tranquilizer withdrawal support needed please

[jdringer]

Anyone else weaning off or already come off tranquilizers?
Would like any advise/support, as I'm in the process, and having some bad rebound withdrawal symptoms. I know to do if very slowly...over many weeks...even at the low dose of .25mg. I've been taking several times a week for the past 6 months.
I'd just be very thankful for some support, especially from women, as I am one. Reason for taking Xanox, post hysterectomy, adrenal fatigue, over stressed and hypoglycemia, all of which are under the protocal and followed to my best, of my doctor.
I can't afford to to go to a doctor who specialized in these drugs, as our insurance doesn't cover it and also it costs to much and the waiting list to even get in is a month from now, so I'm just getting my info off the internet.
PAR

[~RichR]

Welcome,

I understand that it takes many weeks if not many months to correctly taper off of a benzodiazepine. I have never posted a link here before. I looked at the FAQ and didn't see anything posted as to not posting links.

Here are 2 links. They both go to benzo.org.uk

You should feel very comfortable with your taper. If you don't then you are coming off of the medication to fast.

I do know an individual who gives tapers if your not satisfied with yours. I would want to get permission to post that web site and his name first. His tapers involve taking your medication around the clock. For example 1/2 tab every 6 hours around the clock.

If you are only tapering during the day and are not feeling well this could be why.

Here are those links:

Click Here There is a lot of good reading here.

Click Here This is the main page.

I hope you find something helpful here!!

R

[docdave]

Good Morning jdringer...all drugs, street or otherwise, that ellicit changes in brain neurochemistry have potential withdrawal syndromes...many factors contribute...afterall what is a withdrawal syndrome...it sometimes effects body organs such as the liver where 85% of nutrients are processed...most often in recovery neurochemistry is trying to come back to "normal" what ever that is for any one individual..depression/anxiety/fatigue/achiness/pain...are just some of the signs and symptoms of withdrawal...for mental symptoms the cause is more about depletion of neurotransmitters...obviously, one can go into much detail about these matters...if any wishes more info send me a note in my private mail and I'll respond...dr dave

[Lenee]

Hi jdringer,

I've been taking xanax for about 4 years now for panic. Last year I started tapering from .1 a day. I am doing it very slowly and have been doing very well, until I hit my last taper. I now take .125 (one quarter of a .25). which isn't very much. I dissolve it in water and sip it through-out the day. Well last week I tried to go totally off and did fine for about 4 days, then I was hit with irritability and nervousness, tingleing, etc etc. I went back to the sipping of the .125 which immediately helped. I felt very frustrated that I had to go back on, but did realize that I need to be taper as I feel led. I'll try again after Christmas.

Xanax has helped me so much, but I do realize the hold it has on me and that is why I wanted to get off. I'm afraid my panic attacks will return though. I have never abused the drug or highered my doses, but know I am physically dependent now. That is scary for me. It's a tough decision to make. My Dr. says to continue to stay on the low amount, but something tells me to wean off.

Thanks for those links Rich. I've been a member of their boards, but they are always going down and I always get locked out. They have great information.

jdringer, I could use some support too.....only my dh knows I take xanax, but I don't think he really understands how I feel when I miss a dose. He tells me just to take a pill when I feel bad.

I am a mother of 5 kids, and I need to be functionable. I feel stressed out a lot too like you and am entering my peri-menopausal time, which for me is a good excuse as any to want to relax iykwim The underlying reason though is my panic disorder which came really bad after the birth of my 3rd kid.

I'm new here, but gonna search this sight for information.

I don't see myself as an addict per se, but when I do get off this stuff I feel there will be a "recovery time" for me. I know it'll take time to get back to normal. Somedays I feel I never will.

You hang in there and time does have a way of making things better.

[jdringer]

Hi Lenee:
Just saw your post. Yes, it's heck weaning off this Xanox. I read somewhere, especially for those who've been on higher doses and the long time span, it's worse than coming off heroine.
My first week was hell. Waking in the am, with a panic attack that would last for minutes hour hours. I'm in my 2nd week of withdrawal and the symptoms are alittle less, and less frequent.
Main symptoms are dizziness, headaches, extreme muscle fatigue, anxiety (getting less) but still have, some nausiousness and numbness in leg, when waking in middle of the night. The slower the taper the better. Dissolving it in water and sipping thoughout the day sounds like a good protocal. I may try that. Hang in there. Just think, as each day passes, the symptoms will get less and less in frequency and degree. I try to stay slightly busy ....I had to take a week off of work just to mend some. I do some stretching and deep breathing exercises outside and keep up with some housework and take alot of sitting and laying down breaks. I also read my Bible and pray, meditate to help me through this, as my faith constitutes. I will never go back on this ever again. I have found some natural alternatives I will try taking later down the road for anxiety. I"ve heard "passion flower" and L-Theanine work well together for relieving anxiety, both natural and non-addictive. Hormones also play alot into anxiety. I had a hysterectomy and decided to try no estrogen afterward. BIG MISTAKE. By the second week, I was sweating all the time (hot flashing) and having intolerable anxiety and depression. Having these hormones checked would be a good idea, as you said you felt worse after your 3rd child (this sounds like hormones, as they change so drastically. Hormones to check are: progesterone, estradiol, esterone, estriol, DHEA, cortisol and pregnanalone, and testosterone. ALso diet and cause some of this: I'm hypoglycemic and if I go to long without eating or eat to much of any starch or sweet, I get anxiety.
Wow, sorry, this is a mouthful. Please keep in touch, as we are in WD together.
jdringer