I am not really sure what your doctor wants to do, but why don't you ask him? Xanax is usually prescribed short term and you can definitely build up a tolerance to it, in my opinion. It could be to wean you off, but he would probably advise you to taper slowly off of it first...keep us posted!
He may be getting ready to wean you off xanax or supplement it with buspar until it takes full effect. see:
"Unlike the benzodiazepines, buspirone shows no potential for addiction or dependence, and the development of tolerance has not been observed"
"Often patients have to be initially co-treated with a benzodiazepine for an immediate anxiolytic effect."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspar#Comparison_to_benzodiazepines
Thanks so much for the feedback. I will research it more. I do believe the Xanax is too much of a "dependency affiliated" drug; although I do have several friends who have been on it nightly just for sleep. One for 15 years and she has never had a problem with needing a higher dose. I need to know if Buspar will take care of my insomnia problems, mainly as I can't ever go back to the lack of sleep I lived with. My Doctor of ten years tried many different meds ; but all were anti-depressant meds; even though my diagnosis was Anxiety and I continually was told I am not a depressive personality. They were useless. I never got any sleep and my anxiety level never improved. Finally the G.A.D. diagnosis was recognized when I brought up some things from my mid- teens which occurred. Let it suffice to say I lived with a former WWII P.O.W. father. I will see what my visit in mid October brings and keep it posted here. I appreciate the support and comments. :)
Well, I am now on an increased dose of Buspar ( up from 10 to 15 mg twice a day)after the Dr. visit this month. I told him I do not want to continue to add more drugs and raise dosages. He asked how much of the prescribed dosage of Xanax I was taking ( I was allowed 1 Mg. twice daily) and said "Well, you're not abusing them"; so I am sure he doesn't feel concerned about that happening. I do know that I tried to skip one bedtime dose of the Xanax and had insomnia that night immediately; regardless of being on the buspar for 6 weeks at that point. I told him I took half of what he recommended in the a.m . And that I even try to skip a day in between if the day is not too stressful; then the full 1 Mg. for bedtime. In the event that I am having a bad day dealing with something that is confrontational; at home or otherwise; and I get the palpitations that start in ; I take it PRN. I also learned from the ARPN in his office that my Dr. is using the Buspar to keep my Xanax level under control; to level me off so as to not need more. Buspar does not deal with insomnia so most likely I will be on Xanax for the "duration", i.e. for life. I am not thrilled to hear it. In these critical times; those of us with anxiety issues that go way back; have to view it as an insulin diabetic needing insulin . I try to be balanced. My friends do see me feeling better from their perspective. sometimes it is hard to look at yourslef and be that way, so when i see the Dr. in November again will try to stop where i am at with everything and hope it remains stable and effective. Hope all of you are doing well with your efforts to live a happier life... I sure am trying...