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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Addicted To Xanax. How To Get Over This ?

Hi my daughter has been taking xanax for several years - she is addicted. how can I help her - she has no insurance now. She also says she is not addicted - her eyes tell a differenct story. Please help. How doe you talke to someone with this kind of problem. How can a doctor keep giving her this medication for her panic attacks.
Tue, 26 Nov 2013
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Perhaps your daughter is scared of having to combat anxiety and panic attacks without Xanax and that is why, she denies being dependent on it. Reassure her that there are better treatments available for panic attacks like SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline etc) which can enable her to live an anxiety free life without being dependent on Xanax. Relaxation exercises like progressive muscular relaxation also make a big difference. Do not be judgmental of her but offer her your support in trying to come out of it. With time, she will accept the idea of quitting Xanax and when she is willing to quit, take her to a psychiatrist so that she can be prescribed proper medicines for her panic attacks.

Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Anxiety


Loading Online Doctors....
Addicted To Xanax. How To Get Over This ?

Hi, Perhaps your daughter is scared of having to combat anxiety and panic attacks without Xanax and that is why, she denies being dependent on it. Reassure her that there are better treatments available for panic attacks like SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline etc) which can enable her to live an anxiety free life without being dependent on Xanax. Relaxation exercises like progressive muscular relaxation also make a big difference. Do not be judgmental of her but offer her your support in trying to come out of it. With time, she will accept the idea of quitting Xanax and when she is willing to quit, take her to a psychiatrist so that she can be prescribed proper medicines for her panic attacks. Best wishes.