joeangie

havent had any real sleep since thursday.. feeling paranoid and tired but cannot fall asleep, very irritable, cannot function. how long before I feel better? please help.

Stopdropburn

Hmmm....I have never been addicted to Xanax, though I have used it many times. I too have been not sleeping good in my recovery, until these past two nights at least, still waking up at about 5a if I was sleeping sound....but slowly getting there. As for your predicament, I don't know what the w/d is like from that, hopefully not too severe, especially with the baby. Do you have a doctor you can talk to about a safe supplement to help regulate your sleep? I've been using Melatonin, it seems to be helping after a couple days, I don't think there's a problem for pregnant women using it, but don't quote me on that. I would try some relaxing tea, maybe a Valerian Root mix to help...but again, I don't know what all the safety rules are for everything and pregnancy. Welcome to SR! Best of luck, take care.

IvanKatz

I'm so very glad to know that you care so much for the person growing inside you. While I've never had any dependency on benzo's, I do understand that they can be a little tough to get through. My advise is to talk to your doctor ASAP.

Robert1

zBars are tough - realise that your irritability isnt so much from lack of sleep but from your anxiety levels - because when on the zbars you feel contentment, yes? SO when off you will feel even lesser standard contentment - this is anxiety, the impending feeling something is wrong - infact i guarantee nothing is wrong (now you are off them!) but it will take some adjusting & work, the doubts you are feeling are MUCH exaggerated in this state! - promise - it is a horrible feeling & i'm sorry you are suffering it.

BUT I havn't had a xannie for 7 or so months, and I wouldnt even have given a seconds thought about the drug if i didnt sneakily see it in your title. IT IS EASY TO FORGET ABOUT! & 7 months at most, is nothing!

joeangie

Its now about 1:30 am no sleep, its very nice to know there are supportive and kind people, thanx for your support. I think this is getting out of control, i have decided to go into my neurologist office today since he did not return my call. Im feeling very anxious i fall asleep for like 20 mnts and have nightmares of my baby with horrible images, i am freaking out! I fell asleep praying, will start praying again, i have no support system so hopefully i can find some comfort in this site. God ive never taken any street drugs before and never realised how hard it would be to go thru withdrawl, my prayers are with anyone who is currently in my position. Im growing weak and starting to doubt i can actually do this on my own.plz help

finaltime

I have not experienced benzo withdrawal, just opiates here. And I have a 14 month old, I can only imagine your stress and fear. Honestly talk with your dr and make sure you are doing things the correct way. Stay strong and please let us know how you are doing. Sleepy time tea was my savior during my first 2 weeks. I am on day 21 and sleeping fine now.

Stopdropburn

@joeangie Let us know how the doctors goes. From what I understand going cold turkey off benzo's can be problematic, might have required a taper. But the doctors should be able to help you somehow. I know it seems hard when you don't sleep...it was 7 days before I slept hours back to back...it does start to pass. Also remember though, you're pregnant, and women can have all kinds of reactions to the pregnancy hormones - I have two boys, and I've seen all kinds of odd effects on the ex - but it's going to seem harder kicking benzo's too, YOU CAN DO IT though! Let us know how it goes, take care.

Shining~Again

First off, heaps of congrats on the baby!
Please let us know how the doctor's visit went. Hopefully they'll let you know if
there is anything safe to take whilst pregnant. I didn't see where you mention how much xanax you were taking or for how long?

My experience:
I was near 4 month along before finding out about a wee one inside of me.
Was sent to a specialist due to taking a benzo pretty regularly (atypically medicated for ADD). I was fortunate to not have
any problem stopping it, however remember being scared to death I had
harmed the baby before knowing I was pregnant.
When I found out I told the nurse, who'd I'd been very close to for many years,
everything I had been doing. She assured me to look forwards, not backwards.
Am forever grateful for our conversation that day, in the back office...she
was the only person who knew at that point. Many tears, many worries but much hope.

