Going off of Xanax

Posted by bvgrammy @bvgrammy, Nov 23, 2016

I have been taking Xanax for 25 years for Fibromyalgia and Anxiety. I am trying to wean myself off of it. Has anyone done this?

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Hello @bvgrammy,

Since Xanax is a benzodiazepine, I thought I'd tag @sallycanuck, @lesbatts, @lauriedr, @66693777, @wolfer1975, @seeker619, @tigersam1, and @1langla; they can hopefully provide more information about weaning off the drug.

I would also recommend that you check out the following discussion thread where tapering off benzodiazepines has been discussed by many other members

http://mayocl.in/2dT2tMG

Feel free to ask other members questions, and also explain a little more about yourself.

@bvgrammy, can you tell us a little more as to why you are thinking of weaning off from Xanax?

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I'll be taking the plunge and weaning myself off the Benzos soon. I can't decide If I want to do the taper before or after the holidays. I think one of the best reasons to get off from Benzos is not only are they addicting they also cause depression. So, you take something for anxiety and end up being depressed. I saw my new Psych. Doc yesterday. She will be helping me with my taper. I really like her, she had some new ideas for my medications which I thought would be impossible as I've taken everything out there. She was also willing to listen to all my ideas so at least I had some say in my mental health. Okay here I go again. Look at the Ashton Manual on Benzos.org for a slow taper. I have done this taper in the past and it was fairly easy to do. Good luck!

Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving

Leslie

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@lesbatts

I'll be taking the plunge and weaning myself off the Benzos soon. I can't decide If I want to do the taper before or after the holidays. I think one of the best reasons to get off from Benzos is not only are they addicting they also cause depression. So, you take something for anxiety and end up being depressed. I saw my new Psych. Doc yesterday. She will be helping me with my taper. I really like her, she had some new ideas for my medications which I thought would be impossible as I've taken everything out there. She was also willing to listen to all my ideas so at least I had some say in my mental health. Okay here I go again. Look at the Ashton Manual on Benzos.org for a slow taper. I have done this taper in the past and it was fairly easy to do. Good luck!

Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving

Leslie

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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.

REPLY
@kanaazpereira

Hello @bvgrammy,

Since Xanax is a benzodiazepine, I thought I'd tag @sallycanuck, @lesbatts, @lauriedr, @66693777, @wolfer1975, @seeker619, @tigersam1, and @1langla; they can hopefully provide more information about weaning off the drug.

I would also recommend that you check out the following discussion thread where tapering off benzodiazepines has been discussed by many other members

http://mayocl.in/2dT2tMG

Feel free to ask other members questions, and also explain a little more about yourself.

@bvgrammy, can you tell us a little more as to why you are thinking of weaning off from Xanax?

Jump to this post

I am using Peroxatine or Paxil and have been on it for years. I really want to stop taking a chemical drug. I am interested in trying a cbd-thc combination oil to see if it might work for me. I have no idea what my Doctor will say and I know I need to see her first but I really wanted to know if anyone has tried this route to get off anti-depressants and what they think.

REPLY

I too am looking for those who may have had success with CBD oil for depression and/or weaning from Xanax

REPLY

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

REPLY
@dianagay

I am using Peroxatine or Paxil and have been on it for years. I really want to stop taking a chemical drug. I am interested in trying a cbd-thc combination oil to see if it might work for me. I have no idea what my Doctor will say and I know I need to see her first but I really wanted to know if anyone has tried this route to get off anti-depressants and what they think.

Jump to this post

I have just come off Ativan and Seraqurpel and am using Charlottes Web Hemp oil. I do have CBD with THC also. I have my state medical marijuana card. Using the THC in a very small does relaxes me but if I take to much I get light headed so I prefer just he hem/CBD oil. I think it will help you. Some doctors are for it some not. But taper your meds just don’t stop

REPLY
@rascal1

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.

Jump to this post

I checked into Glenbeigh cause I was certainly addicted to Xanax physician prescribed for 25 years. .5 qidI assumed it would be a valuable experience. wrong. no weaning. just cut off. it’s been 6 months. i can’t walk,sleep,have notorious brain zaps and cognitive impairment ..clearly most addiction specialists do not know brain chemistry. never cold turkey with any benzodiazepines and wean very slowly

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@rascal1

I too am looking for those who may have had success with CBD oil for depression and/or weaning from Xanax

Jump to this post

Me, too.

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@cdcc

I have just come off Ativan and Seraqurpel and am using Charlottes Web Hemp oil. I do have CBD with THC also. I have my state medical marijuana card. Using the THC in a very small does relaxes me but if I take to much I get light headed so I prefer just he hem/CBD oil. I think it will help you. Some doctors are for it some not. But taper your meds just don’t stop

Jump to this post

Thank you for your answer, I really appreciate it.

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