HELP PLEASE

Hello everyone;

I have been on Xanax for 30 years. My highest does was 1 mg 4 times a day. I am down to .5 mg 3 times a day. However, I am 57 and want this out of my system before I become an official senior citizen. I haven’t met a doctor of Psycharist yet that is willing to touch any further taper; the one suggestion I had was to go inpatient.  I suffer from Bipolar, panic anxiety disorder with PTSD. I take several other medications. I saw your organization on a Lisa Ling special and the young woman who is doing the taper by 1/100 daily and on some days has to “hold” her dose due to side effects. I am excited to become part of this organization and the support of the group!

I look forward to hearing back soon!

With high hopes,

30yearsdeep

Hello 30yearsdeep Welcome to Benzobuddies!

We are very glad you joined our community.  Benzodiazepines need to be tapered slowly. I am sorry you are having problems getting support for a taper, keep looking for a doctor/ psychiatrist.  You can do this and we can help you with support, encouragement and taper/withdrawal information.  In general it’s advised to cut your daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to go slower than this, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

I'll leave you a few links:

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

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

You can do this. I was on Xanax long term and tapered off 2mg without too much trouble (until I cut too much at the end before I found the forum).

Click on the link to Taper Plans that Mags gave you and we’ll help you take the next step.