Finally tring to get off xanax

Ms.Lizzy · Post by **Ms.Lizzy** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:26 pm

Im a little nervous and feel a little wired. I have decided with my Dr.s permission to stop taking the Xanax. I didnt take it this morning. I really need some support. I didnt want to be relliant on a pill my whole life. I know i am able to handle these attacks without meds. Im just a little freaked out right now

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:56 pm

You should NEVER stop Xanax cold turkey! I am surprised your doc doesn't have you tapering off... I have no doubt you feel weird stopping cold turkey! How much and how long were you on it?

chatterbox · Post by **chatterbox** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:57 pm

Lizzy,

Hang in there. When I went off zanax I did it slowly. The mornings were always the hardest for me, so I would cut down my doses later in the day first once I was already up and going. Then eventually I would take half of my morning dose, and then only as needed until I didn't need it at all. Then I carried it around with me for awhile "just in case." Then I was done with it! If you have been taking it for a long time, it might be good to just lower the dose and take it on your regular schedule for a bit. Then taper down from there.

Also, one very important thing to remember:
Don't beat yourself up if you end up taking it when you told yourself you wouldn't on days when you are really anxious!! Go ahead and give yourself permission to do whatever you need to do and take as long as you need to take. You are already successful just to be STARTING towards this goal. That is an area where I had a hard time. When I stopped beating myself for not doing it perfectly or not doing it according to some schedule, I was really proud of myself for the progress I did make and eventually got off of it completely. (I was taking it around the clock)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:16 pm

Thanks alot for the advice. I am taking 0.5mg of the time released. I take it 2 time a day and have been taking it for the past 3 years. He thinks because I was on it for so long my body is ammuned to it. Maybe I should still take one a day

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:26 pm

ms lizzy,
i remember whn i first got off xanax.i had taken it since 2004.it does try to freak you out but you can over come that thought by using the skills and tools that you were given in the program.
change your thought pattern and think of good things and have positive thoughts.i had taken it 2 times a day once in the morning and once at night. i then went to once a day. then 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night/ .then 1/2 in the morning and none at night to none at all.
i wish you the best of luck on your journey.take care and let us know how you are doing. be blessed.
don

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:28 pm

Good for you for wanting to get off the Xanax. Usually, what we tell our patients is, cut whatever dosage you are taking in half. Thus, take .25 twice a day for about a week... then, cut the .25 in half and take twice a day for a week... the cut out either the morning or evening dose for a week... then cutting out the final...

Benzos can be tough coming off of! I would taper off and, perhaps that will help with the "wired" feeling as well...

Good luck and keep us posted!!