update

[CatDogLover]

I voluntarily admitted to psych hospital in December and left less than 48 hours with a new script for lexapro. My goal at that time was to slowly wean off of Xanax. That has not gone as planned. I haven’t had an attack since hospitalization but I still feel anxiety due to work and other stressors so have kept up the Xanax. Does anyone have experience with long term use of Xanax up to 3 of .5mg a day? Also I am extremely dependent on my husband and he is going away for the weekend. For some reason, I got the thought in my head that I could end the stress, anxiety and depression while he was gone and be done with it for good. I guess this is known as suicidal ideation. I really don’t feel I’d ever go through with it but the thought is there.

Thanks in advance for your support.

[Ellamaye]

I don't have experience with those medications so can't share advice I'm afraid. It's good that you reached out to ask though I'm sure there will be other members who can help x Remember to call the helplines if suicidal thoughts become a factor. Most people on here will tell you it does enter your mind and it also passes .

Having someone to talk to is important and they are there at the end of the phone. I wish you all the best I know the struggle is real x

[Ryanlion]

Hi CatdogloverI am not Xanax but a different Benzo Ativan 2mgs a day for over3 years. Yes I am dependent on it but I am so grateful for the peace it gives me. I hope to come off it someday when I am ready, very slowly is the key. I have thoughts like you on a bad day but they are just thoughts and they pass, it's probably because your husband is going away that's triggered them. You are a brave lady it takes courage to deal with anxiety and as for being dependent on your husband, we are all dependent on someone in life. Maybe a chat with your Dr would help and he might up the Lexapro if it would help. I suggest planning little things you can do while he is away to keep yourself busy, keeps you out of your mind. Don't worry about coming of Xanax, when the time is right you will know.

Hope this helps.

[bethelbee]

I've been on Ativan 1mg prn for quite a while. I can go days , sometimes a couple weeks without taking it, other times there are days in a row I may need it up to 2x/day. At present I am also taking 7.5mg bid. Some days I feel my anxiety is under control, other days not so much... It can be very frustrating. I would like to at some point be totally off meds, but for now I need them. I have been dealing with other health issues as well.

[Doglove24]

I was on a high dose of Xanax.. for a very long time - a doctor suggested I stop .. so I went to rehab and did poorly - then a mental facility . I’m not doing too well without Xanax or Ativan. I wouldn’t fret too much about taking some Xanax - just never go without it ..for very long.. without professional care. I had a seizure trying to get off of Xanax on my own. Best of luck to you.