What's the best way to get off Xanax if on it for years?

Posted by enrique5544 @enrique5544, Feb 6, 2022

Best method or treatment to eradicate this addiction

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Hi Leonard, I'm sorry. I'm a little bit foggy. My pain management Doctor put me on Lyrica for the last 6 days for Restless leg syndrome. I actually went down from 2mg of Klonopin several months ago, but I get a lot of migraines so I used to take Excedrin migraine with 2mg of Klonopin because the caffeine in the Excedrin makes me jittery and nervous and then I would take 1mg when I'd go to bed, and when I quit Lexapro, I had a lot of anxiety, so at times I would take 2mg of Klonopin. But recently I've just been taking 1mg of Klonopin. I'm a nervous person and I have chronic pain and I'm going through a divorce and recently developed severe restless leg syndrome, but I hate being on Klonopin. I have about 10 bottles of 60 1mg Klonopin because my Psychiatrist at one time prescribed 4mg, but I only took that amount when I needed to use Excedrin Migraine off and on, because I didn't want to get addicted to a higher dose. When he found out I was on Pain medication, he immediately cut my
prescription to just 2mg. Now he wants to cut me back to 1mg, just like that, but he hasn't because he knows that I'm going through a divorce, but he eventually will, that's why I cut back myself, but I have had to take more off and on. I know he won't help me with a slow taper and a compound pharmacy. I have a lot of Klonopin. Do you think I could use what I have to give to a compounding pharmacy to make into smaller doses for me? That's probably a stupid question. I just would like to do a slow taper like 10% every month. How did you cut your pills when you got down to .25 mg?

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@jakedduck1

@archermac15
@janish2022
For some unknown reason I didn't use a compounding pharmacy, I cut my pills myself although I don't recommend that method unless the doctor refuses to a compounding pharmacy or is ordering cuts the user isn't comfortable with.
I started on 1 or 2 mg a day and increased by 2 mg probably every several weeks.
When we decided to stop it I was taking 18 mg a day, a huge amount. The maximum dose is 20 mg a day. I was talking it for seizures but it was of little or no use. If memory serves, which I wouldn’t count on I believe it took me two or more years. While taking it I thought it was affecting my memory & balance but I didn't notice any significant improvement after quitting.
Evie,
you mentioned you dropped from 2 mg to one milligram. If you cut your dose by 50 percent at once that may explain why “it's working anymore.” I wouldn't cut a medication by that much like many doctors recommend.
Good luck,
Jake

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I can’t imagine why a doctor would refuse a compounded medication. It’s the same med, different formulation.

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@janish2022

Good morning. Can you explain the “taper up” ?

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According towhee I read that is a no no. I did not do that, actually I was scared and thought I might get some of the horrible previous withdrawals I went through. Today is the first day after almost 10 of taking benzodiazepines I have not taken any. I read day and night not knowing what to do and finally I started to taper down slowly each time for two weeks on each lower dose. I did not have any problems, much to my surprise. I could not have made the right decision if I had not researched, researched, and researched. I started at .50 and it took me almost 10 months, that's 1/2 a milligram. I am convinced that slow tapering is a winner in the end. My PSYCHIATRIST was not tapering, I was, and when I confronted her our last ZOOM I told her there was never a plan. Many references read when you start seeing someone for tapering you discuss the plan to get off the drug. I felt I had control of my life for the first time in a long time. Today was uneventful and way better than I expected, my hope this will encourage all that there is light at the end of the tunnel. My friend took me out to dinner to celebrate and I feel so good about myself tonight.

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Was suppose to read "according to what I read".

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@loribroda

I also,k have been on Xanax for a few years for my panic attacks. I don't want to be on any meds unless they are absolutely necessary!!!! I have tried to taper off myself, and it seems the panic gets worse......or is it just in my mind?

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Not just in your mind, go back and try again in one week two weeks when you feel comfortable. Do not go down if you are having any other new issues that will cause anxiety. Xanax, it is my understanding is the most difficult to get off of. Just remember, slow, slow and research.

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@janish2022

Gradual
5-10% per month
Ashton Manual

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Yea! My favorite mentor, Ashton Manual. So nice to know someone else has found it. Laurine

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@sears
“I can’t imagine why a doctor would refuse a compounded medication.”
Sure you do. Ignorance, arrogance, uncaring. Need I go on.
But yes, by all means get advice from your doctor before tapering unless they already just cut you off cold turkey or cut in half take for a week and stop.
Sound familiar?
Remember slow wins this race!!!
Good luck,
Jake

“I can’t imagine why a doctor would refuse a compounded medication.”

Sure you can Sears.

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@jakedduck1

@sears
“I can’t imagine why a doctor would refuse a compounded medication.”
Sure you do. Ignorance, arrogance, uncaring. Need I go on.
But yes, by all means get advice from your doctor before tapering unless they already just cut you off cold turkey or cut in half take for a week and stop.
Sound familiar?
Remember slow wins this race!!!
Good luck,
Jake

“I can’t imagine why a doctor would refuse a compounded medication.”

Sure you can Sears.

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I guess that was a silly statement.🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😀

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@sears

Taking a higher dose.

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The previous dose you were on your last taper down!

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@loribroda

I also,k have been on Xanax for a few years for my panic attacks. I don't want to be on any meds unless they are absolutely necessary!!!! I have tried to taper off myself, and it seems the panic gets worse......or is it just in my mind?

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No it’s not in your mind. It’s real I know it is happening to me getting off Klonopin.

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