Advice about quitting Xanax

[Caleb_H]

So here is my situation, I was prescribed Xanax (.5mg) around September of 2011 due to anxiety issues. When I first started I would take one or two at a time a few times a week as needed. I had just started a new job and was going to a new college, and they helped me to get through a lot of stuff. I kept using them at reasonable levels like that a few times a week as needed, and when I ran out I never bothered to get my prescription refilled for about a month with no negative effects.

When school started getting more stressful (lots of presentations) I got the prescription renewed and continued with the previous trend of taking one or 2 as needed. Eventually though I started taking up to 3 for that sort of thing (the amount depended on the severity of my anxiety), and would occasionally take them when I had no real need of their effects (Usually about once a week). Its been like that for the last couple months. At one point I took about 2mg just for the effects, and today I took 4mg.

Today was the tipping point where I realized that I had clearly crossed a line and that I should stop taking xanax.
I talked it over with my parents (ironically made simpler due to the fact that I am still feeling the effects of the drug), and I plan to make an appointment with my doctor in a couple days to talk to him about where I should go from here.

I read a lot of the stories on here about the withdrawal symptoms that benzos can cause, and I was wondering what the best way to stop using Xanax might be in my situation.

I am also quite nervous about admitting all this to my doctor (as I said, I have anxiety issues), so if you guys have any advice to help in that regard it would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[worriedmommy163]

Oh, and in case I didn't mention that I agree with TrayCee. Xanax withdrawals are no picnic and nothing you want to go through if you don't have to  - so again be sure to have your doctor involved so that they can ween you off properly.

[TrayCee]

VERY Dangerous to cold turkey off benzo's. One word for u T A P P E R

[worriedmommy163]

In my experience, I have found klonpin to be a much better alternative to xanax! Xanax hits you very quickly is terrific for panic attacks, however it also leaves your system just as quickly, making it very easy for one to want to up the dose or take them more frequently, etc.

Everyone has a different preference. Klonopin is designed to take a little bit longer to have any effect, but it lasts for HOURS. I have had substance abuse problems with opiates in the past, however, as awesome as my Klonopin make me feel, I have never felt the urge to take more of that than prescribed because I can still feel them working hours later. So that might be something that would be helpful for you.

However, other people might tell you differently, everyone has their preferred benzo and everyone has a tactic that works best for you. I am sure you and your doctor will come up with something that works for you.

EXTREME props for being brave and realizing you had a problem and putting a stop to it before it really got out of hand. Most of the time doctors understand the possibility of addiction to these types of medications and aren't at all surprised when people step forward and admit this to them. Being ABLE, to admit it though, is the real courageous part and I hope you are proud of yourself, because so many of us have struggled with being able to do that at one time or another. You give a lot of people inspiration and I hope anyone else struggling like you were now feels confident that they too, can stop!

[Caleb_H]

Went in and talked to my doctor yesterday and it went well, turns out I don't need much tapering and we are working on finding a medication that works better for me.

Thanks for the support and advise, if I ever have another problem like this I know where to go now.

[hiwpew523]

Good for you for taking this first step.

I was also very nervous about telling my doctor I had become addicted to butalbital, prescribed for migraine pain.  He reacted very positively and was so encouraging. You will feel SO relieved to have told somebody who can help you. Concentrate on that - the freedom you will gain just by letting them know.  I'm sure your doctor will be very helpful.  

Also, it is great that you have told your parents.  Build an accountability circle around you - your parents, your doctor, maybe a counselor.  It will help tremendously to have people know that you are struggling.

You can do this.  You've taken the first step...and it's a huge one.

[Elmijack15]

It won't be that bad, they know your body builds s tolerance and will probably be very happy you're asking for help. Takes a big person to know when they've crossed the line and they  want to stop! So don't beat yourself up, you'll be ok.

[Caleb_H]

Thanks guys, its really good to know that there are other people who know what this is all like and who are willing to give advice. I think I'm going to get in to see my doctor tomorrow if possible, just to get it over with, and as uncomfortable as I expect it to be, I'm going to completely honest with him.

Thanks for all the advise, I'll update with any new developments.

[Elmijack15]

Be totally honest with your doctor, your body builds a tolerance to drugs especially benzos so eventually you need more to feel the same. The doctor will taper you correctly and if you have anxiety issues, will probably switch you to something longer acting. Glad you recognized it now and not a year from now. Don't be scared to tell the doctor. Best of luck to you!

[overopiates]

Good for u for getting ahead of this so u dont go any deeper into it.I am sure I'm gonna get"really Sabrina"for this part but take some xanax before u c ur doctor so u dont freak out,shut down or not be completely honest.Let him know how many,how much etc b very honest cause thats very important to be accurate about ur amount so u can get a proper taper plan.It will and should he SLOW so u can be as comfortable as possible.Do u know that when taking xanax specifically n larger amounts(since ur prescribed.5's&taking4mg today)that is a big leap but u actually get WORSE anxiety than u normally would.Its an awful Catch-22 with benzos or at least from my experience xanax.Ur tolerance builds pretty quick when u take them daily/almost daily.I went from being able2take1mg&feeling good2taking 8mg or more n a day&working,driving etc cant figure out how no1noticed(this was like8-9yrs ago&progressed w/n6months Max).That was b4I got a script which ironically was when I stopped abusing them.U will have to be honest though to ur doctor.They c this a lot.They will probably reduce slowly then switch u2a longer acting benzo like Valium or klonopin cause xanax is the strongest and shortest acting benzo.U will notice at first u may feel crazy anxiety but after a bit it will decrease a ton.Its a long&slow process if done correctly.Good luck,u will b n my prayers ur a tough cookie and u can do this.We r here so come here as often as u like or need.It would be great to have u let us know ur"step by step"progress too so others wanting to quit will sort of know what to expect.KEEP POSTING U CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE