Going off of Xanax

I take 1/2 tablet of xanax to shut my mind off or I just lay awake for 3 days sometimes. Then, I went to ABQ, New Mexico for the weekend and my primary sent the script for this medication to ABQ CVS pharmacy and they notified me on my home phone, not my cell phone which if I had received the message, I would have picked it up while there so my son is mailing it to me. AARGH. I do take Tizanidine and it helps me go to sleep along with Seroquel which I do not like to take.

I’m rooting for you!
There is nothing more powerful than DECIDING that we as individuals are ultimately responsible for our care physically and mentally.
I’m embarrassed to admit that it has taken me most of my life to learn and live this on my journey. It’s not easy, but it’s better than I EVER could have imagined. I am finally free of feeling like a victim of my circumstances.
Your life/health is worth fighting for every step of the way.
My “personal” rebellion started when my GP told me that I would NOT be able to taper off the anxiety meds.
Ultimately, that statement was something that I decided that NO ONE has the right to make that decision but ME. I’m 67, and my health is MY responsibility.
I’m rooting for ALL of us out here fighting for ourselves and our health.

How much Xanax were you on when you had a successful Ashton taper and for how long?
In 3 months, with the help of a dr, I’ve reduced previous 4mg per day to 2.5. He thinks my underlying problem is depression, so had me taking Zoloft and then will go back to weaning from Xanax.
This is horrid! When drs prescribe Benzos over long terms, we DO become addicted . Weaning is misery and my life has gone from very social and active to not wanting to go anywhere and no interests and I’m not even off the Xanax yet!
I’ve researched so much and yours is the only that mentions taper was fairly easy to do !
Perhaps all here could benefit from your experience.

Hi grannydee
i’ve been takining xanax for 10 years. I don’t even know if it’s possible for me to wean off of 6 to 8 mg every night before I go to sleep. My doctor originally prescribed it with an anti-depressant that was giving me anxiety but I have suffered anxiety attacks previously. We began at 1 mg. When I didn’t resolve the problem they pushed it to 2 mg pills. A few years went by and I was taking 2 2mg pills. here I am 10 years later and I am taking between three and 4 2mg pills. It has affected my memory etc. 1 mg pill does nothing for me, even though it has a short half-life, I’ve tried taking 1 mg during the day when I feel very edgy. I just lost my family and it’s a tough time to try to wean off but I know I’m hurting myself by tapering up instead of down. Regardless of my emotional status. I’m currently overseas for work and my job just ended but I will be here another two months so I feel a little bit trapped in a foreign country trying to figure this out. Any suggestions? Thank you for taking the time to read this:/

Hi rascal1
I’m not sure if you still check this it’s been a while. I started at 1 2mg pill 11 Years ago. One each night along with Wellbutrin in the morning. At this point I’m taking 3 of them to go to sleep at night if not 4. Would you say in your exp if you had success doing Ashton method? Do you find your lifestyle has improved? I know it affects memory firsthand; I have a lot of shame for the amount I take. I’d be happy to come down by half my nightly dose ( 6mg) for a year since it’s been a while. Would you let me know if you had long-term success? I’d love to learn if it’s worth the pain. It’s definitely difficult maintaining the prescriptions, as when they run out doctors always give the strange eyes etc.(even when they are a long-term practitioner.) They are happy to increase your dose over the years but then when you go to refill your 3 month prescriptions, even if it’s over three months, I get the “popper” looks. I feel like in some ways it’s easier for doctors over the past 10 years to prescribe this the meds to me because I’m somewhat well spoken and well put together. I get a few generic questions but nobody suggesting we switch dose or Klonopin or assist with a taper. I know their not crack but they are still very real , very bad addictive drugs.

I agree completely. And the company at least should be required to make available smaller and smaller doses to make it easier for those of us trying to wean off.

I. Using Charlottes Web Hemp oil. I have just come off Ativan and Seroquel. It seems to help a lot

I agree. They need to help us!! Why does no one care? I just don’t understand. Benzo tapering and withdrawal is a real horrible thing. It’s ruining too many lives. We have got to be able to completely discontinue these meds without suffering for months and years. Too many have to turn to the internet and groups like this one for advice and support. It shouldn’t be like this. The pharmaceutical companies, the doctors, and the DEA should be ashamed.

Thanks so much for your reply . Did you use the hemp oil while weanin? How much CBD do you use per day?