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Is It Safe To Stop Xanax Abruptly?
Question: I have been taking Xanax for around 6 weeks. I started after I had a panic attack, that is not usual, and had to go to the ER (On my own). I'm at the tail end of getting off of Seroquel, tonight is my first night without taking any. I am taking around .25-.5 mg. of xanax about 3 times a day. I took .25 this afternoon and had an adverse reaction making me a little panicky. I also take 150 mg Bupropion, 15 mg Strattera, and 6 mg Suboxone. Could I stop the Xanax cold turkey and not have to worry about any problems?
Brief Answer:
Gradual tapering of doses of Alprazolam to be done to prevent withdrawal
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I have read your query and I can understand your problem. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is a common drug used for anxiety and panic relief. When taken regularly for long times and then stopped abruptly it may cause withdrawal syndrome and may manifest with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, restlessness. So I would not advise you to go off from this drug cold turkey. Instead gradual tapering of doses of drug is advised.
In my clinic I advise my patients to reduce the doses of drug by 20-25% every two weeks and then progressive reduction in next 6-8 weeks and stopping completely at about 8 weeks. This will decrease frequency of any withdrawal panic and anxiety attacks.
As you are taking 0.25-0.5 mg Xanax three times a day, in such case you can start by reducing morning dose and then reducing afternoon dose. After 2 more weeks stop afternoon dose and in 2 more weeks reduce night dose to half. In further course you can skip morning dose and at end stop night dose. Keep the drug reserved for use on SOS basis. (You can break the tablet of 0.25 mg easily into 0.125 mg doses). By following this method any severe withdrawal syndrome can be prevented. Consult your psychiatrist for prescription of drug.
As you are also taking Bupropion so the side effects will be mild and will be tolerable.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more queries you can ask again in follow up question.
Gradual tapering of doses of Alprazolam to be done to prevent withdrawal
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I have read your query and I can understand your problem. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is a common drug used for anxiety and panic relief. When taken regularly for long times and then stopped abruptly it may cause withdrawal syndrome and may manifest with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, restlessness. So I would not advise you to go off from this drug cold turkey. Instead gradual tapering of doses of drug is advised.
In my clinic I advise my patients to reduce the doses of drug by 20-25% every two weeks and then progressive reduction in next 6-8 weeks and stopping completely at about 8 weeks. This will decrease frequency of any withdrawal panic and anxiety attacks.
As you are taking 0.25-0.5 mg Xanax three times a day, in such case you can start by reducing morning dose and then reducing afternoon dose. After 2 more weeks stop afternoon dose and in 2 more weeks reduce night dose to half. In further course you can skip morning dose and at end stop night dose. Keep the drug reserved for use on SOS basis. (You can break the tablet of 0.25 mg easily into 0.125 mg doses). By following this method any severe withdrawal syndrome can be prevented. Consult your psychiatrist for prescription of drug.
As you are also taking Bupropion so the side effects will be mild and will be tolerable.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more queries you can ask again in follow up question.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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