Getting off Xanax

[[To...]]

Hello. I have been taking Xanax for about 22 years. My dose started at .25mg then about 10 yrs ago was upped to .50  my prescription says to take up to 3 times a day as needed. Honestly, it’s been rare that I’ve had to take 3 a day. But, I find I am now not able to go more than a day without one. I usually take one around 4 pm or before bed. The four o’clock time seems to get me anxious, even as a child. I am now67, I would like to stop the pills. I have just began Celexa again for anxiety. I am on a very slow up taper. I am at the same time tapering down from Xanax. I am taking 3/4 of a pill and after reading posts here I realize I’ll be on that dose for a while. I also watched the Lisa Ling program on Benzos, it scared me to death. I know I have stopped using these from time to time with no ill effects, so I’m hoping that I will be successful. My dr is supportive however did not offer assistance in the taper down of Xanax. I guess it’s another trip to her. I am hoping for success as well as support from this group.

[[ma...]]

Hello To success Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community, you will get plenty of support here.  I know its scary but you will come through this. I came off benzos successfully after 26 years.  You have to accept that it’s going to take time, but it’s worth it.  Benzodiazepines need to be tapered off slowly. 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 

 

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

 

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

 

[[Li...]]

Hiya fellow Xanax person!

 

Time to leave that stuff behind, huh?  The information to be found on this site is so helpful, sugar.  Yes, you can go back to your doctor if you desire.. but.. I've found that many many doctors aren't even aware that there is a problem with getting off benzos.  Heck.. not even all of them will tell you that there could BE a problem with longterm use.  They seem to be uneducated about this class of drugs.

 

Luckily, there is so much info gleaned from experience on this site.  Read it, lovie.  Talk to the people here.  You can leave Xanax far behind you but it will take some time and some research and planning.  You're here, so you've taken the first step. 

 

You CAN do this, lovie.  I promise.  I did.  You can, too.

 

Grandma Libble

[[Tr...]]

Hello newbie, I've been on xanax for over 25 yrs now and found BB last summer. I hang out in the long hold support group. If I can help in any way let me know. It took time for me to learn how to navigate BB but you'll find a lot of support here and you'll make friends who truly understand the difficulties of tapering.

Best of luck on your journey,

Trish