Tapering

[[Ce...]]

I’ve been on alprazolam for a little over a year.  I’ve began the tapering process with the guidance of my doctor.  So far, the withdrawal symptoms are far greater than I expected.  The insomnia, nausea and headaches are making it hard to function.    Please tell me it gets easier and these brain zaps are normal?

[[Pa...]]

Hello CeCe78, welcome to BenzoBuddies,

 

Its a difficult process and for some of us, the worst experience of our lives.  We recommend reducing your dose by about 5-10% every couple of weeks but what works better is to use your symptoms to guide you, this can hopefully keep you functional.

 

Brain zaps are common but its normal for symptoms to change, new ones crop up, old ones disappear then return, we never know from one minute to the next how we're going to feel.  Recovery after the taper is over can last as long or longer than the taper so this is only the first step, a marathon, not a sprint.

 

I'll provide some links to help you get started on the forum but please keep talking to us, we want to help.

 

Pamster

 

Colorado  Consortium Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidance

 

Planning  Your Withdrawal (Taper)

 

Withdrawal  Support (during your taper)

 

Ashton  Manual symptom list