Looking for Buddies - LT High dose Xanax direct taper 1/2 way there!

[[An...]]

congratulations you must have suffered terribly already.

I tapered off from 0,5 mg in 4 weeks, a bit too quickly.

First 2 weeks are hell, with a summit on the 10th after quitting completely.

I want to give you hope and courage, not to panic when you will have arrived at 0.

Then the hard struggle begins, but I'm in my 7th week quitting, it STARTS to get better with all symptoms

[[Po...]]

Hey Anton!

 

Glad you are off xanax and healing. Just wanted to chime in that many who taper long and slow are able to walk off their Xanax without those months of suffering afterwards. Obviously not everyone but after being on this thread and the other boards for a while I’ve seen plenty of buddies do it.

 

I just don’t want people to read your comment and think that everyone has to suffer.

 

Pearl

[[An...]]

how courageaous of you, you came from 6 mg.

I only had 0,5 mg for 3 months and felt like a complete zombie.

When I quit completely (- 25 % per week, in 4 weeks I stopped - too quickly !) I went 2 weeks through hell, now in my seventh week of  nothing, life begins slightly to better.  Have to courage, especially if you quit completely, this is the most difficult.

 

Find a lot of info and relief in this pdf- you can download at

 

https://www.matuaraki.org.nz/resources/substance-withdrawal-management-guidelines-for-medical-and-nursing-practitioners-in-primary-health-specialist-addiction-custodial-and-general-hospital-settings/374

[[Lo...]]

Hey everyone!

 

I’m good with whatever you want to call the thread and wherever you want to file it. I just want more people to post.

 

I hope everyone is doing well!

 

Hugs

 

Hi Pearl!

 

I actually had trouble finding this thread.   

I was so used to it being right there on the taper thread. Doesn't seem to be getting any additional traction over here. Oh well.

 

My Dad is doing better! He's at a PT rehab facility now. Hoping he's released this coming Saturday. I'm still hanging in there. Rough days and then better. Never symptom free but I don't expect those. All muscles still really tight. I'm convinced that it will be like this until after I'm finished. Just trying to move forward.

 

How are you making out? Are you still at .75? I have not heard from Julia. She was in the throws of selling her house and moving to a different state which is stressful. Last I heard from her she was doing well but tired and crazy busy. Hopefully we'll hear from her once she gets settled in.

 

Hope all are doing well!

 

Lori

[[Wh...]]

Hey all, haven't been in in a while- held at .25 while I adjusted to culture shock/life in a foreign country. Now that I'm settled I want to start cutting again but boy am I nervous! I think I'll start next Wednesday. Wish me luck, and I'm so glad to see all of your progress since I've been gone!

[[Lo...]]

Just checking in. This thread really died out once it was moved over. Not helping!

 

Hope all are doing okay.

 

Lori

[[Po...]]

Hey Lori!

 

I’m here. I haven’t posted bc I have no idea where to post. It’s all so confusing now. Anyway if you read this I hope you’re  doing well. So excited that you are down in the .4s. Hopefully some of the sx eased off for you.

 

I’m doing pretty good. Much better than I was a few weeks ago. Even doing better it’s still so frustrating when I think about how much time I have left. That is really the hardest part.

 

Anyway when you have a chance give me an update on how you’re doing!

 

Hugs

Pearl

[[Lo...]]

Hey Lori!

 

I’m here. I haven’t posted bc I have no idea where to post. It’s all so confusing now. Anyway if you read this I hope you’re  doing well. So excited that you are down in the .4s. Hopefully some of the sx eased off for you.

 

I’m doing pretty good. Much better than I was a few weeks ago. Even doing better it’s still so frustrating when I think about how much time I have left. That is really the hardest part.

 

Anyway when you have a chance give me an update on how you’re doing!

 

Hugs

Pearl

 

Hi Pearl! 

 

So nice to see your name! And I'm beyond happy that you're doing better! Woo-hoo! It's always awesome to hear of a friend/Buddie feeling and doing well! 

 

I'm a bit frustrated about all these changes and moderators moving the threads. You're not alone in not being either able to find them or not sure where to post. I've received messages from some members who had been with us for several months who have given up! This is not good! Newer members agreed to "moving this thread. Changing the name", etc., not realizing the work that it took to have the following and support we had going. What's the point in moving threads, changing names, if it's not working... let alone causing confusion or people no longer participating? 

 

Sorry, I guess my "group dynamics " specialist is coming out. I e never really mentioned it much here but I have a Bachelors degree in Organizational Psychology (corporate) and a Masters Degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology. Hey, it certainly doesn't make me any smarter in the taper process (as we've all seen), but it does make me more aware of how effective groups work and do not work! Any type if confusion, chaise, frustrations, is NOT a good thing.

