xanax withdrawal

[greyzrule]

I've been on xanax on and off (mostly on) for over 20 yrs.  It started as needed, then time would pass and I would be ok, then took some as needed again. Never felt like I abused it.  (.25-.5mg only).  For the past 1-2 yrs. I have taken it everyday b/c of insomnia and nervousness.  This summer, after being on xanax xr between .5-1.0 mg. 2x day - I started getting all kinds of physical symptoms, including anxiety, but it felt different than it ever did before. The insomnia got worse, I am racing all the time and the memory stinks. I think I met my tolerance level and refuse to take more.  I want to taper off and put a call into my dr.   I've been getting panic attacks this year after not having them for a long time.  I don't know if I should try klonopin or neurotin while tapering off the xanax, b/c reading about the withdrawal is very scary.  Any comments or help here is appreciated.

[Atilla]

I had been on Xanax for many years as well.  I screwed up when I decided to switch to Lexapro, an antipressant for anxiety and depression.  I did not stay long of this drug.  I have also tried the new sleeping pills like Lunesta for sleep.  I did not like the hangover effects on this drug.  Now I am taking Lorazepam.    I will stay with this drug for anxiety for now as I am tired of switching and most importantly,  it does help me sleep which is a big concern for me.  

[Jennifermarielib]

I'too have taken lorazepam for years.  Then I had symptoms very similar to what you stated and was put on Klonopin.  Not a good idea. I never abused the lower doses of lorazepam, and when I wa switched to Klonopin it screwed me up big!  I was on it for about 2 1/2 months and started to take it occasionally with 1 glass of wine. Not something I would recommend doing becasue it got out of hand in that short of a time frame.  It is very strong and works very fast and the withdrawal is a complete nightmare! I am 15 days without Klonopin and my body is messed up and will be for how ever much longer I don't know.  Withdrawal has me more scared than learning to re-cope with anxiety.  And that's not easy. Take care..