tapering off xanax

[hatexanax]

I am in the midst of tapering off xanax. My PCP prescribed this medication, as well as Zoloft; 5 1/2 years ago. 3 mg xanax per day, 200 mg Zoloft per day. I have since been referred to a psychiatrist, and he upped the xanax to 4 mg a day. Now he wants me to taper off. I have started by dropping .50 , but I am finding it very difficult. Very nauseous, light headed, and rubbery legs. I am also having more severe panic than previously, and my depression is bad. Any input?

[Paxiled]

By the way, if you ever decide to stop the Zoloft, even though that's not technically addictive, you'll have the same situation.  To me, if you truly needed that much Xanax, and I don't know if you did, then the Zoloft probably wasn't working as well as you would like.  Unfortunately, doctors very often just put us on two drugs at once so we don't ever learn whether just the antidepressant would have been enough.

[Paxiled]

You're suffering withdrawal.  You probably need to taper off more slowly.  You've been on an addictive drug for several years, and the speed at which your brain will adapt to going without it isn't the same as some other person.  Doctors often see all of us the same, as that's how they're taught, so you have to step in and explain how you're feeling and consider together if maybe you should go more slowly.