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My Wife Has Been On A Low Dose Of Xanex
Question: My wife has been on a low dose of xanex ( 1 mg 2 or 3 times a day, as needed) for about 5 years. As part of her comprehensive ECT, she has been required to stop the Xanax She has been on 1/2 tablets for about 10 days and is experiencing what we call severe withdrawal (literally debilitating anxiety, uncontrollable shaking among others).
1. What is the best withdrawal strategy/process.
2. Is there a medication that will help reduce the withdrawal, the problems going from the 1 mg dosage to
.5 mg have been really bad.
3. How long can she expect to have these withdrawal symptoms?
4. Will the symptoms going from the .5 mg to zero be this painful, better or worse and for how long to expect them.
5. Is there a way to minimize the withdrawal symptoms for this latter reduction?
1. What is the best withdrawal strategy/process.
2. Is there a medication that will help reduce the withdrawal, the problems going from the 1 mg dosage to
.5 mg have been really bad.
3. How long can she expect to have these withdrawal symptoms?
4. Will the symptoms going from the .5 mg to zero be this painful, better or worse and for how long to expect them.
5. Is there a way to minimize the withdrawal symptoms for this latter reduction?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
1. The best withdrawal strategy is to replace the xanax with equivalent dose of long acting benzodiazepine and than reduce at the rate of 20-25% every 7-10 days.
2. As stated above long acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam or chlordiazepoxide can be used instead of xanax.
3. Since the withdrawal is almost completed I feel another two or three weeks she may experience the symptoms although duration of withdrawal symptoms varies from individual to individual ranging from one week to few months.
4. I think it will be as difficult as previous dose reduction although the chances of having worse is also on the cards.
5. Slow reduction of dose is key for every stage of withdrawal of offending medication.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
1. The best withdrawal strategy is to replace the xanax with equivalent dose of long acting benzodiazepine and than reduce at the rate of 20-25% every 7-10 days.
2. As stated above long acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam or chlordiazepoxide can be used instead of xanax.
3. Since the withdrawal is almost completed I feel another two or three weeks she may experience the symptoms although duration of withdrawal symptoms varies from individual to individual ranging from one week to few months.
4. I think it will be as difficult as previous dose reduction although the chances of having worse is also on the cards.
5. Slow reduction of dose is key for every stage of withdrawal of offending medication.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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