new dr wants to take me off xanax

[uhura56]

I have been taking xanax since about 1988. I have had crippling anxiety and depression since I was 9 years old. As I got older I was diagnosed with PTSD along with the increasing anxiety and bouts of depression. Now I have coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, supra ventricular tachycardia, valve regurgitation and fibromyalgia, among other things if you can believe that.
I recently moved and went to a new dr and on the last visit when I asked for refill on xanax he read me a riot act as though I were an evil drug dealer and has started giving me things to see if I can tolerate them so that he can take me off xanax. I take 6mg a day and have taken that amount for about 5 years. My former psychiatrist said that he couldn't try to take me off it because of my heart problems, that it would be too dangerous for me. This dr has me scared to death talking like he has to get me off it real quick or else he will be in trouble with DEA. Help, I am desperate for suggestions.

[Tracylyn245]

I can say I understand what your dealing with. I too take xanax 4 milligrams a day. YET...I've been on xanax since 1984...no kidding! Started out on 3 milligrams and was upped to 4. I know how you feel...so many ppl abuse xanax...thats why Drs don't like putting ppl on this drug...as long as your taking the dosage your suppose to...the Dr should leave you on them...or infact take you off a small amount at a time....I was told when first given xanax it was non habit forming....well we all know better.......I have spent most of my life on this drug..and have had zero side effects at all....I wish you the best.

[johanni]

Xanax should never have been prescribed for such along time!Are you sure your taking 6mg a day!!!!That is a huge amount.The doctor who prescribed this drug to you for the long term should be shot!I feel for you but honestly this drug is a nightmare to get off especially at that dosage and time period.Your psychiatrist is right in one respect that taking you off it could pose problems but he should have tried in helping you reduce the dose or switching to a longer acting Benzo like valium.DO NOT stop it cold turkey.Good luck and I hope you feel better.