Possible benzo addiction...?

For the past two months I have had feelings of intense pressure and tension in my head, particularly around my temples and eyes and especially while driving or talking; dizziness, occasional vertigo, and a general feeling of being "out of it" or disconnected (at times, though rarely, full-fledged dissociation). These are accompanied by general malaise and chills. Most disturbingly, the whole time I have also been experiencing almost obsessive fear and what I would describe as tunnel-thinking. I haven't had a clear conscious experience since the end of March!

I've been to see five doctors who all checked my vitals, peered into my nose and ears but didn't see any swelling or infection, and concluded that it is probably a bizarre sinus and/or inner ear infection. Medications abound, including antibiotics and steroidal antihistamines, but with no effect. I am leaning toward nerve damage or Lyme's disease...

However, after reading a few of the posts on this forum I'm starting to think that it may be anxiety, or maybe anxiety induced by one of the above infections. I've been taking Xanax for about three years for insomnia, no more than .5-1mg per night but definitely every night, and I have noticed that my symptoms almost totally disappear if I take 1mg at night before bed. I've also heard that long-term benzodiazepine use can create "health problems" including rather severe anxiety.

My question is: would a regular dose of just .5mg of Xanax (for, again, three years) actually CREATE a disorder of that magnitude, or is the Xanax merely treating the symptoms of something else? If the cure is causing the malady I want to stop taking it!

Thanks.

[lynn57]

First of all Xanax is addictive and does have tolerance issues.  It was not a really good choice for a sleep aid.  There are many others more suitable.  .5 mg may no longer be enough for your body.  You may actually be having withdrawal symptoms while still taking the med.  When you take 1 mg, the unwanted symptoms go away.  This sounds like your body now requires that higher dose.  Talk to your doctor about what is going on and it's association with your dosage of Xanax.

[rburrillo]

Thanks. I stopped taking the Xanax a little over a week ago. My symptoms haven't gotten any better but they also haven't gotten worse, so maybe it really is something else and the benzo was simply sedating me and thus making it seem less severe. My fears are starting to drift toward something neurological, but it takes time to shake loose from Xanax so I'll try to keep calm and wait a little longer.