From Xanax to Xywav; an introduction

[[3d...]]

I have been taking 2mg of Xanax nightly for insomnia for over 15 years. I also took Cyclobenzaprine for 12 years nightly for muscle spasms. In an effort to switch to a new drug (Xywav) my sleep doctor instructed me to quit Xanax and start Xywav within 24 hours. As a result of his advice, I went through immediate and severe withdraw symptoms despite the concerns I raised during my appointments about potential withdraw. Unfortunately, I thought the withdraw symptoms were the new drug's side effects--and they would wain over time. I'm now in the process of finding help/support so that I can safely quit Xanax as I cannot be on both drugs simultaneously due to respiratory depression.

[[Ka...]]

Hello 3dayeventer,

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies, we are glad you are here!  I'm sorry but also surprised that your doctor didn't know about benzo withdrawl.  You resumed taking the Xanax but want to taper off it?  If so, we can support you as you do that.  We suggest a slow taper from benzos with dose reductions in the 5-10% range every two weeks or so.  Going slow allows you to stay functional and minimizes withdrawl symptoms.  Our suggestions are based on the Ashton Manual and the link for it is below.

 

I've put a couple of other links below to get you started.  Look around the BB website to get your footing and when you are ready, you can begin posting.  Let us know if you need help.

 

Again, welcome,

 

Kate08

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper)

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

[[3d...]]

Thank you for the welcome Kate08. I have consumed the Ashton Manual and wish I had read it/known about it before the abrupt discontinuation. I did resume taking Xanax after the CT stoppage to quell the nasty withdraw symptoms (I lasted 3 days w/o Xanax). I contacted the after hours Emergency Service for my Dr and spoke with the on-call MD. He immediately suspected withdraw and instructed me to resume. When I originally asked about withdraw my Dr's belief was that 2mg Xanax a night was not enough to warrant withdraw symptoms.

 

In 6 weeks I have tapered from 2mg to 1.25mg with mostly tolerable side effects. I have an appointment with a board certified addiction specialist in two weeks. I am hoping to get some adjuvant therapy--specifically, something for the unpredictable sweats and racing heart episodes, and something for the nausea. I have a newfound compassion for everyone here and I do wonder how you continue with all the daily activities, family demands and work through this process?

[[Ka...]]

I'm so glad you have found a specialist to work with you.  Staying functional during a taper is very challenging but that is one of the many reasons we suggest tapering slowly.  I saw this support group for people who work was recently revived so you might want to check it out:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=206931.0

 

Many of us have used adjunctive therapies to get through withdrawl - just be sure to do your homework before you dive in.  We have boards dedicated to Other Medications and Supplements/Alt therapies which you might be interested in as well:

 

Other Medications

 

Alternative Therapies & Supplements