Xanax XR and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• kyl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 7, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I use alprazolam ER. Have been on some form of benzo for panic issues 20-30 years. Xanax worked best. Problem was with its relief time, # of hours it would work before needing to take another. I think the main issue was with my system's ability to notice the absence of fear because the medication would give me comfort by inebriation, feeling intoxicated. Which is fine for some people, but my system began needing more. Stopping would magnify my fear, bring on withdrawal, make life beyond miserable. I was given Xanax ER, and my fear almost disappeared without intoxicating me; wish I could describe it more precisely. All I know is I do not feel like my fear is being replaced by 2-3 pints of lager. It is gone almost always without having to increase medication. Pretty amazing for someone who has medication issues."

• MoM...
• September 27, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I have been on and off Xanax since its release in the '80s. Two years ago, I attempted to wean myself off. My reasoning was that 0.25mg twice a day was too much and I was still panicking. After 3 days, I had a full panic attack. I took 1/2 of a Xanax and called my MD. He said that he did not know what to do. I called a psychiatrist. I continued on the 0.25 mg twice a day. I continued to be panicking and paranoid. He prescribed Xanax 0.5mg XR in the morning and 1mg XR at bedtime. I feel so much better. I continue to worry about withdrawals, but having to take two pills a day is no big deal if you have ever had an attack. I also did not try to hide the fact from people I thought would find me flawed for taking Xanax. This was freeing."

• FDM...
• June 18, 2009

For Panic Disorder "Best medicine I have taken for panic disorder. Started May 17th and have not had a panic attack since. Want to start weaning off. Concerned about withdrawal symptoms."