I have Add so brain never shuts off so I have been using 2 mg alprazolam for sleep at nights. A

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I was told today by friends that I am taking to much 2 mg of the Alprazolam and I need to taper off.  Then I googled it, and was totally surprised that is very dangerous.  I have taken it prob 4-5 years now... so that I can sleep at night... It knocks me out which is good, but finding I need a bit more.  When I wake up at night I can not go back to sleep as brain starts going to town!  I am not as energetic the next day as I use to be when not on this... but I really need sleep.  So far I have not had any side effects other than being a bit slower in the morning.. I am afraid to take aderall while being on the alprazolam.  I would like to taper off of the 2 mgs as now scared after reading google and listening to my bff...  So I am asking what is best way to get off but be able to get sleep too.  Sleeping pills do not work for me.... 

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Hi Roro and welcome to BenzoBuddies!    We're glad you've found us, and you'll find a lot of information and support here. Your friends are correct about benzodiazapines. I took them for 13 years because my mind could not turn off either. in my opinion the biggest risk of taking them for years is at some point they no longer work and one can go into a serious tolerance withdrawal. You have been on them for many years. If you decide to taper your should do it carefully.

 

We generally recommend a taper rate of about 5-10% every 10-14 days, though individual rates vary.  Here are a few links you'll find useful:

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper).

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

benzosrcruel

 

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Thank you for my approval...

I will work on the tapering off but how do u know what 5-10% is,  I am now taking 2 mg each pill is 1... so if I tried 1 1/2 pills?  I change up every 2 wks it looks like...

Also what r u using to stop the brain from running rampid when u do wake, unfortunately I would take a little snippit, so I am in big trouble.  I don't know what I can take that wdn't interfere i.e. melatonin, Valerian root, etc., to help sleep during the tapering down. I will also try to move around on this site, I am not real savvy but hopefully I can work my way around... I did notice some were taking Valium, but I'd rather just get off meds period...unless I can get back to just maybe one a night... but like u said it seems to build up... (tolerance).  I am so glad u were able to work thru your withdrawal... I haven't even started so don't even know what withdrawals I may have, so I guess I will go hunting and see what I am in store for.... Thank you again for your help!  I had no clue that I could b in trouble until today.... wow......

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A 10 percent reduction would be 1.8 mg. My brain ran wild for years....the first month after my withdrawal was horrific and sleep was little to none, but I stopped benzodiazepines abrubtly which can be very dangerous. As I said in my first post to you that I would taper carefully....meaning very slowly. Melatonin works for many but not usually in early withdrawal.