Starting taper need advice!

[[Me...]]

Hi everyone! I am new here,

I have been on 0.5 ER Xanax 3 times a day for about 8 years now. I am beginning my taper soon and am looking for advice because I am terrified of terrible withdrawals and having a seizure!! My doctor has me starting my just cutting my afternoon pill in half for about two weeks and then going from there. 

[[Bu...]]

Hello @[Me...],

Welcome to BenzoBuddies.

We have a kind, caring community here who can certainly help you with a taper plan and offer good support in general.  Tapering isn't my strength, but I wanted to get your account going so that others with better knowledge can chime in.  

We'll do our best to help you and I'm glad you found us.

[[Me...]]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it, and I’m so glad I found this community of people to be a part of.

[[Ni...]]

I know the fear you feel. For me I became very determined and put all my focus on the taper. I am on a very fast taper, 4 weeks, it’s has not been easy but I’m making it. Take it one moment at a time. You’ve got this! I’m new here as well and reading all the positive support is inspiring. It’s all going to be okay. 

[Guest [...]]

Thank you for inspiring words Nikib. I hope you also achieve your goals. I feel too sick as my mind doesnt let me focus.

[[Me...]]

@[Ni...] thank you for reaching out!! I am here if you ever need anyone to talk to you!!

[[Ni...]]

I know it’s so hard to focus. I put my taper in a spreadsheet and broke it up in three columns for my doses morning, afternoon and evening. I go hour by hour and once that clock flips I check off that dose. I do this for every single day of my taper. It has helped me stay true to the taper and not back track. I use it to talk with my Dr. and record my symptoms, when I feel them at what dose and if they are continuing. I read back and realize I’m not sweating every morning. I have new symptoms. It has helped so much not to just focus on the bad but celebrate my successes no matter how small. I am moving forward. You can do this! It’s so overwhelming, just one moment at a time. We’ll all make it. I’m here for you anytime! It’s perfectly normal to feel scared. I believe in you. Take care of yourself, you’re worth it. 

[[Me...]]

@[Ni...]

This really helps me feel better! I know I will definitely have side effects as I come down I just let the really terrible stories about having seizures scare me so bad that I have literally put this taper off for almost 2 years! I know I am ready know and since finding this group has made me feel a lot better and I don’t read as much bad! I can’t wait to be at the finish line but I also know I have a ways to go!