I would be extremely upset if I was forced to stop my xanax against my will. I think if it were me I would look for another pdoc. All the advice I have ever read says that if you need to cut down on a benzo, do it at your own pace, if you want to but you should not be forced to change benzos either! This type of doctor really makes me angry!

I have taken xanax in small doses for many years and my doctor agrees it is fine. I saw a psychopharmacologist who told me I was fine and recommended that I not come off the xanax and to stay on it at the small dose I am on.

Besides for me it lasts up to 10 hours between doses, especially with my A/D. But even alone, I could go that long no interdose withdrawal.

I think it is cruel for a dotor to abruptly d/c any drug such as the two you were on Lord, effexor and xanax are two well known to produce w/d sx. and you are never supposed to decrease them or quit them at once especially together! I would switch doctors, find someone who will prescribe your meds and if you need to taper down, do it very gradually, one a a time. even the switch he made is not covering your anxiety/depression, so obviousy not working!

Best wishes,
Olivia