Regarding Alprazolam (Xanax), this is a medication I take for bipolar anxiety symptoms along with an antidepressant. My RX is up to 3 mg. 1x as needed but I rarely need more than two. I recently reduced my daily to 1/2 in am and 1/2 at bedtime. I get physical exercise, read a lot and don’t drink alcohol much but do eat healthily with fruits and veggies, no meat. I have not heard that this medication can affect mental acuity and aside from not remembering words for a few minutes, I am a professional writer and have no issues there. I have not had any difficulty reducing dosage but keep my psychiatrist aware of any changes. Have you spoken to your prescriber about weening off?