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Seizures from quitting/weaning Xanax!?!?!?!!!!!

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Posted 1/16/2014 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone! I was (of course) reading online about women being pregnant and on Xanax because I am afraid of getting pregnant and still having to use the Xanax. A lot of people cannot go without so their Drs said it would be better for the mother and the baby as well if they stayed on the Xanax because the birth defect is below 1% in relation to the drug as studies show. Anyhow, the one lady said, she had a "grand mal" seizure 27 hours into quitting Xanax. Has anyone else heard of/had this happen to them? This is SCARY!!! I don't read on google much at all anymore about symptoms as it made anxiety worse, but this wasn't symptoms (ha ha) it was a totally different subject, now Im freaked out anyway!!!! How are you supposed to "wean" let alone get off of these kinds of drugs without bad things happening such as a seizure? Im down to 1 a day (2 on a bad day) now, now Im afraid to even wean, or afraid to not take the second one when I start to feel anxious anymore, because of the risk of this seizure crap! Any insight on this would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

Lacey

Posted 1/16/2014 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
My non-medical input and thoughts on this are: It sounds like that person may have been on high doses and stopped cold turkey, and thus shocked her body.

However, working with your doctor to properly, and slowly, wean down and off the medication is the safest way to do it! It can certainly be done. I think it's the sudden stopping that cranks up those intense w/d's and s/e's.

If you're concerned, I certainly would mention it to your doctor. Be upfront and honest, explain your fears, and ask your docs what they think about this as it pertains to you.

I've been on and off Xanax for many years, but I also always worked with my doctor when facilitating changes. It can be done safely! Really! :)



M.
Posted 1/16/2014 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!! I was actually thinking the same thing. Im on the lowest dose, instead of him increasing my dosage at the peak of my anxiety he just gave me so many more a month, and if it was needed I could take it. I would say at the time it was stupid because my mg was not working, but now I see why and Im glad he did it the way he did! I have been on so many meds for long periods of times including anti depressants, narcotic pain killers, muscle relaxers, etc etc the list goes on, but NOTHING compares to getting off of it like the Xanax, I never had any withdrawals before from anything even just stopping cold turkey which I did everytime, but its impossible and scary to me with the Xanax. Even when I was on Klonopin and I found out I was pregnant with my now 4 year old, I didn't take them that morning and was completely fine until the end of my pregnancy. I just don't see how I cant do it with the Xanax. Its very frustrating to me! It really is! I don't want to feel the shakes and trembles anymore Im over it!

Thanks again for your response!

Lacey
Posted 1/16/2014 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
From the following link, this avoids my conjecture:

"Seizures attributable to XANAX were seen after drug discontinuance or dose reduction in 8 of 1980 patients with panic disorder or in patients participating in clinical trials where doses of XANAX greater than 4 mg/day for over 3 months were permitted. Five of these cases clearly occurred during abrupt dose reduction....."

http://www.rxlist.com/xanax-drug/warnings-precautions.htm

Remember the above emphasizes doses greater than 4mg/day for over 3 months. Also, in the study, it was only 8 of 1980 studied or recorded cases, so no need for anyone to be overly concerned about their prescribed usage.

Nevertheless, tapering under the care of a physician would obviously be advised.
Posted 1/16/2014 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! Im only taking .5 doses and having trouble, Im glad my Dr never put me on a higher dosage! Pretty smart of him, I know Ill be thanking him at my next appt! Ha Ha.

Thanks again, I feel a little relieved. (-:
Posted 1/16/2014 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
The most important thing from what I have read and researched and experienced as being on Xanax for a long time is that the dose has to be weened down slowly to avoid even possible dangerous effects. I went of cold turkey once and got excruciating leg cramps--that is one side effect of the withdrawal. Go slow and make sure your doctor knows what you are doing. It is great that you are trying to get off of it. Prayers are with you.
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