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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
In reply to Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 9, 2011, at 10:35:08
I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
I'm unable to do anything in this state :(
Posted by orbital on April 12, 2011, at 10:32:49
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 18:42:10
P., I'd try 3mg Ativan to replace 1mg Xanax; or maybe 2mg, taking into account that you already have Valium onboard. My suggestion is to go by feel.
The conversion tables are useful for general reference and all, but they {obviously} don't take into account how each benzo feels for each person.
Personally, whenever I take a break from Klonopin, I need at least 7mg of Ativan in divided doses to fully cover for my usual 2mg Klonopin {quite higher than the conversion tables state}. But if I'm switching to Valium, 15mg will do nicely {much lower than the tables}.
It all boils down to how you feel, within reasonable limits. There's not much use in sticking to the tables if doing so will bring back panic, or have you feeling oversedated. HTH.
> Orbital have a full bottle here I could trial substituting it for xanax as only take at night and the luvox is supposed to potentiate the effects of it. When first on Luvox was with ativan lmg. Forget how many mg's. Thanks for the advise and sorry to hyjack:( Phippia
Posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » Phillipa, posted by orbital on April 12, 2011, at 10:32:49
Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 12, 2011, at 15:31:29
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
> I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
>
> Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
>
> I'm unable to do anything in this state :(Ago_hope,
You wrote,[...Help...I'm still suffering a lot...Is there any way to make this nightmare last less time?...unable to do anything...:(].
There is a way that I know for you to be free from the drug and its suffering that you are experiancing. If you could view the following videos, then I could go from there. The videos show something that I think could establish some reasoning as to why you took an addictive drug and you could question that and a lot of other things about psychotropic drugs that I think then could have us go on to the way to have you be free from the suffering.
Lou
To see these videos:
A. Pull up Google
B. Type in:
[youtube, The marketing of Madness part 7/18] Then when you view it, there is part 8/18 on the side to continue by clicking on that.
Now you will se a pic of a maan and the time is 10 min posted on March 11, 2010
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 13, 2011, at 11:53:34
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
> Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
The chemistry can't tell you exactly how much to take, so you don't need to worry about it.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 12:48:54
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
> I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
>
> Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
>
> I'm unable to do anything in this state :(Ago, are you in touch with your doctor?
Hey everyone, can we return the thread to Ago? (S)he needs help.
Thanks, fb
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 13, 2011, at 16:08:43
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 12:48:54
I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow morning
Right now I'm on 0.625 of alprazolam and although I feel a lack of energy and apathy, the dizzinnes seems to have vanished.
I have no problem getting to sleep thanks to agomelatine but I have early awakenings and strange nightmares
Posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 16:52:45
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 13, 2011, at 16:08:43
Well, let's see what the pdoc says.
Rebound sleep disturbance.
Early awakenings sounds like it's mixed with depression symptoms. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow. You're able to tell him or her your symptoms? (Meaning doc will listen ;) ?
fb
Posted by orbital on April 14, 2011, at 17:17:47
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
P., like mtdewcmu said, it depends on the person. I need a very high dose of Ativan (at least 6mg) to match my usual lowish dose of Klonopin (1.5mg), yet a relatively low dose of Valium works well enough.
As for your anxiety, you should ask your doc to switch to something else, or increase your benzo. I'd personally go for the first option, sometimes switching to something else for a while will make your preferred benzo work again. I hope you get some relief soon.
> Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2011, at 20:32:26
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » Phillipa, posted by orbital on April 14, 2011, at 17:17:47
Orbital I do have that full bottle of ativan. I also needed more of it when started on luvox I think 4-6mg. Aren't benzos and all meds strange? And thanks for replying!!!!
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 9:10:52
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2011, at 20:32:26
My Doc suggested changing to Noctamid (Lormetazepam) but it doesn't make sense to me since it's a short acting benzo and It will sure cause addiction.
Instead, I've created my own withdrawal schedule based on what I've read about benzo's equivalence.
Ratio: 1mg Alprazolam = 20 mg Diazepam
14-17 Abril
Alprazolam 0.25mg + Diazepam 5mg18-22 Abril
Alprazolam 0.125mg + Diazepam 7.5 mg22-25 Abril
Diazepam 10 mg25-28 Abril
Diazepam 7.5 mg28 Abril-1 Mayo
Diazepam 5 mg1-4 Mayo
Diazepam 2.5 mgWhat do you think?
Thank you!
Posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 12:29:05
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 9:10:52
Can't really comment. Phillipa or Ed_uk? Orbital?
I did take doxepin last night, and I could use it to taper a bit on my own xanax use. It seems to override the itchy-scratchy feeling, but can't say it will help with your dizziness. And I don't know if you want a sidecar taper. But man, did I sleep. Is dizziness still a problem for
you?fb
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 14:10:28
In reply to re: your taper schedule » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 12:29:05
I'm not longer experiencing dizzinnes (it seems diazepam takes care of that) but I'm starting to experience rebound insomnia and my apathy/anhedonia seems to have worsened.
