Xanax

[jupiterfat]

I have been a regular Xanax user ever since my dad died 3 years ago. Although I'm an extremely anxious person I used to take it perioidically for certain situations, I now have to take it every night to sleep. I vary my dosages depending on how I feel. My sister was also taking it and developed an irregular heart beat, she has since been able to get off of it. I know I'm addicted and have started to develop the same type of symptoms my sister had ( feeling palpitations, memory problems, jittery when not taking itetc...) Has anyone else had these issues? I need to get off of it and need advice.

[Rodbird]

What dosage of Benzo were you on and how much did you taper from?

[Rodbird]

What dosage of Benzo were you on and how much did you taper from?

[akitagurl12]

i glad this was posted.  i too got myself addicted to xanax, and although i thought i was taking such a low dose (low dose in my book anyways) i continued to use it to sleep once i quit vicodin.  Well, against what everyone who knew what they were talking about said, i just stop cold turkey.  i was ok for maybe 2 days.  But then the sleep problems & anxiety got the best of me again so i started up again.  i dont like how i feel the next morning from it and i know it is adding to my depression.  i think i am getting better from the vicodin detox and i really would like to start feeling the benefits of all my hard work from the detox, but now this stupid xanax is an issue.  Just like everything else, i of course was not getting it from a doctor so now i have to tell my doctor about this on my next visit.  I am so f'ing tired of all these pills.

[IwillDoThis]

I never connected the heart flutters were from it when I was taking it and yes it is very freaky.  Knowing that you have an issue is a great first step, speaking with your doctor about it is a great next step and sticking around for support.  We've all been there and we'll support you through this.  Glad you are here.

[jupiterfat]

It has taken me a long time to realize I'm totally addicted to it. This racing heart stuff is pretty scary, I am going to talk to my Doc about getting off of it!
Thanks for you reply

[jupiterfat]

Thanks so much for your reply. It just makes me feel better to know others have gone through the same thing.

[IwillDoThis]

Hi jupiter - Same thing with me, I was taking a low dose long term and had exactly as described above.  Please work with your doctor to taper down as you cannot just stop xanax - it has to be a long slow taper which depends on dosage and duration of use.  That was a frustrating fact to learn when I was wanting off - I guess I deluded myself into thinking becasue I took so little that it was no big deal - boy was I wrong.  I tapered and now I am off. There are several members here with lots of benzo experience and I'm sure once they see your post they will reach out.

[wransomejr]

I took it for sleep, too...then when my partner died suddenly I was taking it to get through the day. First thing I did when I got home from my cross country move was see my family doctor. I really do wish you all the best. I did not have any w/d or detox issues with the xanax like I have had with opiates.

[wransomejr]

I was on Xanax too and now have permanent atrial fibrillation. It must be tapered. Under no circumstance should you just stop. Talk to your doctor and he will help you with a plan. They had me on klonapin for a couple of weeks after getting me off the xanax. Good luck!