XANAX Support Blog: If you're tapering Xanax/alprazolam, join in the discussion!

[[VC...]]

It's the same principle used here VC.  The liquid for the day is measured with a large volume syringe rather than the cylinder in the method you are reading about.  By using the syringe rather than the cylinder, one bulky piece of equipment is eliminated.  That's all.  The draw is still tossed with a small volume syringe and the dose is drawn out via a syringe.  Lot's of buddies do that here too.  Whether we use a syringe or cylinder to measure the liquid, the key is to be consistent in our method of titration.  As long as the person is consistent in their method, the accuracy necessary for a taper will be there.

 

Okay, thanks, Juliea. That helps. 

[[Gl...]]

Hi everyone, I would like to pop my head in a say Hi. I have been a heavy xanax user for over 6 years, when i first started taking xanax i was taking up 4mg daily and now I'm taking 3mgs about 3-4 tomes a week, usage has cut back a little due to my New AD helping and also being on 2 mg of klonopin daily. Recently xanax has gone up to a schedule 8 in Australia and they are trying to wipe it completely in Australia. My Dr wants me off the xanax and wants me to transition over to a higher dose of klonopin so that i ay not touch xanax! I have severe Panic disorder and GAD 24hours a day it is very deliberating  So I'm just wondering if anyone here has been transitioned to klonopin from heavy xanax usage? Has it worked? has it helped you stop taking xanax? Does anyone here suffer from Severe panic disorder and GAD? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and i look forward to being active in this thread. 

Yes, we have one member who formerly posted on this thread who transitioned to Klonopin.  She is holding her taper now, while she gets stable on the Klonopin.  She had a difficult time with the crossover, but her situation is totally different than yours.  She had never taken Klonopin and you are currently taking Klonopin, so since you're already taking Klonopin, the process may be easier for you.

 

The people on this thread decided to taper Xanax without a crossover to another benzo.  If I were in your shoes, especially given that Xanax is going to be more difficult to obtain, I would consider replacing my Xanax with Klonopin in a step-wise fashion.

 

1mg of Xanax equals 1mg of Klonopin according to the Ashton Manual.

 

If I were in your shoes, I would very slowly reduce my Xanax and replace it with Klonopin, without reducing my equivalent dose during the crossover.

 

I'd do this in .5mg chunks.  So, I'd replace .5mg of Xanax with .5mg of Klonopin and hold that substitution for 10 to 14 days.  Then I'd replace another .5mg of Xanax with Klonopin and hold that substitution for 10 to 14 days and so forth and so forth until I was on all Klonopin at an equivalent dose.  As you get lower in Mgs, you may find that it will be easier to replace .25mg of Xanax with .25mg of Klonopin, rather than .50mg.  This would be something I would play by ear.

 

I've got to leave for a while, but I will return.  If you have additional questions, feel free to post.

 

Edit:  You can also taper your Xanax, while holding your Klonopin dose, but if there was a possibility that my doctor might cut me off of Xanax, I'd wish to go ahead and bite the bullet and fully crossover to Klonopin.

 

Thank you Juliea! what you have written has really made sense, thank you!

looking in hinze site it looks like Xanax will be cut completely, My Dr has suggested that i increase my klonopin dosage to 6mg daily up from 2mg daily (which i have ben on for 6 years) he suggested wither 2mg upon waking, 2mg afternoon, 2mg before bed OR 3mg upon waking, 3mg before bed. How does that sound?

 

EDIT: due to the severity of Xanax secdual 8 laws in Australia, Xanax will soon not be available like it used too and pretty much be impossible to obtain unless in a serious emergency situation. e.g the ER. This also foes for anyone who has taken xanax for a long period of time legally, the TGA wants all xanax users to either switch to klonopin or switch to valium.         

[[Ka...]]

Hi All,

 

You all have been on my heart and mind everyday lately. I have been away for a few weeks. Nothing I planned and certainly at times something I felt guilty about...I tried to figure out why I had some resistance to coming on and helping and being helped but couldn't quite place it. I think now that I am through my Xanax taper (I'm just 5.5 months off today) I just needed a break from thinking about benzos. For one, I ran out of money and have been going full throttle ahead on launching my business. I hired 6 new part time employees and took a huge leap of faith and rented a new office-it has two suites and a great waiting room for my clients. Anyway, it has been hard. I wish I could say I was healed but today is a pretty bad day. I'm in bed on an ice pack after going to the chiropractor because I can hardly walk due to some debilitating back pain. However, I can say I am healing. I do get some partially opened windows and I have days now when I truly believe I will make a full recovery. Man, is this a rough and long journey! I am still shocked by it at times. It still scares the you know what out of me and I am done with the taper! However, so much is improved. This is the worst I've been in a while so I do feel afraid today but believe it will pass like all the other awful symptoms. I think I'm rambling...sorry about that. Just want to encourage everyone to keep going-it is worth it! I have one more drug to taper and I am planning on starting a month from today! I'll be around much more I'm sure as I begin the difficult and long process for the second time. Anyway, lots of hugs and love to everyone!

