HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suffering From Fear And Stress, Using Prsecribed Tablet For Years, Addicted To It. What Should I Do To Get Back Normal?

I amin chennai 10 years before i was suffering from fear and stress so i went to government hospital to c? onsult a doctor ,he gave tablet alprozolam .25 medicine for 2 years after taking that medicine i better ..from 3 rd year i went to private hospital for consulting doctor list some medicine ,and to stop old medicine which given by the government hospital .so i stop the medicine and take my new medicine .but without taking my old tablet i feel confuse in next day so i continue both medicine .still now i am using tablet for 10 year now i am addition for alprozolam ,restyl .25 . pls help me to recover from this medicine .lead my life with out that medicine .pls help me
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

From the description of your problem, it appears that you have developed a benzodazepine dependence. Restyl is just the brand name for alprazolam. So, you are actually taking two 0.25mg doses of alprazolam.

Since you have been taking these medicines for a very long time, suddenlt stopping then will result in withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety. Hence, they need to be tapered down very gradually and stopped. So, I would suggest that you consult a psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation and further management. There are effective psychological therapies which can help you handle your anxiety and stress without the necessity for medication.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Psychiatrist Dr. Dr.Nehal's  Response
Hi,
thanks for using health care magic.
I have gone through your available history.
Unfortunately, You are having addiction of alprazolam.
You should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation. If you are currently having stress or depression, Doctor may prescribe anti depressant drugs.
Usually, alprazolam can be replaced with long acting sedatives like clonazepam or diazepam so has to prevent withdrawal features immediately. and in second phase, dose of long acting sedatives should be gradually reduced as per advise by psychiatrist.
I hope you cans top taking alprazolam soon.
thanks
I find this answer helpful
Psychiatrist Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello...
Thanks for your query. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine sedative that only temporarily alleviates anxiety symptoms and is not a long term cure. It has high addictive potential as well. I would suggest you meet a substance use specialist/psychiatrist to wean you off benzodiazepines. It is usually done by substituting with longer acting clonazepam/diazepam that is tapered off at around 10% per week over a period of 10 weeks.
Your anxiety symptoms would be better treated by:
1. Anti-anxiety agents like SSRIs
2. Psychotherapy tecghniques like CBT/ Cognitive behavioural therapy
Yoga/meditation might be beneficial. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Withdrawal symptoms?


Loading Online Doctors....
Suffering From Fear And Stress, Using Prsecribed Tablet For Years, Addicted To It. What Should I Do To Get Back Normal?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. From the description of your problem, it appears that you have developed a benzodazepine dependence. Restyl is just the brand name for alprazolam. So, you are actually taking two 0.25mg doses of alprazolam. Since you have been taking these medicines for a very long time, suddenlt stopping then will result in withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety. Hence, they need to be tapered down very gradually and stopped. So, I would suggest that you consult a psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation and further management. There are effective psychological therapies which can help you handle your anxiety and stress without the necessity for medication. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist