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JOURNEY THROUGH XANAX
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ September 25, 2025
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Nikki’s eyes.
Toward the end of 2014, my healthcare provider prescribed Xanax—a controlled substance. I can’t recall the exact rationale behind the prescription, but I do remember how depleted I felt at the time. My physical and mental health were unraveling, and I was desperate for relief.
My treatment plan had become a revolving door of medications—one drug swapped for another, dosages adjusted and readjusted—yet nothing touched the core of my pain. It was a cycle of trial and error that left me feeling more unstable than supported.
At this point in my life, I considered myself to be an alcoholic and made a monumental decision to stop drinking in November of 2014. Only one month prior to being prescribed Xanax.
At the time I was given a prescription for .25 mg Xanax and told to cut a small piece of the pill and take it as needed. No warning and no other instructions were given.
The first time I took Xanax, I felt an extreme high—almost euphoric. But the crash that followed was brutal. It deepened my depression in ways I hadn’t experienced before. That reaction scared me, and as a result, I rarely took it.
Instead of exploring alternative therapies, my provider’s next move was to stay on my current treatment plan by increasing the dosage of an existing medication I was already on—one I’d repeatedly struggled to tolerate due to severe side effects.
By January 2015, I made the decision to switch—yet again—to another psychiatrist and to stop taking Xanax altogether. That choice marked a turning point: the beginning of a more intentional, informed approach to my healing.
Knowledge is the foundation of wellness.
Understanding your body, your history, and your unique sensitivities is essential before starting any prescription drug. These are some of the key insights I’ve learned—often the hard way—that can help you make informed, empowered decisions about your health:
Tip #1: Know Yourself First
Before accepting a prescription, take a moment to reflect. Self-awareness is your first line of defense.
- Are you sensitive to certain foods or ingredients?
- Do you typically tolerate medications well, or do you experience side effects?
- Have you noticed skin reactions or other sensitivities in the past?
Tip #2: Investigate Your Symptoms
Don’t assume—explore. Sometimes what looks like one issue, may actually be something deeper.
- Could your symptoms be linked to thyroid issues or another underlying condition?
- Have you had a thorough physical exam with appropriate lab work to rule out pre-existing concerns?
- Have you been tested for allergies or sensitivities that might be contributing to your symptoms?
Tip #3: Understand Potential Interactions
Medications don’t exist in a vacuum—they interact with your body and your history.
- Do you have conditions like asthma that could complicate certain prescriptions?
- Are you in recovery from alcohol or substance use, making controlled substances a risky choice?
- Have you ever felt an extreme high from a medication, followed by a crash?
👉 Remember: What goes up, must come down. That crash can be more than physical—it can be emotional, even dangerous. Your wellness deserves more than a quick fix.
Tip #4: Research the Medication You Are Being Prescribed
- Is it FDA approved for the condition you are being prescribed for?
- Are the instructions on how to take the medication accurate? Such as, can you alter the pill, etc.?
- What class of drug is it in? Such as, is it a controlled substance?
- Can there be negative interactions with other medications or supplements you are currently taking?
👉 Remember: When something feels off, question it. You know your body better than anyone else does.
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– Martin Luther King –
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Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story and Mom’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer: We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the Website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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