Brief Answer: Other anti-anxiety meds, relaxation techniques... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you must be going through a very difficult time. From the description of your problems, it appears that you have become dependent on Xanax and the terrible feelings that you are experiencing are likely to be withdrawal symptoms. Xanax (Alprazolam) is an anti-anxiety medication belonging to a category of medication called Benzodiazepines and this category of medication has a high dependence / addictive potential. When someone suddenly stops or reduces the dose of benzodiazepine medication like Xanax (after taking high doses for a prolonged period of time), they can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addition, if the person has an underlying anxiety disorder (being treated with the medication), then, there will also be a "rebound" of the anxiety symptoms, making the situation even more difficult to manage. In such a situation, the recommended plan of management would be to start you on a tapering schedule of the medication, where the dose is reduced very gradually, so that such withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety are avoided. You have mentioned that you are awaiting to see your psychiatrist, and hopefully, he should start you on a tapering schedule of the medication and that should relieve you of the withdrawal symptoms. In the meantime, you can try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, etc. to try and combat your rebound anxiety symptoms. Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fruit juices. Staying in a quiet room, free from noises and external disturbances may help you feel more relaxed. Try to keep your mind distracted by listening to light music or by reading. If your anxiety symptoms are very troublesome, then another option would be to start you on non-addictive anxiety medication, such as SSRIs. This category of medication can be safely used for even long periods, without the risk of dependence. Unfortunately, it is not possible to prescribe any medication through this website, and for that you would have to talk to your local doctor. I do understand that at this point, the situation seems to be really unmanageable or difficult to cope, but don't worry, if you try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible, you'll be able to pull through. However, in case your symptoms become unbearable or if you develop any serious symptoms like seizures, then you have to go to the emergency department immediately. I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy recovey. Best regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist

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