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What were benzo withdrawals like?

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Posted 2/26/2015 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Just me again with my paranoia of Xanax withdrawal.

For those of you who took an extended release for a long amount of time, what was it like to get off of your dose? How long does the withdrawal process take (in your experience)?

I accidentally forgot to get my prescription yesterday so I've gone without a dose for 14 hours. I usually take 3 mg xr daily. Not sure if I am fearful of withdrawal so I am having symptoms or if they are real?

I've been taking Xanax for 3 or 4 months now and have been dreading this in the back of my mind basically since day one.
Posted 2/26/2015 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

It is always best to withdraw from a benzo very slowly over a couple of weeks or even months to reduce the chance of withdrawal effects and under the supervision of your doctor.

I think Xanax has a long shelf life but don't quote me on that so you should be ok until you pick up your prescription. If you feel you are having withdrawal effects it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor.

Hibee
Posted 2/26/2015 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Ajg

I believe everyone's physical responses are varied in withdrawal issues. But I agree with Hibee, he had some good advice! Hope all goes well with you!
Posted 2/26/2015 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Can you run out and get your prescription?

I've actually gone on and off xanax a few times and while it is best to do a slow taper, I actually had a really great week last week and only took a bedtime dose of xanax as opposed to the 3-4 times daily that I've been on since September. I know it's not the same, but I didn't feel any different during the day when my anxiety is usually at its highest and I wasn't medicated.

Good luck!
Posted 2/27/2015 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I took xanax for over ten years, when i got ready to stop i started cutting back half a pill per day per month, i never had one moment of withdrawal. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 2/27/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
check out benzobuddies.org for all the horror stories on benzo withdrawl. it will make you give them up for shure
Posted 2/27/2015 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
...and there are just as many SUCCESS stories(likely more!) of people who have taken their benzodiazepines responsilbly, and had a very safe recovery, due to being able to do the things that anxiety had kept them from previously...

...such as seek therapy and learn tools that enabled them to lessen their dosage eventually...

Used as prescribed, and in conjunction with therapy...Xanax and the like can be part of a safe and effective treatment plan.

I hope that you can get your med refill soon.

S.C.
Posted 2/27/2015 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
In regards to benzobuddies....I've looked at that site before and wouldn't recommend it. There are certainly horror stories and I don't see how that can be valuable to you right now if you plan to stay on your xanax. What SC says is true. If you take your Benzo responsibly, there should be no problem with you ever coming off of it, if and when you're ready.

I have taken a benzo on and off for years and I've always followed my doctors instructions and I've never had so much as a twitch or an extra bad panic attack when going off.

As I mentioned above, I take .5mg 3-4 times a day as needed and last week I skipped a majority of my doses and still felt great.

I hope you're able to get your meds and you haven't been feeling bad!
Posted 2/27/2015 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
If a Doctor weans you off, he will know how to do it correctly.

I had to quit cold turkey years ago(lost insurance so couldn't afford to see the Doctor that prescribed me xanax), it was the worst withdrawals I have ever been through, and I am over 4 years sober from alcohol/drugs, and there was no comparison from the withdrawals from those and xanax.

First of all I didn't know the risks involved in quitting cold turkey(maybe that was a good thing at the time) I was shaky, couldn't eat, vomited and my mind was very foggy.

When being put on xanax again, I really struggled in my mind with knowing how bad the withdrawals can be, but my Psychiatrist assured me that if you wean off of them correctly it can be done.
Posted 2/28/2015 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your replies :) I will definitely not be checking out benzobuddies! Lol already scared enough. I was just looking for some positivity starting my journey with trying to feel safe without taking xanax.

I was able to pick up my prescription and felt normal within about 40 min of taking my dose. Mental? Physical? I can never be sure.

Feeling kind of panicky today out of the blue. Not sure why. Anyway it's a beautiful sunny day here and I'm going to watch some baseball! Hope you all have wonderful days as well.
Posted 3/1/2015 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
check out buspar-its not a benzo and isnt addictave. its my cure for anxiety. if want expert advice from a dr about physc drugs-check out drofmind on youtube. this guy is the best med expert i ever heard.
Posted 3/5/2015 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!

After 3 years on my benzo, I just followed my doctor´s instructions and was completely fine. No w/d symptoms at all!

 Best of luck to you! I'm sure you'll be fine.

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