Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Tremors, Anxiety And Cold Chills
Question: Hi my husband has been on regular doses of Xanax for 10 years 1mg tds My husband has ceased the drug as he is unable to see a psychiatrist immediately It has now been 3 days since he has stopped the drug My husband is now experiencing tremors, anxiety, cold chills I am concerned about these.symptoms, what would he do.? Much thanks
Brief Answer:
He is suffering from Xanax withdrawal syndrome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking.
He was taking 1 mg Alprazolam (Xanax) three times a day and he has stopped to take the drug. Now he is experiencing symptoms like tremors, anxiety, cold, chills etc., symptoms.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug and it is a brain depressant. Sudden discontinuation of drug after prolonged use result in withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms he is having are withdrawal symptoms and as per my opinion if possible you should consider consulting his doctor. Sudden onset withdrawal seizures may occur after drug cessation.
To prevent such symptoms long acting benzodiazepine like Diazepam can be used. The drug is long acting and its withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild. It is easy to taper from this drug. If we consider dose equivalence then 0.5 mg of Alprazolam is equivalent to 10 mg of diazepam. This means that 1 mg of Alprazolam will need 20 mg of Diazepam to result similar effect. At this doses diazepam can prevent such symptoms and risk of seizures. If he has been advised diazepam 5 mg TDS then as per my opinion there is need to increase the dose. Consult his doctor to increase the dose and proper prescription to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
Keep him in cool and calm room, away from bright lights. He should avoid tea, coffee for some time. Plenty of fluids will also help to relax him.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Ask again for more doubts.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Consultant Psychiatrist
He is suffering from Xanax withdrawal syndrome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking.
He was taking 1 mg Alprazolam (Xanax) three times a day and he has stopped to take the drug. Now he is experiencing symptoms like tremors, anxiety, cold, chills etc., symptoms.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug and it is a brain depressant. Sudden discontinuation of drug after prolonged use result in withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms he is having are withdrawal symptoms and as per my opinion if possible you should consider consulting his doctor. Sudden onset withdrawal seizures may occur after drug cessation.
To prevent such symptoms long acting benzodiazepine like Diazepam can be used. The drug is long acting and its withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild. It is easy to taper from this drug. If we consider dose equivalence then 0.5 mg of Alprazolam is equivalent to 10 mg of diazepam. This means that 1 mg of Alprazolam will need 20 mg of Diazepam to result similar effect. At this doses diazepam can prevent such symptoms and risk of seizures. If he has been advised diazepam 5 mg TDS then as per my opinion there is need to increase the dose. Consult his doctor to increase the dose and proper prescription to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
Keep him in cool and calm room, away from bright lights. He should avoid tea, coffee for some time. Plenty of fluids will also help to relax him.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Ask again for more doubts.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
