I Have Taken Alprazolam Off And On For About Ten

Posted on Mon, 10 Dec 2018

Question: I have taken Alprazolam off and on for about ten years. At first unknowingly for sleepless nights and then for the symptoms it is suppose to help anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor has told me to wean myself off of it by breaking the pill into smaller pieces. I have tried this but still suffer with bad headaches. My question is what do you think is the best way to get better and to get it out of my system? I had a cat scan yesterday and blood work done showing that everything is ok. I am 99% sure my headaches are from the drug. I have read that it can take a long time to get better. So what do you think

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Before I can answer you I request you to provide following details.
1. What is the current average daily dose of alprazolam and minimum and maximum dose in a day.
2. How long the current pattern of dosing is going on?
3. How frequent are the panic attacks and anxiety?
4. What are the symptoms of anxiety which you experience during typical episode?

I look forward to assist you in weaning alprazolam.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)

.5mg is the dose. One a day. The current pattern is roughly a couple of months just because of the headaches I get when I don't take it. I stopped cold turkey a few weeks ago and was ok for a little while and then I started getting the headaches and decided to go back on it. I saw a psychologist a few months ago and he really helped me. The only panic attacks or anxiety I get now is when I cross a bridge near me that I had a major attack on. But I have pretty much talked myself into being able to handle it. A few months ago I almost got into a car accident a few miles before the bridge and then I started thinking about my sister who once crossed the bridge and got vertigo while she drove over it. When I started to drive over the bridge it felt as if I was being electrocuted in the back of my head. So all in all the anxiety and panic attacks are pretty much over. But if I do get it I tense up with pressure in the back of my head. But the problem is the pills now. I want to get them out of my life for good but I know that you just can't quit them all at once. Any suggestions or ideas. So the anxiety I can now handle pretty much if I get it but not the alprazolam. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and providing necessary details.

From the available description I am of the opinion that Alprazolam should be discontinued as far as possible but this will not be possible without appropriate help from local psychiatrist or psychologist

I mean to say that decision to withdraw alprazolam is fine but anxiety and panic attacks need to be managed. Although non pharamcological approach is the best option but in case this does not yield results or if the symptoms are incapacitating using medication is another choice. Alprazolam is one of those medications but due to potential to cause dependence this should be avoided as far as possible. The better alternative include SSRI group of medications which include Prozac, paxil, Zolft, Lexapro among others.

Once the two root cause of Alprazolam continuation are addressed (Panic attacks and anxiety) I feel you can taper it slowly down without much difficulty. The recommendations for this is to cut down 25 % every two weeks. Since you are taking .5 mg at will be .375 mg for two weeks followed by 0.25 mg for next two weeks followed by 0.125 mg for next two weeks and further complete cessation.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
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http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

The pills come in these sizes for sure? It sounds like good info. I am now taking the pill first thing in the morning instead of at bedtime today for the second time. Yesterday wasn't too bad as far as the headaches go but still had a slight one throughout the day. I'll let you know as to how I am making out. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

The pills are available as 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg. So in between you will need to use half tablet of 0.25 mg. I am not sure whether it is scored tablet in your country but when you are discontinuing slight high or low dose hardly makes any difference.

I hope this clarifies further.
Thanks and regards.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar