Starting Taper After Long Battle With Xanax

[[Ro...]]

Hello! I just found this forum and am very excited to be a part of it. I have been taking Xanax on and off for 6-7 years now. I began by abusing the drug late in high school and early in college, but within a year of that I was addicted and could not go a day without taking a dose.

 

For the last 2+ years, I have been prescribed 1MG Xanax XR by my physician and have been able to maintain that dosage, but I am so sick and tired of living in the stranglehold of this awful chemical. At this point, I am pretty much only taking the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It has been a loooong time since I have actually experienced a "high" from benzos.

 

I tried to switch to 0.5MG XR, but such a quick dose reduction was difficult, and I ended in the hospital with a terrible panic attack (which, as many of you know, is such an embarrassing episode to deal with and difficult to explain to loved ones). I am currently back on 1MG XR, but beginning next week I am beginning a taper process with doctor supervision (a new doctor), and switching to 0.25MG 4 times daily, and stepping down by 0.125MG/day every week or two (no more XR).

 

I'll be honest: I'm scared, nervous, and slightly confused, but also excited by the notion that I am on the road to living a life free of this awful drug that has shackled and fogged my mind for so many years. I can't tell you how excited I am to have found this forum, it looks like a tremendous community and I hope to be using it often. If any of you have any advice, tips, comments or questions, please feel free to reach out. Also, if any of you have any experience in switching from XR (extended release) meds to instant release for taper, please contact me.

 

Thanks!

 

Royal

[[ma...]]

Hi RoyalHolmes welcome to BenzoBuddies, we're glad you found us

 

Thanks for telling us a little about yourself, Its great you have your doc on board

I'm sure you'll find a lot of support here. There are several members tapering from xanax so you're not alone.  Please make yourself at home and let us know if you have any questions.

 

welcome aboard

Magrita

[[Ch...]]

Welcome Royal,

 

That sounds like an excellent starting plan for tapering.  You can feel really good about having a doctor on board to support you through this, too.

 

Keep posting...you'll find a lot of great help and warm, caring people here who are going through the same thing.

 

Challis

[[Ro...]]

Thank you very much for the warm welcome!

[Guest [...]]

Wishing you a Royal welcome

 

Hope you get the support you need.  Just ask away any questions you may have.  Its great that you are stepping in and trying to get off this stuff.  Stay focussed, make yourself get on a mission and you will be just fine.

 

good luck

 

Lizzy

[[Ca...]]

Hello Royal,

 

I too have come off Xanax and Xanax retard but I crossed over to diazepam. Are you familiar with the Ashton Manual? May be it would be a good idea to read it.

Best of luck to you,

 

Camille

[[bl...]]

XR is extended release, right? You can't cut these.