Brief Answer:
Gradual tapering is advisable.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are concerned about your anxiety problems and regarding the further course of treatment for the same. In your case, I can see that you've got a valid and significant reason for being on Xanax. It is also a well known fact that when there are ongoing stressors, medication may be need to be continued for a while. However, as you would be aware, there are issues of tolerance and dependence with the benzodiazepine group of medications and I'm glad that you would like to slowly come off the Xanax.

I completely agree with you that the weaning off should be done very gradually in view of many reasons - one, due to possibility of withdrawal symptoms; two considering the chances of rebound anxiety and three, taking into account your history of seizures. I think any psychiatrist would understand the above issues and would not advise you to taper the Xanax too quickly. So, you don't have to be scared about this.

In my experience, GPs are generally very wary and overprecautious about prescribing benzodiazepines and there is a chance that you may be advised to cut down the medication too quickly. Whereas a specialist would know that there are certain genuine situations where benzodiazepines can and should be used and even when coming off the medication, the patient has to be weaned off very gradually. So, the best approach in your scenario is to ask your GP for a specialist referral to a psychiatrist and explain your situation in detail to the psychiatrist. I'm sure he / she would not be hasty enough to cut down your medication too quickly and would put you on a slow tapering schedule.


Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

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