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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Abruptly Stopping Xanax?

I WAS PRESCRIBED XANAX FOR INSOMNIA 0.25MG FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. MY DR RETIRED LAST YEAR. I WENT TO GET MY SCRIPT RENEWED. THE NEW DR REFUSED TO RENEW IT STATING THAT XANAX CAUSED SEIZURES. HE CUT ME OFF COLD TURKEY. WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY A FEW WEEKS LATER I HAD A MAJOR SEIZURE WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? THAT GUY NEARLY KILLED ME
posted on Tue, 12 May 2015
Twitter Tue, 26 May 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 27 May 2015 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Xanax is Alprazolam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug is having abuse potential and it causes tolerance and dependence. Abrupt stoppage of the drug after prolonged use results in withdrawal in form of tremors, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, craving etc. Some times individuals develop withdrawal seizures and generalised tonic clonic seizures are seen. As you have cut off the drug cold turkey so I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like Pregabalin, Gabapentine can help to control the craving and should protect you from seizures also.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Consultant Psychiatrist
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What Are The Side Effects Of Abruptly Stopping Xanax?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Xanax is Alprazolam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug is having abuse potential and it causes tolerance and dependence. Abrupt stoppage of the drug after prolonged use results in withdrawal in form of tremors, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, craving etc. Some times individuals develop withdrawal seizures and generalised tonic clonic seizures are seen. As you have cut off the drug cold turkey so I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like Pregabalin, Gabapentine can help to control the craving and should protect you from seizures also. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Consultant Psychiatrist