HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can I Take Valium Withdrawing Xanax For Anxiety?

default
Posted on Wed, 11 Jun 2014
Question: Hello: I have been on Xanax for about 8-9 years. Was up to 3.5 mg a day, I requested help to get off it and my doctor has given me three pills of valium to start the process (5 mg). My health history is a plethora of disasters: amputation, PFFD, 7 joint replacements and will need three more in the next few years, glaucoma (2 recent surgeries for that), Interstitial Cystitis, hypertrophic vulvar dystrophy, etc. I am not a depressed person and quite active. Age 58 going on 106, LOL. It's a miracle that I'm not in a wheelchair or using a walker or cane, Anyway, Is my doctor giving me the right dosage to get started in terms of going off Xanax? Thank you for your time. Also, I take 4-5 10mg tablets of Percocet and 25 mg of Lyrica 3 times a day.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not sure if this is the right path

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.

I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.

Helping to get off one benzodiazepine by starting another benzodiazepine does not seem to be a good idea. Diazepam is also addiction forming. In fact it would be wiser to gradually reduce of dose of xanax itself say 0.5 mg every 4 days. That should take care of the withdrawal symptoms. The insomnia if any can be taken care of with taking amitriptyline or low dose olanzapine or quetiapine.
You may discuss these options with your treating psychiatrist.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.

If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.

If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:

bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy



Wish you good health,

Kind regards

Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2770 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can I Take Valium Withdrawing Xanax For Anxiety?

Brief Answer: Not sure if this is the right path Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. Helping to get off one benzodiazepine by starting another benzodiazepine does not seem to be a good idea. Diazepam is also addiction forming. In fact it would be wiser to gradually reduce of dose of xanax itself say 0.5 mg every 4 days. That should take care of the withdrawal symptoms. The insomnia if any can be taken care of with taking amitriptyline or low dose olanzapine or quetiapine. You may discuss these options with your treating psychiatrist. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.