Warmly,

Hopeful Girl 

 

Hi Hopeful Girl,

 

I had a friend come over who has extreme back pain, but amazingly, if you look at him, you could not tell that he was in severe pain 24/7.  He had said that he does a green smoothie with Kale, Spinach, Carrots, Lemon, White Whole Turmeric (and not Yellow), plus a few other berries.  He also does some gentle yoga for back pain.  He is on medications, but it does not help.  He has never taken any benzo, which was good.  He is on fish oil and magnesium supplements and  is also looking into a herbal spring detox program.  Just for your info......... 

[[ho...]]

Hi All,

 

You all have been on my heart and mind everyday lately. I have been away for a few weeks. Nothing I planned and certainly at times something I felt guilty about...I tried to figure out why I had some resistance to coming on and helping and being helped but couldn't quite place it. I think now that I am through my Xanax taper (I'm just 5.5 months off today) I just needed a break from thinking about benzos. For one, I ran out of money and have been going full throttle ahead on launching my business. I hired 6 new part time employees and took a huge leap of faith and rented a new office-it has two suites and a great waiting room for my clients. Anyway, it has been hard. I wish I could say I was healed but today is a pretty bad day. I'm in bed on an ice pack after going to the chiropractor because I can hardly walk due to some debilitating back pain. However, I can say I am healing. I do get some partially opened windows and I have days now when I truly believe I will make a full recovery. Man, is this a rough and long journey! I am still shocked by it at times. It still scares the you know what out of me and I am done with the taper! However, so much is improved. This is the worst I've been in a while so I do feel afraid today but believe it will pass like all the other awful symptoms. I think I'm rambling...sorry about that. Just want to encourage everyone to keep going-it is worth it! I have one more drug to taper and I am planning on starting a month from today! I'll be around much more I'm sure as I begin the difficult and long process for the second time. Anyway, lots of hugs and love to everyone!

Warmly,

Hopeful Girl 

 

Hi Hopeful Girl,

 

I had a friend come over who has extreme back pain, but amazingly, if you look at him, you could not tell that he was in severe pain 24/7.  He had said that he does a green smoothie with Kale, Spinach, Carrots, Lemon, White Whole Turmeric (and not Yellow), plus a few other berries.  He also does some gentle yoga for back pain.  He is on medications, but it does not help.  He has never taken any benzo, which was good.  He is on fish oil and magnesium supplements and  is also looking into a herbal spring detox program.  Just for your info.........

 

Hi Kantu,

 

Thanks for sharing this. I am pretty severe pain. However, this all started during benzo w/d so I expect it to get better. My body is also in bad shape from being in w/d and tapering for the past 2 years so as I build strength and lose weight I'm hoping it will improve. How are you? How is your head pressure? Mine is overall less severe but still ever present. Hope yours is better!

 

Hopefulgirl

[[Tr...]]

Hello HopefulGirl, Carita, mrsalw, Baby Rex, bluebell, NFM, Julia, and all my old friends, and a big warm welcome to all the new faces I see here. I apologize for my absence but at about the to of my jump, the dynamics of our little home in cyberspace changed by going public, and I guess I changed too.

 

Some how I mustered up the most positive attitude I could ever imagine and powered through my taper and jump with far fewer problems than most people. I've still got tinnitus and my legs ache constantly. I know it'll end one day, but as I approach four months of being Xanax free, I've had a major wave of depression which is a first for me. 

 

Somehow I thought with the small amount I was taking I'd get off easy. I guess ten years of every day use got the better of me. Like others before me, I'm still amazed at how powerful this drug has proven to be. I absolutely don't regret making the decision to discontinue use, but it's been kicking my ass hard this past week. I know it'll let up soon, but for now... Arrgghhh!

 

Hang in there everyone. If I can do this, anyone can!

 

 

[[Ca...]]

