Has anyone had any experience with withdrawal from Xanax?

Question

I have been taking Xanax for about 5 yeasr, i have withdran from it last year, and i was so happy, but now i started taking it again, even though a small dosage it is addictive. I want to stop taking this poison, i found this fantastic site www.benzo.org.uk, that is also a support group and advises on slow tapering by using valium. My biggest concern is finding a doctor In Toronto, that will prescribe this for me, and is benzo educated and is willing to help. Most docotors just prescribe and do not know how it feels when you take them or stop taking them. It is a drug that posions you and your brains i know all the side effects and can feel them. I just need proffesional help, but cannot find it yet, since i am new to Canada and do not have health insurance yet. Hoping to get help on locating a good psyciatrist in toronto. I located many, but most told me thay do not work with medications.??? Where do i go???

Just to explain, i am taking 0,25 mg of xanax twice a day. So how do i cut it off! Doctors on this website suggest it is better to taper it off with Valium because it is more smoother and has a longer life!

Answer 1

Yes, I am familiar with it. I have done it twice. Once in rehab, which was terrible because they took me off cold turkey. I was in withdrawals for about three weeks. I couldn't sleep and had anxiety real bad. The second time i did it myself and it was smooth. I'm not a doctor but i read where one should cut his dose gradually. I was taking 1mg three times a day. I cut it by 1/2 mg for one week, then another 1/2 mg the second week. There is a possibility of seizure if you stop all at once, but this method gradually reduces your dependence on it. Reduce it by 1/2 mg a week until your down to 1mg a day. Take that in a divided dose, 1/2 about noon and 1/2 in the evening for about two weeks. Then I took only 1/4 mg at night to prevent the terrible nightmares. I did this for about six months, however i could have safely done it sooner. Switching from xanax to valium will not help in overcoming your addiction, they are both benzodiazapines. Whatever your dose, cut it by 1/2 mg to begin with.. I hope that helps.

If you are only taking .25 mg twice a day, that is equivant to 5mg valium. Like i said, i'm no doctor but i think your addiction is more psychological than physical. Xanax has a half-life of 4 hours, while Valium is about 12. You could probably switch to Benadryl with no ill effects.