Tapering Off Xanax or NOT!!! HELP!

[Atilla]

I have only been taking 1 tab of  0.25mg. of Xanax for sleep only .   I have been doing this for years.  My doctor said I don't have to taper off of Xanax before of such low dosage.  There have been a few occasions that I had taken 1 1/2 tabs.    Has anyone had to taper off from Xanax at this dosage?  Thanks.

[Wobbly]

I was on 0.5 for about 5 years...I cut down to 0.25 and found it difficult...the Dr has now changed me to clonazapam, she says it's not as difficult to get off of...the switch was easy .. now I just have to get off the clonazapam.  I only use it to help me sleep/stay asleep. Good luck

[OneScaredBuckeye]

I think it's possible to "just stop" almost any drug (certainly not all, but most), but tapering off is easier and I think it's safer.  Stopping suddenly, even when you've only been taking a low dose, if you've been taking it for years, can cause physical and psychological side effects that probably wouldn't be pleasant.  I'd go back and tell the doctor I wanted to taper off and if he wouldn't help me, I'd switch doctors.  Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which means it's relatively safe, especially compared to other anti-anxiety drugs, but it also means the potential for withdrawal symptoms is there, even in small doses if taken over an extended period of time.  I don't think the dose is your problem, it's the fact that you've been taking it for years.  Good luck.