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

question-icon

Can Xanax Tablet Be Stopped Abruptly?

default
Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Question: I've taken xanax 0.25 milligram mostly a half a tablet
for about 2 weeks can I just stop taking it or do I need to taper it off so I do not get withdrawals. I have heard its addicting so I don't want to get into any trouble it does help with my anxiety but I do not want to get dependent on it. Lexapro was suggested but I do not know if I want to start taking that either. Maybe I should try cognitive behavioral therapy. .any suggestions. .mild to moderate .
anxiety exsaberated by lot of medical problems
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is better to withdraw slowly

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

You can continue it for alternate day for next two weeks than you can stop it all together. Two weeks of 0.125mg xanax does not cause dependence but it is possible that you may get some rebound anxiety symptoms.

You might be knowing that xanax is for temporary solution and you definitely need some other therapy. In mild to moderate anxiety cognitive behavior therapy is perfect solution and you can go for it.

Lexapro is also good option but CBT is more better considering low relapse rate with CBT in compare to Lexapro.

'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)
.25 does that make a difference
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No it does not make major difference

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.

Even 0.25 mg does not make any major difference but with increasing doses there is possibility of more severe rebound phenomenon.
0.25 mg is minimum possible dose as you do not find a tablet containing less xanax in market so it can be determined that to discontinue it you need to follow the same rules.

"If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health".



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
What are rebound anxiety symptoms? I didn't take the pill today and this evening I had a semi severe panic attack and 4 hrs later am dealing with the effects..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
They are same anxiety symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Rebound anxiety symptoms are same anxiety symptoms for which you started medication and they appear with same or increased intensity following discontinuation of medication. They are called rebound because of their presentation following stopping the medication.

Your semi severe panic attack may be rebound anxiety symptom and it appears to me that you need to enroll yourself for therapy or medication.

"If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health".
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (17 minutes later)
Yes I have an appointment in a week with a therapist I want to try CBT...meanwhile I will taper off the xanax
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
That's good decision

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome again.

Thanks for considering my advice for therapy. You can taper the xanax by using it alternative day or on requirement basis (when you feel there are symptoms).
Thanks and Regards
Dr Ashok
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Xanax Tablet Be Stopped Abruptly?

Brief Answer: It is better to withdraw slowly Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using healthcaremagic. You can continue it for alternate day for next two weeks than you can stop it all together. Two weeks of 0.125mg xanax does not cause dependence but it is possible that you may get some rebound anxiety symptoms. You might be knowing that xanax is for temporary solution and you definitely need some other therapy. In mild to moderate anxiety cognitive behavior therapy is perfect solution and you can go for it. Lexapro is also good option but CBT is more better considering low relapse rate with CBT in compare to Lexapro. 'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help". Thanks