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How To Withdraw From Xanax?
Question: I have been on Xanax for almost 3 yrs. I suffer from anxiety. when my mother died, I purchased online xanax. Then my only brother died...then my mother'twin. Xanax has been like a miracle for me . I do not have Family physician. I just go to a specialist...skin cancer....detached retina ....5 yrs ago. Have had a routine cardiac checkup offered at local hospital for XXXXXXX citizens. It came out fine.
I also have lifeline screenings done every other year. No problem.
Here is my problem. I just found out online meds are illegal without a prescription. Website lied. Idon't drink ...smoke...eat healthy. ...have a very busy social .life. I don't know which way to turn. My husband doesn't even know I t take Xanax. I have 5 left. Been taking 2 mg. a day. How do I now even taper off, which not sure that's the answer. Anxiety runs in my genes. I am in perfect health and require no other meds. No one believes it as ever one I know is on several for generic health issues My oral surgeon (having implant done) said I was 77 going on 63 and would probably live to 96 like my mother. Not without anxiety meds. No one knows. Maybe I should try Paxil. Reviews on that show weight gain and I gained 5 is in 3 years on Xanax. I am up to 150 and 5'3". Any suggestions appreciated.
I also have lifeline screenings done every other year. No problem.
Here is my problem. I just found out online meds are illegal without a prescription. Website lied. Idon't drink ...smoke...eat healthy. ...have a very busy social .life. I don't know which way to turn. My husband doesn't even know I t take Xanax. I have 5 left. Been taking 2 mg. a day. How do I now even taper off, which not sure that's the answer. Anxiety runs in my genes. I am in perfect health and require no other meds. No one believes it as ever one I know is on several for generic health issues My oral surgeon (having implant done) said I was 77 going on 63 and would probably live to 96 like my mother. Not without anxiety meds. No one knows. Maybe I should try Paxil. Reviews on that show weight gain and I gained 5 is in 3 years on Xanax. I am up to 150 and 5'3". Any suggestions appreciated.
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Brief Answer:
Can switch to an SSRI
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
I have gone through your query in detail and can understand that you are concerned about your anxiety medication. In your situation, as you have been suffering from long term anxiety and there are also issues with procuring Xanax, it would be a better idea to gradually taper down Xanax and start an SSRI for your anxiety problems. This would be a better option since you may need long term anti-anxiety medication.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Can switch to an SSRI
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
I have gone through your query in detail and can understand that you are concerned about your anxiety medication. In your situation, as you have been suffering from long term anxiety and there are also issues with procuring Xanax, it would be a better idea to gradually taper down Xanax and start an SSRI for your anxiety problems. This would be a better option since you may need long term anti-anxiety medication.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Very gradual tapering advised.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a group of medication which are used to treat anxiety and depression. These medication do not have the problem of dependence, which is seen with medication like Xanax.
However, since you have been on a Xanax for about 3 years, the tapering down should be done very gradually. Otherwise you may have rebound anxiety and withdrawal. I would suggest that you reduuce the dose by 0.25mg every 2 weeks. So, it would take about weeks to come off your Xsnax completely.
Regarding a prescription for SSRI medication, unfortunately, this website does not allow doctors to give out any prescriptions. So, you need to consult a psychiatrist for a prescription.
Regards,
Dr.Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM, MRCPsych.(U.K)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Very gradual tapering advised.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a group of medication which are used to treat anxiety and depression. These medication do not have the problem of dependence, which is seen with medication like Xanax.
However, since you have been on a Xanax for about 3 years, the tapering down should be done very gradually. Otherwise you may have rebound anxiety and withdrawal. I would suggest that you reduuce the dose by 0.25mg every 2 weeks. So, it would take about weeks to come off your Xsnax completely.
Regarding a prescription for SSRI medication, unfortunately, this website does not allow doctors to give out any prescriptions. So, you need to consult a psychiatrist for a prescription.
Regards,
Dr.Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM, MRCPsych.(U.K)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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