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Suggest Effective Alternative To Xanax For Anxiety

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Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2015
Question: i have severe anxiety i take xanax 1 m 3x a day i ran out my dr is gone i just need to know if there is anything i can use at home to lower my anxiety until i get in touch with him thursday
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Try to find another way to get the Xanax - suggestions given:

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having this problem. If you normally take this much Xanax, it would not be good to stop it abruptly because your body is used to having it. I understand that your doctor is gone until Thursday, but aren't there other doctors covering for him or her until he is back? They could at least give you a 1 day prescription. If that is not possible, I'd suggest an urgent care clinic as they will likely give you enough to get you through until Thursday. I would suggest taking in the used bottle so they know that your doctor really does prescribe this to you.

There are anxiety lowering herbs, such as Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, and St. John's Wort. The problem is knowing how much of these to take as they usually aren't standardized. Some people have some relief with Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. Most of these have not been studied extensively.

Again, I would suggest getting the Xanax so that you don't withdraw. Benzodiazepines can have withdrawal symptoms.

Mindful breathing can help, such as sitting quietly, counting your breath in 4 counts, count exhalation 4 counts, do this 4 times then repeat. If your mind wanders to worried thoughts, gently acknowledge these thoughts and return your focus to your breaths.

Just another thought - which will not help you right now but may be helpful long term: If you are not on an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as Lexapro (or others), consider talking with your doctor about this. It may lower your overall anxiety level and you may be able to take less Xanax in the future.

I hope this information helps.




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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest Effective Alternative To Xanax For Anxiety

Brief Answer: Try to find another way to get the Xanax - suggestions given: Detailed Answer: I am sorry you are having this problem. If you normally take this much Xanax, it would not be good to stop it abruptly because your body is used to having it. I understand that your doctor is gone until Thursday, but aren't there other doctors covering for him or her until he is back? They could at least give you a 1 day prescription. If that is not possible, I'd suggest an urgent care clinic as they will likely give you enough to get you through until Thursday. I would suggest taking in the used bottle so they know that your doctor really does prescribe this to you. There are anxiety lowering herbs, such as Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, and St. John's Wort. The problem is knowing how much of these to take as they usually aren't standardized. Some people have some relief with Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. Most of these have not been studied extensively. Again, I would suggest getting the Xanax so that you don't withdraw. Benzodiazepines can have withdrawal symptoms. Mindful breathing can help, such as sitting quietly, counting your breath in 4 counts, count exhalation 4 counts, do this 4 times then repeat. If your mind wanders to worried thoughts, gently acknowledge these thoughts and return your focus to your breaths. Just another thought - which will not help you right now but may be helpful long term: If you are not on an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as Lexapro (or others), consider talking with your doctor about this. It may lower your overall anxiety level and you may be able to take less Xanax in the future. I hope this information helps.