Xanax Withdrawal

[[Ch...]]

Hi...I'm in the ending (I hope!) stages of prescription Xanax withdrawal after more than eight years of use after a tragic death in my family.  I have gone through the weaning process largely with information gathered on the web and was referred to this forum by a member of another forum on which I posted questions about recovery.  At the peak of my Xanax use, I was taking .5 mg up to four times a day.  When it began to feel like I needed more than that to function well, I decided it was time to take charge of my dependency and end it.  Yesterday I took what I hope will be my last dose after six months of weaning down.  I'm still experiencing shakiness, insomnia, brain fogginess and twitching but am hoping this will start to improve soon.

[[St...]]

Hi Challis99, welcome to BenzoBuddies

 

It looks like you've done a perfect job weaning off, congratulations on being free 

 

As I know you're aware, benzo free doesn't necessarily mean symptom free, the symptoms will lift in time. I'm sorry that you're going through the process, we know how this feels, you're not alone.

 

Welcome aboard and let us know if you have any questions.

 

Star

[[ja...]]

Hi Charlie99, Tell me about your taper, w/d ect.. Sounds like you did good Did you have burning? How are you now? Thanks Jackie

[[Mi...]]

Hi Challis!

 

Glad you popped in.  You will find a lot of helpful supportive people and information here.  There is life after Xanax!  We will get through this and come out stronger and wiser on the other side.  I look forward to the day when I can get up and enjoy the sun shining and the birds singing and not want to scream at the bright light and noise!

 

MiniMinnie

[[Ch...]]

Hi Jackie,

I started tapering about six months ago by going from four .5 tablets of Xanax to three.  After two or three weeks, can't remember exactly, I took 3/4 of a tablet three times a day.  If I remember correctly, I think I stayed on that dose for quite awhile.  I went down to 1/2 tablet three times a day, then 1/2 tablet twice a day.  No part of the process was easy, I have had almost constant dull headaches, increased anxiety, muscle twitches and insomnia.  Christmas was hard with relatives and general holiday stress so I didn't drop the dose until after the holidays. 

 

I'm trying to learn meditation, joined a gym (will wait til I feel a bit better before strenuous workouts), modified my diet to exclude sugar and caffeine and talked to a counselor.  I still have symptoms including insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches, twitching and foggy thinking, but I just took my last dose (a tiny one) yesterday.  Last night was better than the night before, today is better than yesterday...so far, anyway. 

 

Hope that helps...

 

@MiniMinnie...thank you for directing me this way.  The info is great and the support is active!!  Let's keep tabs...we seem to be in the same boat!

[[ja...]]

Wow Challis, that is amazing, Good for you iwish i could do that. Ive been on .5 4 tmes aday for15 trs steady dose . It is more harder for me. But im so happy for you This gives us xanax people hope. Thankyou!

[[Ch...]]

Well, had to correct this first post.  I did reinstate after three days due to frightening w/d which I apparently did not post about.  It's now April 9th and it's now been over 48 hours since my last dose and I'm feeling great, contrary to the February attempt to quit.

Challis

[Guest [...]]

yeha delightful lady

 

You are a success story if ive ever seen one congratulations my dear.  good heaing my friend.

 

Lizzy

[[Ch...]]

Thanks, Lizzy...see, it happens.  In a few hours it will be 72 hours since my last dose.  I'm doing better every day but being cautious.  I know how this can go.  My fingers are crossed.

Challis

[[ma...]]

Well done Challis

 

I agree with lizzy you are a lovely Lady

 

Margarita

[[Ch...]]

Thank you, ladies!  72 hours now, which has been a milestone in other cuts.  Fingers are still crossed, but it's looking good and symptoms continue to diminish.    Wow, after 31 years of dependency...I'm free at last!!

Challis

[[ma...]]

Oh Challis i didnt realise you were benzo free :yippee:

 

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz248/a2dox/Animated%20Icons/Congratulations_blink.gif

 

Good Job Girl

 

Margarita :

[[Ch...]]

Thank you, Margarita.  I jumped on Easter, like the Easter bunny! http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/crazy-rabbit/ballerina-crazy-rabbit-emoticon.gif

Challis

[[Fl...]]

Yay, Challis 

 

So your freedom day is Easter?  Talk about symbolism for a new beginning!

 

Are you farting more? Is my title in jeopardy.? . Just wait, girlie, I'm headed in for a tooth cleaning and I always fart big time in the dentists office, plus I had deviled eggs (my Ipad wants to say defiled eggs) last night.  I'll get a signed affidavit from her that I am the worst and stinkiest most robust farter she has ever seen!

 

And she is a professional!!! 

 

I'm really glad your doing so well! 

Flippy

[[Ch...]]

Are you farting more? Is my title in jeopardy.? . Just wait, girlie, I'm headed in for a tooth cleaning and I always fart big time in the dentists office, plus I had deviled eggs (my Ipad wants to say defiled eggs) last night.  I'll get a signed affidavit from her that I am the worst and stinkiest most robust farter she has ever seen!

Flippy

 

Oh Flippy!  This is me these days:

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/farting/fart-bubbles.gif

Challis

P.S. Defiled eggs!  Ain't that the truth!http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/laughing/crying.gif

[[ma...]]

Thank you, Margarita.  I jumped on Easter, like the Easter bunny! http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/crazy-rabbit/ballerina-crazy-rabbit-emoticon.gif

Challis

 

:laugh: :laugh:

 

Challis if your still farting passing wind a lot and it is withdrawal, it could last months but we are all different

 

[[Ch...]]

Yes, it's gnarly and very atypical...as Flippy said, eggs.  Oh well, could be worse! 

Thank goodness this is an anonymous forum!!

 

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/embarrassed/shy-whistler.gif

[Guest [...]]

Challis

 

you just blow my mind 31 years baby woohoo i still cant get over this.  Can I ask you a question what was the decision after all this time to kick this.  Im surprised you have not had more symptoms truly amazing.

 

Love Lizzyxxx

[[Ch...]]

Hey Lizzy,

 

I decided to take control...Xanax was most definitely controlling me, anxious about refills, breakthrough anxiety, etc. 

 

Had a few symptoms resurface last night for maybe eight hours of so.  I could feel them coming on slightly during the day, but this morning they're better again.  Had company arrive for a few days so I'm thinking stress can trigger this, probably until the GABAs heal more.

 

Something for you to remember as you'll be probably in the same situation, Lizzy girl, huh?

 

Challishttp://mazeguy.net/romantic/grouphug.gif

[[Ga...]]

Congratulations Challis

[Guest [...]]

yeah sister im hearing you.

 

Im glad you took control of them.  I know what you mean.  Well its still in my system isnt it so I heard it takes 400 hours for the v to be out.  Obviously I have a road ahead of me dont I as we all do.  Its early days for me.  Ive done it so fast.

 

Keep me posted

 

Love Lizzyxx

[[...]]

Congratz Challis!

 

You've been supporting me, and I can't imagine the willpower it took to make that final jump into c/t, I don't think I could ever do that.

Very proud!

 

KD

[[Ch...]]

KD, oh yes, you can!  31 years I've been on this stuff...you can do it, too...and I'm here cheering you on!!

Challishttp://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo29/pigletmph/zadiffgrouphug.gif