 

While I believe that Challis and other moderators have our very best interests at heart, sometimes they need to recognize that a decision didn't work.

 

End of rant on that one! Lol!

 

I will PM you soon and hopefully we can figure out the best way to proceed!  We all need ach other and this new method of posts all over theplace is not the way to go!  I'll also include Julia and others who are doing a direct taper. Hopefully we can collaborate and figure out the best way to continue.

 

Again, so happy for you! 

 

Hugs,

Lori

[[La...]]

Lori0413-

Will you include me?  I’m also doing a direct taper!  And I still have a little way to go!  Thanks!  🌹

[[Po...]]

Hi Lady Lake!

 

How is everything going? I saw the picture with your fur baby. So cute!

 

Pearl

[[La...]]

Pearl-

Thank you!  That’s my boy, Bonzai! 

I’m doing okay!  I made another cut a few days ago, so having some anxiety, blurred vision, and some mild head pressure.  Nothing I can’t handle.  Realized that when I sort of feel bored for a few days, it’s the best time to make a cut.  I wish there were some easier way to find this particular thread, because if I feel scared, I’m sure there are many others.  I’m enjoying some wonderful autumn weather in the Midwest!  🌹

[[Po...]]

Lady Lake,

 

Hope the sx from your cut dissipate soon!  The sx suck but don’t you love the feeling of being just a little bit lower?  I do!

 

I’m in Michigan and we have had the most beautiful weather too. I love this time of year. I just wish it would last and we didn’t have to think about the freezing cold winter that’s coming. I’m already cold thinking about it.

 

Take care and talk soon!

 

Pearl

[[gi...]]

I’m glad I found this thread! Following!

[[ba...]]

Welcome gildthelily, we are delighted to have you.

 

I have been in a mood and a wave, so not so active lately.

 

To all  :smitten: :smitten:

[[Po...]]

Hello All!  Just stopping by to check in. Please post updates if you feel up to it.

 

I’m still truckin’ along. Not symptom free but it’s tolerable.

 

Lori- Hope you are back to your .5 taper dose. How’d that go after your hospital stay?

 

Gildthelily- welcome to the thread.

 

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

Happy Healing

Pearl

[[La...]]

This seems to be the place for those of us tapering directly from Xanax!  I had a pretty fast initial taper, and I have continued to “cut”, as I felt able.  Right now, I’m at .5 mg morning, and bedtime, and afternoon dose is .25 mg.  Total of 1.25 mg per day right now.  I’m beginning to feel some sxs.  Mainly insomnia....and a weird “disassociation”, like I really don’t want to be out in groups of people beyond one on one interactions.  Some anxiety, to be expected.  I’m hoping to do another taper, down to a total daily of 1 mg. divided into 4 doses.  If doc will allow a lower mg. tablet.  This would be around the end of the month.  I am basing the severity of my sxs by what I can accomplish on my own.  I can still cook, if planned right, I can shop for supplies.  I’m able to continue with good personal grooming habits, and I can care for my dogs.  Trying to keep up with housework....(excuse the dust)!  But, even though my body feels deprived, if I think with my brain, the sxs are manageable so far...not pleasant, but doable!  With the right mindset, and bravery to face pain, this w/d can be overcome!  I’m trying.....every morning that I wake!  😊

[[Lo...]]

Lori0413-

Will you include me?  I’m also doing a direct taper!  And I still have a little way to go!  Thanks!  🌹

 

Hi LadyLake! 

 

Welcome to the group!

 

I'm back in the saddle. Had a rough month and had to updose slightly. It was frustrating but between my Dad having a stroke, my mom not being well enough to drive to see him, then my sister breaking her foot 5 days later (she's still out of commission), other sisters daughter having ACL surgery (hence, she was out as far as helping my mom for a week, then me being in the hospital for 2.5 days, it was beyond ridiculous!

 

I'm back at .5 mg after some erratic dosing and hoping to stabilize here and keep going! Insomnia is kicking my butt a bit but I've been here before. I have to keep reminding myself that it will get better!

 

Like many others, I feel like I've been at this for so long now and I'm simply exhausted!  Nevertheless , there's no going back now! 

 

Pearl, so happy to see that you're cruising along and feeling pretty good! 

 

Hope all others are doing well! 

 

Best to all!

 

Lori

[[La...]]

Hello again!

