Xanax

[[Ya...]]

Hi there I have been on Xanax for 6 months now. Been taking 1mg extend release once a day. I have started to experience tolerance withdrawal for the first time after 6 months I have had a panic attack again and experiencing daily anxiety even when on the medication.

 

I would like to come off Xanax and my doctor wants me to cut straight away from 1 MG to 0.5 MG but I'm already feeling bad. Is it a better idea switching to Diazepam and coming off that?

[[Ya...]]

I'm not sure if It was a panic attack or withdrawal but I was shaking with palpitations. It's the first time I experienced this after 6 months. With cold shakes.

[[ma...]]

Hi Yannis811

 

Welcome to Benzobuddies!  You will receive a lot of support and information here.  Some members do a crossover to Valium,  we also have members who have successfully dry tapered Xanax.  Its not surprising that you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms,  a 50% cut is too fast, slow is the way to go.   

 

A gradual taper of 5-10% every 10-14 days is generally recommended.  I am going leave a link to the Ashton Manual, a great source of information about these types of medications and how to withdraw. 

 

“Professor Ashtons Manual”

 

Feel free to post to any of the dedicated boards.  We have a wonderful community of people here.  Our members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal and are more than willing to share their experiences.

 

Here are a few links to information on tapering and withdrawal support:

 

General Taper Plans 

Withdrawal Support

Substitution Taper Plans   

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

 

Welcome  aboard

Magrita

 

[[Ya...]]

Hi Magrita , Thanks. I actually have not started the taper yet and i am experiencing this on 1MG a day . I dont want to think what it will be like if i start to taper.

 

I am supposed to see my doctor next week . He doesnt know i have started to feel like this yet.

[[ma...]]

Hi Magrita , Thanks. I actually have not started the taper yet and i am experiencing this on 1MG a day . I dont want to think what it will be like if i start to taper.

 

I am supposed to see my doctor next week . He doesnt know i have started to feel like this yet.

 

I am sorry Yannis i also reached tolerance level and was symptomatic throughout my taper.  You could try and get on a stable dose before beginning a taper.  Please ask your doctor if s/he will support a slow taper,  because 50% is too fast!.  I would copy some pertinent pages from the Ashton manual, show the doctor, it might help.

 

“Professor Ashtons Manual”

 

It provides tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms

 

Magrita

 

[[Ch...]]

Hi Yannis.

XanaxXR pills aren’t meant to be cut into parts.  I’d ask the doctor for regular Xanax for tapering. .25mg are the easiest to cut. If you click Magrita’s link to General Taper Plans, you can start a new thread for other forum members to comment on, too.

Challis 

[[Ya...]]

Thank you! I believe my Psychiatrist doesn't really understand tapering even though he is a doctor!

He even suggested to to skip a day without taking any Xanax and take the next day and taper like that .

So instead of 1mg every day he suggests 1mg every 2 days . I get withdrawal symptoms after 12 hrs so i dont understand how that would work.

Maybe i need to change doctor someone who understands better.

[[Pa...]]

Hi Yannis811,

 

A slow even taper is best, taking the drug every other day will put your body in a yo-yo type situation, it sounds like you've already figured that out by how you feel after 12 hours.  The problem we encounter with the medical profession concerning tapering is because not everyone will experience what we do, some get off the drug fairly easily, so the Dr's aren't able to set up a standardized protocol.  This leaves us outliers struggling to find our way on our own.

 

I hope you can find someone who will support a slow taper. 

 

Pamster

[[Ya...]]

Thanks , im seeing the doctor tomorrow and i will recommend he gives me the 0.25 mg pills so i can cut 10% every week or so until i reach zero.

 

My biggest challenge will be working at the same time ..... high demanding job so fingers crossed i dont lose it.

 

Has anyone found that melatonin helps for sleeping?

 

Can you mix with Xanax?

 

Thanks