: Sedatives

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

To get prescribed Xanax, talk to your doctor to discuss your anxiety and figure out which treatment option will be best for you. It may be difficult, but make sure to describe all your symptoms thoroughly, such as nervousness, panic, dizziness and shortness of breath, so they can best help you. Once you talk to your doctor about your anxiety, they may give you a recommendation for a psychiatrist, since psychiatrists are even more qualified to prescribe psychiatric drugs. Just make sure to tell your doctor or psychiatrist about any other medications you’re taking, since some drugs can interact badly with Xanax. To learn how to use Xanax as a sleep aid, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Rita K.

    Rita K.

    Jan 25, 2018

    "After my husband passed away, Xanax was so helpful for me in managing my grief and anxiety. Like the article..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kirsten Thompson, MD Co-authored by: Kirsten Thompson, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Co-authors: 48 Updated: February 4, 2026 Views: 1,837,127 95% of readers found this article helpful. 20 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote Rita K.

Rita K.

Jan 25, 2018

"After my husband passed away, Xanax was so helpful for me in managing my grief and anxiety. Like the article..." more Eugene M.

Eugene M.

Dec 9, 2018

"Ever since my pain medication was stopped, my anxiety has been out of control and really disrupted my life. The..." more Hillary R.

Hillary R.

Mar 20, 2016

"I've tried so many anxiety meds, and none of them have really worked. This article helped me realize I need to..." more Karen N.

Karen N.

Apr 22, 2019

"For years, I've struggled to get my regular doctor to really understand and treat my anxiety. This article..." more Janet Curtis

Janet Curtis

May 20, 2017

"I understand the withdrawals can be awful. Major accident in 98. I have smashed my whole body to a cement floor by..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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