Just thought I would post some strange symptoms I’m having.  I’ve been cooking and baking for a friend, and of course eating some of my creations.  I swerved from my “clean” diet of fresh produce and lean meats, and today I have been having nausea, headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue.  I’ve read that tapering will cause some stomach upset, and it’s come to fruition.  Going back to eating clean in the morning, and lots of fresh, cold water.  My sxs were tolerable, but stomach upset is hard to deal with when trying to relax. 

[[Lo...]]

Hello again!

Just thought I would post some strange symptoms I’m having.  I’ve been cooking and baking for a friend, and of course eating some of my creations.  I swerved from my “clean” diet of fresh produce and lean meats, and today I have been having nausea, headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue.  I’ve read that tapering will cause some stomach upset, and it’s come to fruition.  Going back to eating clean in the morning, and lots of fresh, cold water.  My sxs were tolerable, but stomach upset is hard to deal with when trying to relax.

 

For what it's worth... . When I first started on this journey, I honestly rolled my eyes at the mere thought of people being plagued with sensitivities of almost everything!  I honestly never had any issues for 18-20 years of Xanax use and very early tapering. I thought people were seriously making this stuff up and blaming every crazy ailment to Benzo w/d... boy was I wrong!!!! 

 

 

Rest assured that what you're experiencing is, in my opinion, quite normal!  Don't fret!  Good for you that you're recognizing diet. It took me far too long to do so!  Again, stupid me thinking it was all in people's heads!

 

You are doing so well! I can't even imagine having the stamina to bake/cook for others like you're currently doing at this point in your taper. I applaud you!  Just keep doing what you're doing!  We will all be here for you during your lower doses.  I know you've had some challenges early on but you have an amazing outlook and that will take you far!  Keep it up! You doing GREAT!

 

Lori

 

[[La...]]

Lori0413-

Thanks for the pep talk!  I really needed it!  I am not quite familiar with the “windows and waves” thing, but I can say, for me, personally...after a few days of rich food, creamy sauces, refined flour and sugar in baked goods...my stomach is rebelling!  I’m thinking that it’s probably easier on the brain healing, and general health of the body to use food to help allow detox and healing to happen.  I’m having a quiet weekend, and I’m going back to baked chicken, fish, and all the raw or steamed produce I desire.  “Benzo-belly” is NOT a myth!  I have constant pressure, and bloating, all the way to my rib cage. 

I have to spend a month in the city, where my adult daughter lives, and I’m going to take advantage of a nearby fitness center, if for nothing more than use of a treadmill.  And the one thing I miss when I’m at home in my woods....a big natural foods store!  I’m going to slow my taper just a bit, get back on track health wise, and try to not over-do during the winter holiday season! 

(My current mantra-“Keep moving forward”)!

[Guest [...]]

Following, I'm reading all your posts trying to get hold of my situation, praying for sleep tonight

[[ba...]]

Hi buddies, we are consolidating the various xanax boards into one group. Come on over and hang out with us!

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=74309.0

[[Lo...]]

Hi buddies, we are consolidating the various xanax boards into one group. Come on over and hang out with us!

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=74309.0

 

Why? It's 127 pages long and started 6 years ago? I think having the moderators continuing to move things around is actually hurting more than it's helping.

 

As many have mentioned, there aren't a ton of us to begin with. At one time or another a few of us have attempted to start new groups and they didn't take. This one seems to be one of the few that still has a following even though it was already moved once a few weeks ago.

 

Can we please just leave this where it is? It's getting increasingly frustrating trying to find our threads. I have two buddies who said they couldn't find me (or this group) and had to try to search for it using my name. This process is difficult enough... why does it have to be made more frustrating with moderators constantly changing thread locations? What is the harm in leaving them alone?

 

Lori

[[ba...]]

I feel you, Lori. We have tried to reconcile this situation to get everyone together in one thriving group. I am sorry we can't make it as easy as we would like. You are welcome to stick with any group you like, but this is an attempt to move everyone together.

 

-Peace

[[Sk...]]

I feel you, Lori. We have tried to reconcile this situation to get everyone together in one thriving group. I am sorry we can't make it as easy as we would like. You are welcome to stick with any group you like, but this is an attempt to move everyone together.

 

-Peace

 

That was ambiguous at best. Does it mean you're leaving this thread as it is or not?

 

So Baddove, your solution is to resurrect a two-year-old thread?

 

Why can’t you leave stuff alone and let Lori keep her thread??

 

Anyway, your Xanax journey is not at all typical, since most people here are trying to taper off, and your dose is even higher than it was when you started over three years ago. So why do you get to call the shots on this? SMDH