Xanax withdrawl symptoms

[vicki]

I've read all of the posts concerning Xanax addiction and withdrawl...but none specifically addressed the symptoms themselves.  What are they?  How do I deal with it?  I know you will tell me to talk to my Dr. but i wanna know.

[Kathy]

Vicki,
It so funny when I thought I was so alone on this one, and now I see, so many others are at the same place I was, I just didn't use the net back then......
First you didn't say how much you were taking or for how long, I started 8 years ago on .05 Minimum, and as of corse progresion set in, by Feb,1999 I was up to 8-15 no telling which time of day, but only at night to sleep.....(thats what they were given to me for) and nope never took them during the day, I sought out another Doctor, and said I know you get hooked on "street" drugs, but I am now a product of being hooked on scripts/meds
that does happen when they are given to you by a doc right?.....
Then I started to hear the "horror stories, which, are full of sh..., yes doc cut be back to half my abusive doze first month, and then the next I said go for it, lets not play around here, so back to .05 for a month, nope I didn't sleep, yep, I felt strange, but I have always refocused, if yo have a hobbie to refocus into, and by he 2nd month, I was blown away, I finally feel asleep on my own, no beers, no wine, no xnax just clean me, I NEVER thought I cought in the begining, but yes you can just give your body time to do what it has to, and life is so much better then waking up feeling "hung over" and it was due to xanax and not a drink.......
good luck, and Vickie since yours is so new, if ya feel you would like to e-mail me ***@****, I am here for support and help, but the Dr's forums you have come across, so far he is great on giving out info,.....
Much luck, hang in there,
Kathy H.

[Janice]

I first  came  in contact with xanax  in the early 80s during a test study(wont mention hosp)..i was 17 and given the 10mg (purple )3x daily needless to say  I became addictided..
Didnt  see the problem then i was too sedated .
I now have  a 17 year old daughter  who has unfortunetly found a doctor who likes to use her pen >instead of her education.
      initial problem Overdose  of xanax >>docs treatment xanax.
Wonder  if she even checked her file ?
needless to say looking for a new doc and possibly rehap.

[Lynne]

I have a son addicted to Xanax and is currently being detoxed in an out-patient setting by a psychiatrist.  He's still on big time doses and the MD says it will take months to detox.  He used to binge on it once a month or so and has suffered seizures in the past and overdose consequences.  He is also on Methadone.  What I'd like to know is whether he can go into an inpatient detox setting (he says no) and do it properly, since I don't believe he's really taking it the way he supposed to, and probably takes more when he's upset or depressed.  I think it's having a really bad effect on him.

[phyllis]

I was started on .05 mg 3 x a day..this was 10 years ago..
I still take the same dosage. However, at night, sometimes, I require two.  I never feel normal. I am always tired.  For the past 4 years, I have had periods of my body jerking so hard at night that I have even popped my neck a few times. Now, it starts in my facial muscles... It is a horrifying feeling. It is like I am having seizures.  I can always tell when I am going to have a bad night by the strange feeling inside my head... Then there are time, I will go a month (or I used to anyway) and never have one jerking problem.  I have asked my Doctor repeatedly about this.
He has no answers.  I have been to 4 neurologists and they all tell me something different.  I would like to get off the Xnax addiction, but my doctor says it is impossible..
I would like to know if there is anyone else out there who has these jerking or seizure like side effects and if it is the Xnax that is causing it.

[phyllis]

I was started on .05 mg 3 x a day..this was 10 years ago..
I still take the same dosage. However, at night, sometimes, I require two.  I never feel normal. I am always tired.  For the past 4 years, I have had periods of my body jerking so hard at night that I have even popped my neck a few times. Now, it starts in my facial muscles... It is a horrifying feeling. It is like I am having seizures.  I can always tell when I am going to have a bad night by the strange feeling inside my head... Then there are time, I will go a month (or I used to anyway) and never have one jerking problem.  I have asked my Doctor repeatedly about this.
He has no answers.  I have been to 4 neurologists and they all tell me something different.  I would like to get off the Xnax addiction, but my doctor says it is impossible..
I would like to know if there is anyone else out there who has these jerking or seizure like side effects and if it is the Xnax that is causing it.

