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Hello Doctor Thanks For Your Responses. I Noticed That When

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Posted on Sun, 9 Jun 2019
Question: Hello Doctor

Thanks for your responses.

I noticed that when I take the Alzalopram , it always makes me good. I feel better and I become more socially interactive. How often can I use it that won’t make me addicted to it that will cause any major withdrawal symptoms. I was given by my doctor too. It was used to replace Atarax as I felt that wasn’t working for my anxiety.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
There are no such criteria

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

Feeling good and more socially interactive after use of xanax almost confirms the diagnosis of anxiety to a great extent. Since the diagnosis is almost confirmed I like to inform you that xanax is only for short term purpose and SSRI medications are preferred mode of treatment.

Practically speaking any amount of xanax can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for longer period (some experts indicate 22 weeks although there is no consensus on this duration).

As stated above the xanax can be used for short period as long as effects of SSRI medications become evident (sertraline and lexapro are SSRI medications). In my practice I generally use xanax or similar medications for 2-4 weeks in most cases and prefer to taper it down once the effects of SSRI medications become obvious.

I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Thanks Dr.

As stated earlier, I don’t want to be dependent on the SSRI for too long. The thought of starting any of them causes anxiety for me and I’m afraid to use them. I have read horrible stories of withdrawal symptoms. Are there any other alternatives for SSRI for anxiety and depression. Say the use of Atarax which I did try earlier on but I felt wasn’t working again at some point. Is there any downside on being on Atarax than Xanax for a long period.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (19 hours later)
Thanks Dr.

As stated earlier, I don’t want to be dependent on the SSRI for too long. The thought of starting any of them causes anxiety for me and I’m afraid to use them. I have read horrible stories of withdrawal symptoms. Are there any other alternatives for SSRI for anxiety and depression. Say the use of Atarax which I did try earlier on but I felt wasn’t working again at some point. Is there any downside on being on Atarax than Xanax for a long period.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Buspirone is one such alternative

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

The best alternative for anxiety disorders is Buspirone which is neither SSRI (known to cause withdrawal symptoms) nor a benzodiazepines (known to cause addictions). Generally it takes time to show effect, unlike xanax, but does not cause any serious withdrawal symptoms like SSRI group of medications.

Atarax have limited role especially for sleep and no proper effect evident on anxiety in most cases.

I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3350 Questions

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Hello Doctor Thanks For Your Responses. I Noticed That When

Brief Answer: There are no such criteria Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for follow up. Feeling good and more socially interactive after use of xanax almost confirms the diagnosis of anxiety to a great extent. Since the diagnosis is almost confirmed I like to inform you that xanax is only for short term purpose and SSRI medications are preferred mode of treatment. Practically speaking any amount of xanax can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for longer period (some experts indicate 22 weeks although there is no consensus on this duration). As stated above the xanax can be used for short period as long as effects of SSRI medications become evident (sertraline and lexapro are SSRI medications). In my practice I generally use xanax or similar medications for 2-4 weeks in most cases and prefer to taper it down once the effects of SSRI medications become obvious. I hope this answers you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.