Xanax is taking over my life

I have been taking Xanax for three years now and I am feeling more and more dependent on it. I have memory problems and forget to take the pill or run out without thinking. I never realize at the moment why I feel so bad until someone mentions to me how I appear to them. I always attribute my symptoms to other things. My body hurts so bad, my wrists, knees, legs and arms are very painful. When I sit for a few minutes, I can barely walk when I get up.I have headaches, yellow eyesballs, bags under my eyes, no energy, no appetite; at times my short-term memory is practical non-existant and I feel like an empty shell inside. I am really scared and need help to stop this medication. Can anyone suggest anything that will help me, please?

[cornyguy]

Hi what dose are you taking.Thje best way to get off Xanax is to switch to a longer acting med Like Klonopin which is easier to get off but this should be done under your doctor's guidance.

[cornyguy]

I meant what dose of Xanax are u taking and the best way to get off Xanax is to switch to Klonopin under your doctor's guidance

[Cara422]

Thanks for writing me. I am taking a small dose of:
Xanax -  .5 mg two times daily. This may be small in comparison to other people, but for me it is very powerful. Along with that I take
20 mg Paxil  once per day
100 mg of Wellbutrin XR per day.

I have depression, anxiety and PTSD. My short-term memory is almost non-existent and I easily forget my meds or think I have taken them when I haven't. Without Xanax I become even more forgetful immediately and then confusion takes over. By the time I realize I forgot the meds, I am shaking, faint, walk unsteady and have blurred vision - just not able to cope. Every bone in my body hurts, and also headaches.So far, I have managed to take my meds in the nick of time but it really is a scary experience. I feel like I am going crazy.  

Thought of taking more Xanax seems to occupy my mind at times - as I sleep wonderful with them and all nightmares have stopped. They are a comfort on one hand, but when I forget them, I really have serious problems.

[Zali]

Hi,

On Dec. 4, you said you were tapering off Xanax and were at .125 mg. and feeling uncomfortable.  Did you reduce further?  Did you ever get off completely?

I hope all is well.

[nputte]

I was taking Xanax and felt more and more dependent on it as well which is why my doctor switched me to Klonopin. I have to tell you that it is amazing! I feel like I have my life back, she wanted me on 0.5mg twice a day, but I'm only taking it at night and I'm not agoraphobic like I was and I'm accomplishing things. I've also started therapy which is helping tremendously.

[cornyguy]

I was on 1.25 mg and not 0.125 mg.Due to problems my doctor switched me from Xanax to Klonopin .

[Zali]

Good morning,

Thanks for your clarification.  I'm sorry, I misread your post.  I hope switching to Klonopin is working out for you.  Apparently it is, according to your post.  Good luck. My doctor wants me to continue at .375 mg., where I've been stuck for six weeks.  It's very uncomfortable.  I suggested Klonopin, but the doctor disagrees.  Maybe I'll try to convince her again.  All the best to you.

[Zali]

Try to start a program of tapering off Xanax under a doctor's supervision.  The key is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about this.  Many doctors, unfortunately, do not seem to know how to do this. Very best wishes.