Hey anthony, what dose were you taking? If you took a lot for a long time, you risk seizures if you stop cold turkey.
Not a doctor but did months of live-in rehab, and sorry to say, the only thing they had for benzo dependence was a long slow taper to nothing.
I'd ask your doctor about beta blockers for the body symptoms.

How much are you taking? Just cut what you're taking in 1/2 for awhile.

I was taking .5 now I'm taking .25

Thanks for the tips

After about a month or more of .25 you can cut them in 1/2.

I might be wrong, but I think that's a normal dose. The addicts I mentioned take WAY more.
So I think it's in your head. Remember, you're taking a legitimate standard dose for a real reason. There's no reason why you should feel bad about that.
So I say, just keep on using them. It's OK.
The addicts I met had moved on to things like klonopin, and bought pills off the street. YOU are doing just fine.

No, its not in your head. Physical withdrawal symptoms from any med, especially benzos or other controlled meds, can vary and depend on the person.

Doesn't make it life-threatening, but you Do feel it. Have you told your doctor what you are going through?

I meant that some of your anxiety is coming from a fear that you're addicted. That's psychological, not physical. I'm not saying you won't notice side effects from stopping, you will, but at your dose they should be small and manageable.
Trust me, I've seen the addicts, you are totally fine. In fact, a doctor might increase the dose, or add a different med to help.

Oh that's hysterical (my goof). I suggested going to the anxiety group when we are currently "in" the anxiety group. D'oh!

If you're low dose don't worry, if it makes you feel good take it. I do as needed.

Yeah, a lot of people take that .25 at night just to help them sleep. But if you're nervous about taking pills, you can stop cold turkey at that dose, and have a day or two maybe being grumpy and short tempered. Or you can try to increase it and see if you feel better.
There's no shame in taking pills to live your life fuller.

I took .75mg of Xanax daily for 6 years. I am now almost 1 year completely off of it and still dealing with withdrawals, especially intense anxiety, much more intense than before taking the Xanax. I tapered way too quickly, almost c/t, came off of it in 5 days because I went to a detox facility. If you are going to stop I recommend you google the Ashton manual, it shows various taper schedules based on your dosage. Definitely worth reading it. I wish I knew about it when I first stopped my Xanax.

Thanks guys. I do think I need it right now though my anxiety has been pretty bad. I will talk to my doctor and see what he thinks. I am more afraid of becoming addicted than actually being addicted and I don't want to depend on it. I just hate having anxiety

I am experiencing HORRIBLE withdrawal from xanax. I took 1mg as needed but needed to take it everyday for the past month. I haven't taken a Xanax since Friday and I am anxious as all hell and have zero appetite, headache, and shaky. I'm also weaning off Zoloft too so my body is bugging out. I thought I was dying earlier since I was so anxious and upset. I'm so glad you posted this b/c I was going to!

Well I do know that going off two meds at once is hell. I tried going off both my meds and switching about two months ago and that is part of why my anxiety got so bad again. I hope you feel better and talk to your doctor.