Why am I getting hallucination after Xanax withdrawal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was on 0.5 mg Xanax for one month. As per my psychiatrist, I went cold turkey from the dose. After eight days I started having mild hallucinations such as a knock on the door, smells, and visual disturbances. I went back to 0.25 mg (on day 10). Will the hallucinations stop if I continue on the 0.25 mg and how slow of a taper should I do from 0.25 mg? I am sensitive to medication changes. I am on Lexapro 10 mg and Trazadone 150 mg.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern related to Xanax (Alprazolam). Usually, Xanax has a half-life of around 12 hours and is fully eliminated from the body in about four days. You may be well aware that Xanax is a habit-forming drug and is meant to be taken only for a short period. Thankfully, you have only been on a lower dose of Xanax 0.5 mg for a month. So there is a less chance of dependence and withdrawal effects are less likely. So your psychiatrist's initial suggestion of stopping Xanax was a safe tapering plan.

I understand that you are now back on Xanax 0.25 mg after ten days due to having mild hallucinatory experiences. How long have you been taking Xanax 0.25 mg? Are you taking Xanax 0.25 mg once daily or more than once daily?

If you are on Xanax 0.25 mg once daily, it can be stopped straightaway. Withdrawal effects are less likely on this small dose. If hallucinatory experiences and anxiety are excessive you can consider taking Xanax 0.25 mg occasionally as needed, but not more than once a day for up to a week and then stop it. Long term usage will not be helpful and can be counter-productive. Lexapro (Escitalopram) 10 mg and Trazadone 150 mg are effective antidepressant medications useful in managing anxiety and depression and can be continued on a longer term. If you are having any residual symptoms, you can consider psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). You can also try deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. If you are feeling physically unwell when Xanax is stopped, consult your doctor for monitoring and support.

I hope this helps.