First Xanax Jump Failed~~Trying Again~~Help?

[[Ch...]]

After six months of tapering from .5 four times a day, I jumped at .125.  After three days of increasingly difficult side effects (palpitations, blood pressure rising, headaches, twitching, muscle weakness, total sleeplessness) I was ready to go to the hospital.  I didn't because I didn't want to be put on another medication or maybe sent to rehab, so I took .125 for enough relief to function and even sleep for 2 hours. 

 

I've reinstated at .125 twice a day but would really like to go to .125.  Any help or advice out there?  Can I try it and see what happens, knowing I can always go back to twice a day if it is too horrible?  Is the end of taking Xanax always the hardest?

 

Challis

[[Fl...]]

Hello Challis

 

I'm not Tqpering Xanax but here is a link to a thread in Buddie Blogs that is all about Tapering Xanax.

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=43272.0

 

Ther seems to be a great deal of struggling going on at all levels of the Xanax taper.  Have you considered crossing over to Valium? 

 

Just keep in mind the kindling affect that might make each taper more difficult. 

Good luck!

Flip

[[ja...]]

Hi Challis, i wont be able to ansew your ? but wondered if i could ask you a ? I am on 4- .5 mg xanax a day have been 20 yrs but steady dose 15 yrs Im in I/W so my pills only last 1 to 2 hours im having a ruff time and dont think i can taper from it. Might need longer benzo. How have you been doing it? I take it no tolerance or I/W just would help to hear from xanax person

[[Ch...]]

Hi Jackie,

I started tapering because I realized I was having breakthrough anxiety between doses and had no reason for anxiety except as a result of dependence on medication.  Doctor was not very helpful or knowledgeable so I've been going it on my own except for this site (which I found at the end of tapering...wish I'd found it earlier).  I started by breaking a .5 tablet in fourths and throwing away 1/4.  I had side effects (constant dull headaches, muscle weakness, jittery feelings, insomnia, etc) but just pushed through because I knew I'd have to.  I waited for the side effects to diminish before I went on to the next step down...at least two weeks, maybe longer.  This is a very slow process, especially if you've been taking Xanax for a long time like we have.  The slower the better and the less likelihood of relapsing like I did at the end...I got impatient and rushed the end, which is evidently the hardest part.  Still working on the final step.

 

Keep in touch and stay strong.  This is not easy or quick.

 

Challis