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Confused about tapering from Xanax Please help


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Im trying to taper off of xanax and not sure how to. I took it when needed to sleep 1x month

Sometimes 1x/ every 2 months for about 15 years. Ive developed dizziness and ear fullness symptoms about 4 months ago and took it often because of my symptoms.

1x/week for 2 months

Then took 1 pill a day for 6 days straight.

I stopped it completely after that and its been 3 weeks.

Dose has always been .25mg .

 

1st week was bad, 2 week was ok, 3rd week is going very bad.

How can i taper off of this? Do I taper from 1x/month ? Or do i taper from the short time i was using it?

Im very confused, if anyone can please help me figure out how much i should be taking because i feel horrible and im not sure how much to take?

Thank You!

 

 

 

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You ended up in withdrawal by taking Xanax just once a month? Were you taking anything else? I'm not sure if taking Xanax once a month would cause dependency or lead to withdrawal when stopping.
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I wasn’t taking anything with it, however the last 3-4 months I was taking it more than once a month, I would say once a week to twice a week (.25mg at a time), I am big time confused as what I am experiencing is so hard to manage especially diziness ( I can barely walk) and anxiety is super bad along with tinnitus 24/7. I’m afraid to start a taper and it turned out all these symptoms are not from withdrawal. I would appreciate someone to step in and give some guidance. 
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Since you were taking it so sporadically and you've completely stopped taking it now for 3 weeks it's my suggestion to keep on this path.  What you're feeling sounds like withdrawal to me and going back on the drug isn't a guarantee you'll feel better.  You could wind up right back here prolonging your suffering.

 

If you were to go back on you'd have to find the smallest dose you could take every day, this dose wouldn't be enough to make you feel good, it would be just enough to allow you to be functional.  Then you'd stay at that dose for a time then begin a taper, tapering for most is challenging and painful so as you can see, I'm not sure if it would be worth it to you to start all of this over when you're already here with 3 weeks behind you.

 

Whatever you decide to do we'll support you, I just wanted to make you aware that there is no easy way out, I'm sorry.

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Thanks so much for your reply and time to answer, I am so surprised to see myself going through these awful withdrawls from such a small dose and just occasional use. Sometimes I tell myself these symptoms can not be from withdrawals and it must be something else with either my ears or vestibular system which causes more anxiety and doubts. Again my very constant diziness/ lightheadness is my worse symptom which doesn’t let me function the whole day.
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Is there anything that I can take to reduce my anxiety symptoms ? I read about cbd oil and how its supposed to help with anxiety, also L-theanine. Any feedback of those helping? Also, I was prescribed by my doctor a beta blocker and was told to take when experiencing high level of stress… is this supposed to help with anxiety as well?
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These are powerful drugs and in my opinion, no dose is small when our brain actually has to adapt to it's presence by making changes, scary when you think about it changing the way our brain functions.

 

Many members feel that finding non drug ways to cope with anxiety is best because while going through this our central nervous system is highly sensitized and we don't always react well to other medications or supplements.  If you're interested in what other members have tried in the way of supplements you might look on the Alternative Therapies & Supplements board.

 

I'm sorry to hear how badly you're feeling, hopefully the worst of it will pass soon but it will likely take awhile to be fully recovered.

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Patrick

 

I hear your pain. I am sorry you are going through this, and you just want a way out. Unfortunately, there is not one. Reinstating and tapering is going go be difficult as is the CT you are currently in. Thinking that reinstating will make things better isn't quite true. You will still experience wd.  Tapering is horrifically difficult. Additionally, you would have to increase your dose to get a consistent flow of medication. That means daily drugging.

 

Going up in usage is only going to let the benzo dig it's fangs into you deeper.

 

Ultimately it's your choice.  Regardless, what you are feeling is completely normal for people who taper, and people who quit using the drugs after even a short time. Your body is dependent on them, and it is painful as your brain is in the process of healing from the damage caused by benzo's.  There is no way to escape it.  But, it will resolve in time.

 

Most of us focus on coping and distracting techniques to get through the pain, and educate ourselves as well. The education alone will help calm you down.

