A very potent benzodiazepine. Often referred to as a "minor"
tranquilizer , it is really anything but. Typically prescribed for anxiety and
panic disorder. Dependence ensues quickly even at therapeutic doses , resulting in what is considered to be one of the worst withdrawal syndromes by the medical community when abruptly discontinued.
The relatively low dose , when compared to the other benzodiazepines , is actually quite deceptive. The general
concensus on therapeutic doseage equivalency among benzodiazepines is as follows:
.5mg xanax
1 mg
Ativan
.5 mg klonopin
10 mg
diazepam , Valium
25 mg. Librium , Chlordiazepoxide
As you can see , 2mgs of xanax is really not a small dose at all. It is equal to 4 10mg valium! Despite the fact that most doctors would never prescribe that much Valium , patients are far too often put on corresponding doses of xanax , and unknowingly become extremely dependent on the drug.
The benzodiazepines are habit forming. W/D can be quite serious ,is of the alcohol type , and can lead to seizures and death if not managed medically.