I was never told by doctor 2 important things. 1) Only take Xanax when you feel a major attack coming on. 2) DO NOT stop taking it cold turkey. After being diagnosed with Anxiety a few weeks ago, I started taking .12mg of Xanax 3 times a day, it did make me feel better, but after experiencing some harsh side effects. I decided to see my doctor. He then told me that I only should be taking it when a major attack comes on and that I need to stop taking it 3 times a day. Well, I have not had any major attacks, but now I am starting to feel heavy chest pressure, shooting pains, and headaches. After doing some independent research, I found that these are most likely the effects of stopinf Xanax cold turkey, which is stongly discouraged. My doctor never told me this. So now I am trying to figure out what I should to resolve these latest issues. Everything I read points to taking the Xanax again, but tapering off of it slowly. Any advice as to how I should go about this? Should I take .12mg twice a day, regardless of an attack, and taper off from there?
I just got off Xanax after 5 weeks of taking it every day. I was only taking about .25mg a day mainly at night for sleeping. Some days I was took more and some days less. I too have experienced chest tightness and shooting pains in my chest. For the last week. I quit cold turkey bc I was told to by my doctor but I wasn't taking a lot. So I would say cut it down at least to 2 pills a day then within the next week or so go to 1.5 then the week after 1pill, and last week take 1/2 of a pill. If you don't think your doctor is helping I wild go see someone else and let them know what's going on and the best way to taper off the Xanax. I don't want to say do it the way I say but u have to gradually/weekly tapper off so u won't get as intense withdrawals. But I would see another doc and see what they say.
Cut out one .12 pill every few days or You can even break that in half and cut down slower in small amounts. Expect withdrawl as you progress and know it will last a few days then settle down. Do a lot of breathing excerises and drink a lot of water. Tell your doc what you are doing as you withdraw. Maybe even have a counselor help you. Its a lot easier then you think if done slowly and cinsistently, but you need to have something to calm you in the process. Maybe nediation or something
I appreciate the feedback. I actually strating taking .12mg twice a day, and will taper off from there over the next week or so. I have spoken to my Dr., but he is clueless and I am now seeking the advice of another doctor and a holistic therapist. I hate prescription meds, they are so bad for the body. I just wish I could figure out what caused the panic attacks in the first place, they really blind-sided me.