Xanax Withdrawl/Weaning

I went from 3-4 Xanax only .5 a day to now one a day (and the occasional bad day or two where I need to take a second dose). I'm not sure if its withdrawal or just my normal anxiety, but I try to go as far as I can without taking that one and Im pretty sure once it toally leaves my system the anxiety comes back 10x worse and I get shaky I start trembling I get the heavy chest feeling that I cant breathe hearts palpitations, etc I cant even eat with these symptoms so that's when I feel the need to really take the Xanax. I cant seem to kick the one a day dose. I tried taking a half and the anxiety just didn't subside. I have had anxiety for 11 years and only started the Xanax last April due to the unbearable morning anxiety and racing heart/palpitations. It does work,but I just want to get better and not have to rely on this anymore. If I didn't have the Xanax I feel as if I would die because the physical withdrawal gets too bad and anxiety Is sky high and I get so uncomfortable that I cannot do anything at all until I take it and get some relief. This is horrible wish I could just get over this! Did you stop cold turkey? Ive been told that's not good to do, so you should cut down or wean yourself off slowly, as I have been trying to do.

Good luck to you!

Lacey

I get the weird head feelings and dizziness as well..once that starts that's an initial sign that Im going to be needing to take the Xanax soon after. Sometimes I get neck tension and headaches as well , and once I feel I really need the medicine , and it kicks in those symptoms go away. I cant believe how much better one little pill can make me feel, but I really want to stop taking it, without going back on an anti depressant. Its going to be a rough road but I think we will be able to do this! I asked Dr. about Xanax withdrawal and increased anxiety and your body feeling dependent on the med even if it is a small dose taken everyday, it can make you feel not so good when you start to wean or decrease the dose or stop all together. You cant go from taking something consistently to lowering it or stopping it without feeling different unfortunately your body is going to feel it and feel like it needs it, I just wish it didn't!

Hope you feel better soon!

Lacey

LIH.,

Best of luck in your wean! This link may be of help:http://theroadback.org/

Also, I always recommend replacing the thing that you are going to be giving up. This makes the transition easier. Do you have some coping skills or therapy work in mind to help you get through without the meds?

Let us know how it goes, and allow us to support you during this time.:)

S.C.