 

I wrote this some time back, I hope it helps:

 

I want you to start saying "I will heal," everytime the thought comes that you wont. Even if you don't believe it. In time, you will realize that it's true. This hope, when you accept it with repetitious repeating, will take you far. Constantly listening to the benzo telling you it will never get better is part of what has you so freaked out. Benzo's always lie. Contradict those lies withthe opposite, no matter how futile or silly it seems. You can't change your physical pain, but you can start contradicting the lies the benzo is constantly throwing at you.You do have power here, you just don't know it. This is where you begin to use it. "I will heal."

 

 

I encourage you to check out these 2 forums before deciding anything. And ask questions.

Cold Turkey, Detox & Rapid Withdrawal

 

Post-withdrawal Recovery Support

 

Self education:

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=232042.0

 

We are with you as you navigate withdrawal and the forums will help a great deal. Your not alone. Your experience is one we all go through no matter how we get off the benzo.

 

 

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Thanks for your replies, it’s very encouraging to know we will heal. I might be asking too much but how do I know if these symptoms are withdrawals and not some kind of symptoms from a disease I have? That’s what bothers me a lot. If only I know this is xanax withdrawal at least I will hang on and not to have to worry if I have some kind of disorder.
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Here is a list of symptoms. It is the most comprehensive. Some symptoms are not here, for example, I have one known as paradox doses, it is not here, but it is on others.

 

http://www.beatingbenzos.com/365527994

 

From experience working on this forum, I have found these symptoms the most common:

 

anxiety, panic attacks and fear

upset stomachs and reflux, every kind of digestive issue

insomnia and exhaustion from not getting sleep

visual and balance problems

not being able to think well, remember what your doing, problem holding up a conversion (cognitive decrease)

muscle aches, overall pain from headaches to cramps.

 

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Thanks for your replies, it’s very encouraging to know we will heal. I might be asking too much but how do I know if these symptoms are withdrawals and not some kind of symptoms from a disease I have? That’s what bothers me a lot. If only I know this is xanax withdrawal at least I will hang on and not to have to worry if I have some kind of disorder.

 

Hi Patrick,

I am glad the responses helped you!  I see that Baddove put the link to  the symptoms list on here for you.  That is very informative. 

 

As far as knowing if what you are dealing with is withdrawal or a disease - if you feel like this is something other than WD, if it were me, I would go to the doctor and be checked out.  For me, I have had so many different symptoms that I have gone to the ER and doctors so many times to find out that it is WD and nothing more.  But - that does not mean that there could not be something else going on with you.  Being checked out may be a good idea for you.  I have the off balance and dizziness and ear pressure and I went to an ENT doctor a few months ago as it was severe and he said he could not see anything wrong and told me it is more than likely the benzo withdrawal. 

Just keep in mind, that there are many in the medical world who do not know much or anything about benzo withdrawal.

 

Take care and I hope this gets better for you soon!

 

Julia

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I did few Mri’s for my head and cervical, blood work, all is normal. Today I am so worse, I am taken to the doctor right now as I can’t function like this. My head pressure is at the top, however I turn my head causes major imbalance and dizziness. This is by far the worst moments I’ve experienced in my life. I wanna give up but I don’t know how.
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Patrick

 

I know, it is not bearable. Whatever you and your doctor decide, we will support you. Doctors are generally inclined to give out medication to resolve a problem, it is simply what they do. If you are given  medication as an option, just please be cautious. I would research it before taking it.

 

I know this is all new to you, and you have to find your own path.

 

However, as your MRI and blood work is good, I hope that reassures you.

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I did few Mri’s for my head and cervical, blood work, all is normal. Today I am so worse, I am taken to the doctor right now as I can’t function like this. My head pressure is at the top, however I turn my head causes major imbalance and dizziness. This is by far the worst moments I’ve experienced in my life. I wanna give up but I don’t know how.

 

Hi Patrick,

 

So sorry you are having such a rough time!  When my ear pressure, off balance and dizziness was at its worst, I was like you are describing and when I would turn my head, the off balance and dizziness was horrible.  I had to hold on to things as I thought I was going to fall constantly.  Fortunately for me after some time that has gotten better.  I still deal with the ear pressure, off balance and dizziness but it is not as bad.  Some days are rougher than others but at least I know it can and does get better.  I can not look up for longer than a few seconds or it is bad so I do understand what you are describing.  To me, this really sounds like withdrawal, but I am not a doctor.  When I went to the ENT doctor, I was hoping he would say he found something so he could fix me but he did not.  Benzo withdrawal is hard, very hard, but we get through it, sometimes one minute at a time.

