Discontinuing Alprozolam

I am taking 0.25 mg - one tablet - once daily to keep my panic attacks in check for the last 4 weeks. I want to stop taking it. As this is the smallest dosage available can I discontinue it safely? Should I take PROZAC instead for some tome to avoid side effects? Can PROZAC help in panic attacks and sleep? Are there any problems if I stop taking PROZAC?

[shelzmike]

Let me first say that I am not a doctor, but am relating on my own experience with both Prozac and xanax..

Okay, .25 once a day, in most cases, is not very physically addictive. However, it can be a little mentally addictive and can cause anxiety when you stop taking it IF you think that you HAVE to have it to avoid panic.

In my experience, if you can avoid taking another drug to get off another, then do so. Otherwise, you will start a cycle with no end - for example, what would you then take if you wanted to get off prozac, and then what to get off of that? See where I am going here?

And I have heard that Prozac can help with panic; however xanax and prozac are two different types of drugs. Prozac is more continuous (throughout the day) and should only be taken once a day. However, xanax's effect usually only lasts about 4 hours max and is at its peak at about 2 hours.

That being said, it is interesting that you mentioned you only take such a low dose and only once a day. The reason being is that during your whole day, you are only using medicine for about 4 hours to control your panic - the rest of the day you are doing it yourself! Did you realize that? That is great because it means that you are on an effective path to being able to deal with your panic/anxiety on your own. If you are not already, I would start seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist to work on one of many different help therapies.

Out of curiosity, what makes you want to stop taking the xanax and start taking something else like Prozac? I did opposite in my experience. I was taking several when I was first diagnosed, but really hated it - now, with therapy, I have a prescription for .5 xanax and 20 lasts me about 4 months - I take it only when I absolutely have to. Good Luck. Oh, and no matter what always talk to your doctor about your different options and what the resulting benefits/disadvantages there are.

Mike

[cj29]

I have been Ativan for the past 4-5 weeks or so as I had been going up in Sertraline (Zoloft).  I also want to slowly ween myself off of this medication.  My doctor suggested doing it slowly, but that I was on such a small dose that it should not be too bad. However, I have been going fairly slowly in cutting back and I have a doc's appointment to morrow and I am going to ask a few more questions.  In my experience, I believe that I do have a psychological dependence on them and use them as my 'safety net.'  I used to be really against medications until I started listening to my counselors and doctors.  I think that they can be a useful tool along with therapy.  If you have many questions, do not be afraid to ask this forum, your medical doctors, and your counselors.

Good luck!