I've been on Xanax for about 10 years after going through cancer treatment caused health and social anxiety. I'm currently on about .50 mg once in the morning and again in the afternoon, though sometimes when at home I do a bit less.
I don't want to be on meds, I want to feel better, but lately I've been dealing with anticipatory anxiety/panic attacks. I want to do my very best to get through this and eventually in the future be off xanax completely. I saw a psychiatrist to discuss my prescription, which is currently handled by my GP; however, she won't take over my meds unless she also puts me on something else like Lexapro. I hate the thought of going on another medication, which stems from my health anxiety (I hate taking pretty much any medication, but the xanax helps so I'm okay with it). I don't know why I need something else or to come off xanax if I'm not ready when it tends to work for the most part.
So I'm trying to find alternative methods. I know I'll still need something for my anxiety, but can't it be something natural to take and slowly reduce the xanax? Why won't other drs listen when I bring up my health anxiety being the reason I REALLY don't want more prescription drugs? I'm know I'm dealing with my body depending more on the xanax and that's something that will need to be handled at some point in the near future, but taking something else just doesn't seem right for me. Why do I feel like I'm being measured up against other patients? Is there another way?
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Tardis12480
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Hi Tardis. I just want to start off with I am so glad for your victory in the fight against cancer! That is a huge deal and it makes sense why your body would develop anxiety around health issues.
Secondly, unless there are medical doctors on this forum, we are not qualified to give you medical advice, especially when dealing with psychiatric meds. So just sift through any responses with a grain of salt. Maybe someone else will have a similar story to yours and be able to weigh-in in terms of what to ask for and what kind of provider to see. But just be careful, is all.
Thirdly, I want to place myself in your shoes. I would assume the reason the psychiatrist wants to put you on lexapro is because lexapro is not addictive while Xanax is. I would think as they wean you off the Xanax, your anxiety would be managed with the lexapro. I would want to know if the ultimate goal would be to wean me off of the lexapro, as well. If you are still reluctant to move forward with the plan, then I would see if my GP would be on board with weaning me off without replacing it. I personally have not heard of a natural supplement that is as effective as psych meds for managing anxiety. But, again, I’m not a medical doctor.
Are you seeing a mental health counselor? Would they be able to help you with tools to navigate some of your anxiety?
Thank you for your thoughts. I will 100% take other people's stories as their own and off course not as medical advice. I just wanted to see what others have gone through for a different perspective. I do see a therapist and have an appointment with her next week, so we'll be chatting. I know if I choose to go about this another way, she will guide me as best she can as I learn to guide myself too.
I’ll share my very recent experience. I was on .5 Xanax for over 2 years, up to 4 a day more recently. I tried lexapro and it helped some but I was still taking the Xanax. Then I tried cymbalta and my anxiety disappeared and I’ve gotten completely off of Xanax. I did this slowly. Now I’m considering stopping the cymbalta now that I’ve gotten use to being anxiety-free. I’m not a dr so like the other poster replied, take this with a grain of salt. But I wanted to share my personal experience that it is possible to feel better without Xanax. Take care and best of luck!!!!
I'm happy to hear you're found what worked best for you. How long did it take you to taper off the xanax after starting the Cymbalta? I know I can do this no matter which method I choose, I think I'm just scared of going through the Lyons motions, or of experiencing side effects of a whole new medication if that's the route I choose.
I waited about a month. Then I slowly decreased the Xanax for the next two weeks. Now it’s been 3 months since my last regular Xanax usage. I still have one or two a week during the day, but no regular use. Hope this helps.
I work in mental health outpatient as a peer recovery facilitator in one of Dr. Pat Deegan's Decision Support Centers. I teach people personal medicine, those self-care activities they use to feel well and stay well. According to Dr. Pat Deegan, personal medicine refers to the self-initiated, non-pharmaceutical activities that people do to feel better and stay well. These are things that bring a sense of control, calm, hope, or purpose, and they’re unique to each person’s life, values, and recovery journey. In the context of anxiety, personal medicine can be a powerful support. It helps you manage symptoms by giving you tools to self-regulate—like deep breathing, walking, listening to music, or journaling—so you're not relying solely on medication. It also helps build resilience by reminding you of your own inner strengths and coping abilities, which can ease that helpless feeling anxiety often brings. Most importantly, personal medicine supports a recovery-oriented mindset—one that focuses not just on reducing symptoms, but on living a meaningful, fulfilling life even with anxiety. For some people, that might mean painting, spending time in nature, or reaching out to a trusted friend. These activities become their personal medicine—their go-to strategies for grounding themselves and finding peace when anxiety shows up.
Thank you for your thoughts on this. Are you saying that personal medicine is a useful tool when trying to wean off something like xanax? I am working towards doing more of the things I enjoy like reading and music and writing in hopes that it will be uplifting for me as I go through this journey.
Have you tried going to a different psychiatrist? There are Holistic ones out there. But they do also use medications, just hand and hand with a more Holistic approach. I am so happy you are kicking Cancer's behind!
Oddly enough the one I saw apparently is considered more holistic, she just doesn't think I can handle weaning off (when I'm ready) without another medication. Which kind of makes me want to prove her wrong in a way. I know there are many supplements now that do very similar to what many of the medications do but without the side effects. I have to start working on myself more before I can ever be mentally prepared to do this though.
Yea, we should never go off something. I went off Trazadone, but the doctor told me too and I did not know it was holding back my panic and I had a massive panic attack. Sometimes we do not know what a med is and is not helping till we go off it.
Thank you for sharing your story — it takes a lot of courage and self-awareness to talk about something as personal as long-term anxiety management, especially when it’s tied to something as major as cancer recovery. You’re absolutely not alone in feeling conflicted about medications, especially when health anxiety plays a central role. It makes sense that you’d be cautious and want to be in control of what goes into your body.
The truth is, your feelings are completely valid — and you *should* be heard when you say that your health anxiety affects how you approach treatment. Unfortunately, not all healthcare providers take the time to listen deeply or tailor their recommendations to each patient’s unique emotional and psychological experience. It can definitely feel like you're being lumped into a “one-size-fits-all” category when really, what you need is individualized care and compassion.
Xanax works for you *right now*, and that matters. You’re not in denial about the risks of long-term use — in fact, you’re taking steps to explore healthier long-term options, which is something to be proud of. Your desire to reduce your reliance on medication and explore natural methods is not only reasonable but shows a high level of self-reflection. There *are* other approaches that can support you as you taper down in the future, including:
- **Therapy focused on anxiety and tapering**: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help with both anticipatory anxiety and the process of slowly reducing dependence on Xanax.
- **Natural supplements (with supervision): Things like L-theanine, magnesium glycinate, or ashwagandha have been helpful for some people, though you should definitely discuss them with a professional to ensure they’re safe and non-interactive.
- **Lifestyle supports**: Mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathwork, yoga, and grounding exercises can be powerful tools — not instant fixes, but cumulative allies.
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- **Working with a provider who understands benzo tapering and health anxiety**: Sometimes this means seeking out a psychiatrist or therapist who *specializes* in anxiety and benzo reduction. Look for someone who offers a slow, patient-centered approach and is open to your preference for minimal medication.
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You’re not wrong for feeling what you feel, and it’s okay to not be ready to jump into another prescription. What matters most is finding a path that honors both your lived experience and your healing goals — *on your terms*. You're not just another patient in the system — you're a whole person who has already fought hard battles and come out with clarity about what you want for your future.
You can do this, and you don’t have to do it all at once. You’re already doing the hardest part — staying aware, asking questions, and showing up for yourself. That matters more than you know.
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