Ryan...welcome back! Question for you...

I have been on Xanax for about 18 years.  .50mg 3 times a day.  No more, no less.  The past couple of months I have been having more anxiety symptoms, such as dizziness, that "choking" sensation, just general shakiness.  I just got off of pain meds around the same time the increased anxiety started.  Was on them for 6 months for back pain.
I've been off the pain meds for about 6 weeks now, but the symptoms continue.  
It would seem really coincidental to me that the Xanax would stop working at the dosage after 18 years.  I also just tapered off of neurotin.  Was only on that a month.  Been off of that for 2 weeks.
My dr did say he would switch me to Klonipon last week.  I said I would rather wait another month and see.  
If I switch to Klonipan after all these years, what would you suggest as a tapering off Xanax schedule?  
Thanks.

[sleeplesss]

and ps....I know you are not a dr.  I do respect your knowledge of these drugs.  Thanks again.

[Jade59]

I've been on Xanax a very long time too and want to make the switch you're talking about, but my doctor doesn't seem too excited to give me Klonopin.  She'll give me Valium though!?!   I have looked back on Ryans posts because I know I've seen this taper schedule listed by him many times.  I don't know EXACTLY where it is, but I know for sure it's there.  Do you know how to search old posts?

I bet your anxiety symptoms are from the withdrawal of the pain meds.  I was on a LOT of meds at one time in my life and it took a very long time to feel better.  Especially since you just came off the neurotin.  Give your body a few months to get back to normal before you panic, you know.  In the mean time, switching to Klonopin, from all I've read from Ryan would be a really good thing.  

I think Avisg has a Xanax taper schedule in her journal.  Not sure if it's to Klonopin, but I think so.

Take care..........

[sleeplesss]

Actually I did search old posts for this.  What I need, tho, is a schedule to follow with my dosage of Xanax.  

Do you think after 5 weeks the absence of pain meds is still affecting me?

[Jade59]

Oh right, you would need a PERSONAL schedule, duh!  : )

Re the pain meds, I would think yes.  It might take months for your system to return to normal, of course, this is only a guess.  Have you posed this question for the addiction forum?  I would think someone there might have a better answer.  

Also, remember, if you still have chronic pain, but just choose to not take pain meds, this may be causing anxiety in itself.  Pain on a daily basis will mess with your head.  I have chronic neck/back pain and I KNOW it causes me anxiety and sometimes depression because I'm so SICK OF IT!!!

Take good care.........

[sleeplesss]

You are probably right about the chronic pain.  Yes, I still have it daily and not on pain meds.  I get angry that I can't do alot of the activies that I used to, therefore probably am more anxious and depressed.  Then I also feel guilt for holding my husband back from doing those activites as well.  I guess that could stir up the ole anxiety merry go round.
I am going away for 5 days and the dr gave me a few pain pills to take on the trip.  It will be interesting if that makes that anxiety better...
I also am calling my ins. co today for a list of counsellors that hopefully specilize in anxiety disorders.  Thought it couldn't hurt.