Xanax--How immediate is relief?

It works very fast, especially if you dissolve it under the tongue. (Not recommended for the sustained release XR version.) It can cause depression because Xanax, like all benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. I'm a health care professional, and I've taken Xanax for over 17 years with good effect. The SSRIs (like Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil) also work well for Panic Disorder, but I couldn't take them. Xanax works fast, is generally well tolerated, but is considered addictive. Hope this helps.

Xanax usually works fairly fast. I'd say within 10-20 minutes. I'm not sure if it can cause depression or not, but I do know that it can be addictive in high dosages. I suffer from panic attacks as well and take the ocasional Xanax, but only if I am having one right then or I am going into a situation in which I know I am prone to them. Otherwise, proactive approaches are better, such as an anit-depressant/anit-anxiety daily medication that isn't addictive.