Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Xanax as follows:
- Continue taking Xanax, as recommended, even if you obtain relief from the presenting symptoms and your mood feels better. Discontinuing the medication abruptly, without your physician’s recommendation, can result in disruption of chemical balance in the brain, resulting in worsening of mood disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuing the medication should be gradual and only as recommended by your physician. Individuals, on sudden withdrawal of Xanax, can present with complaints such as, exacerbation of anxiety episodes, precipitation of seizures, muscle spasms and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms of insomnia, impulsiveness, agitation, hallucinations, mania, and suicidal thoughts. Report any development of and/or deterioration of symptoms of mood disorder following Xanax withdrawal, immediately to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
- Xanax can take some time, about 2 – 3 weeks, to fairly adjust to your body, before any relief with your complaints and easing of side-effects is experienced. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
