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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2011, at 20:02:54
In reply to need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 16, 2011, at 23:15:15
Abby I feel it was when the pdocs said just switch to another benzo and it will be fine. Believed so it happened. Also times I just stopped it especially during nursing school and was fine. I was misinformed by myself as thought valium was the strongest. And for me when xanax failed me during a hard time in life years ago. The pdoc then said what works for you I said valium (first ever taken) so he gave me valium. When back to work after filling RX took 5mg of valium and immediately felt the calm. I was fine. Sometimes I guess ignorance can be bliss. Phillipa
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 18, 2011, at 15:03:37
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » Abby Cunningham, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2011, at 20:02:54
Today it's been terrible. I had to visit my psichologist and once there I don't know what has happened to me. I've started to cry and my body to shake like if I were terrified or traumatized. I know it is the withdrawal side effects but it is very very scary :(
Posted by Abby Cunningham on April 18, 2011, at 17:54:14
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » Abby Cunningham, posted by floatingbridge on April 17, 2011, at 0:19:07
Hi FB,
the main reason I want off the alprazolam is that I feel it is unhelpful to me .... I do notice some memory problems. I have been on this drug for over 20 years and I HATE the withdrawal, if I don't take my allotted daily dose. It is physically addicting to me and I would love to come off it. But I have horrible w/d sx's. Extreme anxiety, unable to sleep, depersonalization, derealization, inability to put thoughts together, etc.It's an insidious drug.....it sneaks up on you and makes you dependent and addicted. When I was able to taper off it I felt so much better, even slept better without it! Now this would be my third try off it and I think the kindling effect has gotten hold of me.
For instance, if I were to be in a foreign country, as I was in February, and suddenly find myself without it, I would go through torture in withdrawals :(
I hate that I ever got hooked on it, and perhaps I will ask my doctor for Lyrica just so that I can taper further.
I'd like to ask you what side effects you experienced from the Lyrica?
Abby
> 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.
>> fb
>
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 18, 2011, at 19:14:27
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 18, 2011, at 17:54:14
>dose. It is physically addicting to me and I would love to come off it. But I have horrible w/d sx's. Extreme anxiety, unable to sleep, depersonalization, derealization, inability to put thoughts together, etc.
>
> It's an insidious drug.....it sneaks up on you and makes you dependent and addicted. When I was able to taper off it I felt so much better, even slept better without it! Now this would be my third try off it and I think the kindling effect has gotten hold of me.
>
> > 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.
> >
>
> > fb
> >
>
>Have you considered switching to another benzo for tapering? Klonopin lasts a lot longer, and its effects might resemble Xanax somewhat. Valium has such a long half-life that you can feel it for days after a single dose. Valium is in some ways ideal for tapering. Once you get enough in your system to mitigate withdrawals, it will basically self-taper by eliminating so slowly.
With Valium you have to keep in mind, though, that there is an initial burst of effects, followed by less potent effects that last for around 3 days. So you can't gauge the dose based on how well it works for the first hour or so. You should keep taking more until you find that it is still working even a few hours after taking some.
I would not worry about getting addicted to Valium. It has an extremely long half life, so you can take it once a day, which makes taking the pills less habit forming. I also don't enjoy the effects, but you might find the opposite.
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 18, 2011, at 19:46:58
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 18, 2011, at 17:54:14
I just read your post where you said you were unable to tolerate Valium. Some benzos cause me to feel depressed as well, and Valium is one of them.
You may want to look for additional benzos that have long-half lives, and see if you can tolerate any of them.
Librium may work, although it may feel too similar to Valium.
Another one that might work is Tranxene.
One or both of those may share a metabolite with Valium, though, in which case it probably would cause the same problems.
Here is a chart that found using a Google search:
http://www.pharmer.org/forum/discussion-prescription-and-otc-meds/benzo-comparison-chart
Note that some of the ones in the chart aren't available in the US.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 18, 2011, at 21:54:38
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 18, 2011, at 17:54:14
Abby,
When I last tried to taper xanax, I had incredible physical and psychological discomfort, but didn't recognize it as the taper until my doc pointed it out. I brushed him off, but after reconsideration, took my minimal dose and, *poof* all gone :(
So besides being dumb as dirt? Like thinking (really) maybe I had had a stroke? Well, I had horrible rage episodes. I don't mean angry. I was practically foaming. I was terrified I had finally lost it. I could see myself yelling uncontrollably and couldn't stop. Maybe three times. I frightened everyone who knew me, my doctors included.
O.K. besides that. I cried every darn day, and my depression skyrocketed. Plus no pain relief.
