New to the forum

[[Be...]]

 

hi my name is Kim and I am new to this forum...It was suggested to me as I have been taking 1 mg Xanax's for 11 years.....the reason I joined was due to a post on another forum I am a member of about Tolerance withdrawal and it has really made me mad that my doctor told me I could take them forever "AS LONG as I didn't abuse them"??

I am looking for as much information as I can on this medication I have relied on for my severe anxiety/panic attacks for 11 years now.....

I hope I can learn from you all  and I too am able to offer any advice I can on our journey thru this ....

[[...]]

Hello Kim,

 

Welcome aboard.  You will get lots of support from a great group of people.  Feel free to ask questions.  Here is a link to some very helpful information.  http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

 

the best to you

 

pj

 

[[Sc...]]

Hello BenzosFor11yrs, and welcome to Benzo Buddies.

 

Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that Benzodiazepines can be safely taken long-term.  I was led to believe the same thing years ago.  Are you experiencing any unpleasant symptoms from being on Benzodiazepines long term? 

 

Are you interested in tapering off of Xanax?  If you ever decide that you're interested in coming off of it, the most important thing to remember is that you should never come off of it "cold turkey".  Weaning off of it slowly is the best way to go about it. 

 

This is an extremely supportive forum and you'll find many people can share with you their stories and help you.

 

All the best and take care,

Schatje

[[sh...]]

Hi BenzosFor11Yrs,

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

My doctor told me the same thing. I'm sure for some, benzos can be taken for longer periods of time without ill effect. For others, like you and me, taking the medication for a number of moths or years can create tolerance withdrawal, which is one the reasons why I decided to taper off Xanax.

 

Let us know if you need any help. I'm glad you found us 

[[an...]]

Welcome Benzosfor11yrs!  You will find information and support here!

[[...]]

HI! We are here for you, there are a lot of very smart people on here with very good ideas, I can tell you it will help you tremendously to post any concerns or scary things you may feel. Welcome!

[[Be...]]

Thank all for welcoming me to this forum....YES I do want to taper off my Xanax as I no longer even feel the effects like most at one time did. I can take 2 at a time and barely feel if I have taken 1?? I can only ASSUME that means I have built up a tolerance.

 

just want to share information that I have been told by certain doctors:

 

I was told by my Endodontist (specializes in root canals) during my 3 visits over the years for Root Canals, he would have to use that horrible needle 3 sometimes 4 times during the procedure... he stated "YOU are a rare individual if I have to numb you 4 times due to Feeling the pain"

 

Another Different doctor, he was a cosmetic surgeon...One of Florida's best & back in 2004 to 2006 to get Botox injections ...my BF & I would go together on the first 2 visits for our laugh lines or Crows feet for our eyes. She  would last 3 months till she needed to go back  where as MINE would last less than 6 weeks.....AGAIN I was told by THIS cosmetic surgeon "you are about 1 out of 500 of my patients that I see with this condition & we were baffled at first as to WHY until we discovered that SOME patients have the ability to  metabolize the botox much faster therefore you will need the procedure sooner than most?

needless to say I lasted about 5 times and stopped as the cost was just too much...and other reasons....

So is that why I have always had the ability to take MORE than prescribed even with my addiction to pain meds?? I'm just typing outloud here as I know only a doctor can answer that??

But it scares me to know I take more now than I EVER have in the 11 years....I always had a few left before my refills.....NOW I am just barely making it to each refill......so I KNOW I need to taper and learn to live with out ALL drugs...

 

again thank you all for all you are doing on here...these forums have saved my life......looking forward to realizing I'm not alone any longer in this addiction battle.....

[[Be...]]

Hi there.

 

Welcome to BB and congratulations on making the decision to taper off the Xanax!

 

There is lots of good tapering info here, and plenty of supportive people.

 

Good luck! 

 

Hugs,

Betsy

[[Sc...]]

Thank all for welcoming me to this forum....YES I do want to taper off my Xanax as I no longer even feel the effects like most at one time did. I can take 2 at a time and barely feel if I have taken 1?? I can only ASSUME that means I have built up a tolerance.

 

just want to share information that I have been told by certain doctors:

 

I was told by my Endodontist (specializes in root canals) during my 3 visits over the years for Root Canals, he would have to use that horrible needle 3 sometimes 4 times during the procedure... he stated "YOU are a rare individual if I have to numb you 4 times due to Feeling the pain"

 

Another Different doctor, he was a cosmetic surgeon...One of Florida's best & back in 2004 to 2006 to get Botox injections ...my BF & I would go together on the first 2 visits for our laugh lines or Crows feet for our eyes. She  would last 3 months till she needed to go back  where as MINE would last less than 6 weeks.....AGAIN I was told by THIS cosmetic surgeon "you are about 1 out of 500 of my patients that I see with this condition & we were baffled at first as to WHY until we discovered that SOME patients have the ability to  metabolize the botox much faster therefore you will need the procedure sooner than most?

needless to say I lasted about 5 times and stopped as the cost was just too much...and other reasons....

So is that why I have always had the ability to take MORE than prescribed even with my addiction to pain meds?? I'm just typing outloud here as I know only a doctor can answer that??

But it scares me to know I take more now than I EVER have in the 11 years....I always had a few left before my refills.....NOW I am just barely making it to each refill......so I KNOW I need to taper and learn to live with out ALL drugs...

 

again thank you all for all you are doing on here...these forums have saved my life......looking forward to realizing I'm not alone any longer in this addiction battle.....

 

 

I had the same experience - I could take an extra pill and wouldn't feel a thing.  I couldn't understand what was going on.  NOW it all makes sense.  That is VERY interesting about the freezing...in the past few years, when I go to the dentist, he needs to double-book me b/c one booking is needed just to freeze my mouth enough!  He can never believe how long it takes - he has to use several needles.  Also, I had bunion surgery 2 years ago (BIG OUCH) and while my foot was open, I began to feel him cutting...I said, "WAIT, I feel that!".  He quickly stopped and had to refreeze my foot.  He said that in the 20+ years of operating, he had NEVER had a patient feel the surgery.  He was shocked.  Do you think that has something to do w/ the benzos and the sedative effect accumulating?  Interesting!

 

I am now 100% med free, after relying on SSRI's and benzos for many years to get me through anxiety issues.  Now, med free, I feel like I have complete control over my life.  It is so liberating coming off of them and although it can be hard work, it is SO worth it. 

 

Keep us posted as to how you are doing!

 

Hugs,

Schatje

[[Ch...]]

Hi Kim,

It's good that you've become aware of the dangers and want to get off your prescription benzo, which is what most of us are doing or have done.  The support here is wonderful and members are all so helpful and understanding.  Good luck on your journey and know that this is a safe place to come for help!

Challis