I really can’t help. It’s very very difficult to taper straight off Xanax. I switched to Valium which has a long half life. This has been extremely helpful for me and thousands upon thousands if not millions of others. I don’t think I could have tapered comfortably without switching to Valium. Xanax is too potent and wears off too quickly. I was prescribed 3 mgs. per day. I use the Ashton method which allows you to hold for awhile until your brain adjusts to the last cut. It’s a patient led taper. I may hold for a few months, I may hold for 3 or four. I never ever cut more than once per month. As an example I held for quite sometime when my sister was dying and I was helping to care for her. My doctor is fine with this. Approves it whole heartedly. My doctor is also taking into consideration my age, the high amount I was taking and the number of years I took it. I’m now at 3.75 mgs of Valium per day. This would be equivalent to less than 1/4 mg. xanax per day. 1 mg. Xanax is equivalent to 20 mgs. Valium. I have not had any withdrawal symptoms I could not handle.