benzo question

[wantsto]

When do the first w/d symtoms occur, I have been tapering myself off them, and the last 2 mos, I have been on Xanax xr 1mg, is there a chance I won't have w/d?
I kinda think just reading all the w/d symptoms will plant something in my head, but I do feel anxious, I have 8 mos clean, and I just started a new job after 7 mos, so I think some of this anxiety is from my new job. I am on psyc drugs too for my depression/bipolar.
thanks,
Nancy

[Barto]

I have no experience with Xanax XR. Others have posted that they have not had w/d symptoms discontinuing other benzos. I have not been so lucky. Although I believe I have been able to greatly reduce w/d symptoms by meditation, exercise, diet, and staying away from caffeine (among other things), I have always felt some symptoms. But then again, I have been told by my doctors that I should not taper right now; that I am not ready. What does your doctor say?

[jazpoppy]

wantsto;

May I ask why you are prescribed benzos? I was prescribed them first for anxiety/panic disorder, then later on for sleep disorder. If you take them for a psyc. disorder you may want to talk to you doctor before tapering. If your doctor is comfortable with it, have them give you a good tapering schedule, even if it means it will take months. Its less dangerous that way. The same applies for taking benzos for sleep, you don't want to get rebound insomnia and you don't want rebound panick attacks if you are on them for that. I have had that happen to me. Also if you were on a heavy dose, sounds like you are not really now, be careful, still be carefull even at 1mg Xanax XR never go cold turkey, you can die that way. You can have seizures, get dehydrated, and be very very ill. Benzo w/d is the same as alcohol w/d and can be life threatening. Make sure you are either doing this inpatient at a detox center or under the care of you doctor while at home. That is all the advice I can give. I am only telling you this from seeing my friends go through it. Its rough, but tapering slowing eases so many of the symptoms. If you want off this stuff (good for you if you do, benzos are not a good long-term solution to anything) you can do it with the help of a doctor. Good luck!

Luv

Jaz

[emmer]

Why don't you take then as prescribed to the best of your ability and then when your settled into your new job for a bit, talk to your doctor about a taper schedule.


..joe

[wantsto]

thank you all for replying, all good advice, this is day 3 and I am having very mild w/d, a little sweating and anxiety, I was given Xanax for the anxiety. My doctor wanted to taper me with Librium, but I just want off the stuff and not take the chance of manipulating my doctor for other benzo's, I just want to see if I can feel normal again, only this time with my program. I am not expecting miracles, just a day at a time.
thanks,
Nancy