Tonight I'm not taking agomelatine since I think it is actually not helping.
What I know for sure is that I'm not ever going to take serotonin antidepressants again...
Thank you
Posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 17:29:52
In reply to re: your taper schedule, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 14:10:28
Hey. Sorry life is in the pits right now :(
If your taper schedule doesn't get an educated comment, maybe you can start a new thread. Sometimes a fresh post will bring in an answer. I wish I had something more useful to contribute.
I don't know what agomelatine is, though I think I've asked after it here. It is an novel antidepressant available in
Europe, yes? I'm very sorry to hear it isn't helping.fb
Can your doctor offer anything to get you through rebound? Then again, I have my own ambivalences about doxepin....
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2011, at 21:12:24
In reply to re: your taper schedule » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 17:29:52
Well hate to say this but (although I disagree) a lot go by Heather Ashton of UK. Personally I can decrease doses much much faster why no idea????
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 16, 2011, at 0:11:40
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 9:10:52
Another approach would be to switch to diazepam immediately. You could just take as much diazepam as you need to relieve any withdrawal symptoms. You don't really need to ration out the diazepam, because it builds up in your body and takes a really long time to leave.
Not speaking from personal withdrawal experience, mainly theory. But it should work.
Posted by Abby Cunningham on April 16, 2011, at 23:15:15
In reply to re: your taper schedule » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 12:29:05
alprazolam is one of if not THE worst drug to taper. Phillipa you are very fortunate to be able to decrease quickly some people do not become addicted. I would give anything to be able to discontinue this hateful drug.
I am only down to 1.5mg from 3mg and that was several years ago :(
Anyone with any ideas what to take will be welcome to comment please. I went off it once but was over 20 years ago. there must be some drug that can help that won't also be addicting
Also watch it with substituting valium. My pdoc will testify how horribly depressed valium made me over and above the withdrawal of the xanax gradually. I did much better with a very very very slow taper of xanax. Got off it completely those 20 yrs. ago this time failed due to diazepam depression. I also take wellbutrin 150 XL.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 17, 2011, at 0:19:07
In reply to need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 16, 2011, at 23:15:15
Abby, may I ask the reasons for your taper? I'm curious. I have been taking 1.5mg of the XR version (generic), and recently am trying to recurb to 1.0mg. (Is recurb a word?)
I use varying amounts of regular release as emergency med, sometimes just to get to sleep when it's rough. I haven't been xanax-free since my kid was born (quit it for pregnancy). (Somehow.)
I haven't been able to drop below .25mg. since. However, I don't know if I have the skills or nerves (literally) to forgo xanax, and am not sure I should, if I can keep it low.
Do you have unpleasant sides or memory issues?
I had thought about the Valium cross-taper, but after a recent bout of med trials, thought it wise to stay with the benzo that my body knows.
However, one of my trials was Lyrica. It made me dumb as dirt, but I was able to drop waaay down on xanax. Just a thought. Lyrica had serious sided for me; however it was an easy-on, easy-off med. If only I had secured my seat belt before the ride started :P
Made withdrawal from my snri of years use possible. Stopped the head zaps.
Good luck to you. I am curious what you think.
So, Phillipa being able to stop--that indicates there isn't the typical physical addiction? Interesting. Yes, Phillipa, if that's true, it's lucky and interesting. I wonder why. Could Luvox, but no, you stopped and started before Luvox?
O.K. Now I'm addressing two people. Nice segue :)
fb
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 17, 2011, at 4:35:47
In reply to need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 16, 2011, at 23:15:15
That's the problem there. People think Xanax is just another benzo but it is not. It's the most potent short-acting drug of the benzo class.
It is the easiest drug you can get addicted to and the hardest to withdraw (in mi opinion this withdrawal has nothing to do with lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem, etc).
You feel how you brain suffers and it leaves you completely impaired for any task. It's pure poison and should be only used in extreme cases of panic attacks.
I have wasted my last 2 weeks with this issue (unable to work, go out with friends, drive, etc)
Well. Right now I'm taking0.25 Alprazolam + 5 Diazepam
My next stage is tonight:
0.125 Alprazolam + 7.5 Diazepam
Wish me luck!
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 7:21:52
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 17, 2011, at 4:35:47
> That's the problem there. People think Xanax is just another benzo but it is not. It's the most potent short-acting drug of the benzo class.
>
> It is the easiest drug you can get addicted to and the hardest to withdraw (in mi opinion this withdrawal has nothing to do with lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem, etc).
>
> You feel how you brain suffers and it leaves you completely impaired for any task. It's pure poison and should be only used in extreme cases of panic attacks.