[Mojo]

Yes Yes Yes!  I have been taking Xanax for almost 3 years every day 2mg.  In just the past 6 months I have started to get these body jerks, it is as if someone came up behind you and said BOO! your whole body jerks really violently for a sec.  I am trying to taper off of Xanax and my doc who specializes in addictions said that Xanax has a very short half-life and these body jerks are probably withdrawl symptoms.  Have you noticed these body jerks come at times when you have not spaced your medication taking times in the usual way?  I take mine only at night and this was the problem.  The Xanax would not "hold" for the whole 24 hours.  My doc suggested switching to a longer acting benzo like valium.   Supposedly 10mg of valium equals 1mg of Xanax.  Valium is supposed to be a lot easier to taper off of.  It  is relieving to see someone else with these symptoms.  I am always so scared "IT"  is the beginning of a seziure.  My doc reassures me it is not but to never quit cold turkey and to try and keep the blood levels stable and when tapering go down only 5% of the full dose at a time every 10-14 days.  So far so good.  Mojo

[Mojo]

Also Phyllis, I did a search on the net I went to www.yahoo.com and punched in Xanax withdrawl in the search section and I found a bunch of support for withdrawl from benzo's particularly Xanax.  After chatting with quite a few people who have either made it completely off benzo's or are in the process I have found that Xanax is one of the hardest to taper from because of its such short half life.  Do a search, you will be amazed at the info.  You can also e-mail benzo@onelist and they have a web ring of benzo support for all different stages.  Keep coming back to the forum.  I am so glad I scrolled all the way down and found you, you are the first person I know that has described these scary "body jerks", I call the startle reflexes because it is just like being startled!  Keep coming back Phyllis, maybe we can help each other thru this!:)  Mojo

[Kev]

I began taking Xanax when I had gone through an emotionally traumatic experience that produced severe depression with anxiety. I only took 1  mg (blue) and only whenever I was going to have a panic attck (I could almost tell when it was coming on).. I decided not to take anti-depressents because I felt they stopped me from crying and I felt a real need to cry.

I started to use the Xanax to help sleep, usually only if I really really needed to make sure I had good sleep.

Well, it has been 16 months since I originally got depressed, I am now much much better (not 100%, but on my way)However, I just realized I had a NEW problem... I realized I was taking the xanax almost twice a week every week (1/2 mg)...I didn't think much of it...until two nights ago...I was reacing for the bottle and I realized this would now be three times a week..My alarm went off and I though, you are getting addicted! So I didn't take it..slept horribly, woke up at 1:00am and had several pre-anxiety attacks (not the full blown..I have learned over the year not to fear them and they don't materialze)..but I had sever dysphoria (very depressed, but not like when I was real depressed--that was a hopeless feeling, this is not hopeless, just real real down and felt like crying constantly, with nothing to cry about)..

So last night...Night #2, I paced and paced...I wanted to take a xanax so bad..I new if I did I would get some sleep and be very refreshed and feel great the next day.. I also started to mentally retrace my depression over the last year...in the beginign it was real bad..then after about 6-9 months it started easing up... after a year it was signifigantly better..then (the xanax came into the picture)...then my depression was sometimes gone and sometimes real bad..I never put 2 & 2 together!! I have been experiencing a prolonged withdrawl from xanax for the last 4 months!

I felt better knowing the truth, but I still couldn't get any sleep.. I was begining to get panicky at the thought of not sleeping for maybe several days!! So I took an anti-histamine..I slept great and woke up with no depressed feelings at all. I took doxylamine succinate (12.5 mg)..I looked up the dependance info online and in the PDR and didn't come up with anything near as bad as the xanax... I don't know how long I will need to take this, but I am thinking that it won't be more than a week..I was only taking 1.5 mg of xanax a week prior (.5 mg two to three times per week depending on sleep needs.

SO I just thought I would share that with y'all.

If anyone has any withdrawl info for doxylamine succinate, please chime in... I don't want to switch one addiction for another.

