what is the recommended way to stop taking xanax

[MissMDV24]

I have been taking xanax since i was 16. I had real bad social anxiety and it made me feel good and confident going to parties. Since i wasnt old enough to drink it was an alternative to getting messed up. I'am now 25 and feel i cant live a normal life without taking xanax.....I can take up to 4 xanax bars a day if i have them. It is causing me to be a different person and when i run out of my perscription i will buy it on the streets spending large amounts of money. Im starting to get tingling on my left side and lots of chest pains. Im not sure if this is from all the xanax taking or when i dont have any is this me going through withdrawals. I vomit sometimes and get many stomaches and mood swings. It is ruining the person i want to be for my husband and kids. What is best way to stop taking this pill that consumes my life everyday?

[dominosarah]

You have to get totally honest with your doctor and tell them what you are doing.  These have to be tapered slowly......Your life depends on this.  Please do this.  You are worth getting your life back           sara

[gnarly_1]

HI and welcome to the forum...first off you need to get the dr who is prescribing them involved ...if your taking 4 2mg bars a day thats a lot and its going to take a wile to ween off safely ....your dr will know what to do...I have been down this road they will cut your dose back a little bit every 2 weeks but you need to be monitored by a dr wile doing this
theirs a risk of seizures if its done incorrectly ...you have been on them a long time it might be a bit of a struggle to get off them but it can be done....some dr switch you to a longer lasting benzo like valum to do this then ween you off that ...xanax is particularly hard because it works on its own brain receptor thats different then other benzos so the switching thing isent always such a good idea...just get with your dr and tell him/her that your sick of the ups and downs with the xanex and want off of it...they will work out a safe taper...this is nothing you can do over night its going to take several months at the dose your at...good luck and God bless....Gnarly      

[LeaAnn807]

Easier said than done?  Seeing a doc?  You just have to do it honey!  You could die if you stop them cold turkey.  I know it's hard, but you have to be honest in order to get the help you need.  Either that.....or taper on your own at home.  Now THAT may be easier said than done.  : )

Do you have someone who could help you by holding the pills?

[MissMDV24]

Easier said then done.....I wish it was that simple. I did start seeing a therapist but havent been to honest  with her either.

[LeaAnn807]

You need to see a doctor.  Xanax has to be tapered carefully and slowly.