 

Please do not give up, if this is WD, it will get better.  Sometimes I think that being upset and anxious about it makes it worse for me.  Try to stay as calm as you can and breathe.  Finding ways to distract myself also help me.

 

I hope your doctor can give you some good direction and make you feel better about what is going on with you.

 

Keeping you in my prayers. 

 

Julia

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Thank you all for your input and prompt replies. Indeed this is a scary symptom for me as I am bedridden for 4 days now and can’t do a thing. I came back from the ent and he told me there is nothing wrong with my ears and it could be a vestibular disorder which I need therapy for. I want to ask you also if cbd oil can help with anxiety thus the dizziness since they are all related. I’m trying my best to find something to make feel at least 5-10% better to be able to go on. I dont want to go back to the xanax even though the ent earlier told me there is no way what I’m experiencing are wd symptoms and told me to take it if I think it will make me feel better. I didn’t wanna argue with him and left it like that. Someone let me know please if the cbd oil can help at least with the anxiety. Thank you all.
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Hi Patrick,

 

My ENT basically told me the same thing.  But he did tell me that he thinks my issues are from the xanax and taper. 

 

As far as the CBO oil, I have no experience with that.  I try very hard to not take anything other than what I currently take as I am pretty sensitized to so many things including meds, even OTC ones. 

 

I understand how you feel  about not wanting to go back on the xanax.  It has been 3 weeks since you have stopped it and there is no guarantee that it will make you feel better if you reinstate it.  Also, benzo withdrawal does not seem to be something that doctors are familiar with.  There is just not enough doctors out there that study this and know how to treat it.  It is sad as there are so many of us who suffer with this.

 

I hope someone else will post and give you some information.  I suggest trying to do something, anything, to distract yourself.  You may have to be in bed for a while but if you can play games on your phone or tv, watch tv that is not stressful, do meditation etc.  - that may help.  Distraction is my #1 tool when dealing with withdrawal.

 

Take care and know you are NOT alone! 

 

Julia  :smitten:

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Thank you all for your input and prompt replies. Indeed this is a scary symptom for me as I am bedridden for 4 days now and can’t do a thing. I came back from the ent and he told me there is nothing wrong with my ears and it could be a vestibular disorder which I need therapy for. I want to ask you also if cbd oil can help with anxiety thus the dizziness since they are all related. I’m trying my best to find something to make feel at least 5-10% better to be able to go on. I dont want to go back to the xanax even though the ent earlier told me there is no way what I’m experiencing are wd symptoms and told me to take it if I think it will make me feel better. I didn’t wanna argue with him and left it like that. Someone let me know please if the cbd oil can help at least with the anxiety. Thank you all.

The majority of medical providers do not know anything about benzo addiction. I guarantee you every single person here has heard that from their doctors. 

 

I am really proud of you for getting this checked, and trusting your own judgement. The thousands of people in this forum, worldwide, contradict the false premise that withdraw is not real for benzo's to different extents.

 

There is a CBD forum in here someplace. Personally, I tried a few different kinds, and it did nothing.

 

I have a simple exercise you can do which should give some relief. I have used it, as have many others.

 

Looking at a fixed spot also helps. You could sit up, and focus your attention on one thing which does not require lifting your head, such as a pillow at the foot of the bed.

 

At one point, my dizziness and vision were so bad, that everything turned upside down. I was riding my bike at the time, and had a full blown panic attack. I was crossing a bridge over a river and it happened. I had to close my eyes because of the extreme visual distortion, walk my bike over the bridge, feeling for the grass. I then dropped my bike and sat in the lotus posture  and did deep breathing to calm down for a very long time.

 

This symptom of dizziness and visual distortion is very common. And it is hard. Sometimes you feel like your falling  ff your bed, or that the room is tilting. Walking is so hard. I know Patrick, I have been where you are. It did resolve. I only get mini episodes now.

