Withdrawal Symptoms or Underlying Condition?

[[ri...]]

I've been on Xanax for four years because of a panic disorder I had seven years ago. The doctor prescribed me Xanax on a as-needed basis when my anxiety had gone away. I didn't want to rely on the drug to sleep so I decided to taper off on my own.

 

I'm on a very low dosage. 0.25mg. I've taken it every night for 4 years just to help me sleep and probably the same dosage when I was under a lot of stress or if I was suffering from a hangover from the previous night. Never took them when I was drinking.

 

I don't know what happened but I read a post where it said if a person used these drugs for a long period of time they'd have serious consequences in the future. My ignorance didn't know that I was reprogramming my brain to be used to these pills.

 

I've started taking half of 0.25mg for 2 months now and was planning to stop completely in the next month but now I'm experiencing anxiety like I never have.

 

Can't go into markets, stores, on public transport or be in a social environment without having a full blown panic attack and I don't know what to do. I constantly have anxiety and can't leave the house without having a beer or two. I'm extremely sensitive to sound and have sharp pains in my head, wouldn't call it a headache but rather a stabbing sensation on my right side.

 

I refuse to take more Xanax.

 

I just recently decided to see a psychiatrist and he prescribed Pristiq and Valium.

 

I'm afraid of taking them. I don't want to be on another horrible roller coaster, yet I can't control my anxiety.  I'm here because I don't know if this is just withdrawal symptoms, if I'm suffering from depression or if this was a condition I had all along and didn't know until I reduced my dosage.

[[ma...]]

Hello rickatu Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

The symptoms you describe sound like common withdrawal symptoms.  If your worried, its always best to get checked for peace of mind.  Benzo’s can make you feel more anxious.  I couldn't leave my home, i became agoraphobic.  Withdrawal is awful but worth it!  these symptoms are temporary, you will eventually get better.  Benzodiazepines are only meant for short term use, 2/3 weeks. It only takes a few weeks for the body to become dependent on these drugs,

 

Tapering slowly is the best way to withdraw from benzodiazepines. Reducing your daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days is the rule of thumb.  A slow taper helps keep symptoms manageable. 

 

I would suggest you read The Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides Tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

Here, on the forum you will find some valuable support and information.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

Withdrawal Support

 

General Taper Plans

 

When you can, please add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  ”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

[[ri...]]

How do I know how to cut 5-10% of 0.25 of Xanax? The Ashton Manual is great but the numbers are confusing as I'm on such a low dosage.  Thank you for the suggestions! 

[[ga...]]

Hi rickatu. People who dry cut pills often buy a scale and weigh the pill. The pill weighs much more than the drug because of the binders and fillers. But if you go by the weight of the pill, that will work. When I was dry cutting, I weighed a few pills, took the average, and cut my percent off of that. It took a bit of practice to learn how to do it (calibrate the scale, cut accurately, etc.), but it worked.

 

This is a popular scale. Gem20 Scale

 

Try this board for more answers.  General Taper Plans  It gets more traffic than the introductions board.

 

There's some very good information in the stickies posted at the top of that board, too. If you want to ask your own question, just click New Topic.

 

Gard

[[Se...]]

I had taken .25 mg of xanax at bedtime for 7 years. Before that I was taking Ativan, I think .5 mostly at night. I had come to a cross roads. Take more xanax or stop. I decided to stop.

 

 

M plan was to be conservative and taper over 3 months. Well, 25 days in, I got blindsided with horrible sxs. I held for several weeks and as sxs abated, continued the taper. Long story short, to remain functional and employed, I had to drastically slow down ,my taper. I am 6 months in and at 30% of my initial dose. Needless to say, my 3 month taper was a pipe dream.

 

I am currently in a 1-1/2 month hold because my taper had gotten ahead of my brains ability to normalize. I actually feel great right now and will resume my taper in a month or so after the summer.

 

People are all different, but I think you made too big of an initial cut. I know it's hard to believe because you were on such a small amount to begin with, but from my experience and many others, you typically have to go much slower than you might think if you don't want to experience really bad sxs for a long time.

 

I am tapering using a liquid titration method so I can go down in small increments.

 

I suspect that if you do a gentle enough taper, your anxiety will eventually resolve to a very small level. Much smaller than what you originally started with. But it will be challenging as you taper.

 

 

Best Wishes.