Aa
Still on xanax
Stiil trying to get off this stuff. I start to taper and then some other anxiety producing thing happens and I up the dose, I know this is bad but I'm stuck! How's everyone else doing.
I agree with nursegirl 100 percent. Xanax is also a relatively short-acting med, so you can run into withdrawal symptoms in between doses, especially if you're tapering. What has worked in the past for me is, my doctor switched me over to a longer acting benzo, klonopin in this case and it was much easier to taper down. Not that this works for everyone, but it's just an example of something that can be done. This was a number of years ago and although I didn't say off the benzos, I was benzo free for about a year under the supervision of a good doctor. I tried Cymbalta and it didn't work for me either, some people swear by it.
The list of withdrawal symptoms is seemingly endless for benzos, from rebound anxiety, as nursegirl mentioned, to flu-like symptoms and severe insomnia.
Always best to see a doctor, a psychiatrist if you can when it comes to getting off benzos. Since they often times prescribe the drug, they are usually more aware of the withdrawal symptoms. There are also good internists out there who understand benzo withdrawal, but I've always had better luck working with psychiatrists.
The list of withdrawal symptoms is seemingly endless for benzos, from rebound anxiety, as nursegirl mentioned, to flu-like symptoms and severe insomnia.
Always best to see a doctor, a psychiatrist if you can when it comes to getting off benzos. Since they often times prescribe the drug, they are usually more aware of the withdrawal symptoms. There are also good internists out there who understand benzo withdrawal, but I've always had better luck working with psychiatrists.
I forgot to mention. When you've been using a medication long term to treat insomnia, unfortunately, you're going to have to deal with rebound insomnia.
It would be wise to be relaistic and expect some sleepless nights. There are some natural products that a lot of people swear by...Melatonin, Sleepy Time Tea, etc, that may be helpful, but again...I think it would be smart to keep your expectations on the lower side and realize it will take some time to regain some decent sleep.
It would be wise to be relaistic and expect some sleepless nights. There are some natural products that a lot of people swear by...Melatonin, Sleepy Time Tea, etc, that may be helpful, but again...I think it would be smart to keep your expectations on the lower side and realize it will take some time to regain some decent sleep.
Xanax really should be tapered under the guidance of a physician. There can be some serious issues coming off Xanax if not tapered properly, and a doctor is the best person to determine the best taper schedule, taking into consideration your dose, frequency, how long you've been on it, half life of the med, etc.
One of the things that comes with d/c'ing a benzo is some nasty rebound anxiety, therefore you need to put some other coping mechanisms in place to help you deal with that. CBT is a great form of therapy. I highly recommend you seeking this out, in person, with a therapist trained in CBT. That will be the most effective. Also, if the Cymbalta hasn't been very effective, you may need a different antidepressant. Cymbalta is a great med, but it does tend to be more activating.
Very best of luck to you.
One of the things that comes with d/c'ing a benzo is some nasty rebound anxiety, therefore you need to put some other coping mechanisms in place to help you deal with that. CBT is a great form of therapy. I highly recommend you seeking this out, in person, with a therapist trained in CBT. That will be the most effective. Also, if the Cymbalta hasn't been very effective, you may need a different antidepressant. Cymbalta is a great med, but it does tend to be more activating.
Very best of luck to you.
My biggest issue with the Xanax is relying on it for sleep. Ideally I would like to get off Xanax and Cymbalta. I'v heard some good things about cognitive behavior therapy. Thanks for your advice!
Also maybe try a different antidepressant. Cymbalta is not one of the greatest for anxiety.
There's a great website I've found that uses CBT - cognitive behavior therapy. It's free and has some relaxation exercises you can try to help relax. It's ****.org. Give it a try!
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