So nice that our little rubber raft has its coxswain back...............
Since none of us has the qualifications to answer your questions, you really need to seek the advice of your doctor or a pharmacist, who IS a Doctor of Pharmacology. They are the only two people who can give you this kind of advice.
I CAN tell you that your Xanax stopped working for you about 7 1/2 years ago! It loses it's efficacy very quickly, usually after about four months, which is why it is prescribed for very short term use only. But after 8 years, you have built up one hell of a tolerance and basically all you are doing is keeping the withdrawl symptoms at bay. Which I can tell you from personal experience, they are HORRID! You MUST taper off XANAX very carefully, even at the low dose you were on. DO NOT just stop taking it!
Please seek out professional advice for your quesitons.........your health is at stake.
Peace
Greenlydia