Brain fog and Xanax!!

Anyways, in the first 2 weeks of this new "cycle" I took a lot of xanax. My doc prescribed it to me, I've taken it for panic for over 5 years... normally I would take 1/2 of a 0,25 dose a day, which is nothing... and 1/2 of 0,25 if I had a crisis. Never had ANY problems with it.

During this period of crisis, about 1.5 months ago, for 2-3 weeks, I took more than that. I took about 0,5 - 0,75 mg a day!!

Now I'm only taking 0,25 mg per day at night before bedtime. It's been like this for over 1 month,

Today with my therapist I mentioned I have been having a bit of brain fog. Like in the end of the day when I'm very tired I can't really concentrate or if I'm doing something else and someone talks to me I feel like I can't think properly for a second, it's like I freeze... this only happens when I'm very tired and not that into the topic. When I'm talking about something that really interests me I don't have the fog, but for example, at work, if I'm working on something and my boss asks me about another topic, I get stuck for a second.

So yeah, my therapist was like, oh, that might be because of the xanax, it will pass soon.

Then I read stories here at healing well about people ending in the psych ward due to xanax withdrawl and I am FREAKING out!! Do you guys think I might be addicted to it??? I mean, I don't feel the need to take it at all during the day, I only take the daily 0,25 mg dosage before bedtime because my doctor think I should as sleeping well is important etc... but I don't feel the need to take it...

I'm also taking 62,5 mg of Sertraline, which is a lot for me because I used to take 12,5 - 25 mg when I was younger. However, since I'm older and this crisis came with mild depression, my doc upped my dosage.

I'm just scared that I have too many drugs in my brain, specially the xanax! Other than the "brain fog" I've been feeling very well.

What do you guys think?

Good Morning and Welcome to HealingWell, I am Kitt.

Sertraline tends to increase levels of energy—which is helpful for people battling fatigue or "brain fog." Although I have read posts by members who have brain fog from the SSRI meds too.

As far as your addiction/withdrawal and Xanax you dose is very low.  You may be very sensitive to benzos which could cause you to feel a bit foggy from even a small increase.  Most people will adjust to the dose changes without problems.

I am not a professional so I would have to say your physician is your best source. 

Hope you can kick this brain fog to the curb.  Stick with us as we care.

Hugs to you,

Kitt