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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Xanax?

I have been taking 1mg Xanax for many, many years. For a time I was unable to pick up my prescription and after about the third day without the Xanax, I started having convulsions and could not stop shaking and jerking for two days before I refilled my prescription. Is this normal and is it a permanent side effect after quitting Xanax
Thu, 9 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence. When the drug is taken for regular basis the drug cause tolerance and increased doses are needed to get effect. If the drug is stopped abruptly after prolonged use then withdrawal symptoms occurs and in some individuals the withdrawal results in severe tremors, seizures and some times coma. So it is not advisable to stop the drug abruptly. As you are taking the drug since years so I'd advise you to consult a psychiatrist and ask for proper tapering of doses of drug. Gradual tapering of doses would not cause seizures and you can stop using the drug easily. Doses are reduced by about 20% every two weeks and complete stoppage should be done at about 6-12 weeks considering your use. So the seizures are not permanent side effect but you cant stop the drug cold turkey. Please consult a psychiatrist for details of treatment.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Xanax?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence. When the drug is taken for regular basis the drug cause tolerance and increased doses are needed to get effect. If the drug is stopped abruptly after prolonged use then withdrawal symptoms occurs and in some individuals the withdrawal results in severe tremors, seizures and some times coma. So it is not advisable to stop the drug abruptly. As you are taking the drug since years so I d advise you to consult a psychiatrist and ask for proper tapering of doses of drug. Gradual tapering of doses would not cause seizures and you can stop using the drug easily. Doses are reduced by about 20% every two weeks and complete stoppage should be done at about 6-12 weeks considering your use. So the seizures are not permanent side effect but you cant stop the drug cold turkey. Please consult a psychiatrist for details of treatment. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.