What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Xanax ER?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Need to know if I am experiencing Xanax ER withdrawal.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please, report your symptoms and information!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about the symptoms you are experiencing. I will like you to report your symptoms, the duration for which you have been taking this drug and the dosage. I will also like to know for how long you have stopped taking it. With this information, I will get back to you with more answers. Finally, did you stop abruptly or progressively?

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

I have taken Alprazolam ER 2mg for about 5 years. I had the last refill filled January 21. My drug insurance covered it then. I took the last of the medicine on Thursday Feb. 19th. When I called the drug store to get it filled again, they told me that my insurance no longer covered that medicine. I went to my family doctor on Friday for my 3 month evaluation and he put me on Diazepam 5 mg instead. I had to take 1 tablet twice a day. I took my first pill when I got home and the other one before I went to bed. I started getting the feelings I described earlier and couldn't get any sleep. I have been having the same symptoms ever since and I'm still taking the Diazepam as directed. I haven't had any sleep since Thursday Feb. 19th. I am having the symptoms all day and all night.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
That's typical of Xanax withdrawal!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The abrupt discontinuation of this treatment and your symptoms are typical for xanax withdrawal. Though your insurance no longer pays for this, I will suggest that you pay at least for some and gradually wean off this medication. The withdrawal symptoms can be very concerning and more costly than the drug itself.

I hope you consider and do something about this. I wish you well and let me know what your take is about this.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you for your help. I have decided to go back to my family doctor tomorrow and see if he will write me another prescription for the Xanax ER. Then I will do what you suggested and gradually wean myself off of this medication.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep me posted!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I wish you well and keep me posted about the progress.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar