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Taking Xanax For Anxiety And Panic Attack, Asked To Discontinue Medication And Visit Behavioral Health Specialist
I have been taking Xanax regularly for almost 2 years now for anxiety and panic attacks. The dose is 1mg, and up to 3 times a day as needed. I am seeing a local regular family doctor. The doctor wants to discontinue my medication and pass me onto a behavioral health specialist who can better continue my treatment . In the meantime my doctor gave me one final script of Xanax (60 pills , 20 days worth) and told me to ween myself off with this last prescription. I know this is not normal practice for this medication and should be handled better. I fear I will run out before I am seen by my new doctor. I haven t even received a call or set up an appointment yet. What should I do?
Wed, 6 Jun 2012
Hello tallicathomps. Thanks for visiting healthcaremagic.com. Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks as you have been being treated for in the past. Xanax is highly addictive too and is one of the many prescription drugs that are sold on the street.
I hope that the doctor gave you a written way to "wean" yourself off of the Xanax as just stopping the medication "cold turkey" can cause serious complications. I would advise that you call your doctor's office and find out the name of the behavior health specialist that they want you to see. I would personally call this specialist to tell them about your medication situation and see if they can get you an appointment before your medication is gone.
You can also try calling your doctor's office to see if they will give you another prescription for the Xanax until you can see the specialist. However, your primary care doctor may not agree to do that for you. I hope that you can get the help that you need.
Be well, Dr. Kimberly
I hope that the doctor gave you a written way to "wean" yourself off of the Xanax as just stopping the medication "cold turkey" can cause serious complications. I would advise that you call your doctor's office and find out the name of the behavior health specialist that they want you to see. I would personally call this specialist to tell them about your medication situation and see if they can get you an appointment before your medication is gone.
You can also try calling your doctor's office to see if they will give you another prescription for the Xanax until you can see the specialist. However, your primary care doctor may not agree to do that for you. I hope that you can get the help that you need.
Be well, Dr. Kimberly
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