62F, 25 yrs alprazolam .5 for sleep

[[Sl...]]

I am 62, and for 25 years I have taken .5 alprazolam per night for anxiety related insomnia.

 

I knew it was ‘addicting’ and plenty of doctors reminded me.  And since I depended on it to sleep, I knew I was ‘addicted’.  I didn’t think it was a problem though, if the med was letting me sleep.  And apparently neither did my doctors, who continued to write my scripts.

 

And then I stumbled on a concerning article on benzos and started researching. 

 

It’s been disturbing to learn that ‘addiction’ actually meant more than a dependence for sleep.  No doctor told me alprazolam could harm me.  No doctor mentioned a possible connection between alprazolam and the various symptoms I suffered over the years.  No doctor clarified that withdrawal entails so much more than recovering from sleep problems.

 

I often wondered why I felt like Rip Van Winkle with my missing memories, but never considered the pills.  It’s weird now.  Now, when I have a memory, my mind is questioning whether my past actions and perceptions may have been warped by my sleeping pills.  Was that me or was that the benzo?

 

So I have a lot of studying to do, and searches for situations similar to mine, to learn more about how I may have been affected, and plan a taper of my own.

 

[[Pa...]]

Hello SleepingBirdie, Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

Scary to think about what we don't know when it comes to these drugs, you think, well if I experience rebound insomnia when I stop taking them I'll just miss a couple of nights of sleep.  Uh yeah, there's more to it than that. 

 

I'm so sorry you find yourself here, but you're right to question the last years and attribute some other issues with this drug, you're totally on the mark, these drugs do a lot more than we knew.

 

We'll be happy to educate you, why don't you take a look at the taper methods we support, you can find them here:  Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans)

 

When you're ready, start a thread and ask our members for suggestions.  You might also need some support from our other members concerning symptoms you've noticed, if so, you can start a thread here:  Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

Lastly, it might be a good idea to check out  The Ashton Manual, it will explain a lot and chapter 3 will list some symptoms you may be feeling.

 

We're glad you're here.

 

Pamster

[[Sl...]]

Good afternoon and thanks for the warm welcome.

 

I’m been reading people’s stories, looking at their sigs, as I try to compare my situation.  Can anyone tell me the Valium equivalent to alprazolam/Xanax?  Is it the same, for instance, is .5 the same for both?  Not sure I’m ready to learn the other benzos yet, my head is swimming at the moment.

 

[[Pa...]]

.5 mg of Alprazolam is equal to 10 mg Valium.

[[Pa...]]

Are you considering crossing to Valium to taper off?  You can taper directly from the Xanax if you think that would be better.

[[Sl...]]

Oh no!  I will try to stick with the Xanax and keep it simple.  I was just trying to understand the doses that others take, since I’m not familiar with other benzos.  Thanks again!