cold turkey on xanax

[clocker522]

I have been on xanax .25  and ambien 10mg for 30 years.  felt fatigue, jelly legs, anxiety, no appetite, but bloodwork was acceptable, so figured it was that combo that was the culprit. Med. Asst. at PCP told me to quit the xanax, but I could still take one ambien at bedtime.  It has been nine days since I quit xanax, but still feel miserable. Should I have weaned off with lighter doses?

Have a Rx from PCP to see a psychiatrist to wean me off the drug.

[clocker522]

I dont get the shrink bit.  Why couldnt the pcp ween me off of xanax?

The elderly ER dr. knew what to do -  didnt seem like rocket science to him.

clocker.

[clocker522]

Good advice Vic - I had anxiety and delusions when figuring a winner for the Ky. Derby, and when a longshot beat me out of big exacta, I had a bit of depression.  Trying to stay calm for the Preakness - maybe no bets and watch calmly as Orb performs his stellar stretch run. Don't like being housebound, but nothing I can do about that. I make the spouse two drinks each night, and it doesnt bother me.  When I feel like a Smirnoff and apple juice, I know that I am better......  clocker.

[clocker522]

After 9 days I was a wet dishrag - had wife drive me over to ER in new hospital. Laid back reception, even tho I was leaning on a young clerk who got me a cup of ice water.  short wait- saw a NP, RN, and then a dr..who agreed with me about my symptoms. gave me a thorough exam, and gave me a weening schedule;  5 days of one xanax, then 5 days of 1/2 xanax(on 4th day of that) and finally, 1/2 xanax every other day. have appetite back and feel a bit better on thurs.. still take ambien for sleep, but arise after 6-7 hours; makes a long morning, but I need time to study the Preakness. got a smile from ER home care instructions -  If a dizzy spell occurs and lasts more than a few seconds, lie down until it passes. If you are lying down, then you cannot hurt yourself by falling if you do faint.    *and now time for my 10;30 nap.

[BluCrystal]

Yes, see the psychiatrist.  That will help you immensely.  blessings - Blu

[VICourageous]

Hi Good Job!! Well going c/t from a benzo can be dangerous BUT I went c/t from a benzo, adderral & methadone and I am no spring chic..I did notice a lot more anxiety or higher anxiety then I did when I came off the other opiates before..The benzos are a whole other animal..Each drug can pull the nervous system in many different directions..Since you are in 9 days it should all go down hill from here..Just try not to stress because that makes it worse..I had some "Calm" powder around my house that the Dr told me to get many years ago..It is a anti-stress drink with a relaxing magnesium supplement..You are doing good just keep on going do not go back to the meds if you do not have too!! Give this time to pass..OK

[EvolverU]

Congrats to you on your big 9 days! Way to kick that stuff to curb. Xanax is rough. What you're going through is normal. It has to come out of your system. (you can test positive for it for a month or so!) It took me about that time to readjust after using benzos for just a couple of months to mitigate w/d's from Methadone. What you're experiencing is very 'neural' in nature Your brain/body chemistry needs time to readjust -- particularly your Serotonin levels. Are you sleeping, my friend?.