 

The most useful thing you can do is recognize that it is a manifestation of withdrawal, and that Withdrawal from benzos is considered an illness known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS), and not withdrawal in it's truest form. You are ill. Treat yourself accordingly. Stay in bed. Nothing wrong with that. Try the exercise I gave you. It wont be a magic fix, but could help things ease off. This will resolve in it's own time.

 

The best support and tips you will get will come from the very active board on this specific manifestation of BWS.

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=128947.0

 

Listen to your kindle for distraction, or music, or tv if you can handle it. Computer games. Anything you can do for distraction helps.

 

You will come out of this.

 

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Hi Baddove,

Thank you so much for posting what you did. It helped me too!  I looked at the video and I am going to try the exercise and see if it helps my off balance and dizziness too!  You always post such great information that helps so many. 

 

Hi Patrick - I hope today is a better day for you!  Sometimes just knowing something is not physically wrong helps make things better.  I have had such anxiety at times, which makes my symptoms worse, wondering if what I am going through is WD or some other issue.  I have been to so many doctors and had so many test done that at least I know what is NOT wrong with me.  Hope you have a better day!!

 

Take care,

Julia

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Hi Julia, I am still very off balance and dizzy for 5 days straight now. Most if the day in bed and still lightheaded. I myself saw many doctors including 3 ent’s, neurologist, eye doctor, primary doctors, blood work and they haven’t diagnosed me with anything. I am a little over 3 weeks out but my symptoms are very harsh. I have ears fullness with ringing on both as well and of course bad panic attacks that make things worse. I wanted to ask you how did you stay 7 months out when you went cold turkey and reinstated? Were you feeling bad the whole 7 months with no improvements?
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Hi Patrick,

 

I am sorry you are still feeling so bad.  I believe it will get better for you.  Just hang on if you can!  It does get better.

 

When I was put on a cold turkey from a doc that apparently knew nothing about benzo's, I was on 3 mg a day!  That is a lot of drug to "just stop taking" and I had horrible withdrawal for the whole 7 months but you have to remember that I was on a higher dose than you are.  I had also been taking it daily for several months at that dose.  It was very hard to deal with and that was the first time I had ever had panic attacks. I think a big part of the problem I had and also why it was so bad for so long is because I had no idea what was happening.  I did not know I was in severe withdrawals from being cut off the xanax.  Alot of my symptoms were made worse by the fact that I did not know what was happening to me.  I thought I was dying and I was very ill and like you was sent to many, many specialist and doctors, had so many test done and also blood work and it all said I was normal. 

 

If I had known that I was in a CT, I would have been able to handle it better, I believe.  I think so many symptoms were made worse by my anxiety and just being absolutely scared to death that I was dying.  Knowing what you are facing is power.  Being able to find out how to make things better is invaluable.  You can get that info here from people that have been through it.

 

For you, you know what is happening to you and you have BB and the people here to tell you that it gets better and this is a great place for support and encouragement. 

 

I hope things improve for you and I also suggest that you check out the threads where people have survived a cold turkey and done very well. 

 

Here are a couple links with interesting info:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=248440.msg3161541#msg3161541

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=111974.0

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=178519.msg2366537#msg2366537

 

There are so many success stories on here about people that gone through a cold turkey and have recovered.  I hope it helps you!  I sure wish I had known about BB and had of know what I was going through when I was on the CT and I really believe that I would have been better off staying on the CT and I believe I would have recovered by now instead of being reinstated and staying on xanax for another 2 years before I found BB and now it has been 32 months of tapering with a few more months to go.  As you can see, while CT is hard and really uncomfortable, if you can stay the course, it will take less time to recover and get your life back to normal in my opinion.

 

Hope that helps and sorry it was so long.

 

Take care.

Julia

 

 

 

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Today they had to take to the er, I couldn’t walk, breath and very anxious. I am still doubting I have something else going on, in my mind this is so bad it can not be from withdrawling and from occasional use of xanax. My brain is about to pop and however I move eyes I am super dizzy. I am waiting for a bed to get me checked out.
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I'm so sorry you're feeling this bad patrick, I hope you check out okay and while I don't want your pain to be caused by your benzo use, it's actually better than having something seriously wrong with you. 

 

Please let us know what you find out.

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