It was only after withdrawing from Lyrica, which for me was uncharacteristically easy, I discovered the silver lining. I was not suffering a single head-zap. (Once I had them but
good for over a year. Thanks, effexor.)Oh yes. Afterwards a number of independent sources said I had been slurring my words. Great. And I don't imbibe anything recreationally.
However, I would use it or some have suggested neurontin to get around snri withdrawal. I'd know in advance.
Others had suggestions about withdrawing. Trileptil (sp?) was mentioned. Post a query. See what bites.
Good luck. I so dislike dependency when it is only maintaining it's self-created status quo.
I'd love to hear any profess or updates.
Good luck. Ask me anything else.
fb
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 18, 2011, at 22:25:48
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 17, 2011, at 9:45:38
>
> 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
>I suggested basically tossing the Xanax pills and getting his withdrawals covered by Valium. Valium is relatively fool-proof. After the initial rush, which lasts on the order of 20minutes, it then gets absorbed into all the fatty tissue in your body and re-releases slowly. If you get enough absorbed into fatty tissue in the beginning of your withdrawal, then you might be able to coast along and not take diazepam for a while, since it comes out of your fat at a slow and steady pace.
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 19, 2011, at 8:47:18
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » floatingbridge, posted by mtdewcmu on April 18, 2011, at 22:25:48
My depression had just worsened to such extent that I couldn't take it anymore so this morning I took one Prozac pill to help with the alprazolam withdrawal symptoms. I'm feeling quite better now.
Do you think it is a good idea to take Prozac until I'm completely clean from alprazolam?
Thank you
PS: So right now I'm taking:
-Alprazolam 0.125mg (last stage of withdrawal)
-Diazepam 5mg (Switching from Alprazolam)
-Prozac 10mg (To cope with the depressive symptoms that I'm experiencing in the withdrawal)
-Agomelatine 25mg (Taken at night to help with sleep and to counteract the sexual side effects caused by prozac)
Posted by floatingbridge on April 19, 2011, at 10:29:38
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 19, 2011, at 8:47:18
I don't know. If it can get you through a steep taper, yeah, maybe, and thank goodness. Unless you have trouble kicking prozac.
How long have you been off prozac?
Hopefully others will chime in. I usually only know about my own meds.
fb
Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2011, at 19:50:01
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 19, 2011, at 10:29:38
Very long half life to prozac and l0mg isn't a lot low dose. If working why not? And it takes days for the prozac to completly leave your system. Isn't it five weeks if consistently taking it? Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2011, at 19:51:03
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 19, 2011, at 10:29:38
Very long half life to prozac and l0mg is a low dose. If working why not? And it takes days for the prozac to completly leave your system. Isn't it five weeks if consistently taking it? Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on April 19, 2011, at 21:59:15
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Abby Cunningham on April 18, 2011, at 17:54:14
The more you take the worse you feel.
The worse you feel the more you need.
Posted by agomelatinehope on April 20, 2011, at 3:36:45
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by sigismund on April 19, 2011, at 21:59:15
Well, I got to say it's working!
Prozac is really helping with Xanax withdrawal. I got rid of the depressive symptoms from Xanax withdrawal in a matter of hours.
Last night I even slept better
Prozac is easy to withdraw (at least for me) so I think it might be the solution to completely withdraw from Xanax.
PS. Prozac was the only med that allowed me to withdraw from Cymbalta. It seems that it's a good "Withdrawal med". :)
Posted by floatingbridge on April 20, 2011, at 9:33:07
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by agomelatinehope on April 20, 2011, at 3:36:45
Very good news.
Are you still following your schedule?
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 21, 2011, at 5:50:59
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also » agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 20, 2011, at 9:33:07
Well people. GOOD NEWSĄ :D
Last night I decided not to take Xanax anymore (I was taking 0.125 anyway) so I just took Valium 5mg. And you know what?
Today I feel how the apathy is fading ! I got more energy and feel more like "myself".It was Xanax which was keeping me in this apathetic state of mind all this time !
If I find myself again in the need of taking a benzo, under no circumstances I'm going to take Xanax again (I'll use Valium instead). In fact, I have just thrown the remaining Xanax pills I had.
I'm sure that the Prozac Pill I took 2 days ago has also shown some benefits in this final withdrawal stage.
Now I'm going to take valium 5mg for one week and then valium 2.5 another week.
Then, I hope I will be able to say I'm clean from benzos...
Posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 10:12:23
In reply to Re: need advice to tapering off xanax also, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 21, 2011, at 5:50:59
That's great. And good luck going forward.
So, just to keep up.
You tapered and it was terrible.
Prozac came on board very briefly.
Then diazipam did the trick?
Well however, congratulations. You just dumped one tough drug!
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