starting xanax taper

[[fl...]]

Have been on xanax 4 years for anxiety and panic attacks. Doc wants me off them. Current dose 1mg three times a day as needed. I usually only take 1.5mg at night to sleep and .25 to .5 for panic. Have been experiencing crippling anxiety and physiological symptoms. Looking for help with this.

[[Ch...]]

Hi fluffle and welcome.

 

It's good to hear your doctor supports tapering off the Xanax.  Benzodiazepines are only recommended for a few weeks use at most, and sometimes even a few weeks can cause dependence.  Some of us find that after being on them for awhile we develop anxiety and other symptoms which go away after withdrawing.  Hopefully that will be true for you.

 

We follow the Ashton Manual, an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  Ashton recommends cutting no more than 5 to 10% of one's total daily dose every ten days to two weeks.

 

I would recommend starting to post for help in General Taper Plans.  If you click this link it will take you there.

 

Please include your benzodiazepine information in your posts.  To make that easier by adding it to each post automatically, you can go up to Profile, choose Forum Profile, write the information in the text box and click Change Profile.

 

Take care,

Challis 

[[fl...]]

Thank you for the info. My anxiety is overwhelming, and the anticipation of withdrawal symptoms is increasing the anxiety. Feel caught in a vicious cycle. Glad I found this site for support.

[[Ch...]]

Thank you for the info. My anxiety is overwhelming, and the anticipation of withdrawal symptoms is increasing the anxiety. Feel caught in a vicious cycle. Glad I found this site for support.

 

You're already having withdrawal symptoms, it sounds like.  If you do a slow and careful taper they shouldn't get much worse if at all and some people feel better after starting to taper if they're in tolerance withdrawal.  My anxiety went away after I tapered off.

 

This is very doable.  It takes time and it helps to understand the process.  You'll get through this and we can help you do it.  You may want to read the Ashton Manual link I gave you and print it out for your doctor.