Hard time situation

[[St...]]

Was on 4 mgs of Xanax for 9 years. Switched to Valium to taper a year ago. Weaned from 70mgs of Valium to 20. Can't tolerate Valium or Klonopin. Want to switch back to Xanax n finish taper. I know this is against the  Ashton's Manual. I just cannot tolerate Valum any longer. I cannot metabolize it....this was also confirmed by a gene sight test.  Is there anyone else having this problem? I would like to go back to Xanax and get 4- .25's a day and break them up to avoid interdose withdrawals  or use a liquid titration. Any help anyone? Thanks

[[pi...]]

Hello Starcaster,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! You done very well on your taper thus far, I'm sorry that valium is not working for you. This is not all that uncommon. I did a cross to valium and didn't like the way it made me feel at all, however, at that point it was the lesser of the two evils.  I'm sure that members can advise and help you with a plan to finish your taper with Xanax. Since Xanax has a very short half life, looking into titration might be a good idea.

 

I will provide you a couple of links.  I know you are familiar with the Ashton plan but I'll give you a link to the manual because it has a lot of good information about these types of drugs and what you might experience during withdrawal. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

I'll also give you a link to both the Substitution Board and the Titration Board. You can post questions here and receive feedback from members. We have many members who have good knowledge about titration.

 

I'm glad you've joined the forum. You'll get a lot of support for the last part of your taper as well as encouragement during the recovery.  Please ask questions, we're here to help.

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Substitution Taper Plans   

 

Titration Taper Plans     

 

 

pianogirl 

[[Su...]]

Hi Starcaster,

Welcome to the forum!

You'll find there are many folks who have or are continuing to taper from straight Xanax.  So that part can totally be done.

And you may find that there are others who have switched back to Xanax from Valium.

I am using both at the moment to taper and do find being on the Valium difficult, so can understand some of what you're going through with that med.

There is a Valium board/thread that may have some info on it, and there is lots of information around doing a titration on the forum.

Start hunting around and I bet there are people who can help with what you are asking!

Wishing you a good day.

[[Iw...]]

Starcaster

 

Welcome!!!

 

I am currently tapering xanax.  I would be happy to help.  If you can get the 0.25 tablets you shouldn't have a problem.  You can begin by cutting your 0.25 in half  and cutting the one half in half again.  Or you could do a dry dose and liquid dose. 

 

Completely doable! 

 

I'm sure some others will drop by.  There are guys here that are great at math if you need it.  Since I'm doing the xanax titration I may be able to help.  Just give me a shout. 

[[St...]]

Starcaster

 

Welcome!!!

 

I am currently tapering xanax.  I would be happy to help.  If you can get the 0.25 tablets you shouldn't have a problem.  You can begin by cutting your 0.25 in half  and cutting the one half in half again.  Or you could do a dry dose and liquid dose. 

 

Completely doable! 

 

I'm sure some others will drop by.  There are guys here that are great at math if you need it.  Since I'm doing the xanax titration I may be able to help.  Just give me a shout.

 

Hey, thank you for offering to help me taper xanax.  I was planning to ask my doctor for the 0.25 tablets.  I think I'm going to try dry cutting at first, as long as I can.

 

How many times a day do you have to dose with Xanax?  I want to be sure to avoid interdose withdrawals and that's what I'm worried about the most with Xanax, because of it's short half life. 

[[Iw...]]

Starcaster

 

I only dose 1x a day.  That probably won't work for you yet.  I would keep on your current dosage schedule and start reducing one of your afternoon doses or the one you think your body wouldn't miss.  Please go slow in reduction and time between cuts. 

[[St...]]

Starcaster

 

I only dose 1x a day.  That probably won't work for you yet.  I would keep on your current dosage schedule and start reducing one of your afternoon doses or the one you think your body wouldn't miss.  Please go slow in reduction and time between cuts.

 

How much xanax were you originally on and how much did you dose when you first started your taper?  Thanks for the help.

[[Iw...]]

I think I was on 3 mg-two at night( to sleep) , one in the morning.  At the beginning I didn't keep accurate records because I hadn't found BenzoBuddies and really didn't know what I was doing other  than to slowly reduce.  I hadn't read the Ashton Manuel either.  I think I cut .50 when I started which was above the 10%suggested cut amount.  But I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms that I remember. 

 

If I had to do it again with the knowledge I have now, with a starting dose of 4mg, I'd probably cut 0.25 and hold at least 2-4 weeks depending on symptoms. In most cases,  A slower taper will give you an easier time after you jump.