Xanax Withdrawal symptoms- will i get seizures?

[goawaypanic]

Hello. Hope someone can answer this.
I have been taking Xanax on/off for years but NEVER DAILY. Maybe
half of a 0.5 mg pill once/day 1x/wk, then go without for a month or so, then maybe 1x/month.
But for last yr. I have been under extreme stress and get lots of panic attacks and migraines.
I take an average of half pill (0.5 mg) to 1 pill maybe 2-3x/wk. I don't like the feeling of being on it, but it's the only thing that helps w/my extreme panic. ( it also helps some w/migraines)
I would like to try to not take it but am worried that i may get SEIZURES. I also take Effexor XR daily, so maybe that will help. Would I be at risk or is it only "heavy" users who take lots per day every day. I haven't had any in 4 days and I feel like i have  flu-like symptoms, but it could be something else. Thank you!

[goawaypanic]

thx Amy. I tried Zoloft but it made me too tired, almost non functional. A lot of my migraines are allergy related and stress. I didn't have hardly any til I moved to TX and began living w/my family! Anyhow, I agree, CBT therapy (cognitive behavioral right?) would be helpful. I tried Klonopin but it didnt work as well as xanax for panic.

[amy74656]

I meant to write all benzodiazepines should be tapered.... Not taken.  :)

[amy74656]

I agree that Xanax needs to be tapered.  I am rather conservative and think every benzodiazepine should be taken.  As I don't know your health or panic situation...ie related to trauma or more biological in nature,  I will
Say I have had better success with oscillator or zoloft that effexor as this can tend to have withdrawal symptoms and anecdotally known to make migraines worth.  I like imipramine, clonidine,  or enem clonapine to treat anxiety disorders.  CBT and/or trauma therapy when combined with mess can be helpful.  Again I encourage you to see a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP as we tend to becable to prescribe psych meds more accurately than PCP.  I wish you the best.  Keep us posted.

[goawaypanic]

I think i was too premature to think I could go off xanax cause I have had bad panic attacks last 2 days. I think once I can exercise again ( had surgery that went bad, in pain 24/7) I will not need the xanax much and will have less panic. I see a psychiatrist but cannot afford to go much. I really need a good therapist. Until I get good therapy and other healthier ways to deal w/my panic attacks I will have to take it occasionally I guess.

[Brooder]

If you really want to get off xanax, speak to your doctor first. They will need to taper you off. I stopped cold turkey, and it wasn't fun. Sounds like you are taking very small doses though, so hopefully it won't be too tough. Good luck!

[goawaypanic]

Hi, thank u for responding. Last night I realized it had been 7 days, not 4 since taking xanax. I also felt better. I am also about to start period so those symptoms are similiar so I am confused what is causing this! I DID experience bad anxiety/panic last night so maybe all those weird physical symptoms were the precursor to my panic attack ( dizzy, disoriented, hot/cold, withdrawn, etc.) I did just take 1/2 of a pill now cause I am worried about seizures. I will talk to my dr.

[RubyWitch]

Definitely discuss your desire to get off the Xanax with your doctor. Even though you didn't take it on a daily basis, as you said, you've taken it for YEARS. I'm not a pharmacists, so I'm not 100% sure, but by now you certainly have a tolerance for the Xanax, your body is use to getting it, to quit cold turkey could be a very unwise choice. PLEASE see your doctor and work out a slow taper plan that is comfortable for YOU. Don't let your doctor push you too fast.
The flu like symptoms you're feeling after 4 days without any Xanax are almost definitely signs of withdrawal. Please don't be alarmed by this, it's simply your body/mind telling you that you can't just stop.
If you were to take a prescribed dose right now and your flu like symptoms went away. you could be fairly certain it's the Xanax you need, not a bowl of chicken soup. But take only the amount prescribed. And see your doctor.
Xanax is a tough med to quit, but if you really want to, you can do it!
I wish you the best and hope you will let us know how it's going for you.
Peace
Greenlydia