Hang in there... friends

[Bella]

Xanax withdrawl Symtoms:  I was prescribed xanax for a short time to help me cope with my divorce.  I never abused the medication and took my daily .5 x 3 dose.  The Doctor never mentioned that it was dangerous to just quit.  You guessed it--When I felt that I could handle the stress without them--I stopped cold turkey not knowing the consequences.  The first 2 days I experienced hot/cold flashes,  very pale skin and a very INTENSE feeling of a "cloudy head"... I couldn't concentrate and felt intoxicated.  I went to the ER and was diagnosed with the flu.  They had asked if I was on any medication and since I had haulted the xanax not knowing it was an issue, answered honestly--NO.  On the 2nd morning I had an episode where I woke up and was so confused I didn't know where I was, who I was and couldn't speak for about 60 seconds.  (Now I know this was a mild seizure)...  The next evening I remember sitting up in bed and feeling what I describe as "my eyes twitching"... and that is all I remember.  However the next morning I awoke to my boyfriend leaning over me with a look of horror in his face.  He asked why I didn't tell him I was epileptic (I'm NOT) and that I was seizing all night (Grand Mal) and that on more than one occasion he had to turn my head to the side because I was choking on my own fluids.  If he hadn't been there--I would be dead.  I strongly suggest you do NOT try to withdrawl at home.  Either go to your physician and embark on a "cut-down" plan or if you have an abuse problem with them you need to be inpatient.

[Bella]

Xanax withdrawl Symtoms:  I was prescribed xanax for a short time to help me cope with my divorce.  I never abused the medication and took my daily .5 x 3 dose.  The Doctor never mentioned that it was dangerous to just quit.  You guessed it--When I felt that I could handle the stress without them--I stopped cold turkey not knowing the consequences.  The first 2 days I experienced hot/cold flashes,  very pale skin and a very INTENSE feeling of a "cloudy head"... I couldn't concentrate and felt intoxicated.  I went to the ER and was diagnosed with the flu.  They had asked if I was on any medication and since I had haulted the xanax not knowing it was an issue, answered honestly--NO.  On the 2nd morning I had an episode where I woke up and was so confused I didn't know where I was, who I was and couldn't speak for about 60 seconds.  (Now I know this was a mild seizure)...  The next evening I remember sitting up in bed and feeling what I describe as "my eyes twitching"... and that is all I remember.  However the next morning I awoke to my boyfriend leaning over me with a look of horror in his face.  He asked why I didn't tell him I was epileptic (I'm NOT) and that I was seizing all night (Grand Mal) and that on more than one occasion he had to turn my head to the side because I was choking on my own fluids.  If he hadn't been there--I would be dead.  I strongly suggest you do NOT try to withdrawl at home.  Either go to your physician and embark on a "cut-down" plan or if you have an abuse problem with them you need to be inpatient.

[phyllis]

I have been taking Xnax for the past 10 years. I always took .05 mg 3 x a day.  Lately, I have had to take an extra one at night to sleep.  I have been trying to cut back slowly.. some days, I can get by on two .05 pills and others, I need 4.   The symptoms I have are awful. I burn all over and my eyelids get tingly.. I can not think.  I have read about the withdrawal symptoms and I was wondering if the amount I take is enough to cause a seizure should I stop cold turkey. I have talked to my Doctor and he says I am addicted and nothing can be done about it.  I appreciate any help you may have.  Thanks

[Wired_Insomiac]

[wait2long]

you have actually posted to an old thread...its from !0-20-2000...het, weve all done it...go to the bottom of the page and click on back to forum and post your question there...you will get alot more responses that way...

[jaj1973]

i have been taking 2 1mg blue at bedtime for about 18 months and my pharmacist refused my dr's refill request .what should i exspect in the days to come

[jaj1973]

i have been taking 2 1mg xanax at bedtime for about 18 months .my pharmasist refused my drs refill request .it has only been 1 day without any .what should i exspect in the days to come

[GoingToMakeIt]

Hey there. This is an old post. So start a new one so we can all help you. (Post a Question) button.

[J_Snow]

Does her past life/addiction reflects on a birth defect even if she is clean now???????????????????

My girlfriend on the past was abusing with the xanax 2mg, she was depressed because of her last divorce, I was her friend by that time... she was taking xanax like crazy plus she was smoking/mixing xanax and marihuana. After that we felt in love and I took her out from that addiction and dark world, she was addicted to xanax for almost 3 years, now she's been out for 2 years. She never had a baby, and we want to have a child. She is good now, only drinks sometimes socially, she is officially clean. We love each other!

