Another one working on xanax...

[[xa...]]

Joining the site as looks like a wealth of information and kind people providing it for this tough topic.

 

Was prescribed Xanax about 5-6 years ago started at .25mg as needed up to 1mg tabs as needed.

 

I've recently become aware of the pitfalls of continued use (over last several months) and started working down on intake.  I took .5mg yesterday morning before work and working on the rest of discontinuation. 

 

I don't really have sick time to use for work and am trying to be rather aggressive in finishing the process and working on the other side of life without benzos. 

 

The biggest reason I joined is I'm curious as to if I can make it several days without a dose, I really don't want to re-dose again if I've weathered most of the storm.  I'm sure many people could relate to that sentiment.

[[me...]]

Hello xankick.  Welcome to the forum, we're glad you found us!  In order to get off benzos safely, a slow taper is recommended.  This is especially true for longer term users.  Fast tapers and c/t's can bring on severe symptoms for many, symptoms that are worse and longer lasting than they would have been if the taper had been slower.  We usually 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!

 

 

[Guest [Mi...]]

Hi, xankick. Welcome from me, too. 

 

I'll just offer a word of caution about being "aggressive," as you say, about coming off of benzos, especially while you're working. I also work and I'm functioning on a compromised memory and a lot of fatigue. In part, I blame this on the fact that I came off of Klonopin way too fast.

 

I didn't know about the Ashton manual and I rushed it. Please go slow. The landing is much easier on a slow taper than the sudden fall of coming off too quickly.

[[xa...]]

Thank you for the responses.  I've been burning through posts on the forum.  I'm going to work on getting through the night and see how I feel in the morning.  I'm definitely having strong symptoms but they're on par with how it's felt since tapering down from 1mg/day (pressure in head, sensitivity to light/sounds, stomach uneasiness, headaches, anxiety, etc)