New member learning

Hello

I'm joining because for the past 5 or so years I was on Xanax 1mg 3x a day and 10 mg zolpidem at night. I'm down to .5mg of Xanax 3x a day and 2.5 mg of Zolpidem. Tapering myself. I really thought I was "going crazy" or my anxiety was just getting worse. Now I'm realizing it's the meds. I want of so bad! I've joined 2 Facebook groups and now benzo buddies.

Thanks

Hello Newlife23 Welcome to Benzobuddies

I am glad that you joined the community.  We're here to help and support you through this ordeal.  It can be a very challenging time going through withdrawal.  My anxiety was extreme because of benzos.  You are going to be okay, you've done well  with the taper so far,  don't rush it.  Tapering slow can help to minimize withdrawal effects. Taper one drug at a time. It is generally recommended to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 day, it is ok to adjust this schedule for your own comfort.  Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

The Ashton Manual, is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s  have on our body.  It provides withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

I'll leave you a few links:

The Ashton Manual. 

Colorado Consortium Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidelines

Planning Your Withdrawal (TaperPlans)

You might like to post to this support group:

The Xanax Club

Please take time to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

Welcome aboard

Magrita