Suffering From Anxiety. Taking Xanix And Trazadone. What Can Be Done?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you have been going through a difficult time due to the multiple medication and their side effects & withdrawal effects. Some of these medication that you are / have been on can be addictive and some, though not typically classified as "addictive" can still cause a discontinualtion / withdrawal syndrome.

If you have made a clear decision to come off medication, then, like you have mentioned, it is best to wean them off very slowly. You are currently on the following medication:
- Xanax, which is Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine sedative
- Temazepam, also a benzodiazepine sedative
- Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an anti-psychotic medication (which is well known to cause weight gain)
- Ambien, which is Zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine sedative

It is better to start weaning off the benzodiazepines first since they can be addictive and so, you could develop more tolerance, if you continue them. I would suggest that you start reducing the dosage of Temazepam very gradually - that is, in decrements of 7.5mg every two weeks. So, the shedule would go like:
- two-and-a-half 15mg tablets (total of 37.5mg)in the first two weeks
- two 15mg tablets in the second two weeks (total of 30mg)
- one-and-a-half 15mg tablets in the next two weeks (total of 22.5mg)
...and so on.
So, by the end of 10 weeks, you should be completely off Temazepam.

The next medication to come off can be Xanax. Again, you can follow a similar gradual tapering schedule - reducing 0.25mg every two weeks.

Subsequently, I would suggest that you start tapering the Quetiapine by 12.5 mg every week (in other words, reducing half a 25mg tablet every week).

The last to go can be Ambien, since it is the least addictive and has the least potential for side effects. You can reduce it from 5 mg to 2.5 mg for two weeks and then stop it completely.

So, the whole process of weaning all thge medication is likely to take around 4 to 5 months, butit's better to go slow this way, in order to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

I'm glad that you are putting in determined efforts to try non-pharmacological methods like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, counselling, etc. I would like to re-emphasise the importance of these techniques and suggest that you practice them regularly. Also follow strict sleep hygiene techniques and here are a few tips:

- Fix a specific bedtime and an awakening time. Do not allow bedtime and awakening time to drift.
- Avoid napping during the day.
- Avoid coffee, tea or any caffeinated drinks or alcohol 4 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods for dinner. Have a gap of at least 1 hour between dinner and bedtime.
- Exercise regularly, preferably in the early evening, at least 4 hours before bedtime.
- Set up a comfortable environment which is dark, quiet and disturbance-free. Block out all distracting noise, and eliminate as much light as possible.
- Reserve the bed for sleep only. Don't use the bed for studying, working or for other rectreational activities.
- Try a light snack before bed. Warm milk and foods high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as bananas, may help you to sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques before bed. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and others may help relieve anxiety and reduce muscle tension.
- Don't take your worries to bed. Leave your worries about studies, work, daily life, etc., behind when you go to bed. Some people find it useful to assign a "worry period" during the evening or late afternoon to deal with these issues.
- Establish a pre-sleep ritual. Pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading, can help you sleep.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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