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How To Taper Off From Alprazolam Slowly For Panic Attacks?
Question: How long do I have to take my recent prescription for alprazolam .5 mgs and how long must I safely taper off of it for?
Brief Answer:
You have to stop it gradually.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and has abuse potential. I would prefer some antidepressant like paroxetine in your case to control panic attacks. Alprazolam alone would not able to control anxiety symptoms. If you take antidepressant, you could able to control dose of alprazolam and could stop it in two weeks.
Duration of treatment depends upon symptoms. If you feel better in few weeks, then you can stop taking alprazolam. Whenever you want to stop it, do it gradually. First reduce the dose to 0.25 mg and take it for two weeks. Then take 0.25 mg in half dose for two weeks and then you can stop it That way you would not get any withdrawal.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
You have to stop it gradually.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and has abuse potential. I would prefer some antidepressant like paroxetine in your case to control panic attacks. Alprazolam alone would not able to control anxiety symptoms. If you take antidepressant, you could able to control dose of alprazolam and could stop it in two weeks.
Duration of treatment depends upon symptoms. If you feel better in few weeks, then you can stop taking alprazolam. Whenever you want to stop it, do it gradually. First reduce the dose to 0.25 mg and take it for two weeks. Then take 0.25 mg in half dose for two weeks and then you can stop it That way you would not get any withdrawal.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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