Shown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
After a year of taking alprazolam (Xanax) 1mg 2-3 times a day, I think its time to see if I can do without it.
Has anybody ever given up using the method where one transfers to a long acting benzo (such as diazepam/Valium) and then slowly tapers that? I hear that is easier that tapering a short acting benzo like Xanax.
Opinions anybody?
Posted by Abby Cunningham on August 16, 2011, at 22:03:22
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
> After a year of taking alprazolam (Xanax) 1mg 2-3 times a day, I think its time to see if I can do without it.
>
> Has anybody ever given up using the method where one transfers to a long acting benzo (such as diazepam/Valium) and then slowly tapers that? I hear that is easier that tapering a short acting benzo like Xanax.
>
> Opinions anybody?YES! I went on the "Ashton" taper, gradually going off xanax very slowly while replacing it with an equivalent amount of diazepam. Horrors for me.... I had been taking 3mg. xanax per day. The diazepam made me very depressed. I ended up going back on 1.5mg. of xanax. Failed to taper off.
Several years before that, I tapered directly off Xanax and was successful. No substitution. So, in my case direct slow taper worked rather than switching to diazepam. Just my experience. Best wishes whatever you do. Tapering a benzo is not fun.
Abby
Posted by Phillipa on August 16, 2011, at 22:07:37
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
Jono the truth for me is that over the 41 years internet wasn't even there for me. I just would switch from one to another never with a problem. So you wish to totally get off benzos? No anxiety at all? When that happened to me at one time I took .125 of xanax every other day. The doc said a placebo response but seriously would start to feel anxious. At one time further back than that was benzo free just stopped them. No problem. Sometimes I feel too much info isn't good. At least not for me. Phillipa and good luck with whatever you decide to try will support you!!!!
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 17, 2011, at 0:25:28
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
Benzo withdrawal sucks. Valium or Tranxene are pretty standard for benzo tapers. Supplements such as niacinamide might help. You may want to have sleeping pills and something for daytime anxiety handy...are you still on the Risperdal?
I would think the valium taper would be good..when I tapered straight off of Klonopin, I started freaking out. Those .5mgs chunks in a taper are pretty big in terms of emotional state. With valium you could go down by 5mgs (or less), which would be nice.
Posted by sigismund on August 17, 2011, at 0:27:13
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
It is more even with Valium. Perhaps more depressing. If we had Xanax xr it might be simpler.
Benzos are bloody hard to give up, I don't know why. Persistent feelings of unreality and stuff like that?
I have been on 5mg Valium a day since just after Easter. To stop it I'd need to go into isolation. Those who had a need for benzos are going to find it most difficult to stop. My problem was feeling skinless.
It is largely a question of how you want to take your pain, and how much strength comes to you.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 17, 2011, at 9:01:15
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
The expert advice I had recently was that it takes 'massive' does of Valium to relace Xanax. Another way would be to reduce Xanax with an appropriate amount of Valium on board (so the withdrawal is covered, but the Valium isn't overwhelming) and slowly lower the remaining Xanax.
I don't know the exact details. I was also told slow, slow going.
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on August 17, 2011, at 16:48:16
In reply to Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 16, 2011, at 21:23:08
Nuerontin or Lyrica. They are used by many rehab doctors in treating benzo withdraws. They don't give you sedation the benzos do but they provide you with a antianxiety effect and lift the mood.
Try them.
Matt
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 17, 2011, at 19:52:38
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on August 17, 2011, at 16:48:16
I think I'll ask my doc for some Valium, and try and taper down, start with 3 x 5mg a day, then 2, then 1, then stop, over 3 weeks or so, but also keep the option of going back on the alprazolam if I need it.
I'm looking to do this because I'm wondering how much of my condition is realted to my original anxiety, and how much is related to Xanax dependence
Posted by Phillipa on August 17, 2011, at 20:56:28
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 17, 2011, at 19:52:38
Jono you feel taking xanax has kept anxiety alive or made it worse. I've never thought of this. Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on August 18, 2011, at 2:13:17
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 17, 2011, at 19:52:38
>then stop, over 3 weeks or so,
How long have you been taking it?
Posted by sigismund on August 18, 2011, at 2:15:41
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 17, 2011, at 19:52:38
> I'm wondering how much of my condition is realted to my original anxiety, and how much is related to Xanax dependence
A fair bit, if my experience is any guide.The benefit of this experience is that the original anxiety pales in comparison as one has found more substantial things to worry about.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 18, 2011, at 18:47:31
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam » jono_in_adelaide, posted by sigismund on August 18, 2011, at 2:13:17
> >then stop, over 3 weeks or so,
>
> How long have you been taking it?------------------------------------------------
Been taking it for about 15months, 1mg twice a day
Posted by Phillipa on August 18, 2011, at 20:59:14
In reply to Re: Quiting Alprazolam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 18, 2011, at 18:47:31
That's really not that long or that high a dose. Thinking you can wean on own and if that doesn't work you may still need the med. Phillipa
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