6 weeks since last dose

[[xa...]]

I thought I'd stop by and check in with the community.  I had my last dose 6 weeks ago today of .5mg xanax.

 

The first few weeks were really bad and have been lightening up small amounts at a time.  It's kind of hard to tell if things are actually getting better or not at this point.  That's to be expected though during this process from the countless hours I've spent reading about this.

 

I'd say the worst things for me to deal with at this point is being tired a lot and not feeling up for doing much socially.  I've tried to get out and about but just don't really feel "into" whatever it is that I'm doing.  Another major hang-up for me is not being able to go have a few drinks with friends.  I've made that mistake a few times and the bounce-back from even 3-5 drinks is enough to not want to repeat that decision.  I end up feeling like hell for about 2-4 days after moderate drinking.

 

The good things:

I still have my job   Work has been one of the biggest challenges since starting this ordeal.  So many days I was hanging by a thread to get through till quitting time.  I really haven't missed a single day due to withdrawals although I thought about not going in about 65% of the time but just toughed it out.  Sleep is not good but is significantly better.  I usually end up taking an OTC night time sleep aid tablet if anything and within a few hours I can usually find some sleep.  The generalized anxiety has lessened to a great degree (I seem to be better at dealing with stressful situations as a result of dealing with withdrawals as nothing really holds a candle to the onslaught of anxiety those first 2 weeks).  I don't feel nearly as dizzy as I was initially.  Brain zaps have diminished a solid 90% from the first 2 weeks including the incessant headaches I was experiencing. 

 

All in all, I wouldn't have changed anything about me getting off of the benzos.  In hindsight I do not believe they were helping me in the least bit and were most likely very detrimental to my overall quality of life.  This year has been brutal with regards to prescriptions.  First came pain meds early this year, then I bounced off of zoloft in the Summer, and finally kicked the xanax in November.  It feels like SOOO much time has been spent getting off of meds I spend a lot of time wondering when I'll be able to start enjoying all the effort I've poured into each of these endeavors.  I know I won't be turning back to the bottle for any reason so I'm just hanging in there.

 

A big thanks to everyone in this community and all the contributions that have helped me along the way.  I don't post a lot but I undoubtedly have spent many hours reading through others' experiences to not feel so alone in my own.  I've read a lot of people say around the 3 month mark is when they started noticing a trend towards the better so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I'll be in that boat if not sooner.

[[be...]]

It sounds like you are on the path of healing and recovery. Its amazing that you were able to go to work each and every day. That says a lot about you. You said that you often heard that the third month is where things starting really happening and it is true. I turned a huge positive corner at month three.  Wishing you continued healing!

[[Li...]]

Hi xankick..    you have been a real trooper with working and all.  I too have tiredness, and seems as if I can't get enough sleep.  I have resorted to otc sleep aides too when I absolutely had too.  I am two months off last Saturday, and I had a really bad time of it at around one month...but the two month mark is proving to be a time of much improvement. 

 

You have done well ...   more healing to come! 

 

Lilly555