Dear TrueSouth,

  I am glad to see you tonight but sad to hear you are having depression. The power of these drugs is unbelievable. The leg aches and tinnitus are easier than the depression for me....something about the BIG D makes everything else feel worse.

  Offering you my support and friendship. This WILL end....in its own time. Know you are supported and cared for as you heal.

Warmly,

Carita

[[Tr...]]

Thank you sweet Carita! No one can appreciate what we go through except fellow travelers who go down this path. I couldn't have done this without the love, support, and understanding I received from this board.

 

The panic attacks made me appreciate what others go through. I honestly had no idea how bad these are. Other times I wanted to throw open the front door and run screaming down the street to stop the "stuff" in my head. I went through a period where I'd have a panic attack in my dreams and wake up several times a night terrified. Thankfully most of that seems to be behind me... Maybe. The depression is something new for me and it sucks.

 

I experienced all the physical withdrawal symptoms one can feel and I agree with you. I'd take them every day of the week and twice on Sundays over this mental stuff.

 

I hope my post I doesn't unduly influence any new members to change their minds about their journey to become Xanax free. Its not easy, but Its worth all I've been through. I only wish I'd done this years ago.

[[Ka...]]

Hi Kantu,

 

Thanks for sharing this. I am pretty severe pain. However, this all started during benzo w/d so I expect it to get better. My body is also in bad shape from being in w/d and tapering for the past 2 years so as I build strength and lose weight I'm hoping it will improve. How are you? How is your head pressure? Mine is overall less severe but still ever present. Hope yours is better!

 

Hopefulgirl

 

Hi Hopeful Girl

 

My head pressure is much better, thanks, but still present.  Am slowly tapering now after a long hold.  You came off from a large dose - really gutsy.  There is also the change of weather and the dreaded virus that hangs around this time of the year, so it might contribute to your symptoms.  Take this time to earn your well deserved rest.

 

Kantu

[[ba...]]

Hi guys,

 

Well for once I have good news!  I was going to wait a couple more weeks, but I figured someone here could use a little hope.

 

I am happy to announce I have "turned the corner"!  For me, this means the worst is finally over.  I have made great strides in an improving baseline and the waves are much more manageable.  On average, I am at about 30% with 40% windows that can last an afternoon! 

 

Those that have been around for awhile know I had an absolutely brutal taper.  I had at least 50 symptoms, most of which were severe.  I was bedridden for many months.  I had difficulty walking, speaking, writing, hearing, seeing, and I was in incredible pain.  I truly began to believe I was going to be one of the unfortunate few who never heal. 

 

I was wrong.

 

It's no picnic now, to be sure.  I still don't trust myself to drive more than a few blocks, and I need to be escorted to the stores.  However, I am no longer living in hell, and the future looks bright and promising.  I have absolutely no fear about my progression in healing; in fact, my recovery so far has been quite linear with a rapidly improving baseline!  I believe by July I should be at least 50% if not more!

 

Anyway, keep the faith my friends.  It does get better and better.  As I say this with tears in my eyes:

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that feels as good as having hope again!  You too will wake up in the morning and know your life is meaningful and wondrous.

 

 

[[Ca...]]

Baby!!!!!! So good to read this. Thank you for letting us know how much you have improved. We've been at this a long time and to see true signs of healing is a tremendous relief. I am weepy with joy for you.

With love,

Carita

[[ba...]]

Thank you sweet Carita, and thank you for always being there for me.

 

Hugs!

[[Ju...]]

Baby, I'm so happy to read this update.  And at 2 months, no doubt.  This is a most excellent sign coming from a most excellent buddy.  Sooooooooooooooo happy that you're already seeing improvement!! 

[[Ra...]]

Hi Baby, I don't know you, but just here to say how wonderful I think it is that you're doing so much better.  That little 'ray of hope' is what we need to keep us going and you're headed there.  Good for you!! 

 

Hugs and prayers,

 

Rabbit

[[ho...]]

Baby! I'm so, so, so happy to read about your progress. I cried some happy tears. It is amazing that we - the ones who are so sick can and do recover. I needed this today as even though I am so much better it is still really rough. Today is a tough day and I needed to be reminded that I am getting better and will continue to heal. It is still early for us - you used to tell me to allow at least a year for healing and I am 50% or more better at 5.5 months so I'm right on track if not ahead of schedule! Big love and big hugs to you!

 

Love,

Hopeful Girl 

[[Mo...]]

Baby, That is great news.  It is nice to come on and read such a positive post. 

