Anxiety and Stress Forum - Xanax: withdrawl symptoms not getting better....what now?

Mental Health > Anxiety and Stress Forum > Xanax: withdrawl symptoms not getting better....what now?

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Q: Xanax: withdrawl symptoms not getting better....what now?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on October 10th, 2006

I lost my brother to suicide one year ago. Since then, I have been seeking help from a psyciatrist in which case he placed me on 5 mg of xanax each day, as well as prosac. He is now in the process of weening me off of the medications. He has prescribed BuSpar and decreasing dosages of the xanax.
How long should I feel the pain of these withdrawl symptoms. I already have fibro, and this is making my muscle pain increase, as well as depression and appetite.
The decrease began on September 28 and I am not feeling any better. What Now!!!!

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on October 16th, 2006

Anxiety & Stress Answer A1633

According to your history (a recent suicide in the family), it seems that you are probably experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is hard to determine if the pain is due to withdrawal syndrome or fibromyalgia. You can try some of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) when prescribed by a psychiatrist. SSRI's usually don’t cause addiction like Xanax. Psycho-therapy is also recognized as an appropriate treatment option for PTSD.

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