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Will I Get Addicted To Xanax If Its Taken Thrice A Day?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014
Question: If you take 0.25 mg of xanax three times a day for about one month for anxiety is there a chance of addiction and withdrawal?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: dose is low and duration short-risk low Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Xanax belongs to the family of drugs called benzodiazepines. This class of drugs is associated with the side effects that you mentioned , addiction (with withdrawal symptoms of medication stopped) and tolerance (needing more or higher doses for the same effect). Xanax is one of the stronger medications in this group but the risk of these effects depend on the dose given and how long the medication is used. Studies for this drug have shown that the risk is greater if the dose is more than 4 mg total a day and if it used for 3 months or more. Though there is still a potential risk at the dose you are using (0.75mg total a day) , it is significantly less that if the dose was higher.At this dose you may not experience these effects. To reduce the chance of addiction developing however, the medication may need to be discontinued because addition develops the longer it is taken. When discontinuing, it would be best to consult a doctor and to taper it off slowly. I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you I have been seeing my doctor every two to three weeks to review the course of the medication. It it working and I find I have no desire to increase the dosage. I have started counseling as an adjunct to the medication. Your concern and explanation was appreciated.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer: no problem Detailed Answer: You are welcome Please feel free to contact with any other queries
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Will I Get Addicted To Xanax If Its Taken Thrice A Day?

Brief Answer: dose is low and duration short-risk low Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Xanax belongs to the family of drugs called benzodiazepines. This class of drugs is associated with the side effects that you mentioned , addiction (with withdrawal symptoms of medication stopped) and tolerance (needing more or higher doses for the same effect). Xanax is one of the stronger medications in this group but the risk of these effects depend on the dose given and how long the medication is used. Studies for this drug have shown that the risk is greater if the dose is more than 4 mg total a day and if it used for 3 months or more. Though there is still a potential risk at the dose you are using (0.75mg total a day) , it is significantly less that if the dose was higher.At this dose you may not experience these effects. To reduce the chance of addiction developing however, the medication may need to be discontinued because addition develops the longer it is taken. When discontinuing, it would be best to consult a doctor and to taper it off slowly. I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions