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Suggest Ways To Manage The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Xanax
Question: I have been on xanax for 15 years. I tried stopping but went too fas and hd a grand mal seizure. What is the best way to stop with the least withdrawal symptoms? YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Plan with Dr, at least three months
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Xanax is a drug that acts in the central nervous system, regulating release of certain substances called neurotransmitters in the brain. These are the main agents that play major roles in brain function. taking this drug for this long implies your system has undergone certain modifications and adaptations, and require a very careful, planned and monitored withdrawal protocol not to suffer from withdrawal effects as you rightly put it.
In your case especially, your doctor would have to evaluate carefully and be sure clinically, that you deserve to withdraw from the drug. Taking the drug for over 15 years on its own does not justify withdrawal. The clinical implications why you were put on these drugs have to be carefully considered, and if you are developing some side effects or it. If it is due to clinical improvement, in my opinion and experience, this should take at least three months.
The first two weeks the normal dose is halved, then followed up. In case symptoms reoccur, the usual dose is put back. If not, the drug is then taken at this dose once, every two days for about three months.
This should be done by your own initiative. Your doctor must be carefully and must be an integral part of the plan to monitor any complications or eventualities.
I think you have to plan this with your doctor. And three months is the least acceptable time in my opinion.
Kind regards
Dr Bain
Plan with Dr, at least three months
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Xanax is a drug that acts in the central nervous system, regulating release of certain substances called neurotransmitters in the brain. These are the main agents that play major roles in brain function. taking this drug for this long implies your system has undergone certain modifications and adaptations, and require a very careful, planned and monitored withdrawal protocol not to suffer from withdrawal effects as you rightly put it.
In your case especially, your doctor would have to evaluate carefully and be sure clinically, that you deserve to withdraw from the drug. Taking the drug for over 15 years on its own does not justify withdrawal. The clinical implications why you were put on these drugs have to be carefully considered, and if you are developing some side effects or it. If it is due to clinical improvement, in my opinion and experience, this should take at least three months.
The first two weeks the normal dose is halved, then followed up. In case symptoms reoccur, the usual dose is put back. If not, the drug is then taken at this dose once, every two days for about three months.
This should be done by your own initiative. Your doctor must be carefully and must be an integral part of the plan to monitor any complications or eventualities.
I think you have to plan this with your doctor. And three months is the least acceptable time in my opinion.
Kind regards
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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