XANAX withdrawal

May I ask you something? You have been on xanax for 25 yrs. How much xanax were you taking and how much now? We don’t know how much to reduce. Thank you for everything.

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.

I’m so sorry about your sister. I feel like I’m in a rut. I see a therapist too. My husband and I will have to talk about everything to her as well. Just so afraid of what to do next. Thank you again.

@flow65, I too am sorry for you having to endure this. I know because I’ve been there. .25mg per week reduction seems a fast pace to me. But there are others on this forum who are more knowledgeable than me, so let’s see what they say. The nausea was terrible for me, and thus lost 70 lbs. I did control it, finally by trying a myriad of OTC and Rx drugs. How are you doing with the nausea? I may be able to offer some suggestions to help. Hang in there…it can be done, but it can be a tough road, too. Think first about your weaning rate. Let us know how you’re doing.

@flow65, I too am sorry for you having to endure this. I know because I’ve been there. .25mg per week reduction seems a fast pace to me. But there are others on this forum who are more knowledgeable than me, so let’s see what they say. The nausea was terrible for me, and thus lost 70 lbs. I did control it, finally by trying a myriad of OTC and Rx drugs. How are you doing with the nausea? I may be able to offer some suggestions to help. Hang in there…it can be done, but it can be a tough road, too. Think first about your weaning rate. Let us know how you’re doing.

We need to start making these doctors and pharmaceutical companies accountable for the misery they have caused with these Benzos. What most of us go through is inhumane. Same goes for the antidepressants.

Long story short. My physchiatrist and GP thought it was fine for me to take Xanax for 25 years. Never once did I hear they would someday quit working(tolerance), never once did I hear the word addiction, withdrawal, nothing. Then at age 67 when I should be enjoying my life I’m tapering a benzodiazepine and antidepressant. This has been going on for 3 long years. I’ll be 70 soon. I’m angry.