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What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Alprazolam?
Question: Hello. I am healthy person physically and mentally but because of inexperience i made the wrong choice of taking alprazolam without proper supervision not knowing the terrible effects of that medication for 1 or 2 months and stopped cold turkey and felt really bad withdrawal symptoms so i decided to go straight to a professional doctor to attend the problem. He imediatly change me ti clonazepam and i am currently in the tapering process and final stages taking 0.25mg once daily(taking it at night). Overall i have been on these meds for 8 months and so far no big issues withdrawing at all. I have 2 questions: 1) is taking this type of meds for 8 months overall considered a long time user clinically speaking? 2) next month my doctor will take me down to 0.125mg. Should i expect withdrawal issues when my doctor asks me to stop completely next month? I have heard horrible stories in the internet and i am kind of an aprehensive person.
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
1. Overall, this is definitely considered to be a long time user clinically speaking, as benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are not meant to be used for more than a few months.
2. I would not expect withdrawal from a decrease to 0.125mg and then stopping it. Your doctor is decreasing the dose very slowly and very carefully, so as to avoid withdrawal. This is entirely appropriate and very safe. Your doctor is doing a good job here -- I would not expect withdrawal.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
1. Overall, this is definitely considered to be a long time user clinically speaking, as benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are not meant to be used for more than a few months.
2. I would not expect withdrawal from a decrease to 0.125mg and then stopping it. Your doctor is decreasing the dose very slowly and very carefully, so as to avoid withdrawal. This is entirely appropriate and very safe. Your doctor is doing a good job here -- I would not expect withdrawal.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Thanks doctor. After i am done next month and dont have any withdrawal like you say. Have i made damages to my brain? Or will i be fine?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You have not damaged your brain in any way. You will be fine!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You have not damaged your brain in any way. You will be fine!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Thank you so much doc. My last question and i will leave you alone. Jeje. Why my doctor chise clonazepam instead of diazepam like i have read in most blogs? And second why do people have such horror stories? Does it have to do with people having deeper mental disorders? Thanks again and will definitely have you on private session next time. Happy to have contacted you .
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Clonazepam is a bit safer than diazepam. The half-life is shorter, and it has fewer active metabolites in the system, so is safer with fewer complications. Clonazepam is a safe and effective medication and will certainly help you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Clonazepam is a bit safer than diazepam. The half-life is shorter, and it has fewer active metabolites in the system, so is safer with fewer complications. Clonazepam is a safe and effective medication and will certainly help you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. REMY KOSHY
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