Another accidental addict

[[an...]]

I was prescribed a combination of Cymbalta (30mg) and Xanax (1mg) about 14 years ago to help me cope with my social anxiety.  Since it alleviated my symptoms and allowed me to function mostly "normally", I was happy to have it and thankful to the doctors prescribing it over the years.  But the fact that I felt horrible so quickly whenever I was just a bit late taking the pills always worried me.  After reading up more on the web recently about just how addictive benzo's are and how difficult it can be to get off it, I really feel let down by the medical industry.  None of the doctors prescribing it ever bothered to warn me about this.  Still I'm not just putting all the blame on them though, generally I do my own research in most other important areas of my life, I should have done the same regarding these harmful drugs long ago.  I guess the thought of not having the social anxiety symptom relief I get from these drugs scared me and so going off it remained a low priority.

 

But now I'm determined to give them both up, first the Xanax and later the Cymbalta too.  Hoping to learn more from others here who have gone or are going through this before I start my own taper.

 

Thanks.

[[ma...]]

Hi anaami Welcome to benzobuddies, 

 

You will get plenty of sound advice and support from our caring community.  I would suggest you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, I will put a link here for you: “Professor Ashtons Manual” It is an authoritative resource on benzodiazepines and how to withdraw, the general rule of thumb is to reduce between 5/10% every 10/14 days

 

Many of us feel let down, I knew nothing about the addictive nature of these drugs.  I am sure had we known more, we would never have taken them.  You’re going to be okay, it does get better, you are amongst people who know what you are going through. 

 

Our members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, and will share their experiences with you.

 

For tapering advice General Taper Plans

 

For support with any symptoms you may have post here: Withdrawal Support

 

I will also leave a link to our Other Meds Board.

 

Other Medications Board

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to ”Create a signature”

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Magrita

 

 

[[on...]]

Welcome anami- I too was an accidental addict- me for thirty years. I had no idea why I felt so crappy for so many years- the weird symptoms and feelings especially when it was close to the time to take my next dose. Like you I was originally prescribed xanax for anxiety- and it worked for a while- like a godsend I thought- but no one warned me it was not for long term use. I spent many years wondering what was wrong with me- why I felt so weird...now I know. I can say I have a lot of regrets but I am also so grateful to be free of the poison. I feel  like for the first time in years that I am in charge of my life- not that little pill. I used to plan my vacations around my next xanax refill- I lived in a constant state of worry I would run out. Yes- the withdrawal  from was hell on earth- the hardest thing I have ever faced  but I wanted to give you the encouragement that it is worth it to be free. And yes- once you are off  you will eventually feel good againn. At 10 months out I am really starting to feel like myself. I feel joy again and hope. So you are making the right decision and getting off the xanax can be done- even after many years.

[[an...]]

Thanks for your kind words magrita and ontheroadme.    I am looking forward to be rid of this dependence.

[[cr...]]

In what way did you feel horrible as the pills would leave your system before w/d?  I am finding out all I can for my dad.

 

I admire your strength.  I can see only the incredibly determined even have a shot to pull through this.

 

Biggest Hugs

[[Co...]]

You can do this, anaami, and you've definitely found the right place for information and advice. I took Cymbalta for years too, switching to Paxil for 3 years and then tapering off that. Please plan a very slow taper for both, and the common advice seems to be getting rid of the antidepressant  first.  But you'll want to research this for yourself. I was ignorant too of the fact that I was addicted, and I blundered through a much too fast taper off Paxil, then a CT off clonazepam.  I believe that educating myself and a slow taper could have saved me much suffering. You can do this!  Keep a positive attitude-eyes on the prize always, and avoid the negative stories.

[[an...]]

In what way did you feel horrible as the pills would leave your system before w/d?

 

Sometimes during the morning routine I would forget to take my morning dose.  Within an hour or so I would get very dizzy and "confused".  It would only go away once I've taken my dose and lied down a bit.  I hate to think how I would feel if one day I suddenly didn't have the pills for some reason.  Like ontheroadme, I always worry that I might run out or not be able to get a refill or somehow not be able to get my dose when I need it.

 

Here where I live my doctor used to give me repeat prescriptions that would last 6 months.  But recently the government changed the rules and repeat prescriptions for Xanax may no longer be given.  So I live month to month between doctor visits.  And the doctors don't see it the same way, they're ignorant as to how necessary it is to get this stuff once you've been on it for a while.  If you need a prescription for blood pressure pills or some other physical chronic condition they're sympathetic and helpful, if it's "just for mental anxiety" then you're not in the same category and they treat you differently, notwithstanding the evidence that going cold turkey off benzos could lead to seizures or death.  It's ridiculous and one of the reasons I finally decided to look into getting off this stuff.

 

@ComingHome: for the above reasons I want to get off the Xanax first.  The Cymbalta is not as strictly regulated here and it's quite easy to get regular repeat prescriptions for it.

[[Co...]]

That makes sense.  You could probably find a good argument for either approach, and both have advantages.  For what it's worth, I found the benzo withdrawal to be the most difficult, so perhaps having the additional support of Cymbalta can help you weather some of the sxs.   

[[an...]]

Thank you for your encouragement and advice, it's appreciated and very helpful.