what is the best way to stop
2007-03-04 11:46:08 · 5 answers · asked by shimmy 2 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
withdrawal is not in your head if you had been taking it for a long time.
how to stop? just dont take it anymore.
2007-03-04 11:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by Natalie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Xanax causes changes in how your body manages the production and distribution of a couple important mood altering chemicals. Stopping your Xanax means your body has to do it all alone, so there are going to be some actual physical changes which you will feel as withdrawal. The psychological component of stopping ANY anti-anxiety or anti-depressant med is also a big factor, and produces real effects that you need to deal with. Even effects that are "all in your head" can have a profound effect on you.
I recommend to my patients to not use other chemicals to help you through the withdrawal period. No matter how crappy the WD makes you feel, it will NOT kill you. Using other meds to cushion the blow just reinforces addictive behavior. When it gets bad, have some friends come over and talk you through it, or play games or cards to get your mind off it. If it gets really bad, call a crisis hotline in your county and talk to a pro. If you don't know where to call, dial 2-1-1 (United Way's First Call for Help) and ask them to give you a phone number. Last resort is to check into a Detox facility (county Public Health or 2-1-1 can help you find one). This is better than self-medicating your way through it.
Are you stopping Xanax on your own? That's not a good idea if you are. Do this only in consultation with your primary or psych doc... and keep them informed if you have nasty W/D symptoms, even if it means calling the clinic on-call at 3am...
Good luck!
Ed, RN
2007-03-04 20:03:49 · answer #2 · answered by RNcalledEd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that's it's in your head. My Dr. prescribed me xanax & I took it, then called the office for a refill. They were concerned that I took all 30 pills prescribed in 2 months. I guess you're not supposed to use xanax that much. The Dr was worried I could have some ill effects if I just stopped all at once, so I was prescribed a small amount to take & wean myself of the drug. Good luck to you.
2007-03-04 21:04:52 · answer #3 · answered by sweet pea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot stop cold turkey, it's very dangerous. I would advise you check yourself into rehab because pills are very difficult to come off of. They are not only mentally addictive, but physically as well. You become dependant on them mentally and physically and the results of going cold turkey are horrid.
2007-03-04 19:56:04 · answer #4 · answered by RecoveryTrouble1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much you are taking in a day. Can you wean yourself of bit by bit? Can you look to Jesus for help?
2007-03-04 19:58:18 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