withdrawing from xanax

[[Buddie]]

so [...] you taking anything for a sleep aid

[[Buddie]]

I've chased sleep all of my life, I used to drink alcohol as a sleep aid (doesn't work), I quit that and started Clonazepam (hell on earth), quit that then reached for Ambien ( ), then quit that too.  Now if I have difficulty I'll take a puff of an Indica strain of cannabis but for the most part, I've learned how to sleep on my own. 

[[Buddie]]

HI [...] YES I understand i also take some puffs of indica so far i am still tappering i still at .12 of xanax been on that dose for about 3 weeks now its amazing how we become use to taking meds i ran short this month with my ambien an one night of not taking it what a nightmare i may of only got 2 hrs sleep hope all is well with you

[[Buddie]]

I don't think I was aware you're taking Ambien, how much do you take and for how long?

[[Buddie]]

i have been on ambien now for 30 to 35 years now

[[Buddie]]

When I was taking Ambien I had crushing depression, constant internal vibrations, severe anxiety and nausea to name a few symptoms, its a terrible drug and while its known as a non-benzodiazepine, it affects the same part of the brain as benzo's do and can cause the same symptoms.  Do you attribute anything you're feeling to the Ambien?

[[Buddie]]

what do you mean  internal vibrations an yes i believe i feel anxiety from it along with depression but it really does give me some sleep that i need if i didnt take it i wouldnt sleep much at all not that i sleep alot anyway

[[Buddie]]

For me internal vibrations felt like I was hooked up to a battery, a continual humming vibration that I couldn't see outwardly but was with me constantly.  I couldn't sit still or relax, it was miserable and caused by the Ambien along with the other symptoms I mentioned.  I'm telling you about my experience because I think Ambien may be contributing to your misery. 

You may need to consider tapering from that as well, it affects the same receptors in the brain that benzo's do.

[[Buddie]]

i agree i need to also taper the ambien as soon as i get pass this xanax taper which i hope will be soon i foget what its like to not take anything for anxiety or sleep

[[Buddie]]

so far i been on .12 of xanax for about 5 weeks now not sure if i should hold out on this dose for awhile longer or start to tapper