They do work quick and I understand what you are saying about the public anxiety but xanax will not last. The problem with it, and many other drugs like it, is that your body will build a resistance very fast. It will stop working. Then you will take more and more. Then you build an addiction and it is very hard to get off of it. I have taken it only about 3 times in my life and each time i made a 30 pill 30 day supply last for 6 months. Try to only take it when its needed. Try to skip a day or 2 between taking it and reserve it for the actual panic attacks or when you know you will be in a crowded place. Otherwise it wont work for long and you start a very bad cycle.