Xanax usage/addiction/treatment time

[grit]

Sirs,
Approximately 1 year ago I was prescribed xanax for anxiety brought about for personal reasons. As best I recall, beginning dosage was .5mg, twice per day. Approximately 4 to 6 months later, I found myself periodically abusing the dosage to get relief from acute anxiety (3 to 4 mg per dosage). Well, the abuse has ended but I am left with what I think is an addiction. Despite my best efforts to reduce dosage over time, the dosage has incrementally increased to a steady 4 mg/day (sometimes as little as 2 mg per day).

Additionally, in an effort to curb my usage, my doctor recently switched me to Xanax XR (extended release), the net effect of which is I am almost incessently nervous to the point of having a "knot" in my stomach and my ability to concentrate at work is severely hampered and find myself craving "just a pinch" of a little more xanax to end the discomfort. Additionally, I've discontinued many of my previous enjoyable activities. I've discussed the current dosage level with my pharmacist and psychiatrist and at least two other health care professionals. Some of the personal problems continue that bring about my anxiety but I see this long term use and always slight increase in usage to be a problem.

FYI, I am also taking about 45mg of Remeron per day, 150mg of Provigil per day, and 100mg of lamictal per day.

The xanax use scares me and, due to it's percieved impact on my ability to function, something that needs to be dealt with.

What is your opinion on my current dosage and usage time (1 year)?
If treated, what could expected treatment time to "detox" be?
What drug treatment regimen (drugs administered, time table for drug treatment, etc.)is used if I admit myself for treatment for xanan "detox"?

As I've said, I've yet to find any health professionals alarmed by my usage, but I feel xanax's "hold" on me and would like to kick the habit before it kicks me.

Any other input in addition to the questions asked above is appreciated.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would think that any health care professional would be alarmed. That is a serious addiction, and xanax is notoriously difficult to detox.  As an interim measure, you might ask your psychiatrist to prescribe klonopin which is much longer acting and much easier to get off. You gradually reduce the xanax as you add klonopin.  Re detox centers, I believe each one will have a slightly different strategy, so you should ask that question directly to the ones close to you.

[Gingin123]

Hi Grit.  I am taking klonopin and and trying to wean also.  It is very hard to do and you have to go VERY SLOW.  I am cutting approximately .5 mg. every three months.  (I was on 3.75 mg. at my worst over the past year).  I am currently taking 2.25 mg. and it will be quite awhile before I am completely off.  I take 30 mg. remeron also.  I am using a water titration method that I found on a message board and it seems to be a lot easier than cutting pills and it is a very slow steady decrease.  What happens with these pills is they take the place of your own calming chemicals and when weaning, your brain has to learn to remake that chemical again.  So as you gradually cut, your brain is gradually relearning how to make the chemical.  But if you go too fast, you get ahead of your brain and then start suffering withdrawals.  If you decide to change over to klonopin, you can e-mail me and I will send you the info. on how to cut with the water method.  I will be out of town until Jan 10 but will get back with you then.  My e-mail is lynda.***@****.  Hope this helps and God Bless.