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I've taken them a few times, but only when I had to go to the doctor for invasive procedres. I get really REALLY anxious. Yesterday, I cried when I had to get a strep test done...

Usually when I would go to the gynecologist for my annual visit, I'd have 2 valium because I was so scared and it hurt me so badly. I found out from my new ob/gyn that I have scar tissue from childhood surgeries that makes paps painful and it wasn't all in my head. I didn't take a valium this last time because I wanted to try to get used to all the poking and prodding since we just started TTC. I'm honestly really nervous about all the bloodwork and exams that happen when you're pregnant, but having a child in the end outweighs the fear.

In your situation, it sounds like they could really help. DH took anxiety meds in college and they really helped him. He was able to relax and not be worried about things. His family was going through some issues, we had broken up, and the typical stress of college was too much for him. He only took them for a short while, but they totally helped.

I have a different mental health issue than anxiety, but it's always best to go to a real psychiatrist--they know when to give you meds and how much and how to adjust them--and they know when to add or stop therapy and make a plan that is right for you/customized for you. It may take a little while to find the right one, but once you do--much better than going to your PCP.

Just FYI, you can't breastfeeding while taking those. I've taken Xanax a few times (with a prescription) but nothing since we were TTC (and my son is 7 mo). I still have anxiety but have lately been trying to focus on relaxing every muscle before sleep. There's another thing too that's drug free. Autogenics, I think? Haven't tried it yet but you make different parts of yur body feel heavy, I think...

I have taken the generic version of Xanax before and it helped calm me down a lot. I went to the doctor (at a walk-in clinic, but thankfully I saw an MD) freaking out from chest pains and after an EKG and chest x-ray they said nothing was wrong physically and my symptoms were caused by anxiety. They advised that I stop stressing over little things, exercise more, eat better, etc, and have half a pill when necessary.

I liked having the pills on hand (they gave me 10 and those lasted over a year) just in case I feel the need for one, and now that I'm aware of how anxiety can lead to physical problems (like heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, chest pains, all of which I've experienced) it's easier for me to chill out and calm myself down without taking pills. I don't think you can take Xanax while pregnant or BFing.

If your anxiety stems from something specific (i.e. fear of DH getting sick/cancer/etc. rather than just general, untraceable panic) it may be a good idea for you to talk to a professional and try to deal with the root of the problem. I work with a girl who takes anxiety meds every single day and thinks everyone should do the same but her quality of life is not so great...I think relying on the meds long-term should be a last resort. BUT if you need them/your doctor thinks you should try them, they can be a good thing!

Random fact: When I saw my regular doctor for a physical a month or 2 after being prescribed anxiety meds, he asked how old I was (27) and said something like "yeah, that's pretty common for people your age..." --Apparently people in their 20s and 30s are very prone to anxiety; maybe we just have too much going on!

*ETA* Sorry, @APRK -- I was looking at the original question. But I think worrying about your anxiety/lack of sleep is very likely fueling your inability to sleep, just like me worrying about my symptoms made them worse. Is there someone you can talk to about it, whether a medical professional, pastor, mentor, etc? Maybe there are some anxiety meds that are pregnancy-safe and will help turn your brain off...I don't know!