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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Withdraw Alprazolam?

Hi...I am currently taking 1 mg. tablet of Alprazolam at night. I have become very irritable at times and at other times just no interest in anything. Im thinking of stopping. How should I stop taking this medication. I only have 3 tablets left and I didn't know if I should get another prescription or not

Wed, 3 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug and you are taking 1 mg of its doses. The drug is a brain depressant drug and abrupt stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, craving, irritability, tremors and in some individuals it may precipitate the seizures. So I would advise you to taper the doses of drug gradually over about 4-6 weeks. Reduce the doses by about 20% every two weeks to prevent any withdrawal symptoms. It is not easy to taper the doses by self at home and consultation of a psychiatrist would help to minimise the withdrawal symptoms. As your prescription is going to be finished so I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for tapering the doses.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Consultant Psychiatrist.
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How To Withdraw Alprazolam?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug and you are taking 1 mg of its doses. The drug is a brain depressant drug and abrupt stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, craving, irritability, tremors and in some individuals it may precipitate the seizures. So I would advise you to taper the doses of drug gradually over about 4-6 weeks. Reduce the doses by about 20% every two weeks to prevent any withdrawal symptoms. It is not easy to taper the doses by self at home and consultation of a psychiatrist would help to minimise the withdrawal symptoms. As your prescription is going to be finished so I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for tapering the doses. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care. Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Consultant Psychiatrist.