First, this is the exact reason why psychiatrists don't give alprax as a first line. It can be stopped without severe withdrawal, you can consult online. 

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Hi, yes. Consult online for treatment

Thank you for sharing this. I know it isn't always easy to talk about personal struggles, so I'm glad you reached out. From what you've described, these symptoms are affecting your daily life and deserve proper attention. I would recommend a detailed psychiatric consultation to understand the underlying cause and discuss the best treatment plan for you. If you need further guidance or would like to discuss your concerns in detail, feel free to reach on https://topmate.io/drarchana_agarwal/ I'd be happy to help you.

Your understanding of your situation is completely correct: Alprazolam (Alprax) should NEVER be stopped abruptly after prolonged daily use, and a gradual, supervised taper is the safest, most effective approach. Alprazolam is a potent, short-acting benzodiazepine. When taken continuously over months, the brain's GABA-A receptors adapt, creating physical dependence. Because Alprazolam has a short half-life, stopping it abruptly drops blood levels rapidly, triggering severe withdrawal symptoms: acute rebound panic, severe insomnia, autonomic instability, loss of appetite, and even a risk of withdrawal seizures. Your original panic episode was a traumatic response to witnessing your friend's sudden cardiac arrest (a classic trigger for Panic Disorder or PTSD). While Alprazolam offered short-term crisis relief, long-term management requires a dual strategy: safely cross-tapering off the benzodiazepine while initiating a non-addictive, long-term medication for underlying trauma and anxiety.

I understand what you’ve been through, and I appreciate you explaining it so clearly. We can assess your current symptoms and Alprax use first, and then plan a gradual, supervised taper with appropriate long-term treatment if needed, rather than stopping it abruptly.