Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Safe To Abruptly Quit Taking Xanax?
Brief Answer:
Do not stop cold turkey
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Xanax is a sedative-anxiolytic medicine from benzodiazepine group. It causes physical as well as psychological dependence if taken for more than 12 weeks. Since you have reached 3 months (12 weeks or more), I would not suggest to quit cold turkey. It can cause withdrawal features like insomnia, panic attack, nervousness, impaired concentration, reduce appetite, muscle twitching, blurring of vision and the most serious is seizure/convulsion. You should tapper it off gradually.
It is really good decision to stop xanax. As per routine protocol you can tapper it off 0.25 mg per week. I would like to know what specific strength of tablet are you on (exact mg - you mentioned 2-3 mg a day), at what time of the day and whether it is plain or sustain release preparation.at which time of day" and "is it plain or sustain release preparation".
Awaiting your response to help you further.
Regards,
Dr. Chintan Solanki.
Do not stop cold turkey
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Xanax is a sedative-anxiolytic medicine from benzodiazepine group. It causes physical as well as psychological dependence if taken for more than 12 weeks. Since you have reached 3 months (12 weeks or more), I would not suggest to quit cold turkey. It can cause withdrawal features like insomnia, panic attack, nervousness, impaired concentration, reduce appetite, muscle twitching, blurring of vision and the most serious is seizure/convulsion. You should tapper it off gradually.
It is really good decision to stop xanax. As per routine protocol you can tapper it off 0.25 mg per week. I would like to know what specific strength of tablet are you on (exact mg - you mentioned 2-3 mg a day), at what time of the day and whether it is plain or sustain release preparation.at which time of day" and "is it plain or sustain release preparation".
Awaiting your response to help you further.
Regards,
Dr. Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I am taking 1mg pills. One in the morning, 1 pill 5-6 hours later after lunch and usually 1 and a half at night.
Brief Answer:
20 pills would not be enough, need to consult your doctor for tapering
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for information.
If we would go by 0.25 mg decrease in dose every 4th day then also you need also 55-60 mg of total dose means 1 mg of 60 tablets approximately.It will take total time of 4-6 weeks for complete stopping of Xanax depending upon your withdrawal symptoms.
0.25 mg from each dose should be reduced tun by turn.
And for reduction of 0.25 mg you need to make 4 parts of your 1 mg tablets and that is also practically difficult.
Please consult your treating doctor for 0.5 and 0.25 mg tablets and start tapering off under his/her supervision , so if any significant withdrawal symptom occurs by chance, you can get immediate help.
Hope you will find this helpful.If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback so I can improve service. In future you can contact me directly if you wish with this link: http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
regards and all the best ,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
20 pills would not be enough, need to consult your doctor for tapering
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for information.
If we would go by 0.25 mg decrease in dose every 4th day then also you need also 55-60 mg of total dose means 1 mg of 60 tablets approximately.It will take total time of 4-6 weeks for complete stopping of Xanax depending upon your withdrawal symptoms.
0.25 mg from each dose should be reduced tun by turn.
And for reduction of 0.25 mg you need to make 4 parts of your 1 mg tablets and that is also practically difficult.
Please consult your treating doctor for 0.5 and 0.25 mg tablets and start tapering off under his/her supervision , so if any significant withdrawal symptom occurs by chance, you can get immediate help.
Hope you will find this helpful.If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback so I can improve service. In future you can contact me directly if you wish with this link: http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
regards and all the best ,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
