Need an answer quick....

[ihaveanangel]

Hey guys, does anyone know how long it takes your body to adjust to a new, lower dose of Xanax XR?  I am very sensitive to meds, whether going on or off them.

I weaned off two .5's within the last, maybe 14 or so days and I feel miserable, especially in the mormings.  Does this make sense to anyone?

Am I expecting too much too soon?  I don't have panic attacks or even anxiety attacks anymore, I just feel like I've been run over by a truck.  Do you think this is normal?

I'm still taking three .5's XR's spread out during the day.  I would think the withdrawal would be over by now.  It's almost two weeks.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rita

[cnote]

My advice, just roll with it girl. Your anxiety seems to be gone and panic! THAT'S AWESOME!

However it stinks to feel like you got ran over my a truck. lol. But try to stay positive! Do you have a gym near? Working out will help you out! And sitting in a hot tub!

You'll be fine soon! =)

[lynn57]

Have you tried an SSRI at all?  You should at least try that route if you want to get off Xanax or lower it's dose.  Ask you doctor about adding something like Buspar or an SSRI.

[ihaveanangel]

Thanks for your reply, Lynn.  I don't know why I said I wasn't having anxiety attacks any more because I am, but not panic attacks.  Hey, the anxiety attacks are bad enough, in my opinion.

That's why I wrote in.  Even though my psych doctor said withdrawal symptoms of anxiety could last two weeks or even more, I'm afraid he might be wrong, that if I am still having some anxiety, especially in the morning, I might have this the rest of my life.  Did I say that clear enough to understand?

I was panic and anxiety free for 12 years and then a couple of things happened, according to my psych doc, that triggered them off again full blast.  Of course my thinking became anxiety ridden and little by little he had to put me on higher doses which made me too sedated and I asked to come down to a lower dose again.

So actually for quite a number of weeks I've been up and down on Xanax XR, so I guess my brain chemicals are really screwed up - at least I hope that is the reason I'm still experiencing anxiety even though I'm still taking Xanax XR in a lower dose.

Any advise or suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks,
Rita

[lynn57]

Were you taking the XR form before?  It's always hard to lower a dose of benzos without some withdrawal and it can last a couple of weeks or longer.  It is a good sign that you are not having a return of panic attacks or anxiety.  Good luck.