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Can long term Xanax use cause brain shrinkage and Parkinson's ?

I have been taking xanax for 20 yrs.(Yeah, I'm still alive)  I take 2 mg. a day, usually late in the afternoon or evening. I suffer from depression as well and am on Paxil. Almost everone in my family has depression problems. I started out with .25 mg. 20 yrs. ago. I am also recovering alcohlic. Thank God Recovered!  I know I have short term memory loss, I used to have the best memory!!  Every once in a while, I will have rapid eyelid movement or my lips will quiver. I believe this is related to the long term Xanax use. I am also worried about dementia.  My mother has suffered from dementia/alzheimers for years. What is the outlook for me?  Sometimes I just don't think I can go on. Some days are worse than others. Am not married, needless to say, and have no siblings and have a son who has an addiction problem as well.  He has been in and out of jail so many times I have lost count.  I could go on and on.  Please, if anyone os thinking about taking Xanax, don't!!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I got off Xanax about 7 months ago. I have severe panic attacks daily and my daily dose had worked it's way up to 8mgs. Getting off was really tough. I started in College during exams and now I'm 46. Until 7 months ago, I'd never lived a "clean" day in my adult life. After the horrible withdrawals during the first month or so, I've found a new clarity, Duhh... Now, I'm a little concerned. The symptoms of withdraw are really close to Parkinson's. It's been 7 months and,if anything,they are worsening. Anyone else experienced this?
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432009 tn?1304749841
Are you interested in weaning off of xanax or switching over to a longer-acting benzo like valium or klonopin?
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