Short term xanax user now tapering

[[Su...]]

Hello, and thank you for having this forum. I'm hoping that people that truly understand what this hell is like will help me get through this withdrawl without hurting myself. I've only been taking xanax 0.5 once a day for 2 months.  I did also take 2mg of adivan about a dozen times during this 2 month period, because I was unaware that the panic attacks were being caused by the xanax. I am now tapering the xanax to get off of it. I am now taking 1/3 of a 0.5 mg xanax 2x a day for a week, then I will reduce the dose more. I do not have the option of switching to a longer life benzo since no Dr will help with that. I'm hoping to be completely done with this taper and off the xanax completely by the end of May. I could really use a mentor to help me through this month of doing this. We all know that this type of withdrawl is hell on Earth. Thanks

[[pi...]]

Hello Survivor68,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! Benzos are very tricky drugs and it doesn't take long for a physical dependency to develop. This happen to me as well in a short period of time.  I don't understand why doctors prescribe more then one benzo, this was my experience as well. Although my issues were related to cold turkey withdrawal and tolerance, the doctor didn't recognize this and gave me ativan for panic and valium for headaches, on top of clonazepam.  But, you are in the right place for support and encouragement as you complete your taper.

 

Benzo withdrawal can be challenging but it is doable.  While symptoms can be strong, they are temporary and will ease up with time. These drugs make significant changes to the central nervous system and it takes a while for the system to reset and find balance again.

 

If your symptoms are strong, you might wait for 10-14 days to make your next reduction.  Normally, a slow taper is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Generally, a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

You are not alone in this, we understand what you are going through. You'll find a community of people willing to help each other through the withdrawal process. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

 

pianogirl 

[[Su...]]

Ty Pianogirl. I'm tapering every 7 days, right now I'm taking 1/3 of a 0.5 xanax 2x a day and after a week planning on taking 1/4 of a pill 2x a day. Will that be surviveable?

[[ba...]]

Good luck with everything!