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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Opium Addiction. Feeling Guilty Of Taking Xanax. What To Do?

I had an addiction to opiates taking up to 5 to 7 30 mg per day. I went away to detox and have been clean for 6 months.I have also nit drank a alcohol for 6 years and attend. aa meetings every day. The problem os I m feeling guilty about taking xanax which I have been taking for 20 years. It is doctor prescribed and I do not abuse it. My son is just very mad at me for taking them (he sa former opiate addict. Any advice?
Fri, 22 Mar 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM

It is really appreciable that you quit opium and alcohol. Now you are taking Xanax daily for 20 years. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and it is usually not prescribed for long periods of time. It has abuse potential. If you want to quit it then you should have enough motivation for that. Sudden stopping of medicine is not advised because of risk of serious seizures. I will advise you to visit a Psychiatrist for detoxification of xanax. You can gradually taper the doses of xanax (Lorazepam) over 4-8 weeks if you don't want to visit a rehab center. Start with decreasing dose by 25% per week and then at about 4-6 weeks start taking it on alternate days and then stop at 6 weeks.
Be ready to face anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tiredness during initial stages but these will improve with time.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
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Opium Addiction. Feeling Guilty Of Taking Xanax. What To Do?

Hello Welcome to HCM It is really appreciable that you quit opium and alcohol. Now you are taking Xanax daily for 20 years. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and it is usually not prescribed for long periods of time. It has abuse potential. If you want to quit it then you should have enough motivation for that. Sudden stopping of medicine is not advised because of risk of serious seizures. I will advise you to visit a Psychiatrist for detoxification of xanax. You can gradually taper the doses of xanax (Lorazepam) over 4-8 weeks if you don t want to visit a rehab center. Start with decreasing dose by 25% per week and then at about 4-6 weeks start taking it on alternate days and then stop at 6 weeks. Be ready to face anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tiredness during initial stages but these will improve with time. Thanks Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi