Fear of Benzodiazepine Dependence/Tolerance

I have been taking benzodiazepines for about two months. At first I took 1 mg Ativan to calm my symptoms during a panic attack. I took this pill about 12 times over the course of a little over a month. Now I am taking 3 mg of Xanax xr on a 24 hours basis. I've been doing this for about a week and a half.

I'm afraid that I'll develop a tolerance to the medicine and it not work unless I increase my dosage. Then, I'm afraid that when I taper all my symptoms will come back. I have been on Celexa also for about a week and a half and today is the most normal I've felt in the last two months. However, I'm not sure when to start tapering the benzos.

Anyone have experience with taking and tapering? I am looking into other symptom management (biofeedback and acupuncture) to start now before I ween myself off any medication.

AJG,

I was so scared of the same thing. A little background, my anxiety became debilitating in February of this year after a lot of stressful events happening in a very short time. I was on Ativan for a while too, and was so scared of having to take it too long. When I attempted to stop taking it, I had massive recurring attacks--which turned out to be benzo dependence. Not a big deal though. It just meant that I needed to taper. :)

So for around 2 weeks, I took 1/4 of a pill only every 48 hours. Then I took 1/4 of a pill every 58 hours for around a week. Then I decided to take none at all. And it worked! :) I would definitely recommend working with your physician on a good plan or developing one based on what works for you. :)

On another note, I didn't attempt to stop taking it until a majority of my symptoms had subsided when I started taking Lexapro. Keep us posted! :)

I was on them for years without issues and tapered off using a longer-acting one, after requesting my doctor help me taper. At your low dose, tapering is probably not necessary. However, if, like me, you're concerned on your first taper, you will have more success and less anxiety if you do what your mind wants. They make liquid formulations of things like klonopin to help you taper over a longer period of time. However, you'll do best coming up with a plan that you feel mentally comfortable with and that your doctor will support.

Looking at the studies that have come out recently showing long-term benzo uses increasing risk for Alzheimer's, I'm wishing I wouldn't have spent all those years taking them daily... but I'm also sure that it was far better than living with the issues I was having.

As far as tolerance. It's not as bad as it seems. Some develop it faster, but for the most part tolerance is more that you don't feel "drugged" as much, even though they will still help with the symptoms. From my experience, if you're taking it less than 2 times a week, you're probably not going to develop a tolerance to the good things it does for you.

AJ,

I am glad to hear that you are working on things to aid in your anxiety recovery...and yes, it is possible that you will be able to wean from your benzo Rx easily, if done gradually and with your doctor's guidance.

Here is a site that could add to your knowledge of this process:

On-line drug weaning information: (to be used in conjunction with, not substitution for your doctor's instructions)

http://www.theroadback.org/

 

Also explore therapy and self-help as possible treatment options for your best all around plan for feeling your best!

Keep us posted!

S.C.

AJ.,


There is no right or wrong answer per say...it's more of a personal choice, and what you and your doctor decide is best.

You could always start the tapering process, alongside your SSRI start up...and if you feel it is too much at once, back off and start your benzo wean again a few weeks later...

Wishing you the best. Keep up the good work, and keep us posted as to your progress.:)

S.C.