Go for it, and hit it hard!!
I had to stop cold turkey because the doctor that prescribed the Xanax stopped
prescribing. He wouldn't call for a refill like he always had done since he put me on it 2 years ago for my 1st go-round with TX.
I knew I was in for trouble and I tried to call my other doctors but they couldn't or wouldn't prescribe until I saw them and they were booked solid. So I had to go cold turkey. It was horrible. I went into a psychotic episode, totally broke from reality for about 6 days.I had auditory and visual hallucinations. I was throwing up all water I drank, I didn't eat or sleep for 5 days. By the time my mother called 911, I was so dehydrated the emergency people went through multiple IV bags just to get me stable. I was glad I was in the hospital. I think I would have died if I hadn't gone there.
I don't mind starting at 72 weeks, it's a walk in the park after Xanax withdrawal. The AMA or FDA should have Xanax taken away from doctors as a drug that they can prescribe. It should just be used in a controlled setting and for only the worst cases and then only for a few days before the patient becomes addicted. It would have been easier to withdraw from Heroin or Valium. Isn't that why doctors stopped prescribing Valium? Now we have Xanax which is WORSE!
I cold turkied xanax once myself and have major compassion for you right now. Sadly the 8 weeks of treatment might be out the window but man if you can do the x withdrawl...I am sure you can do the 72 weeks no problem.
Good luck.
Withdrawls cold turkey from the diazapines is a very very dangerous thing as you found out., That makes withdrawing from opiates look like childs play. Wow is all I can say. Just WOW !! That gives me the creeps just thinking about it.
But yeah, you can wash that 8 weeks away like they never happened. Luckily you weren't in week 40, brother. But, the 8 weeks probably did you some good on your VL.
Jesus, I don't know whether to laugh or cry... what ever on earth possessed you to stop xanax cold turkey ? I am mucho impressed you survived with your sanity. I'll say one thing, if you can do THAT, you can do 72 weeks of combo treatment standing on your head my friend.
Note to self: Check with physician before stopping medications.
I am not a doc, but it sounds to me like you will be starting over on week 1/72 when you restart.