Should I try to taper off Xanax

I have been taking xanax 4 times daily at .25mg.  I don't want to stay on since I know dr will want to up it soon.  I still have anxiety and no panic attacks.  I dont know if its time or not to taper and all these drs seem to just want to either up dosage or change to Klonopin.  I only had to panic attacks in Dec. and I feel like the meds are worse.  I cant sleep and it was never this bad before the Xanax.  Sure it helped a week or so with sleep but now its just the opposite.  Any one been in this situation and didnt know where to go next?

[Laurallei]

Hi Amber,

If you do decide to taper off ask your doctor about a taper program so you do not have any nasty withdrawl (withdrawal) symptons. There are some great posts on the negative effects of Xanax and how to taper off.  Klonopin may be a better option for you.  I would give it a try!

Good Luck,
L

[primetime21]

Xanax should never be taken on a daily basis and multiple times a day. This drug is ment to be taken at certain situations where u know a panic attack will happen since it stays in ur system for about 6 hours. it shoudnt be taken routinly because this will cause tolerance to build up, and if doses are not upped then withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms will begin. Your docs should be ashamed of their incompetence for perscribing this.if u want to taper off  It will be much easier if first u switch to klonopan as it has longer halflife or cross taper by substituting doses of xanax with equal strength of doses of valium i.e 1mg xanax is equal to 20 mg of valium. once valium is fully substituted then take 10% off about every 2 weeks. you will still have anxiety and or panic attacks with this method, but an increase in cardio and most importtantly B vitamin complex is defnitly needed. iam not a doc, just been through it
good luck

[greenlydia]

Without a doubt I agree that you should get off Xanax. It definitely has it's place in helping people deal with panic, but most doctors are total morons about prescribing it. I actually believe most general practioners have no business AT ALL prescribing these types of meds. But don't get me started on that.
I will assume you know better than to just stop taking Xanax, that you must taper slowly. There are many ways of doing this, some good, some not so good.
My best advice is to make an appointment with a Psychiatric Medication Manager. Most psychiatric clinics have one on staff and most insurance companies will pay for it.
This person will help you devise a taper program that YOU control, which is probably THE most important part of the w/d process.
I would urge you not to see your GP about a taper program. They don't know how to prescribe it and they sure as hell don't know how to withdraw it!
You CAN do this yourself, but I feel it's better to have a professional who can not only write the scripts you're going to need, but can offer you the kind of support you'll need during the process.
Good luck
Peace
Greenlydia  
  

[amber711]

Thanks for your advise.  I went to a new dr today and he wants to run a full gamma of blood tests including a 2 day urine test.  He seem very caring not like the other dr who makes me wait over an hour and a half and rushes me in and out.  He walks out the door before I ask him anything.  I agree, these gps should not be allowed to presc. these medications.  I think i already have some tolerance but I have to schedule my blood test and get results and he said we can go from there.  I plan on doing no drastic withdrawal mainly because i'm SCARED.  I have 2 young children to take care of and I know I need to be careful.  New dr is not happy about switching me to another drug even to wean off like klonopin.  He says your only prolonging it and you will still have withdrawals from that.  Im hoping hes right but im going to a hospial behavorial clinic tomorrow and they are gonna try to help find out why I had the attacks( only 2 times but bad ones and while I was asleep.  Still having a lot of trouble sleeping and thats one of my problems NOW.  Yhank you!!!

[greenlydia]

Sorry, I guess some of my advice to you was "BS."
Greenlydia

[lyerhc]

Your on a relatively small dose, try taking them at  scheduled times and see if that works better for you, waking in the morning,  6 hours later, 6 hours later and a hour before bedtime, I have tried the other benzos and didn't have much luck so try this schdule and let me know how it works. Good Luck.  lyerhc