Don't know where to start

[[jm...]]

Hi, new to the group. I've been on xanax regularly for about three years. I have maintained the whole time at 1mg a day (in four doses .25mg four times a day. Started it for severe panic. My doctor recently cut my dose to .25mg twice a day. I still had enough so I haven't started that dose yet and am going to call him tomorrow to see if we can reduce slower. I was confident i could start to taper down and hang at the new dose awhile then taper down more but after reading people's stories I'm honestly scared to death. I haven't even started and I feel terrible. I guess I don't know where to start or if I can.

[[Su...]]

Hi jms12,

Another Xanax user here.  There are lots of scary stories on these threads and some very positive outcomes and experiences -- so please don't be scared to death!  It's all possible to get down and off this stuff with minimal or tolerable sxs.....

Taking it slowly seems to be the way that has the best outcome. Listening to the body.... a sxs based approach.  And looking for some of the positive threads on this forum....

I know I read a ton when I joined and that t helped ( it also scared the bejesus out of me at times!!!)

I've had some tough times and some times that are decent during this benZo dance.....

Welcome!

SS

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, jms12 – welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

No need to be scared, you’re definitely going to be able to taper, and we’re here to help you do it.

 

Starting with a 50% cut is likely to get you off to a rough start, so if you can present your doctor with a reasonable taper plan, members here will be happy to help you prepare one. I tapered far too quickly from Ativan, and then iced the cake with a cold turkey, so I don’t recommend it. But even so, it was survivable, and here I am sixteen months later, with a huge benzo-free smile on my face. If I could do it, so can you. 

 

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.

 

Here are a couple of links that may be a good starting place for you:

 

  General Taper Plans

  Withdrawal Support

 

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

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the forum!

Leslie 

 

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative resource on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery. It provides information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations.

 

For those who are currently tapering, a starting guideline is that the dosage not be reduced faster than by 5-10% every 10-14 days, although some taper even more slowly than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper somewhat faster.

[[Do...]]

Please remember that while the stories you see here are true, it does not happen to the majority of benzo users.  Many people can get off with only mild symptoms.

[[gi...]]

Please remember that while the stories you see here are true, it does not happen to the majority of benzo users.  Many people can get off with only mild symptoms.

 

I second that.  Don't be scared, just start the taper and see what happens.  Wishing you the best!

[[jm...]]

I'm going to go talk to my doctor tomorrow and see if we can slow down a little bit. I actually tried to cut out a half of a .25 and immediately felt miserable I think it was just because I had myself so worked up, I think if I go talk to my doctor and know that he's on board with me slowing down I'll feel better. I don't know if it's withdrawal that I'm worried about feeling awful or actually going back to having anxiety all the time without the medicine. I've been on the same dose for like 3 years so it's probably not doing much for my anxiety anymore,  I'm just going to take today take a step back keep taking my normal dose then go talk to him tomorrow hopefully we can work together and I'll feel a little calmer about it

[[Su...]]

I'm going to go talk to my doctor tomorrow and see if we can slow down a little bit. I actually tried to cut out a half of a .25 and immediately felt miserable I think it was just because I had myself so worked up, I think if I go talk to my doctor and know that he's on board with me slowing down I'll feel better. I don't know if it's withdrawal that I'm worried about feeling awful or actually going back to having anxiety all the time without the medicine. I've been on the same dose for like 3 years so it's probably not doing much for my anxiety anymore,  I'm just going to take today take a step back keep taking my normal dose then go talk to him tomorrow hopefully we can work together and I'll feel a little calmer about it

 

that sounds like such a good plan!  I hope your doc is on board and realizes that everyone needs to taper according to their body's schedule.

It doesn't have to be a nightmare this journey, just slow and steady.... and we'll all get there...

SS

[[jm...]]

I went to the doctor today, he was far more understanding than I thought he would be. my pulse was up, I was all upset. He told me to go home and take my normal dose that I was on before and don't get myself so worked up over it and that we will start the taper slower when I'm not so worked up over it. He said he would rather wait until I can research and read and hear success stories than do it when I'm worked up before even starting. So I'm gonna regroup then create an action plan.

[[Su...]]

fantastic news about the doc, and your plan for beginning the taper when you can and when you are ready.....

SS

[[jm...]]

I'm back and about to start. Thank you all for your encouragement

Jess

[[Eu...]]

I'm going to go talk to my doctor tomorrow and see if we can slow down a little bit. I actually tried to cut out a half of a .25 and immediately felt miserable I think it was just because I had myself so worked up, I think if I go talk to my doctor and know that he's on board with me slowing down I'll feel better. I don't know if it's withdrawal that I'm worried about feeling awful or actually going back to having anxiety all the time without the medicine. I've been on the same dose for like 3 years so it's probably not doing much for my anxiety anymore,  I'm just going to take today take a step back keep taking my normal dose then go talk to him tomorrow hopefully we can work together and I'll feel a little calmer about it

Hi Jsm12,

I'm glad you're here. The overwhelming feelings you have are normal. You will find as you take in information in this environment, you'll start to gain confidence.

It doesn't mean you won't have any fear - you'll have a healthy respect for taking care of yourself. Listen to your gut feelings and, then answer them with as full an answer

as you can. It will guide you.

I once heard someone say, " Don't worry, work" and I thought how cold. Yet, as I take the steps myself I see the practical value. If I have to say, " I don't know" that means I have to find out. You make the work, the solution to your worry. Remember you don't have to figure it all by yourself or all at once.

Peace & courage,

Eutychus

 

[[jm...]]

Thank you Euthchus,

I feel better having support and was finally just honest with my doctor that I can't go fast,  he has said I can take as long as I need.

[[Eu...]]

Thank you Euthchus,

I feel better having support and was finally just honest with my doctor that I can't go fast,  he has said I can take as long as I need.

Hey Jms12,

That's great! Getting a doctor on your side will certainly be a lot less to be concerned about. That was good news for me to hear today thanks.

Peace,

Eutychus