HomeAnswersPsychiatrypanic attackHow do lowering the dose of Xanax plays a role in psychologial effects?

Will cutting down Xanax dose lead to psychological effects?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At March 3, 2020
Reviewed AtApril 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been taking 4 mg of Xanax a day to treat severe panic attack syndrome and associated high levels of general anxiety for 15 years. My doctor arrived at the 4 mg per day amount gradually and it works very well along with CBT from a therapist. Before two months, when I received the medication from the pharmacy it was for 3 mg /day. I asked them to double check and that was the quantity that my doctor had written. I call his office and the office manager said that she would ask him about it. When I called the next day she said that he did not make a mistake and I asked for an explanation and was told that he did not give one.

I started to feel sick a few days later and panic attacks actually started to increase the day that I talk to his office manager. I suffered minor but disruptive withdrawal symptoms physically and mentally for about two weeks and then they subsided but panic attacks continued to occur at random every day and my GAD symptoms increased to the point where CBT methods were not working.

Then last month, the script was back to 4 mg per day normal dosage. I thought yes, back to normal. But again this month the script was back down to 3 mg per day which means I am going to experience a minor hell again.

I am a defense and aerospace engineer who works on a contract basis through an agency and the client had noticed a drop in my performance before month but back to normal last month, now they are going to see it again and I will probably lose the contract job. I also started online system engineer classes and I am freaking out over being able to handle the exams and homework as I typically work on the class at night and am now without my evening dose. I again asked for an explanation and was not given any.

My question is a 25% cut in dosage physically dangerous and I am well aware of the strong psychological addition issues, so will this settle down before my career and social life and general well being take a hit and I revert to hiding in my apartment with my dog and my employer and friends will give up on me.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are a few clarifications and advice that I need to make.

Reducing the dosage of Alprazolam results in Alprazolam withdrawal. A reduction by 25% is unlikely to be physically dangerous but the withdrawal symptoms are going to be highly unpleasant.

The anxiety of withdrawal is quite similar to your panic and generalized anxiety and it is difficult to make a difference between the two. Withdrawal anxiety will reduce over time. I do not think that your disease will worsen because of this to the initial level but the withdrawal will cause distress for a few weeks.

I recommend using more nonpharmacological therapies like relaxation training during this period. Ask your doctor to avoid making sharp changes in dose and consider adding drugs like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), etc. Breaking your tablets and taking the pieces in such a way so that you reduce the inter dose interval without changing the dose.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Saraswat Kumarshri Shriniwas
Dr. Saraswat Kumarshri Shriniwas

Psychiatry

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Psychiatry

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy