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Weaning off Xanax.....eek!!

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Posted 7/23/2015 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not gonna lie; I'm nervous.

I've been taking regular xanax 3x daily, since September. I told my doctor I want to be able to use it as a rescue drug, so this was my idea, but I'm scared to do it!

I'm also scared because I've gotten used to feeling safe carrying around my 90 xanax in my purse and once I've weaned, my doctor won't give me the 90 anymore. I feel like that was my safety net and now he's going to take it away.

I'm just super nervous and needed to share. I hope I'm ready for this.
Posted 7/23/2015 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
I should add that it's a slow taper. I won't be completely off the xanax for about 8 weeks.
Posted 7/23/2015 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Take a good read at this :). It has helped me alot over the past week, and honestly I feel that a psychological disorder can only be recovered by a psychological treatment and not drugs. It's all in the mind and we're supposed, and will be in control!

www.mind-trek.com/reports/tl12.htm
Posted 7/23/2015 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
P.,

I have total and complete faith that you can do this.

It is a leap of faith for sure...but one you can do, and will be so happy with once you've accomplished it.:)

Keep us updated...well cheer you on!

S.C.
Posted 7/23/2015 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Never mind LOL. You have only been on it since September. You won't have any problem tapering off.
Posted 7/23/2015 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Ativan for many years so it took me a whole year to come off the med. I am still on it...only as needed. So in your case, it will be EASY!! No worries.
Posted 7/23/2015 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
You can do this. You have a plan worked out between you and your doc. Your doc has faith in you.

Positive thoughts, and much support are yours anytime you need them.
Posted 7/23/2015 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Park,
You totally got this girl. Look how far you've come. We're cheering you on!!!
Posted 7/23/2015 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
You GOT This Park!! One day at a time and one step at a time. You know where to find me if you need me. :)
Posted 7/23/2015 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone!

Mel, I've been on Xanax as needed for years, but only this daily thing since September. I'm hopeful it won't be bad! Tips for dealing are always welcome!
Posted 7/23/2015 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Park

Ativan is very strong. So it was not easy coming off it. My panic attacks were severe. I needed Ativan to control those attacks that occured 10-20 times a day. It took me a year to get used to the lower dose. I started doing aromatherapy, meditation, breathing exercises, drinking more herbs, and stayed busy. I also chewed gum to distract myself and stop thinking about meds. Distraction is important. If you feel you have been dependent on xanax, you need to find something other than xanax to help you calm down. It can be herbs, coloring like you're doing now, gardening, working on projects with other people...just don't sit at home and analyze how you are feeling!
Posted 7/23/2015 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Melodee. The part about not sitting around and analyzing how I'm feeling will be key! Good point!
Posted 7/23/2015 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Oh and your diet is important too! Don't forget to google food that helps you relax!


10 Relaxing Foods That Melt Stress Away
theconsciouslife.com/10-relaxing-foods-that-melt-stress-away.htm
Posted 7/23/2015 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it!!!
Posted 7/23/2015 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I eat all of this except for kiwi!!! Thanks!
Posted 7/23/2015 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I wish you well with this. I was wondering what prompted it? Did Dr. want
you to do this or you made the decission yourself?

If you decided yourself then it should be pretty easy to do. Slow and steady taper.
If your Dr. is taking this away from you, that''s a whole other story.
Very hard to do when we think in terms of not being allowed something that helps us.

I'm sure with your decission, you have knowledge about the med. It's not good to be on
full time they say. Although I have been on the same dose at nightime for 7 years. I also
can take it as needed through the day, but rarely do this. I have addiction issues, but this
was never the type of high I used to look for so I'm all good with it.

Will you be allowed to do a slow taper?

I hope it goes well for you. I saw your thread and immediatly jumped in. This could be
a huge issue for folks like us.

Good luck,
Linda
Posted 7/23/2015 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Linda,

It's a mix for me. It was my idea, but I also feel like my doctor is taking it from me, because he doesn't want to give me the same amount of pills and it's a safety net for me. I decided to do it because I would like to be pregnant soon.

I'll be weaning over the next 8 weeks. Like I said; I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I'm hoping to go back to just using as needed, the way I did before!
Posted 7/24/2015 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
At least you have a wonderful reason to persevere....to prepare for pregnancy. That is exciting!


You will have two things to go thru; the physical dependance and the psychological one. The latter being the hardest part; IMO.

I will pray for you. This is truly a brave move on your part and quite responsible too. Good for you!

Take care,
Linda
Posted 7/24/2015 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Linda! I cannot explain how much I appreciate the support!
Posted 7/24/2015 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Park,

I have full confidence in you!

It's really not as bad as it might seem. I know the feeling of not having that safety net, so I stocked up while I was tapering, haha!! I still have like three bottles hanging out at my house. It was weird when my last script ran out because I didn't fill it within six months.

I planned to take however long I needed to taper. But it ended up taking about six weeks. It was a transition, but not bad AT ALL. Just don't let your mind mess with you. Hold that vision of expanding your family in the forefront:)

You got this!!❤️❤️❤️
Posted 7/24/2015 8:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Park

You can do this we are here for you.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 7/24/2015 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Hibee!

Thank you, M2G&Q! It's good to hear that you were able to do it and it wasn't awful. I plan to stock up as I taper too! Haha! It'll just make me feel safer!! LOL!
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