Want to come off Benzos

[[Tx...]]

I joined cause I am 42 and in March I was given 1mg Xanax twice a day for anxiety by my pcp. Oct I had surgery and the Doctor at the hospital took me off Xanax and but me on Klodpin 1 mg twice a day. I dont want to take benzos anymore. I thought about going cold turkey but dont think that is a good Idea. I want to get off of them so bad. I see my pcp next week and not sure how to talk to him about tapering down. I would do cold turkey. But the seizures side of it scare me. But dont think I have taken them long enough for that to happen. I am a recovering drug addict 13 years now. I didnt want to take these in the first place. Any advice would be wonderful 

[[me...]]

Hi TxCowgirl. Welcome to the forum, we're glad you found us!  You've been on benzos 8 months, which would not be considered short term use.  We generally recommend a taper rate of about 5-10% every 10-14 days.  Fast tapers and c/t's can bring on severe and long lasting symptoms for some, and are not recommended for longer term users.  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!

 

 

[[be...]]

welcome  I think it is great that you want to come off benzodiazepines, but you do not want to cold turkey. I know that firsthand. I went through a horrific cold turkey withdrawal. Cold turkey is ill advised because it can cause severe and prolonged symptoms. In my opinion a slow careful taper can help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal. I think if you spend sometime on our cold turkey board you can see just how bad the symptoms can be from this kind of withdrawal. Let us know how we can help. Again, welcome.

[[Tx...]]

welcome  I think it is great that you want to come off benzodiazepines, but you do not want to cold turkey. I know that firsthand. I went through a horrific cold turkey withdrawal. Cold turkey is ill advised because it can cause severe and prolonged symptoms. In my opinion a slow careful taper can help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal. I think if you spend sometime on our cold turkey board you can see just how bad the symptoms can be from this kind of withdrawal. Let us know how we can help. Again, welcome.

Thank you! I just want off of them so bad.  :(