Question
hi dr.sack, my name is jackie, i have a question: i am on 1 mg. zanax a day and i am done, i am starting to withdraw and it is painful. i have blurred vision, headache, stomach nausea, dizziness, can't sleep, seeing things.
2 years ago i tried to withdraw and had hallucinations so bad i didn't even know who i was. what can i do to make these withdraws easier? my dr. is not going to give me any more medicine?
Hi Jackie,
I would advise you get medical supervision for withdrawal from Xanax - a qualified detox program can make this much more comfortable for you and will improve your odds of success dramatically. It can also be dangerous to withdraw on your own.
Please know that withdrawal/detox is not recovery - you will need ongoing support such as a peer support group or cognitive behavioral therapy. I recommend you consider either a 12-step program or SMART recovery to build a support network.
About the Expert
Dr. David Sack
MD
Cerritos, United States of America
Specialties
Compulsive Disorders, OCD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Depression
License
my_license #G40347