I'm sorry you're going through that! I was on Ativan (a benzo like Xanax) for many years and got off it -- one of the best things I ever did for myself. But it's not easy, AT ALL. Like you, I only took it at night for sleep, and I was told repeatedly by my doctor and pharmacist that since it was short-acting (a little longer than Xanax, though), it wouldn't affect me during the day. But it did; I just didn't notice.

The fact that you now feel anxiety during the day shows that it stayed in your system during the day.

How long had you been taking Xanax, and did you taper off slowly or quickly? It's best to taper off very slowly, and some experts recommend using a long-acting benzodiazepine (like Valium) while you taper (then slowly taper off the Valium). It takes longer, and there's a specific way to do it, but it's almost painless.

I'm NOT recommending that you do that, since I'm not a doctor, but I found information on how to do it and that's what I did ... it made it much easier.

Anyway, this past year I was taking Ativan again (!!) during cancer treatment and wound up taking it for longer than 3 weeks (after a month or so you get dependent). Fortunately it was a very low dose.

So, without Valium, I tapered as slowly as possible ... still got quite anxious. What helped me was Remeron, which I take for sleep. It's a pretty sedating anti-depressant (not an SSRI). I take 1/2 of the lowest dose (7.5 mg) and it helps for sleep.

But during this Ativan taper, I increased my dose of Remeron to 15 mg (one pill, the lowest dose). Helped with sleep and anxiety during the day. (And since I also was in the midst of a major depressive episode, I got on Zoloft, which also has great anti-anxiety properties. Then I cut back to 7.5 mg Remeron).

Sorry this is so long and convoluted -- but my point is, there are anti-depressants that could help with the anxiety. So if you're not on one, I suggest asking your doctor about Remeron or Zoloft -- they've both helped me a lot. There are probably others that are good for anxiety, too.

Thank you, today I see my primary physician so I am going to tell her whats going on and maybe she can help me. I did taper off it by doctors orders they had me lower the dose slowly but at the end I have finally stopped and as the dose was cut the anxiety started again. Yes I think it did stay in my system during the day because the anxiety was very low unless there was some stress in my life. Now its for nothing at all it is just there. I am going to tell my doctor and see what she says to do. I just have trouble dealing with the anxiety everytime there is a noise or if I think about anything stressful the feeling is overwhealming. I do have Generalized anxiety disorder and it just isn't gone I guess. I would like to keep trying to not take the medication because if I don't need it I don't want to take it but my other psychiatrist felt I needed it to control the anxiety and it worked. I have issues with medication because I am allergic to every kind my doctor tried thats why he kept me on the xanax because it was the only thing I didn't have rashes and itching while taking it. They kept trying to give me antidepressants and stuff and pain pills too because I have chronic pain but i can't take any of the medication because I get allergic reactions. thanks for your reply I do appreciate it I am pretty much off the xanax for days but now the anxiety is back all day long and its driving me nuts. I am so uncomfortable and can not relax, sleep, or think! It has to get better but I remember this is what it was like before I had treatment for like a year and now I feel right back where I started. I keep thinking maybe I just need to give it more time. I am willing to but I am so tired from lack of sleep. i am at work right now and I cant think!

Anxiety's a bitch.

Hi radrm , I really like etherizes reply. But that stinks if ur allergic to slot of meds. How did ur dr. Visit go today? I hope u can get some sleep tonight. Sleep deprivation is the worst.

Your primary doctor can refill your xanax script if necessary. My guess is that, since xanax is one of those "controlled substances" that professionals are becoming increasingly intimidated about prescribing because of legal ramifications and the fear of backlash from the medical board regarding addiction concerns, that your new psch doesn't feel comfortable with having you on it and having to monitor you.
That, unfortunately, is the result of abuse by addicts, and those who sell their RX drugs for money. That's why they are called "controlled substances" because they are worth lots of $$$$ on the streets to addicts. Unfortunately, those who aren't paying much copay via government assistance for the drug are usually targeted for purchase of it, because they are vulnerable and in need. It creates a said state for those of us who do not abuse medications.
I take clonazapam, generic for Klonipin, another controlled substance, and I have to visit with my PCP every 3 months, or when I run out (I only receive a RX for 90 day refill) . I take the smallest dose I can get away with it, as needed, and can usually spread the cost and need for a dr visit beyond the 90 days.
If you are receiving effectiveness with the med and because you have had negative side effects with other meds, were I you, I'd ask my PCP to put me back on the med. Your med records will verify that you are not an abuser of it and you will have what you need to avoid "ripping off heads and shitting down throats".
Uh Oh, just peeked at your profile and discovered you are on disability and fear that if you are getting government assistance from your state or, even through the Federal, this may be another reason that psch is compelled to get you off of xanax. The drug is expensive; the government is seeking to cut it's cost of medical coverage. In fact, your medical insurance provider may have opted not to even cover the cost of this med if through a government sponsored plan. I'd check with your insurance provider, just to be informed.

Good Luck and Best Wishes.

(((Hugs)))

Oh but I am on social security because I worked for 21 years and I have medicare and get medical treatment at my local VA hospital because I am a veteran. I called the psyciatrist today and she is refilling my prescription. They didn't quit covering it or anything she is new and fresh out of college and she doesn't know what she is doing. I actually feel sorry for her because those old man vets are going to end up ripping her a new you know what when she does it to them. Those guys can be very aggressive especially towards females. I hope she does ok. I just told her I am having trouble with my anxiety since coming off of it and if she doesn't want me on that she needs to give me something for my anxiety because its back and its bad! She agreed and said she will have it mailed. I felt relieved. I hope she does ok with the other vets i'm telling you i know some real honry ones over there! So I actually earned my disablity pay so I don't think of my self as a drain on the system. I am not on SSI or assistance. I dont get much but what i get i earned it and paid into it!

Sounds like you need to be put back on the xanax.

You earned your disability, don't ever feel guilty for it. I am glad your got your meds back. I hate having to change doctors. They always want to change the treatment you previous doctor had you on. Good luck to you.

OPINION OPINION OPINION!!!!!! TAKE WHAT YOU CAN USE; LEAVE THE REST.

For me, the psymeds worked so that I could accept therapy. Eventually, every one I was prescribed stopped working. A really good therapist and the right therapy eventually proved to be MY answer. I am clear of all psymeds now for almost one year, and my depression and anxiety have remitted. I have not had any depressive ideation for nearly two years now.

So thank you for an effective, well worded post. This kind of sharing is what this community is all about, and what most of us here can relate.

If you come to believe that you can heal, you will heal. Good therapy is hard to find, and expensive; but worth the effort. Keep coming back, and never give up on yourself. You are worth the effort!!!!