I have been in alprazolam (generic Xanax) and oxycodone for almost 11 years since botched thyroid surgery. The oxy actually unparalyzed my vocal chord nerves and gave me my voice back and helps me swallow. Not for pain. After a major tick bite issue two weeks ago where I had been going crazy and didn't know it, I finally decided it's time to get off, right now at least, the alprazolam. Doc wanted me on Cymbalta but why switch from one to the other when they are not necessary ? So I am cutting back the alprazolam first and it's working well! I usually take 2 mg 3x/day. In one day I was able to cut back, taking morning 2 mg (I wake with shakes) and then 1.75 mg twice a day. I've cut back 1/2 pill a day and seem to be tolerating it very well. When I took the Cymbalta my BP would spike terribly forcing me to take an Amlodipine and causing more issues so I cut that out completely. I feel so much better. Today is last day of doxycycline for tick bites. Then I have tons of labs to take from lupus, primary, oncology docs. I'm trying to give my veins a break as I am bruised and swollen all over. I will prob have to start CLL meds again soon but fear that as well since Covid is taking back my town !!