Can Taking Xanax For Anxiety Lead To Withdrawal Symptoms If Discontinued?

Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017

Question: A few months ago, I started using Xanax (non prescription) to try and calm down as I was generally feeling anxious for the smallest reasons. I managed to find some Valium because, from what I understand, it is less addictive due to the fact that it stays in your system for a lot longer. Valium was alright since it lasts longer and I need less of it but it's harder to find and way too expensive so Xanax was still the primary drug. Then I also started taking speed or some amphetamine to boost my energy & it did make me feel better (because that's what it does). August starts(after a full summer semester) and I'm on break and I decide to throw everything out and just deal with whatever comes. All the speed, Valium, and Xanax. The next few weeks were the worst. No drive, no motivation and I was honestly feeling nothing but I had 3 free weeks before my work term (Coop program) . So I tried to stay sober but I couldn't... I bought some Xanax and made the mistake of mixing it with alcohol, which led to a 2-day blackout where I woke back up in a hospital... I was extremely aggressive while hospitalized. Before work started I bought some amphetamines because I knew I couldn't go to work with the state of mind that I was in but I had to. I thought it would help (it did give me some drive ) but for some reason, It was extremely hard to talk to people. My voice was weak, hard to breath and the whole thing was just very uncomfortable. That made me hate the situation even more. So, 2 days in I buy some Xanax and I'm right back where I started.

For someone like me, what is the best course of action?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Xanax should be stopped completely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

I can understand your concern. Xanax as you must be aware of, is a benzodiazepine drug and is a common drug of abuse. The drug has high dependence potential and in order to function normally you have quit it completely. If you can't stop it abruptly then gradual dose reduction over 6-10 weeks is a good idea. Gradual dose reduction will make your body free of drug without any withdrawal effects.

Amphetamines helps in boosting the energy but regular use results in tolerance and sometimes dizziness, headache etc symptoms. This is the probable reason you developed the symptoms and became uncomfortable. So please avoid Amphetamines and gradually reduce Xanax doses and you will be alright.

Thanks and Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana