Crying all the time, anxiety...now what?

[erin626]

So now I've found myself crying daily and randomly. Im constantly anxious...I wake up like clockwork at 8am every morning with anxiety. Is this normal while tapering off xanax? I feel like I'm losing my mind. I dont know how much longer I can take this.

[bmdad]

It doesn't matter that your dose was small. You feel what you feel. I did not mean to make light of your situation. Just trying to point out some positives. It may help to look at it like that. Any little bit helps.
Hang in there Erin. You are a very strong person for doing what you are doing.

[erin626]

thats true. my dosage was very small and only for a couple of months. i know i can get through it...i just feel so helpless sometimes.

[bmdad]

No matter how negative a situation can be there are always some positives. Look at it this way, you stopped taking them sooner than most. You stopped before your dose got way out of hand which usually happens to most. You are taking the proper steps to nip this in the but now before your use spiraled out of control. You have no idea how big of a step this was for you. You saved yourself so much stress and anxiety in the long run. I know you are feeling miserable but just think the situation you would have been in if you upped your dose to 6mg and were taking them for a few years. That is what happens to many. I'm not try to make light of your situation because I know it is tough. Just trying to point out some positives that you can to think about so you are not constantly dwelling on the negatives. A good mindset and positive outlook goes a long way!

[erin626]

well at least i know im not going completely mental. the taper im doing was suggested by a substance abuse counselor. tomorrow i go for my evaluation at the drug rehab and then straight to the psychiatrist after that. so we will see what happens. im just so sick of being sad and anxious. its so frustrating. i want my life back.

[Evie1029]

It's very normal to have anxiety and depression when coming off of an antidepressant.  Hang in there, you're not going crazy.  It will just take a little while for your brain chemistry to adjust to functioning without Xanax. You could try doing a slower, more gradual taper.  That would help to lessen the withdrawals you're feeling now.

[chronicmistake]

I think anxiety is part of WD from any drug.  I wake up with anxiety everyday and that is why my outlet is exercise.  It will get better with time and try not to over think it.  Crying is also normal. Your body and mind are going through so many changes and this is scary and feels like we are not in control, yet we are.  You can do this!! you are doing this!!!  :)

[bmdad]

I've never really taken a benzo so I can't so for sure but anxiety is present in almost all withdrawals accompanied with depression for some. Have you tried anything to take your mind off of things such as a favorite hobby? Are you exercising? Maybe try starting your morning off with a brisk walk or even a jog. It helps your body in so many ways including anxiety. Try laying awake in bed for a few minutes,darken the room, listen to some relaxing music, and do some breathing in through the mouth and out the nose.
What you're experiencing is completely normal during withdrawals. If you had anxiety in the past it may be even tougher for you. You just have to find ways to distract yourself. There are over the counter supplements used for anxiety. I'm not sure if you can take them while on xanax but may be worth talking to your doctor about.
You are doing a great job tapering. Keep going strong and before long you can put all of this behind you.
Best of luck.

Brian