 

Best Wishes,

Monique

[[Iw...]]

baby. This is such great news and I'm so happy for you!  your experience sounds similar to mine and I am also doing better now.

 

:smitten:

[[ba...]]

Baby, I'm so happy to read this update.  And at 2 months, no doubt.  This is a most excellent sign coming from a most excellent buddy.  Sooooooooooooooo happy that you're already seeing improvement!! 

 

Thank you Juliea!  You were so instrumental in helping me start my taper.  I really appreciated your advice in starting with .0625 cuts.  I would read about how you, Challis, Charlie and others had made it through and I knew I could do it too!  I think it was tougher for me than many, but I honestly wouldn't have done it any other way.  I took the hit with every cut and prayed for mercy at the end.  And here I am at 2 1/2 months knowing with all certainty I will survive and get my life back!

 

[[ba...]]

Hi Baby, I don't know you, but just here to say how wonderful I think it is that you're doing so much better.  That little 'ray of hope' is what we need to keep us going and you're headed there.  Good for you!! 

 

Hugs and prayers,

 

Rabbit

 

Hi Rabbit,

 

No worries!  You can do this too.  I was really hard on myself, but it was the way I needed to succeed.  You can go much slower with a titration and be far more comfortable.  It will take longer, but constant progression is the key.  Remember that stabilizing may not mean you "feel good", rather it may define the point where you feel able to make another cut.  I can tell you I have read hundreds of stories here, and with slow sensible tapers most feel better within a few months after jumping.

 

[[ba...]]

Baby! I'm so, so, so happy to read about your progress. I cried some happy tears. It is amazing that we - the ones who are so sick can and do recover. I needed this today as even though I am so much better it is still really rough. Today is a tough day and I needed to be reminded that I am getting better and will continue to heal. It is still early for us - you used to tell me to allow at least a year for healing and I am 50% or more better at 5.5 months so I'm right on track if not ahead of schedule! Big love and big hugs to you!

 

Love,

Hopeful Girl 

 

Oh Hopeful!  I'm sorry you are having a tough time, but look at what you've accomplished!  Just remind yourself you are in a bad wave, and comfort yourself in the best way possible. 

 

I think you, Carita, Stevie and I were the sorry lot.    I did carve out 2 years of my life for taper and recovery; it may take that long.  But what new folks need to understand is that within a few months of recovery things get MUCH BETTER!  You become functional and really start to enjoy life again!  Kick this stupid wave in the behind, you are much stronger than it will ever be. 

 

[[ba...]]

Baby, That is great news.  It is nice to come on and read such a positive post. 

 

Best Wishes,

Monique

 

Hi Monique!

 

You are well on your way!  If it becomes difficult, slow it down.  You will get there too!

 

[[ba...]]

baby. This is such great news and I'm so happy for you!  your experience sounds similar to mine and I am also doing better now.

 

:smitten:

 

I'm so happy for you, Iwant!

 

Yes, it does get better!  I really want to inspire hope for those who are still tapering.  Yes, waves still hit us even months out, but are nowhere near as bad as during a taper.  Plus, once you are free, you can actually feel the healing!  The symptoms cycle much more quickly, and even partial windows are fantastic!

 

[[ho...]]

Baby! I'm so, so, so happy to read about your progress. I cried some happy tears. It is amazing that we - the ones who are so sick can and do recover. I needed this today as even though I am so much better it is still really rough. Today is a tough day and I needed to be reminded that I am getting better and will continue to heal. It is still early for us - you used to tell me to allow at least a year for healing and I am 50% or more better at 5.5 months so I'm right on track if not ahead of schedule! Big love and big hugs to you!

 

Love,

Hopeful Girl 

 

Oh Hopeful!  I'm sorry you are having a tough time, but look at what you've accomplished!  Just remind yourself you are in a bad wave, and comfort yourself in the best way possible. 

 

I think you, Carita, Stevie and I were the sorry lot.    I did carve out 2 years of my life for taper and recovery; it may take that long.  But what new folks need to understand is that within a few months of recovery things get MUCH BETTER!  You become functional and really start to enjoy life again!  Kick this stupid wave in the behind, you are much stronger than it will ever be. 

 

 

Thank you, Baby. Yes, we were the sorry lot! I appreciate the encouragement. It is so nice to hear you being you! Yes, to the new folks...no matter how awful it is...how bad our or your experiences are, it does get better! It is hard to believe it when you are going through it but I too had over 50 symptoms and I'm down to just a few now.

