Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Xanax?
Question: my 90 year old mother is in the hospital being taken off xanax .50mg after long use, is .25mg of valinum appropriate. She is very distrought. I am afraid for her. She had been over medicated by her primary care Doc. She was on 4 antidepressants and 2 anxiety meds at once. The CC Main campus took her off the 4 antidepressants without protecting her by properly tappering her off. She was cold tukeyed off.
Ever since that happened in XXXXXXX she has had terrible mental health issues,
Ever since that happened in XXXXXXX she has had terrible mental health issues,
Brief Answer:
Not life-threatening but monitoring needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns for your mother.
It is unlikely that sudden discontinuation of antidepressants could kill her.
However, there may really bothersome withdrawal symptoms like agitation, mood swings, insomnia, headache, restlessness.
I would be worried about change in blood pressure caused due to stoppage of drugs. The BP may rise or fall which can be dangerous at this age.
So, monitoring of her vital body parameters (BP, pulse, respiration, temperature) is very important.
In my opinion, withdrawing Xanax is not appropriate at this age. Valium would cause daytime drowsiness.
Anyhow, 0.5mg Xanax is equivalent to 5mg of Valium. So, the dose for substitution is also not appropriate.
Hope this addresses your concerns.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.
Not life-threatening but monitoring needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns for your mother.
It is unlikely that sudden discontinuation of antidepressants could kill her.
However, there may really bothersome withdrawal symptoms like agitation, mood swings, insomnia, headache, restlessness.
I would be worried about change in blood pressure caused due to stoppage of drugs. The BP may rise or fall which can be dangerous at this age.
So, monitoring of her vital body parameters (BP, pulse, respiration, temperature) is very important.
In my opinion, withdrawing Xanax is not appropriate at this age. Valium would cause daytime drowsiness.
Anyhow, 0.5mg Xanax is equivalent to 5mg of Valium. So, the dose for substitution is also not appropriate.
Hope this addresses your concerns.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Dr. XXXXXXX Mehta" wrote:
I sent a message last night, again in reference to the original question you answered. We finally have gotten her appointment to a Geriatric Psychiatrist on XXXXXXX 25, additionally on the cancellation list as well.
I have researched as much as possible on the proper way to taper off this medication. XXXXXXX my daughter had gotten me a smart phone. My Step-father was getting my Mom's medications ready for the week, I started asking Google Search what each medication was, at that time we discovered she was on four anti-depressants and two anxiety medications, in addition to all of the other prescriptions.
XXXXXXX she also was admitted to the Main Campus of the XXXXXXX Clinic, was removed from all anti-depressants without weaning. I have been researching as much as possible and so has my Dad. I have researched Geriatric Internal physicians close by as well. She trusts her Primary Care, I know that this is where the problem began.
Respectully,
I sent a message last night, again in reference to the original question you answered. We finally have gotten her appointment to a Geriatric Psychiatrist on XXXXXXX 25, additionally on the cancellation list as well.
I have researched as much as possible on the proper way to taper off this medication. XXXXXXX my daughter had gotten me a smart phone. My Step-father was getting my Mom's medications ready for the week, I started asking Google Search what each medication was, at that time we discovered she was on four anti-depressants and two anxiety medications, in addition to all of the other prescriptions.
XXXXXXX she also was admitted to the Main Campus of the XXXXXXX Clinic, was removed from all anti-depressants without weaning. I have been researching as much as possible and so has my Dad. I have researched Geriatric Internal physicians close by as well. She trusts her Primary Care, I know that this is where the problem began.
Respectully,
Brief Answer:
Drugs must be withdrawn slowly.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
It's great that you have an appointment with the psychiatrist.
4 antidepressants together, are in no way justified clinically.
Anyhow, the drugs have to be withdrawn slowly always.
I would suggest you to discuss her previous treatment with the psychiatrist and start the treatment afresh.
A thorough clinical examination would be necessary for choosing the right drugs.
Hope she gets the appropriate treatment.
Do keep me updated about her clinical status and treatment changes.
Regards.
Dr. Shubham Mehta.
Drugs must be withdrawn slowly.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
It's great that you have an appointment with the psychiatrist.
4 antidepressants together, are in no way justified clinically.
Anyhow, the drugs have to be withdrawn slowly always.
I would suggest you to discuss her previous treatment with the psychiatrist and start the treatment afresh.
A thorough clinical examination would be necessary for choosing the right drugs.
Hope she gets the appropriate treatment.
Do keep me updated about her clinical status and treatment changes.
Regards.
Dr. Shubham Mehta.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
