Needing help

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I've taken .25mg of xanex off and on for roughly 3 years.  I was clueless on the difficulties getting off it, now I'm am very frightened.  My husband doesn't know, so it's me alone.  I joined for help, guidance and support..

[[pi...]]

Hello Alyx,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! Try not to be frightened, many people can withdraw without serious issues.  A good plan and a slow taper will help make things manageable.  While I don't know your personal situation, when going through withdrawal it helps to have a good support system. Would you consider letting your husband know or do you think he won't be supportive of your situation?

 

A slow taper can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Generally a reduction of no more than 5-10% is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

You have come to the right place for support and information, we understand the process and will help and guide you through it. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

[[...]]

Thank you, I'm overwhelmed by the "How to's" and the terrible stories. I don't know where or how to start. I know my husband wouldn't support me. He thinks anyone who takes xanex is an addict or something so I never told him I took it. I also was very naive and trusted my dr not to give me something so bad. I actually asked for a natural remedy for anxiety. I had no clue this stuff was so bad or nasty to get off. I took 0.25 once a day only when very anxious until a month ago when I had to start everyday I took it twice a day a couple times and the full 3 times dose only once. I thought I'd try splitting the pill and doing half in the am and the other half in the pm. I get pretty shaky and nauseous in between doses.

[[Bu...]]

Hi Alyx,

 

Welcome to the forum. You have found the right place to get the help and guidance that you need. Getting right to it...

 

What you are experiencing between doses is inter-dose withdrawals brought on by the very short half-life of Xanax. If at all possible it might be a good idea to ask your doctor to prescribe Valium which has a much longer half life and will eliminate IDWD. You also may be able to dose only once a day with Valium, perhaps in the AM. If you decide that this is something that you want to do we can help you with the crossover equivalency from Xanax to Valium as well as the tapering schedule.

 

Another nice thing about crossing over to valium is the pill mg sizes are larger in comparison to Xanax and it is much easier to accurately taper the dose.

 

As you mentioned there are good natural remedies for treating mild to moderate anxiety. I like Suntheanine 200mg twice a day and as needed. You can take this while tapering the benzo it will help ease the anxiety.

 

Alyx, just relax and don't worry about this too much. You like a lot of us will get through this just fine. There is no reason to believe that this will be a horrible experience. Yes there may be a few rough patches but you can do this! I was on 1mg Xanax for 14 years and with the help of my Buddies here I got through it pretty well, you will too.

 

Keep us posted and good luck,

 

 

Wilson

 

 

[[ma...]]

You can do IT, just listen to the advice

[[Pe...]]

I hear you how alone you are and that is not a good place to be.  I think the thing we need most is to have the support of at least one other person -- someone on the internet put up a YouTube and she said, "Tell all your friends and family because you are going to need them."  But I hear you that telling your husband would just make it even worse right now and it must be a terribly lonely place to be.

 

I am in the same situation as you -- all I have is an ex-husband who is willing to shop for me twice a week when I can't drive the three street blocks to the shops, and who shouts at me over the phone if there is an unforeseen emergency, which throws me into all my withdrawal symptoms from shock.  (He always apologises afterwards and he is trying, but it makes me scared to call).  Besides that I have my cat and cuddling her is a great comfort.

 

But when you are feeling desperate and need a "listening partner" maybe some of us could make a safe space for you -- I think that is what this group is for.  Also do you have a friend you could tell, who you could call when you feel desperate?  We have a thing called being a "listening partner".  Your friend just listens and makes sympathetic sounds but is not allowed to give advice  -- as getting unsolicited advice when you are hurting makes it worse.  I have one such friend and I find that just being able to talk to her on Skype calms me down.  After that, sometimes just listening to her (even her troubles) can be relaxing because it is a distraction.

 

I hope you can find a support person soon.  Meanwhile hang in there -- we are there for you!