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Can Xanax cause depression, insomnia, and anxiety?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been taking 0.5 mg Xanax for sleeping most nights for the past 2 to 3 months. I bought it myself and took it to help me sleep. I have started trying to stop, or take less, and have noticed feelings of depression, insomnia, feeling anxious, and an aching neck and jaw and feeling tense. I went to see my GP but did not mention the Xanax. He prescribed 50 mg of Sertraline. Should I take the Sertraline? Do my symptoms sound like Xanax withdrawal? And how can I come off the Xanax more easily? Previous history of the same issue: I have taken Zoloft before, 50 mg, for about a year, three years ago for mild depression.
Answered by Dr. Vandana Patidar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, during withdrawal from Benzodiazepines, people do feel the problems you are facing currently. Yes, they are withdrawal symptoms. Sertraline was prescribed because your GP suspected depression. If you already took this medicine in past, you can again start it now. To come off of Xanax, it would be better if you tell your GP the truth about it. He would taper it off gradually and stop it.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At April 7, 2019
Reviewed At April 2, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Patidar
Dr. Vandana Patidar

Psychiatry

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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