For the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing a severely strange feeling that I have been having a very difficult time describing. The closest description I could come to was vertigo, combined with nicotine withdrawal. I quit smoking 5+ weeks ago, and I always suffer major withdrawals, but only for a few days.

I have been under severe stress the last year, and I wasn't sure if it had just worn me down. I am also on medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis that may cause vision problems, but when I started researching xanax side effects tonight, I knew right away that it must be the xanax. This was my first point of reference, that I used to determine it:
http://www.benzoliberty.com/information/xanaxwd.php

Now I'm faced with what to do about it. I only take xanax 2-4 times a week at doses of .5mg or 1mg a night. I use it to help me sleep, and for the occasional time that my old social anxiety pops up. I've been taking it off and on for roughly a year or so. I feel that I am facing extreme withdrawals, and I don't know if I should keep taking xanax until I can get in to see my doctor, or if I should just try to deal with the symptoms, and hope they pass quickly. I can't take too many more days of this.

Hi -- I am faced with stopping xanax too. What I am trying to do instead of taking the xanax is breathing exercises, much like what is used in yoga, Dr. Andrew Weil says we are to listen to the breath in and breath out, counting slowly. If you take the time to get in tune with the breathing, this will work for you anywhere, even if you need to visit the bathroom to do this for 5-10 mins. It works for me if I get still and concentrate. Good luck -- just know you are not alone with anxiety. As for sleep, I find journaling in total quiet just before bed helps me to wind down. And then breathing to calm down for a peaceful state before sleep.

You should consult with your doctor for this issue. I never used xanax. You can find more information about xanax withdrawal at http://www.xanax-effects.com/xanax_withdrawal_symptoms.html