Introduction

[[Pu...]]

Hi.  I have been on Xanax for about 4 years.  The original prescription was for three 1.0 mg. per day for panic and anxiety.  I did take 2 to 3 mg. each day for a week or two and now take the .5-1.0 daily.  While this doesn’t seem like much, I was warned not to quit cold turkey.  My concern was reading about folks who had seizures, convulsions, etc.  This is my worry.  I went to my pcp (she is not the one who prescribed) and she gave me a timeline of an 8 week “gentle” taper.  6 days, 5 days, 4 days, etc. until I’m tapered to none.  She said she does not think I will have major issues if I taper gently as this is a low dose and not an abusive situation.  She is very supportive in my endeavor to be done with this medication. 

[[ma...]]

Hello PurplePenny Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community,  you will get plenty of support here.  Benzodiazepines need to be tapered off slowly, ask your PCP if s/he will support a slower taper an 8 week taper is fast.  The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to go slower than this, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.

 

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

Please take time 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

 

[[ga...]]

Welcome PurplePenny. IMHO your doctor is terribly misinformed. You are not on a low dose and 8 weeks is a rapid taper, not a gentle taper, for the vast majority of people. Please read the Ashton Manual. Dr. Heather Ashton was a pioneer in taking people off of benzos safely. Perhaps you could suggest to your doctor to start more slowly and pick up the pace if it goes well. That is a thousand times easier than starting too fast and trying to recover after you crash. Please read my signature. I did it the wrong way and it took years to recover. But, I did recover and I am now free! One day you will be free, too.

 

Gardie

[[Pu...]]

Well, I am very confused with the entire benzo thing.  When I was taking 4 mg. a day (under stress and anxiety), I went to .5-1.0 and didn't feel any withdrawal symptoms as far as I can recall.  I have read the Ashton manual and do not want to go from one drug to another.  When you say a longer taper, what would be a safe way to do this?  These pills are very tiny.  I have no idea how to shave 10% off.  Your profile says you were taking .5 Xanax and had seizures.  That's what scares me the most.  There are some days I don't even think about taking Xanax.  I moved last September to a new state and have all new doctors.  Not one has asked me how often I take the Xanax.  It states on my medication history, as needed.  My pcp had no idea I was taking it almost every day until I went to her seeking guidance on getting off the stuff.  Since moving, in the past year I have had some medical situations that have caused me anxiety.  I have had tingling in and this was the diagnosis I was given.  I have had numerous blood tests, MRI's, CTs and medications for osteoarthritis.  I'm now wondering if my rheumatologist has misdiagnosed me.  He said I have fibromyalgia, which was a surprise to me.  All I want is to stop taking this medicine.  Going cold turkey was going to be my choice until I read about the warnings.  I really thought .5-1.0 mg. was a small dose.  I'm learning as I'm reading these boards.  Scary to say the least. 

[[ga...]]

I'm so glad you didn't go cold turkey. When I was new here, I was saved from that by what I read on the forum. I'm so grateful!

 

You don't need to do a substitution. We've learned a lot since Ashton. Many people taper directly off their benzo without substituting.

 

People who do dry cutting often use scales they buy on amazon to measure their cuts. Post on the General Taper Board for help with that.

 

Other people use liquid meds. Xanax does come as a liquid so all you have to do is dilute it and measure it with an oral syringe. Check out the Titration Board for help with liquids.

 

This is the Introductions board. It doesn't get as much traffic as the boards I've linked below.

 

General Taper Board

 

Titration Board

 

It's good to have a plan before you start. You are doing this the right way!

[[Li...]]

Thank goodness you didn't go cold turkey.  I did that after a year on Xanax and it was a HUGE mistake.  I didn't know any better at the time.  I''m lucky that the consequences didn't end up with me in the hospital or worse.  I didn't have the resource of this forum.. but you do!

 

I did an eight week taper on my own, instead.  It was tooo fast.. but once again, I didn't know any better.  I am four years free from benzos now.  I muddled thru on my own but I really think my withdrawal symptoms wouldn't have lasted so long if I'd had the resources and knowledge to be found on this site.

 

Soo.. lovie..  read up!  You CAN do this, hun.  I promise.

 

Grandma Libble