I take Mg, melatonin and .25-.5 Xanax. I have gone off and on since treatment. When I was taking 1mg I cut it in half for two weeks, then a .25 for two weeks and then .25 every other day for a week. I was fine. But my psychiatrist doesn't have an issue with me being in it long term now. I am able to sleep and I don't exhibit issues with addiction. It also helps keep axiety at bay. I won't take those other sleep meds because I live alone, ground floor and the thought of sleep walking and doing god knows what on ambien is not an option. Sleep is dire for us especially now. I think you need to find a Doctor willing to give you the meds you need for continued healing. 25% of cancer patients go into deep depression and it's because they don't have a post plan for us. They drug us up and then cut us lose. If you aren't showing signs of addiction like irritability or needing higher and higher doses than I don't see the problem. But several doctors get freaked out about prescribing long term. Fortunately mine doesn't.

@A MyBCTeam Member the memory loss is most likely chemo related. Memory loss with Xanax can be a side effect but it's an extremely rare side effect. Chemo brain lasts for years post treatment. But I get the not being able to sleep at all without using it. And that being a reason to stop taking it. I can fall asleep without it but I find I sleep better with it. Other wise I wake up multiple times a night. @A MyBCTeam Member don't be disappointed if your memory doesn't improve with stopping Xanax. Luminosity helps with chemo brain.

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

A MyBCTea...

This made me smile sarcastically because I have no idea why your oncologist would #1 be prescribing you Xanax for pain and #2 being prescribing you anything at this point for pain.

Your pain belongs to Pain Management. Minimally to your primary care. Oncologists are terrible at either over prescribing or suddenly telling you to stop pain meds. They have NO idea what they are doing with that and should stick to their knowledge base - Cancer. My surgeon was brilliant, sent me to pain management instead of trying to play Pain Management doc.

Please do not quit cold turkey. Please contact your primary care doc.

Benadryl is not a good alternative, you will have restless leg syndrome and still not get to sleep. Let your primary care doc help.

"He said it would be better if I used Benadryl or some OTC med." WHY? Did he say why? Did he say that sleeping well is something you no longer deserve? That your anxiety is unfounded? The rest of the world gets drunk every night until they pass out. We cancer patients apparently need to become alcoholics to get sleep? (by the way, haven't had a drink in over 30 years, I AM an alcoholic and made it through this without drinking again). These docs kill me sometimes :)

This just urks me when doctors are more concerned with regulating pills than the actually care of the patient.

xxxooo

I seem to still need zanix. I am depressed lots do a lot of worrying and thinkinking.?

I have a prescription for Xanax and I haven't had any issues with addiction or symptoms of withdrawal. I suffered with anxiety and panic attacks long before my BC diagnosis. I only take it if I feel anxious or sometimes at night to help me sleep. My 30 day prescription usually last me 2-3 months because I only take it if I need it. Most times I use Melatonin for sleep issues.
I am also on Cymbalta for depression.
Why does your onc want you to stop?