1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Going off of Xanax

Posted by bvgrammy @bvgrammy, Nov 23, 2016

I have been taking Xanax for 25 years for Fibromyalgia and Anxiety. I am trying to wean myself off of it. Has anyone done this?

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Oct 26, 2025
In reply to @pmukerji "I have severe bedbound long Covid. Xanax calms my multiple neuro inflammatory symptoms including nasal congestion...." + (show)
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I have severe bedbound long Covid. Xanax calms my multiple neuro inflammatory symptoms including nasal congestion.

Part of me wants to continue as it is the only thing that allows me relief.

Then I read horror stories of dependence. Not sure whether to continue or quit. Either way life is hellush.

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If you continue do so with the thought that it will diminish in effectiveness over time. Which way makes life the least hellish?

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pmukerji | @pmukerji | Oct 26, 2025
In reply to @bajjerfan "If you continue do so with the thought that it will diminish in effectiveness over time...." + (show)
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If you continue do so with the thought that it will diminish in effectiveness over time. Which way makes life the least hellish?

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@bajjerfan are you speaking from personal experience? There are so many stories of people here who continue on low doses for 5-10 years ….

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Oct 26, 2025
In reply to @pmukerji "@bajjerfan are you speaking from personal experience? There are so many stories of people here who..." + (show)
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@bajjerfan are you speaking from personal experience? There are so many stories of people here who continue on low doses for 5-10 years ….

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@pmukerji

No. It's just that it's commonly stated that Xanax efficiency wanes over time. If I had to choose I'd take my chances with the long term relief. I do take PreGabalin/Lyrica and will likely be on it for the rest of my days. Not many side effects, but the relief it provides is well worth the alternative. Plus I have other complications. Don't know your age, but I'm 77 so not much useful life left.

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pmukerji | @pmukerji | Oct 26, 2025
In reply to @pmukerji "I have severe bedbound long Covid. Xanax calms my multiple neuro inflammatory symptoms including nasal congestion...." + (show)
Profile picture for pmukerji @pmukerji

I have severe bedbound long Covid. Xanax calms my multiple neuro inflammatory symptoms including nasal congestion.

Part of me wants to continue as it is the only thing that allows me relief.

Then I read horror stories of dependence. Not sure whether to continue or quit. Either way life is hellush.

Jump to this post

I’m 62, with no life left if I don’t survive severe Long Covid…. Sad to say . 77 is young !

Xanax is also helping with other symptoms of nervous system inflammation.

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Oct 26, 2025
In reply to @pmukerji "I’m 62, with no life left if I don’t survive severe Long Covid…. Sad to say..." + (show)
Profile picture for pmukerji @pmukerji

I’m 62, with no life left if I don’t survive severe Long Covid…. Sad to say . 77 is young !

Xanax is also helping with other symptoms of nervous system inflammation.

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@pmukerji

I suppose it could be somewhat young if one has really good health.

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delehine | @delehine | Jul 10 11:23am
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @dianrib — sounds like it was very difficult to get off of Alprazolam (Xanax). Feeling..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

Hi, @dianrib — sounds like it was very difficult to get off of Alprazolam (Xanax). Feeling as though you were dying or having a stroke is scary.

I'd like to invite a few others into this discussion, like @liz223 @max5647@128128terry11t @patricia1955 @blacksilk9 @terra and @toasty, who may have some thoughts about your experiences with coming off of Alprazolam (Xanax) and also may have some experiences of their own with this medication to share.

@dianrib — if you are comfortable, will you share a bit about why you were originally prescribed Alprazolam (Xanax)?

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@lisalucier panic attack & surgery , I don’t have depression tho

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