How can I survive withdrawl from prescription medications?

Question

I've been having trouble with my medications and it turns out I have to go off them. Sleep and anxiety meds that I have been on for four years and now I have to drop them. Any tips on how to survive withdrawl. Its only persribed meds but I feel like I'm coming off something much more intense.

Answer 1

You will have to stop taking them step by step. Stopping at once will give you abstinence syndrome. Take lower daily dosage, longer time between two pills, and in couple of weeks you should be able to stop completely. If it won't help maybe you should ask your doctor for some other pills, which are similar to the once you've been taking, but with smaller effect, so it would make easier the transition from regular use to no use at all.

Answer 2

If your Dr. is saying for you to just suffer through, think of it like you would think of labor pains -- in segments. When it's not too bad, consider 1/2 hr. The tougher the time, the shorter the segment.

When it's really tough, consider 4 or 5 minutes your goal. Think to yourself - I CAN HANDLE HOW I FEEL RIGHT NOW, I CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THE NEXT 5 MINUTES. Have a clock or a timer by your bed to watch your progress as the hand moves.
Practice relaxation exercises and techniques, including breathing techniques.
Practice using a focal point in your room or outside the window.
Surround yourself in a soothing environment -- lights, bed or chair, blanket that is soft to the touch
Gentle or interesting sounds, perhaps listening to words that hold your attention, or watching old black and white movies that are made to pay attention to the conversation.
Read a book and mark your accomplishment by the chapters.
Every time you meet your time-goal take a sip of clear liquid juice or water. This is to congratulate yourself for a completed time period, and the fluid will help to flush the chemicals from your body.
Even if you can't sleep, pretend you can, laying there with your eyes closed. Usually sleep will eventually come as you re-train your body.
If the anxiety is getting to you, consider walking it off, or writing -journaling.
During this withdrawl period consider being in contact with a counselor/therapist to assist you to learn new ways of coping so that the anxiety does not overtake you.
Call a friend or two, each day and gain both a listening ear and moral support to hlp you through.
Every day you need some basics. Eat and drink, Sleep, Exercise, Focus your intrests on positives, Talk with someone, Get yourself into the fresh air and sunshine, Every day learn something new to push you toward your healing.

If you have concerns, call your Dr., counselor or pharmacist.
God be with you.
You can make it through.
There is hope!

Answer 3

Your condition doesn't warrant the use of medications. There is a more natural way of correcting ur problems. First, take away all caffeine containing foods and beverages. Some of them are: coffee, sodas, tea, chocolates, and also alcoholic beverages. Second, take only water as the source of ur fluid requirements. Take lots of mineral water. Take it as follows: 16 ounces upon waking up, 8 ounces half hr before meals, 8 oz 2 and a half hrs after meals and 16 oz at bedtime. Take water anytime U feel like drinking. Best will be to replace it as you urinate. The brain gets 85% of its energy from water and so, with adequate water supply to the brain, it will relax and calm it down. Then U will start having a good sleep and peace of mind. One thing tho...pls add 1/4 tsp of sea salt to every quarter of water. This will keep ur water-salt balance and will hydrate ur brains better. In any event U develop swelling on ur feet, withhold the salt for 2-3 days and then resume the salt when the swelling subsides.

Answer 4

I had a similar issue. I saw a very experienced doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She used to head a hospital in China. Acupuncture is great for reviving bodily systems that were altered by medication. Chinese doctors also prescribe herbal medicine which is powerful but less intense than prescription medince. It works more slowly to build up your body's own capabilties, so it is good for your body to re-adjust after being on prescription meds. Acupuncture can also make you very calm and relaxed, so it is great for dealing with anxiety. Also, things that help with sleep and anxiety can include exercising a lot during the day and stretching or yoga before bed. This is very relaxing. You can also just think about feeling relaxed and perhaps take up meditation.

Answer 5

I recently came of both pain meds and xanax that I had been on for some time. It's not that bad. Not as bad as we fear. Go to your local herbal store and get you some Valerian Root and Kava. Use them both only when you really, really need them. Use Melatonin for sleep. You can't use these everyday as you did your prescription but if used sparingly can lessen the anxiety and cravings you will have when your meds are gone. Good Luck you'll be fine

Answer 6

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Answer 7

You didn't say what specific medication. Many anxiety medications are very physically addictive. You should talk to your doctor about weening you off. Cold turkey may be a very bad idea.

Answer 8

talk to you doctor: maybe you could come off of them by taking progressively smaller doses rather than dropping it completely

good luck

Answer 9

you gradguley cut on the medication in a lower dose and then cut down on it till it dont bother you . my opion?