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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Getting off Xanax after long term use
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Getting off Xanax after long term use
by Jade59, Sep 09, 2007 04:16PM
I have been taking benzos for 27yrs. First ativan for 15yrs, then xanax for the last 12yrs. I have taken up to 3mgs at night, but haven't taken any more than 2mgs for about 2mos now. I take this medicine only at night for sleep. However, I stopped smoking 2mos ago and the anxiety and insomnia have gotten much worse. I am hopeful that as time goes on, these symptoms will improve. The xanax is not working anymore for sleep and I am only taking it so as not to suffer w/d . My understanding, now, is that xanax is not designed for every day use. Valium or Clonopin is better for long term anxiety. I am interested in Valium as I don't have "panic disorder. I was given a small rx for Valium for another problem entirely, but instead of taking it during the day, I have taken the 5mg tablet at night. It's working well. No I don't take xanax at the same time. My question is, how long does it take to fully withdraw from xanax? I understand it is VERY difficult to get off of. I have read about "water tritation"? Not sure of the spelling. What I need is a long term PLAN and a regimen to follow. Please, what is your suggestion? Thank You
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 10, 2007 08:45AM
, Sep 10, 2007 08:45AMTo: fmx
If I understand what you have stated here correctly, you are already weaning yourself from xanax by substituting valium. If you continue this for the next month, you will be completely free of xanax and will not need anything else to help you with withdrawals.
Member Comments (2)
by Jade59, Sep 09, 2007 04:32PM
What do you think of "Seredyn?" Thank you.