In the end, my daughter popped out healthy as a horse and I gotta say, I was never
as happy and content than when pregnant. Am sending prayers your way....and
hopefully when you get over the withdrawal, you'll have a fabulous pregnancy.
In my eyes - there is nothing so exciting as a new baby on it's way.
(((((hugs)))))
PS - if you'd like to know what the nurse said to me and the subsequent visits to specialist, send a PM. I can't talk about it on here.

joeangie

Thnx, im not familiar with the site, can u plz help me figure this out, would love to talk to u. I had started to taper off already but was feeling horrible for taking the meds that i just quit.. i was originally taking between 1mg to 1 1/2 only at night for sleeping only, none during the day. I then dropped to only 1 mg at night only within a month. Then down to 1/2 mg the last 3 weeks and felt just fine last i took .25 mg for only 2 days then just went C/T aint taken anymore since last THursday 3/1/12. Im going to my drs in a cple hrs. Ill make sure to let u know what his plan is. Thnx for ur support

joeangie

Ok, i guess u need to have a few posts to be able to move thru this site.

Stopdropburn

Seems like you tapered very responsibly. I would imagine the length of time you were on it has made it more of a factor vs. the actual dose, which really was not much at all. Good luck at the docs!

joeangie

Thnxx i was was taking the alprazolam for about 3 and a half years, only at night mainly as a sleepbaid, didnt expect to get pregnant, but have been blessed now instead of being happy i find myself sobbing in a bed of tears i know its gonna take some time, rightnow i miss my sleep, on my way to the drs wish me luck ..

Stopdropburn

I know, I nearly cried a few times from exhaustion, but sleep will come again. Can't die from lack of sleep, though it sure feels like it! Good luck!

joeangie

Just got back from drs, he is strongly advising to Not get off the alprazolam he told me that the amount im taking will not harm the baby and that its worse that i dont take the meds. He says that hes confident that im taking a small amount and no more than that. He also said everything even aspirin is labeled to not use during pregnancy, i dont know what to do i dont want to take the meds anymore!!! Should i continue to taper off responsibly just like i was doing, or continue this C/T ive already started, or get a 2nd opinion from my Obgyn. Ahhhhhhhhhh i cant even think straight to make this decision..should i listen to my neurologist, or wait on the gynoo.. plz help

IvanKatz

While I'm sure your doctor is knowledgeable on this matter, a second opinion never hurts.
We can't tell you what to do here except encourage you to get more information from a professional on the matter.

johnrambo

Be careful with this, valerian root binds to some of the same receptors as benzos.

Stopdropburn

Thank you! You're right. I had never heard that so I did some research to learn more

"It is believed that valerian root has an impact on the availability of the,neurotransmitter GABA in the brain." wiki

"Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the
neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), which results in sedative, hypnotic
( sleep-inducing ), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety),
anticonvulsant , muscle relaxant and amnesic action. " - wiki

Also about Valerian:

"Valerian root should not be taken if you are
pregnant or nursing, if you suffer from liver
disease, or if you are taking monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) . Valerian root
has the potential to interact with other
medications, and may not be recommended
in those cases." - wiki

So in retrospect, the Valerian should probably be avoides, I never knew of those facts....learn something new everyday. Hope you're well.

BullDog777

you could probably just call your gyno and ask about the tapering. i think your dr is just looking at the plus and minus' of what this can do. Stress is definately not good for the baby and a harsh benzo withdrawal is probably what he's more concerned with. if he says it's not gonna hurt the baby, i might just get one other opinion and trust what you're told.

i know how bad benzo withdrawal can feel. it's no fun and i'm sorry you're feeling bad. please let us know how you're doing and stay in touch with the forum. we all care. sending prayers.

joeangie

Well its been 18 days and no meds.. feeling great.. I thank God i found this site and also for everyone who cared enough to share such caring posts as other people would never understand what i went thru and still remain fighting for on a daily basis.. God bless all of you and may he give you lots of wisdom to continue to be supportive to newcomers like myself whom feel scared and helpless before finding this site..

joeangie

Thank you for your concern, i actually have my obgyn appt for this Friday. Im wxcited and looking forward to hearing my babys heart beat for the first time.. thnxx a Million: