alprazolam dependence

[oldie]

I'm 83. More than 30 years after being diagnosed as 'burned out' from stress, i have found a modicum of peace from anxiety abdomen pain and body discomfort taking .25 alprazolam (Xanax, Tafil etc) maybe twice a day, or .50 xr in the morning. and  .25 regular if needed later. It makes me doze - so what? At my age does addiction matter? What damage does it do? The medication is  available and I can buy it, so why not take it?

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

At the doses you are taking I would not really call it an addiction, however, at your age I would be somewhat concerned with the possible increase in confusion, loss of memory, balance and possible affect on your mentation in general. Benzodiazepines tend to affect the elderly a bit more strongly and cause more sedation. I would be very careful if you need to walk somewhere, do physical activity that requires balance or especially drive. I would not be too worried if you take it prior to going to sleep. Take good care of yourself and stay healthy.

[oldie]

Thank you. I have noted that most of the alarming posts are from patients who have STOPPED alprazolam abruptly. What I cannot discover is what are the symptoms which PROMPT them to stop. Unbeaarble symptoms or  fear they will have them if they continue? What damage are they getting? This is just an observation. I don't expect an answer from someone so busy. I'll ask on the forum