I have been taking it since February with virtually no side effects. I cannot function without it - the anxiety is just too strong. When I did not get my refill in time I started to try to stretch out the time between pills and realized that just does not work. If I forget a pill, or take it late, I go into hyper drive while also depressed. It is a decidedly uncomfortable experience. If I take it as directed - every 4 hours (3 1/2 works better) I stay smoothed out and functional. I will probably be on it for the rest of my life and I have no problems with it. I know they say it can be addictive and you have to be careful - but the choice between that and what I feel without it makes it imperative I take it. My T and my regular Doc work together in getting me medicated - seems they are pretty positive that it is a brain chemical problem and the Xanax works directly on that part of my brain that is malfunctioning. I hope you get as good a result as I have. I swear by it!