There are three basic approaches to a benzodiazepine taper: (1) use the same medication for tapering; (2) switch to a longer-acting equivalent; and (3) use adjunctive medications to help. For a patient taking 0.25 mg of Xanax (alprazolam), the recommended tapering schedule is to reduce the dose by no more than 0.5 mg every 3 days, with an even more gradual approach often being beneficial. 1 This guide helps individuals tapering off and quitting Xanax. Learn more about Xanax withdrawal symptoms and what to expect when quitting. Switch from short- acting agent (alprazolam, lorazepam) to longer- acting agent (diazepam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide, or phenobarbital). Upon initiation of taper, reduce the calculated dose by 25-50% to adjust for possible metabolic variance. Each tapering method can help ease you off Xanax, avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Experts generally recommend two different taper methods: direct tapering and substitute tapering. Developed by a multidisciplinary group led by ASAM, this guideline aims to assist clinicians in helping patients safely taper from their benzodiazepine medication, while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. For a patient abusing Xanax (alprazolam) 0.5 mg twice daily, a gradual taper is required with a reduction of 25% of the daily dose every 1-2 weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure patient safety. 1, 2 Stopping Xanax abruptly can be dangerous. Learn how tapering works, what withdrawal feels like, and how to work with your doctor to quit safely. It’s not safe to stop taking Xanax suddenly after you’ve been using it for a while. Learn how to taper off Xanax safely, including a sample schedule, here. There is insufficient evidence for how to taper in this population, but a similar approach already discussed is reasonable: aim to reduce the total daily dosage by up to one tenth every 1-2 weeks.