Dr. stopping Xanex after 30 years, I'm TERRFIED !!!

[Terified13]

Hi, I have beeen taking Xanex for 30 years, I started at .25 and have worked up to 3mg.s per day. I take most of the time at night. Once in a while I take 1/2 to 1 during the day if my panic really kicks in, however it has been 99% ONLY at night.
I called for my usual Refill a few days ago and theGP that has prescibed it for the last 12 years said she had Voided my Xanex script, I needed to go to a Physc. She had told me in Dec. to go to a Physc. because every Anit-deprees. she had given me had not worked, she never mentioned Xanex. I think I know "why" she did thid this ? I talked to a therapist (in her practice) and was crying my eyes out about the side effcts, memory loss, fits of rage, cannot concentrate, aggitated etc... I told him someone should be "responsible" for giving me this "dangerous drug" for so many years !
Now what do I do ? I have NO MONEY and only Medicare. I have recently taken on the care of my 2 tear old Grandchild while my son is fighting for Custody and I have 12 to 15 hours a day. I fhe goes before the Judge and my husband and I are her "babysitters", I can't be in "withdrawl" or in  a REHAB, that would be VERY BAD in the Judges eyes, I am sure he would think "well the Grandma is a drug addict" she does'nt need to be watching this child ! My son cannot afford daycare !
I have lost my appetite and have been in a Panic since the Dr.s Nurse told me this on the phone 2 days ago, I had to take a xanex because of this news !  I was Shocked !
If she is afraid of Liability because of what i said, I think it's a little too late ? What the H*** is she thinking ?
I am almost out of Xanex and I don't have any money to hop from one Physc. to another till I find one that WILL prescribe it !!! I a in a panic just THINKING about it !!!

Please  Any and All suggestions ,comments etc... will be appreciated .
The Dr. said she told me in dec. and that should have given me plenty of time to find a physc. It was her NURSE and it was about the anti-depress.  Not Xanex !!!    It was on the phone, not even in person !!

                                            Thanks, terrfied13

[Gasten]

I just left you a Message.  Check your Inbox!

Gasten

[sandstone27]

Hi Terified,

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this.  It is suddenly becoming a common practice, especially in the state of FL.  A place that was once the "go to" state for pill doctors has done a complete 180 and is cracking down on anyone prescribing controlled substances.  Unfortunately, this includes people such as yourself who have been legitimately prescribed xanax for many years.

It is unconscionable that your doctor would just void your script;  did you have any refills remaining?   Benzodiazapines must be tapered from very slowly, you cannot just quit cold turkey, or you run the risk of seizures and other side effects.  

I noticed that you and Gasten are communicating - You will be in good hands with her as she has experienced roughly the same use and duration of xanax and she will give you good advice.  If you have any other questions, just continue to post.  I hope we can help you here.  

Well wishes...

Sandy ♦

[forgottensick]

I know where you are coming from as my doctor sent me a letter saying he wasn`t treating me anymore and he wouldn`t be writing any more scripts for my methadone. First thing I suggest is you need to calm down so you can think straight. Then look for a free clinic around you. The welfare dept. should be able to steer you in the right direction. Many towns/cities have a mental health clinic that works on a sliding scale. Be very thankful you have medicare because I don`t have any healthcare coverage or income.  So TRY to calm down so you can think. You can, and will, figure this out. Don`t give up. I have also found that when looking for a doctor, do not tell them you don`t have any money. Every doctor I have seen or met in the past 27 years has been onto it for the money and I been to many many doctors.

[HelpMe305]

Is there a psych doctor that accepts Medicare? What about the health department in your state. Can you call back the original doctor and ask them for a referral? I'm sure there are other alternatives, just try to be proactive. I would imagine that any doctor knowingly stopping that amount of Xanax abruptly would know the after effects. Why wouldn't they care?

[NorthEast213]

Hi and welcome..

I don't really have any direct experience with benzos but there are many on here who are very knowledgeable.  Stick around and they will be by to help.. Weekends can be slow but im sure you will get some help.

What I do know is you absolutely can't stop suddenly.  You need a long doctor assisted taper.  I understand your insurance issues but my advice is if you haven't found a solution soon be proactive and go to an urgent care center and be honest with them.  

Please stick around... others will be by to help

Sean