I just started celexa 40 mg 4 days ago. my anxiety has increased the last couple of days. can i take xanax (alprazolam) to take the edge away and calm me down?

No: When we start treatment of anxiety we start with 5mg, may be 10 mg and we titrate up to 20mg ( 5mg every 6 days) . Then we observe and asses as we go. Most people eventually need at least 40 mg daily to regulate their anxiety. I totally don't recommend xanax, (alprazolam) if absolutely necessary, then Klonopin can start at 0.25mg am and pm. May up to total of 0.5mg twice daily.

Perhaps: But you should run the decision and discuss dosing with the prescribing doctor first.

Effects of Change: Sometimes when antidepressant medication is started or changed it can heighten symptoms or change severity of symptoms. Sometimes symptoms settle down and go away within a couple of weeks. No matter what discuss side effects and the way medication effects you with prescribing doctor.