Getting off Xanax - What to know?

Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is a pill in the group of benzodiazepines and is mostly used to treat anxiety and various panic disorders. It affects the central nervous system with the purpose to bring a calming effect.

Xanax enhances GABA, certain natural brain chemicals in the body, and many find it very useful and powerful. In some earlier decades, Xanax was considered to be a good medicine that can help you to function normally in the long term. Yet, today, psychologists and mental health experts claim that this pill shouldn't be used for a longer period of time, mostly due to the fact that people become tolerant of high doses very quickly, and therefore - may suffer from drug addiction.

In this article, we wanted to share some useful information whch can help people to get off Xanax, without many consequences. Those who haven't used this drug don't know how hard it may be to get off it. 

Most common signs and symptoms people experience when stop taking Xanax:

-increased anxiety. You may notice that your anxiety is worse than when you first started taking Xanax. For some, this may be true, but for others, it may be just the previous anxiety they had - yet it seems a bit stronger now.

-panic attacks. With anxiety, there are always panic attacks. 

-change in emotions. Xanax can affect your cognition and emotions, and many claim that it actually caused drowsiness, either while taking the pill, or later, when people tried to get off it.

-increased heart rate and sweating. Together with anxious states and symptoms, these are some common physical signs. 

-insomnia. Insomnia is usually a part of every grieving process, but it may be increased once you try to stop taking Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Learn how to fight insomnia in this article - we have shared very useful advice that will help you. 

-loss of appetite and nausea. You'll probably experience change in apettite too, together with some stomach issues. And while some claim that they had diarrhea, others claim that they experienced constipation.

Okay, now that we have seen what can happen and what usually happens when you stop taking Xanax (and you've been taking it for quite a long period of time), let's find out what would be the best way to get off this drug.

One thing is certain - don't cut it down and quit on your own. It's always highly recommended to do this with your healthcare professional because the main point is to escape all those repetitive episodes of anxiety and panic attacks.

Yet, we can share what will probably happen and what will the plan look like if you decide to stop taking Xanax.

Medical detox is the only way to get off Xanax and other similar drugs in a safe way. What that means is that the doctor will guide you to cutting down the amount of the pills you take. Be patient because this can take up to several weeks - mostly between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the period of time you've been taking Xanax and depending on the doses you are tolerant to. You'll be taking very small doses of the pill so you escape the side effects. 

Our best advice would be that you find a period of time when you don't have too many obligations and serious events, so you can at least peacefully fight this pill and get off it. Distract yourself from triggers and if possible, protect yourself from the situations that cause anxiety and panic attacks.

Your doctor may also recommend switching to some other pill in the meantime, or taking very small doses of benzodiazepines of other sorts, usually just at night so you can sleep.

Stay patient and create a plan with your mental health professional and you have a very high chance of getting off Xanax. Of course, don't blame yourself if you don't succeed - try again when you are ready.

We wish you all the luck! 

Learn more about signs and symptoms that can tell you that antidepressants aren't working properly.