 

Love,

 

Hopeful Girl 

[[ba...]]

Baby! I'm so, so, so happy to read about your progress. I cried some happy tears. It is amazing that we - the ones who are so sick can and do recover. I needed this today as even though I am so much better it is still really rough. Today is a tough day and I needed to be reminded that I am getting better and will continue to heal. It is still early for us - you used to tell me to allow at least a year for healing and I am 50% or more better at 5.5 months so I'm right on track if not ahead of schedule! Big love and big hugs to you!

 

Love,

Hopeful Girl 

 

Oh Hopeful!  I'm sorry you are having a tough time, but look at what you've accomplished!  Just remind yourself you are in a bad wave, and comfort yourself in the best way possible. 

 

I think you, Carita, Stevie and I were the sorry lot.    I did carve out 2 years of my life for taper and recovery; it may take that long.  But what new folks need to understand is that within a few months of recovery things get MUCH BETTER!  You become functional and really start to enjoy life again!  Kick this stupid wave in the behind, you are much stronger than it will ever be. 

 

 

Thank you, Baby. Yes, we were the sorry lot! I appreciate the encouragement. It is so nice to hear you being you! Yes, to the new folks...no matter how awful it is...how bad our or your experiences are, it does get better! It is hard to believe it when you are going through it but I too had over 50 symptoms and I'm down to just a few now.

 

Love,

 

Hopeful Girl 

 

Also you were, at one time, on a dose of 9mgs Xanax.  That was criminally negligent behavior by your prescribing physician.    I think I once told you that was enough Xanax to tranquilize a horse!    It still makes me angry! 

 

However, you did it and you are healing.  We went through hell, but our bodies are healing everyday. 

 

Hugs,

[[Bl...]]

Hi guys,

 

Well for once I have good news!  I was going to wait a couple more weeks, but I figured someone here could use a little hope.

 

I am happy to announce I have "turned the corner"!  For me, this means the worst is finally over.  I have made great strides in an improving baseline and the waves are much more manageable.  On average, I am at about 30% with 40% windows that can last an afternoon! 

 

Those that have been around for awhile know I had an absolutely brutal taper.  I had at least 50 symptoms, most of which were severe.  I was bedridden for many months.  I had difficulty walking, speaking, writing, hearing, seeing, and I was in incredible pain.  I truly began to believe I was going to be one of the unfortunate few who never heal. 

 

I was wrong.

 

It's no picnic now, to be sure.  I still don't trust myself to drive more than a few blocks, and I need to be escorted to the stores.  However, I am no longer living in hell, and the future looks bright and promising.  I have absolutely no fear about my progression in healing; in fact, my recovery so far has been quite linear with a rapidly improving baseline!  I believe by July I should be at least 50% if not more!

 

Anyway, keep the faith my friends.  It does get better and better.  As I say this with tears in my eyes:

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that feels as good as having hope again!  You too will wake up in the morning and know your life is meaningful and wondrous.

 

What wonderful news!! I am so happy for you Baby

 

Blue

[[ba...]]

Hi guys,

 

Well for once I have good news!  I was going to wait a couple more weeks, but I figured someone here could use a little hope.

 

I am happy to announce I have "turned the corner"!  For me, this means the worst is finally over.  I have made great strides in an improving baseline and the waves are much more manageable.  On average, I am at about 30% with 40% windows that can last an afternoon! 

 

Those that have been around for awhile know I had an absolutely brutal taper.  I had at least 50 symptoms, most of which were severe.  I was bedridden for many months.  I had difficulty walking, speaking, writing, hearing, seeing, and I was in incredible pain.  I truly began to believe I was going to be one of the unfortunate few who never heal. 

 

I was wrong.

 

It's no picnic now, to be sure.  I still don't trust myself to drive more than a few blocks, and I need to be escorted to the stores.  However, I am no longer living in hell, and the future looks bright and promising.  I have absolutely no fear about my progression in healing; in fact, my recovery so far has been quite linear with a rapidly improving baseline!  I believe by July I should be at least 50% if not more!

 

Anyway, keep the faith my friends.  It does get better and better.  As I say this with tears in my eyes:

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that feels as good as having hope again!  You too will wake up in the morning and know your life is meaningful and wondrous.

 

What wonderful news!! I am so happy for you Baby

 

Blue

 

Thank you Blue!  Now, don't start to get corny on me! 

I'm getting there GF!

 

Hugs!