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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tom on April 13, 2000, at 11:32:42
I've been trying to withdrawl from benzo type drugs for over 2 years, but every time I try I just can't over the hump. I don't take very much (1 mg daily) but everytime I ween down I feel like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. I used to use xanax for anxiety but in my heart I don't feel I need it any longer.
I do take desipramine for depression currently, but that just doesn't help with the withdrawl issue. I've been on and off various ADs while trying to withdrawl but nothing seems to help.
Any takers on this issue?
Posted by saint james on April 13, 2000, at 12:09:29
In reply to Xanax withdrawl - Any ideas?, posted by Tom on April 13, 2000, at 11:32:42
> I've been trying to withdrawl from benzo type drugs for over 2 years, but every time I try I just can't over the hump.
James here.....Are you stopping Xanax under the care of a doctor ? You might try switching to a longer acting benzo and tapering down from that.
james
Posted by Mark H. on April 13, 2000, at 16:07:25
In reply to Xanax withdrawl - Any ideas?, posted by Tom on April 13, 2000, at 11:32:42
Following up on St. James' suggestion, my doctor uses clonazepam to help people get off the more addictive benzodiazepines.
I took clonazepam every night for a year for periodic limb movement syndrome, and when I stopped taking it, I was mildly stimulated for about 36 hours and that was it. It was incredibly easy to stop in comparison to the weeks of time-distortion and discomfort I experienced when I stopped taking Valium many years ago. For a few people, clonazepam can affect short-term memory, but for most of us there are virtually no side effects.
A milligram of Xanax a day is a very low and well-controlled maintenance dose; it seems to me that you're being highly conscientious and are in no danger of over-using or abusing your medication. Is it possible that you're just expecting too much of yourself at this time?
I share your longing to be drug-free, but at least for myself I know that desire arises in part because my medications ARE WORKING for me. When I go off of them, I tend to suffer right away, and it's a harsh reminder that I should cultivate gratitude that there are effective medicines I can take rather than simply wishing I were different than I am. I'm not suggesting the same is true for you; I just want to offer the viewpoint as one alternative.
Posted by Snowie on April 16, 2000, at 20:32:43
In reply to Xanax withdrawl - Any ideas?, posted by Tom on April 13, 2000, at 11:32:42
Tom,
I've been taking Xanax for many years, and I even tapered off it once. A year after getting off of Xanax, I got back on it simply because I preferred the quality of my life while taking it. I'm considering trying Klonopin again, which I had tried previously for only 6 months.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to get off of Xanax (or any benzo for that matter), very slow tapering is the key. In addition, it is imperative to do this with your doctor's guidance.
There is a very good article on the internet about weaning off Xanax. For comfort's sake, I personally would taper even slower than recommended. I'll paste the URL address below so you can copy and paste it into your web browser.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html
Snowie
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