I've had a Xanax prescription for years for my panic disorder. I never took it regularly, just "as needed" for really bad panic attacks. However, for the past month and a half, probably, I have taken between .25mg and .75mg almost every day just to get me out the door to work. I have been having a really hard time with my panic disorder since about October and my psych nurse practioner switched me from Lexapro to Prozac in November but I've had a really hard time with it and I don't feel better. I've used the Xanax more to deal with the side effects and trying different levels of the Prozac. I'm now worried about becoming dependent on the Xanax and am concerned about withdrawals if I don't take it. During the weekends I try not to take it and next week I am off of work, so I am wondering if I am harming myself if I don't take it every day now? I see my nurse practioner next week and will bring these concerns to her, but I have done that before and she kind of poo-poo'd me and said I was worrying too much. My goal is to be off of xanax because I would like to try to have a baby but I feel like I'm in a crappy spot right now.
Is it safe to skip a day or two of Xanax?
Question posted by Katersmc on 13 April 2019
Last updated on 13 April 2019
Answers
Hello Katersmc:
Yes, it is safe to skip your Xanax dose for a couple of days and longer. If you were taking say 1.0 mg or more for 6 or more weeks then it may be appropriate to taper down but you should not have to given the dosing range you have indicated.
Take care for now and all the best.
Thank you. Yeah there might have been a day or two where I took 1 mg but not consistently. Obviously I have anxiety and tend to worry. I worked myself into a panic today worrying about Xanax withdrawals. I know so much of it is in my head. Xanax has been a life saver on many occasions but I don't want it to be my life raft because that will backfire. And I don't need the additional worry of having to come off of a drug.
You become dependent on xanax quickly if you use it regularly, meaning every day for more than one week. Just stopping may cause problems, and is never recommended. Taper. Best to take as needed, not every day.
Unfortunately my panic became bad that daily use became "as needed" so that I could get out the door and go to work. Things are getting slightly better though so I'm hoping this won't be the case for much longer.
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, panic disorder
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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