Going off of Xanax

My husband figured it out. He says I’m at 13% (1.75 mg a week). He read that no 2 people are alike. Plus he read whatever your dosage is to begin 50 % reduction the first 2 weeks and then after that a 25% reduction the next 2 weeks. Another site he read if you’re on 6 mg the first 2 weeks you cut down to 4.5mg and the next 2 weeks you cut down to 3 and so on. We mentioned about the Valium to the dr. He believes I could get worse because of my sensitivity to medicines (we’ve known him for yrs). He mentioned awhile back when it was time to get off Xanax he was taking it slow. Like I said my body was in a withdrawal before reducing the Xanax. I know you’re not a dr. Not trying to be difficult. Just scared, anxious, stressed and depressed since the pandemic and everyday problems. I’m also on this site to see how people get thru terrible times. I appreciate all your help and any other advice. Thank you.

Again, that’s way too fast especially using Xanax which has a very short half life. I’m nearing the end of taking Xanax for 25 years. I’ll be 70 years old. Good luck on your journey! Let us know how you’re doing.

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.

I found out the hard way how difficult it is to get off Xanax. My MD never warned me of this . 3 days with no Xanax sent me to the ER with 300 BP.. horrid headache, nausea. I thought I was dying or having a stroke . ER team did a brain scan to check. People must be made more aware of this. Check with your Pharmacist. I did not have this problem with Prozac...quit easily.

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.

I found out the hard way how difficult it is to get off Xanax. My MD never warned me of this . 3 days with no Xanax sent me to the ER with 300 BP.. horrid headache, nausea. I thought I was dying or having a stroke . ER team did a brain scan to check. People must be made more aware of this. Check with your Pharmacist. I did not have this problem with Prozac...quit easily.