Does her past life/addiction reflects on a birth defect even if she is clean now???????????????????

[J_WW]

I was taking 1mg blue Zanax for 3 years now. I quit Cold Turkey 2 weeks ago. It has made me irritable, sleepless and my nervous twitch has come back. It doesn't matter because I feel a lot better without taking them.

Now I am trying to stop the Norco's. How long does it take for my body to recover once I stop taking them?

I am afraid that I will become unbarable to be around for a while after I stop taking the Killers. Has anybody gone through this? If so can you tell what happened after the days after you quit taking the Killers?

Help!

[60jules]

Yes, i am a 48 year old woman.I was given xanax for BIPOLOR

I took .05 mg 2 times a day.Decided to try and take 1.Yes ,All hell broke loose. Headaches,pain in the eyes, shaking terribly,Jerking oh yes no sleep .Please never try this alone.
JUST DONT START THEM AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[benign]

I had an addiction to pain killers a few years ago.  Funny enough...I had all the pain and was taking no KILLERS until after I had back surgery.  I was so healthy both mentally and physically then life started falling apart and KILLERS helped me deal.  Needless to say...I doc hopped, called in my own refills...can you believe that?  I can't.  It's awful when I think back...and the fact that I got away with it.  Anyway, one day I thought WTF am I doing to myself...I hated the way I was feeling...sick all the time and constantly needing more.  A new doctor that specialized in pain management was able to control both my pain and cure my addiction with the help of Suboxone...it saved my life.

I was eventually, for depression, give Xanax by another doc and finding myself having a problem I would never have...I can't stop taking it and need it to get up in the a.m. and to go to bed at night in order to survive.  It used to be .5 mg in the a.m. now its 1mg and 4 mgs at night to sleep.  I might feel the need to take .5 mid-day to prevent myself from feeling bad.

Ugh!  Why do they create these things.  I don't want depression and addiction on my health records...someone DOES see it...privacy right or not and it can and will prevent you from being protected when you get older.  Life insurance, jobs, etc.

Anyway...just wanted to offer the advice about the Suboxone.  Only certain doctors can prescribe it and they can only treat so many patients at any given time.  It is a controlled substance but the first time you take it...you will cry because for the first time in what seemed like forever...you feel "normal".

If you are depressed...get treated for it by a SPECIALIST...don't let your primary care doc do it.  If you are addicted...see a SPECIALIST...your primary care cannot fix that either.  They will tell you they can but it takes someone special and someone that understands and can support you.

Hope that helps.

[tofaraway4u2hold]

At first, the doctor thought I had ADD, since I would study for tests in school but never be able to pass them. I was 17 when I actually found out that I was having panic attacks and not just "brain farts". I was prescribed 3 1mg tablets per day. I felt like it did it's job well, so I continued to take it. Of course tolerance occurs and the doctor must increase your dose. A few years after getting out of college, I was up to 8mgs a day(Veerryy close to the maximum recommended dose). I performed well and never seemed intoxicated at work, so I never thought there was a problem.
I moved this year, so I had to change doctors. My new doctor informed me how dangerous this benzodiazipine can be in such a large dose, not to mention the length of time I had been taking it. So, with his help, I tried to ween myself off of them.
It's been 12 months since I started to come off of them and it's been total HELL.
I decided comment on this string because I wanted people to know that it is very dangerous to try to come off this medication yourself. I've come off oxycontin, vicodin, fentynal and a few other opiates by myself, but nothing has compared to this one.
I had two seizures, many panic attacks, irregular heartbeats, sleeplessness and lost a job. I had the second seizure recently, I was in the hospital for 9 days; 4 days in ICU. I've lost the hearing in my right ear because of nerve damage, lost much of my short term memory and a lot of my vocabulary. I couldn't talk for two weeks once I finally woke up from the stupor I was in. I'm benzo-free now but with permanent damage done to my sensory and my pride. If anyone needs to chat about this or anything else, you can contact me..
tofaraway4u2hold using AIM or gmail.