>
> I have wasted my last 2 weeks with this issue (unable to work, go out with friends, drive, etc)
>
>
> Well. Right now I'm taking
>
> 0.25 Alprazolam + 5 Diazepam
>
> My next stage is tonight:
>
> 0.125 Alprazolam + 7.5 Diazepam
>
> Wish me luck!Friends,
If you are considering being a discussant in this thread, I am requesting that you view thre following video.
Lou
To view this video,
A. Bring up Google
B. Type in;
[youtube, Xanax (anxiolytic addiction and withdrawal)]
You will see a pic of a lady ...the time is 7 min..posted on May 10, 20077
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 7:26:05
In reply to Lou's request-zhnax, posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 7:21:52
> > That's the problem there. People think Xanax is just another benzo but it is not. It's the most potent short-acting drug of the benzo class.
> >
> > It is the easiest drug you can get addicted to and the hardest to withdraw (in mi opinion this withdrawal has nothing to do with lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem, etc).
> >
> > You feel how you brain suffers and it leaves you completely impaired for any task. It's pure poison and should be only used in extreme cases of panic attacks.
> >
> > I have wasted my last 2 weeks with this issue (unable to work, go out with friends, drive, etc)
> >
> >
> > Well. Right now I'm taking
> >
> > 0.25 Alprazolam + 5 Diazepam
> >
> > My next stage is tonight:
> >
> > 0.125 Alprazolam + 7.5 Diazepam
> >
> > Wish me luck!
>
> Friends,
> If you are considering being a discussant in this thread, I am requesting that you view thre following video.
> Lou
> To view this video,
> A. Bring up Google
> B. Type in;
> [youtube, Xanax (anxiolytic addiction and withdrawal)]
> You will see a pic of a lady ...the time is 7 min..posted on May 10, 20077Friends,
Another video that I am requesting for discussants to see is the following.
Lou
To see this video,
A. Pull up Google
B. Type in;
[SDM-withdrawal from Xanax Lorazepam Klonopin]
Posted by floatingbridge on April 17, 2011, at 9:45:38
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 17, 2011, at 4:35:47
> That's the problem there. People think Xanax is just another benzo but it is not. It's the most potent short-acting drug of the benzo class.
>
> It is the easiest drug you can get addicted to and the hardest to withdraw (in mi opinion this withdrawal has nothing to do with lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem, etc).
>
> You feel how you brain suffers and it leaves you completely impaired for any
task. It's pure poison and should be only used in extreme cases of panic attacks.
>
> I have wasted my last 2 weeks with this issue (unable to work, go out with
friends, drive, etc)
>
>
> Well. Right now I'm taking
>
> 0.25 Alprazolam + 5 Diazepam
>
> My next stage is tonight:
>
> 0.125 Alprazolam + 7.5 Diazepam
>
> Wish me luck!I do wish you luck. So is the diazepam is showing some benefit? You are making quite a steep taper. Very best with this. You are brave.
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on April 17, 2011, at 9:54:16
In reply to Lou's request-zhnax, posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 7:21:52
> > Wish me luck!
>
> Friends,
> If you are considering being a discussant in this thread, I am requesting that you view thre following video.
> Lou
> To view this video,
> A. Bring up Google
> B. Type in;
> [youtube, Xanax (anxiolytic addiction and withdrawal)]
> You will see a pic of a lady ...the time is 7 min..posted on May 10, 20077Hi Lou,
Thank you for the invitation. I usually don't watch the YouTube videos. I hope she was or is having some success herself.
It can be done. It's just more awful for some than others. How have you been?
fb
Posted by Deputy Racer on April 17, 2011, at 19:46:08
In reply to need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 16, 2011, at 23:15:15
> alprazolam is one of if not THE worst drug to taper. I would give anything to be able to discontinue this hateful drug.
>Please follow the site guidelines, which include not exaggerating about medications. Some people have very different experiences with medications, and reading that a drug is "the worst" or "hateful" may interfere with their treatment. In future, you might choose to focus on your experience, rather than absolute statements.
If you have any questions regarding the posting policies on this site, please read the FAQ, located at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil Follow ups to this action should be directed to the Administration board and should themselves be civil.
Dr Bob has ultimate authority over all administrative issues on this site, and may choose at any time to revise or reverse any action taken by a deputy.
Deputy Racer
Posted by Deputy Racer on April 17, 2011, at 19:47:54
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 17, 2011, at 4:35:47
>
>
> You feel how you brain suffers and it leaves you completely impaired for any task. It's pure poison and should be only used in extreme cases of panic attacks.
>Please follow the site guidelines, which include not exaggerating about medications.
If you have any questions regarding the posting policies on this site, please read the FAQ, located at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil Follow ups to this action should be directed to the Administration board and should themselves be civil.
Dr Bob has ultimate authority over all administrative issues on this site, and may choose at any time to revise or reverse any action taken by a deputy.
Deputy Racer
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