Pesky Side Effects!

[[Le...]]

So lately I noticed that all windows seem to be followed up by some sort of wave. Yesterday morning it was like my w/d symptoms were playing peek a boo with me. I would have like this 20 second massive panic attack then be fine. Then 5 minutes later it would come again. This went on all day and my body, chest, back, and stomach felt all tense. I was wound so tight I could feel the tension in my body. It was excruciating and still somewhat hanging around today. I am noticing that while I  feel like hell things are on the change. What that means long term and for my healing, who knows. I also find that i have  alot of belching gas and pain in my upper abdomen. I already had my stomach checked out and so it has to be from this. Anyone have similar s/x? Celebrating two months next week so I am hopeful!

[[ja...]]

Goodmorning Leo, I have very bad stomach anxiety belching ect.. yes its the xanax. congrats on getting off. Ive been told i wont be able to come off xanax but people have. I/W is bad for me Im sure the anxiety will get worse and that scares me. What do you do to manage this? Did you cut pills and how big of cuts? Im thinking titration off 2 mg xanax whats your thought?

[[Le...]]

Jackie,

I am no expert on coming off. When I joined this site and the folks on here saw how quickly the doctors tapered me and I came off (within a month) I was told I tapered to fast. I don't want to scare anyone but it has been a very difficult road. I have literally had the paramedics come to my job due to the severe w/d symptoms. I would definitely see a medical professional and be sure they taper you at the right pace. Regardless, it is still a very scary process but one that is necessary. There are many days that I feel like hell and its very difficult to believe that it is all caused because the chemical make up of the brain has changed and it is fighting to get it back. You have to be strong and keep in your mind that your body needs to have a chance. You will have to fight and keep your faith that you will be ok because the truth be told after all the craziness subsides you will be OK. Anxiety, panic, dizziness, intrusive thoughts, feeling like passing out, and tension in the muscles are really the worst. If you need someone to talk through this, this is a great place to find someone. Remember that you are human and its OK to be scared. I still am and I still have a long road ahead of me. Each person is different and you may have less side effects then others. Just know that there is GREAT support here. If you can keep your mind in the game and realize that what you are feeling is w/d and you get a physical from your doc letting you know your OK, then you can beat this. I know I am going to and so will you. My intention is not to make anyone scared but I wish someone would have told me what this would be like. It would have better prepared me to be able to breath through the days when I feel like its going to get the best of me. When I have those days, I keep holding on to the fact that one day I will be normal again. If you analyze the waves after they are over you will find that it wasn't as intense as the previous ones even if it seemed so at the time. Keep the faith Jackie Brown and talk to other folks who can give you a better taper plan. Praying for you

[[ja...]]

Thankyou Leo you will be in my prayers also  Hugs Jackie