Tulsa, OK
A 37-year-old male asked about a 82-year-old female:
My grandmother takes xanax (alprazolam) 2mg three times daily for anxiety. is this excessive or in the normal range? what is the normal range?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Dustin Colegroveanswered
Internal Medicine 14 years experience
Benzodiazepines: It is a big dose for an elderly person (or anyone else for that matter). 0.25mg TID would probably be more appropriate. She can discuss with her doctor an appropriate tapering regimen. Including an antidepressant/anxiolytic prior to weaning would be advisable because she may have exacerbation of underlying problem as she wean down.
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Dr. Matthew Smithanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
High: Everyone is different, so it is difficult to say that this dose is excessive. However, it is on the high side, and thereby causes concerns about side effect problems, especially addiction. It may make sense as a temporary treatment, but for the longer term, an alternative should probably be sought.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
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A Verified Doctoranswered
47 years experience
She Needs An Update!: If she's taken it for a while & can act normally with usual memory and can walk straight,then she's been able to handle it.But that doesn't mean she needs that much and...she's a set-up for weird withdrawal symptoms if she stops it.That stuff builds up in your body over time even if you take it once a day.It's not meant to be taken for a long time,except under unusual circumstances.Consult her doc
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Enrique Madrigal-seguraanswered
Psychiatry 56 years experience
Alprazolam: 6 mg daily is a hefty dose for any age and most variables of anxiety, except for incapacitating panic disorder. Usually, most modest doses are recommended for elder populations. It is likely that an appropriate dose of escitalopram could help, and a doctor could start a safe taper, simultaneously. I would advise to consult with your grandmother;s doctor to start a taper as soon as possible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 13, 2015
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