how the right way to stop taking xanax

[rain148]

can I just stop taking Xanax cold turkey after 7 year with 2mg a day

[painbal]

I agree talk to ur Dr. I did CT 11/2 yrs ago. i was on 1 mg day for two years. It was a horrible detox. Twice as bad as the oxy's. I was seeing bugs and hallucinating. I have not looked back since. It can be very dangerous. Good luck.

[OpenMind24hours]

You're right I used the wrong word there Gretta. I should have used the word seizures instead. This is a quote from the CVS info sheet that came from my script of .25 Xanax that I once had:  "withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication."

[selfinduced]

Unn uhhhh, You need to taper. I was on half that dose of ativan for only 6 months and had a rough time when I tried to c/t. Is it rx'ed to you? Tell your Dr. you want off and get a reasonable taper. Without doing so will have you feeling seasick , unbalanced and anxiety ridden for a good while. If these meds are not prescribed to you and your afraid to ask dr. Call the pharmacist for a reasonable taper. Good luck to you!

[Gretta96]

I was told Xanax has a very short half-life.  
I've never heard of seizures or convulsions, because it doesn't stay in your body that long, but I am not a doc.  Do you take it as needed or just everyday at the same time?  I've been taking .50mg to .75mg every night for months.  I stopped for a couple weeks, but went back because it helps me fall back asleep if I wake up in the middle of the night.  I have also taken it during the day, only .25mg, if I start feeling really anxious.
Good luck, please keep posting so I know how it goes.

[OpenMind24hours]

I ditto what Vickie said. See your Doctor for a long term taper plan. You cannot stop Xanax suddenly. It causes life threatening convulsions.

[VICourageous]

Please talk to the DR..They will most likely have you do a taper..I went c/t from my benzo plus dones, and 1 other...I have been on here long enough to now how dangerous it could be...Plus trust me it is one H**l of a ride to come down from if you do not do a taper...Ok Keep checking post we roll in and out....You will get alot of experience people here...
vickie