Any positive stories about Benzo tapering? I need hope

I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I live two blocks from the Kansas stateline so I have easy access to both states. Kansas is a wealthy state with lots and lots of doctors. It took me months and a lot of mental anguish trying to find a doctor to help me taper after I was abandoned by my Physchiatrist of 25 years when telling him I wanted to taper Xanax. I almost had a complete breakdown. I wound up in the hospital for almost 3 days. Couldn’t sleep , couldn’t eat. I was in shock my doctor dumped me and trying to find another doctor to help was a nightmare. He gave me a 30 day script for the Xanax I had been taking for 25 years and refused to take my calls. Yep! This is what they do to you!

Can you share a few of his ideas? Pitiful a resident has to come up with a plan but lucky you have him!

I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I live two blocks from the Kansas stateline so I have easy access to both states. Kansas is a wealthy state with lots and lots of doctors. It took me months and a lot of mental anguish trying to find a doctor to help me taper after I was abandoned by my Physchiatrist of 25 years when telling him I wanted to taper Xanax. I almost had a complete breakdown. I wound up in the hospital for almost 3 days. Couldn’t sleep , couldn’t eat. I was in shock my doctor dumped me and trying to find another doctor to help was a nightmare. He gave me a 30 day script for the Xanax I had been taking for 25 years and refused to take my calls. Yep! This is what they do to you!

1. Thought I should stay on a slow tapering
2. Report unusual symptoms.
3. Take the Escitalopram that was prescribed
4. See the prescriber earlier than the appointment that was made.
5. Ask about the Manual. Does the doc have a copy?
6. How many patients has he followed through withdrawal and what behaviors would prompt a call or hospital visit.
7. Keep appointment with psychiatrist
8. Pray

I had been taking Ativan 1mg four times daily for acute distress. Stayed on it for four years. I finally told my Psychiatrist that I wanted to stop taking it. So he began reducing it by 1/4th of a milligram every two weeks. It seemed a bit difficult in the very beginning but i believe that was perhaps due to my fears from others telling me that getting off the Ativan would be a horrible ordeal. After the first three - four tapers, I realized that although I might be slightly anxious with each reduction for about three days, afterwards, it wasn't bad at all. Eventually I found the taper to be so easy that I asked if the Doctor would continue tapering but at a quicker speed, thus began a reduction every Monday - one step down per week. The only annoying symptom I experienced then was mild insomnia, which eventually resolved itself. Coming off benzos - slowly - isn't too bad at all. Felt more energetic, less sleepy and was able to think much more clearly once I was off Ativan. Years later, when diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, I once again took Ativan but didn't fear withdrawing from it when I was ready because I knew I could do it quite easily! So, go slowly, take your time, and I doubt you'll find it difficult!! Remember not to allow your Doctor to reduce it on a more rapid taper, and you'll likely be just fine. Godspeed!

How horrible of your Doctor! And why on earth would he not like you tapering off a benzo? Very bizarre. You deserve a much better Psychiatrist!!! Don't panic. Thirty days is usually more than enough time to find a good, ethical one! I'd just go on Yelp or Google for patients' comments and ratings of each one in your area. Many hospitals will list their participating Doctor's & Specialists and provide patient feedback and ratings of each Doctor. Good luck to you. Certainly you deserve better treatment overall in a Psychiatrist!❤️

The Medical profession has the AMA.
We need an Association. Name?
Any ideas?
There is power in numbers.
Is anyone an attorney?