Xanax Withdrawal

[[Tr...]]

Currently taking 1 mg Xanax per day in two doses of .5 mg. Have been on it for approx. 4 years. Have been unsuccessfully trying to taper off for about 6 months. Would be grateful for any support.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, Triumph Guy - welcome to BenzoBuddies, and congratulations on your decision to taper off Xanax!

 

As you've already discovered, it's not easy to stop benzos, but it's totally doable with the right support, and you've definitely come to the right place to plan a comfortable taper. 

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.

 

Please feel free to post to any of the specialized boards, which can all be accessed from the BenzoBuddies Community Forum homepage. Based on the information provided in your introduction, the following links may be a good place for you to start.

 

  General Taper Plans

  Withdrawal Support During Your Taper

 

When you have a chance, we highly recommend that you take a look at The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative source on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery, authored by Dr Heather Ashton, who is an expert in the field. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms, accompanied by helpful explanations.

 

For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that. 

 

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

 

Again, welcome!

Leslie 

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Hi Leslie, Thank you for the welcome and your kind and informative reply. 

[[Ch...]]

Welcome, Triumph Guy.  I tapered from .5 four times a day after long term use a few years ago, and can tell you that a slow taper can make a huge difference.  I'll watch for your post in Taper Plans.

[[Tr...]]

Hi Challis99, Thanks for the reply. I'll do a bit of reading to see how things work around here and then hopefully will start posting things in the proper places. 

[[be...]]

Currently taking 1 mg Xanax per day in two doses of .5 mg. Have been on it for approx. 4 years. Have been unsuccessfully trying to taper off for about 6 months. Would be grateful for any support.

 

Welcome from me too. At what rate are you trying to reduce at? The recommended reduction rate is 5 to 10 percent every two weeks. A slow gradual taper is the best way to minimize symptoms.

[[Tr...]]

Hi benzos-R-cruel,

Thanks for the welcome.

I was down to .45 mg of Xanax per day (total), tapering 5 - 10% every 2 weeks, until maybe a month ago, when my insomnia got so bad that I went back up to 1 mg. Even at that rate of reduction I found it very difficult. Now, unfortunately, it looks like I've got to start all over again. Yesterday I reduced to .4 mg twice per day and am feeling pretty rough ATM.

 

I've been reading the Ashton Manual and am thinking a switch to Diazepam may be a better way to go rather than a straight Xanax taper. I need to be functional to work and take care of my kids, so a debilitating withdrawal isn't an option.