Hi everyone,
I've been using Xanax from January 31st to present day on and off for about 17 days total... dosages varying from .5 to 1mg at the most, with 1.25 mg being the most (only taken one day). The last three of the 17 days, I took xanax 3 days in a row... can I stop taking it right away? Is it dangerous?
Sorry to bother everyone with this question, but I've been going through a lot in my life, with a recent break up (the relationship was 10 years) and other life problems...
Thank you so much for your help!
Xanax usage about three weeks?
Question posted by Camilla2012 on 7 March 2012
Last updated on 12 March 2012
Answers
echo08
8 March 2012
Welcome Camilla! A piece of welcoming advice: Mary of the Many Numbers is a great member 2 listen to cause she really cares & gives wicked good answers! I also agree w/ her on this - the length of time & amount you've been taking would be considered "subtherapuetic" which just means not a high enough dose (or long enough) 4 ur brain 2 really register it. So u should be fine just stopping. If ur still concerned, maybe there's a pharmacist u trust 2 ask? Or Dr? I hope it helped you & gave u what u needed 4 the time u needed it. Best wishes!
Camilla2012
12 March 2012
Hi echo, thank you so kindly for your response? Unfortunately, I kept on using the xanax about six days after my post at about the same dosages, mainly to fall asleep... I talked to the RN at my doc's office about a week ago and she didn't think it was too late for me to just stop... I guess I'm wondering when is it a high enough dosage and how long do you have to take it before it becomes dangerous? Thank you so much for your comments--
echo08
12 March 2012
Hi again! I would say that a high enough dose would have 2 be out of the subtheraputic range you're in so 3mg/day & up. As for how long... that kinda depends on how ur brain is responding 2 it. Usually it would b at least 3mg/day for 3-4 months. I totally understand ur concerns about becoming dependent on a medication. Just my personal opinion - we only become concerned about someone taking Xanax if they keep wanting 2 up their dose. That's considered a sign 2 the psychiatrists I work with that the person isn't benefitting from the Xanax but from the temporary feeling of relief. If they keep needing more, it's not the right med. Xanax is like an anti-depressent - it has a legitimate purpose other than getting a "high" or the other ways it's abused. I've been on the same does for 20 yrs. For me, it does what it's medically supposed to. I'm not "addicted" to it.
By now, my brain is chemically dependent on it, just as someone who's taking an anti-depressent would be. I only shared all that because if u & ur Dr find that it's something that works for u & improves ur quality of life, IMHO. that's nothing 2 feel bad about, or guilty, worried, etc. This is a decision for u & ur doctor - I'm really not trying 2 push u in either direction & I apologize in advance if I was coming off that way. Defintely don't want 2 sound like a pusher going "hey, meds r great, take as many as possible!" :-) Or a know-it-all lecturer! Whatever u decide should just be what's best 4 u & that's all I hope u find. Best wishes & I'll be sending some loving light ur way!
Echo
Inactive
12 March 2012
Good answer Echo! I would add that if you start wanting to take them at times other than bedtime to sleep then you are starting to have a problem. Try benadryl a couple at bedtime without the xanax, & see if they help you sleep. They do most people. You also mentioned something about being depressed. Maybe you need to tell you doctor about feeling depressed & anxious. You may need a low dose of an antipression med instead of xanax anyway. Best of luck to you... Mary
Inactive
7 March 2012
Hi Camilla, & welcome to the site. The number of days & lenght of time you have been taking xanax you should have no problems whatsoever just stopping it completely. I would assume you were gong thru a stressful time, & just needed to relax, but now ist's over? I wish the best for you... Mary
Camilla2012
12 March 2012
Mary, thanks for the response... unfortunately, I have kept on using the xanax for about six more days after my post (dosages varying from .25-0.75 mg) When is it not safe for me to just stop? The RN at my doc's office said basically it would take a long time and a lot of dosages for me to become officially addicted and to not stop cold turkey, but I'm afraid if I stop I'll get rebound anxiety or possibly another panic attack... I'm still so depressed stressed and I feel like these things are ruining my life... now, I use the xanax to fall asleep... I don't want to become drug reliant... am I on a bad path here?
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- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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