Want To Quit Or At Least Drastically Reduce My Xanax.

Hi, I am beginning to realize that my Xanax use is causing me to be more depressed (I also take Lexapro and Wellbrutrin for depression). I take the 3mg Ext release but must admit that I don't take it as prescribed. I bite the pill in half and take part in the morning and part in the afternoon. This probably means that I am taking the equivalent of a higher dose. About 15 years ago I started on the.5 MG and as things in my life became more stressful, my Doc kept upping the dose. Oh, did I mention he also has me on 5 mg of Ambien. The Ambien and Xanax used to work well. They don't work like they used to and I do not want yet a higher dosage. On the other hand, I have suffered with anxiety all my life. I would consider taking something like 1mg a day (of Xanax) if it comes to that, but would prefer to be free of it. Also, if that is how it turns out, I would rather take something else with a longer half life so that the levels in my blood don't just clear and there I am craving relief! That was the big selling point for Xanax "almost no half-life"... which, turns out when you are trying to go off IS NOT an advantage. Has anyone else had depression as a side effect? I have lost interest in doing things (hobbies, etc). Also, another thing I found interesting is that a side effect of Xanax can be..... wait for it.... Anxiety! I want to be clear headed again. I don't want to be dependent any longer. Any words of encouragement from those of you who have been successful would be greatly appreciated. I know better than to just quit and that I have to taper and plan to work with my regular doctor (F the psychiatrist) to get off, or to someone she recommends. My sister has even suggested treatment, but I'm not ready for that. Thanks in Advance. Downed out in Wisconsin.

REPLY

REPORT

1 Reply

The benzodiazepines, such as Xanax are basically depressants, that's how they work, so it isn't surprising that they sometimes cause it in some people as a side effect.

If you have anxiety, you may do better switching out one of your antidepressants to something like Prozac, since it can also help with anxiety. It's an SSRI antidepressant and its side effects may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth and weight loss.

Is there anything else I can help with?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I'm tired of taking meds. I started taking xanax and vicodin to relieve anxiety but I want to stop. I just stopped g...

1 REPLY

I am afraid to just stop taking Xanax I have been taking a bar a day for 3 weeks n now I want to stop what do I do? I am...

9 REPLIES

Hi, I am a 56 year old male in fairly good shape, prob 20 lbs overweight. I've been walking and biking lately trying...

3 REPLIES

I have bad anxiety and I have been getting Xanax for 13 years my doctor is using substitute mess now for the place of Xa...

7 REPLIES

I am going back to school in two days and am in desperate need of something to help me focus. Because of this problem, I...

75 REPLIES

I was prescribed Xanax in 1992. Five months ago my new PCP changed to Klonopin which is not working. I need help finding...

12 REPLIES

Please help I can't talk to him about it cause he denies taking them but I always find them in his cigarette packs f...

4 REPLIES

Help!!! I am an elderly lady who has been taking Xanax in what I thought were the smallest doses for insomnia and addict...

10 REPLIES

i am 74 yr old male. Chlorestrol normal, but on advice of Doctor. Wouldit be OK to reduce dosage to 10 mg? ## Hello, Nes...

2 REPLIES

My Creatinine level is 2.5 Can the tablet "Ketosteril" will stop to further increase of Creatinine or this will ...

5 REPLIES