How can I stop using Xanax

[Evajgala]

I have been taking 2-3mg of xanax a day for four years now every since I was diagnoised with Painic Disorder. I feel like I am in a constant state of dysphoria and I don't remember how it feels to be "normal." I don't have health insurance right now or the money to get proper care and I am always in a constant state of fear, no matter how much medication I take. What can I do to taper off of this drug without losing control of my life? I've read the horror stories of withdrawl, sezuires, etc, and I am seriously mortified-but unfortunately, I am completely addicted. I just don't want to live for this drug, which is exactly how I feel. It owns me.

[sadinmichigan]

The only way to get of this drug is to wean very slowly..I did it successfully from6-7mg/dy..you can not rush it..To taper off this drug..you need to listen to your body as you start to decrease this..I would start by taking a 1/4 mg away from your total daily dose and stay there for at least 2 weeks..then decrease again by 1/4..and hold there..if you are not feeling good you can even cut that 1/4 in 1/2 and start with that..and you also may find that before you decrease again..you may want to wait more than 2 weeks to cut it down again..This is toatally doable..i had very very little discomfort. What is your alternative to manage your anxiety? I understand your being worried...the horrors stories that you hear are often from people that tapered way too fast or went cold turkey..For xanax and other benzo's..cold turkey is never recommended because of the possible dangers such as what you have heard...I will assume that you have 1mg pills..you may want to ask for .25 mg pills or even .50.which would be much easier to taper as far as measurement..but all of them are scored so get out that razor blade and start cutting..You can pm (private message me anytime if you have questions)..Congratulations on wanting your life back..and welcome to the forum..there is alot of support here and many wonderful people..

[sadinmichigan]

I see that you have no insurance..as far as having to have a dr.s care , i do not agree that you need to see a dr. every month or more to tell him of your progress.You are the one that has ultimate control in doing this.. I am not a dr. obviously but was on way more mgs and had no problem...he will tell you the same thing..I would hope that you would at least have a consultation with him/her and let them know of your plan..My dr. wanted me to go faster than what i did..As I said..Listen to your body...there are a couple of people here on the forum that are doing this presently..i will pm you with their names and you can contact them..Xanax can be a dangerous drug and is in fact highly addictive and the w/ds are horrible.( i went cold turkey without knowing I shouldn't once),But the facts are still the facts..weaning 1/8 to 1/4 mg of you total daily dose is unlikely to put you in any danger..just my opinion..check with your dr. first..the rest is up to you.