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

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Addiction To Xanax And Adderall

default
Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016
Question: Hi my daughter is taking adderall and is also taking too much Xanax. she just lost her job and insurance. we need to get her off this stuff
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Doses should be reduced gradually.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from icliniq.com

I can understand your concern. Both Adderall and Xanax are controlled drugs and have high abuse potential. These have high dependence potential so its not easy to stop using these drugs cold turkey. Best way to get rid of these drugs is to reduce the doses gradually over 6-12 weeks. Doses should be reduced by about 20% every 2nd week and then should be completely stopped at about 8-12 weeks. Progressive dose reduction in this manner would not cause any severe withdrawal symptoms and she would lead a normal life.

Apart from this replacement therapy with long acting benzodiazepine drugs like Clonazepam can help to ease the withdrawal of Xanax. Clonazepam is long acting and is easier to taper. Dose equivalence of drug is 0.5 mg Clonazepam to 0.5 mg Alprazolam. For persistent lethargy due to Adderall withdrawal drugs like Modafinil can be used. Please discuss with a psychiatrist for proper management of her drug withdrawal.

Thanks. Take care

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

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
Suggest Treatment For Addiction To Xanax And Adderall

Brief Answer: Doses should be reduced gradually. Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from icliniq.com I can understand your concern. Both Adderall and Xanax are controlled drugs and have high abuse potential. These have high dependence potential so its not easy to stop using these drugs cold turkey. Best way to get rid of these drugs is to reduce the doses gradually over 6-12 weeks. Doses should be reduced by about 20% every 2nd week and then should be completely stopped at about 8-12 weeks. Progressive dose reduction in this manner would not cause any severe withdrawal symptoms and she would lead a normal life. Apart from this replacement therapy with long acting benzodiazepine drugs like Clonazepam can help to ease the withdrawal of Xanax. Clonazepam is long acting and is easier to taper. Dose equivalence of drug is 0.5 mg Clonazepam to 0.5 mg Alprazolam. For persistent lethargy due to Adderall withdrawal drugs like Modafinil can be used. Please discuss with a psychiatrist for proper management of her drug withdrawal. Thanks. Take care