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Switching From Xanax to Valium Cold Turkey - Need Help ASAP
For the last 4 years I have been on Xanax. I started off the first year at .5mg xanax about twice a day. For the last three years i've been on 1mg of xanax 2-3 times daily. Starting earlier this month my doctor increased my dosage of Xanax from 1mg three times daily to the bars (2mg) two or three times daily.
Here's the problem: I recently went on a vacation and didn't realize it but lost about two weeks worth (30 2mg xanax bars). I brought my medicine and it got destroyed by water.
I get my refill of xanax around the 2nd of December (I can most likely pick the script up 3 days beforehand). I didn't want to stop taking the benzos cold turkey for a week so a friend gave me about 40 10mg Valiums until I get my script in about a week and a half.
I am worried that I will still withdrawal from Xanax while being on the 10mg valiums for a week. The last thing I want is to experience a seizure or any other serious xanax withdrawal effect.
I do have about 2 xanax bars left. I usually take 2-3 bars a day though (i'm so used to xanax - I can fully function on even 3 bars taken at once). Should I notify my doctor that I lost the remaining xanax? Or should the 10mg valiums relieve any xanax withdrawal effects for just a week?
This has me so terrified. How many 10mg Valiums does it take to equal about 2-3 tablets of 2mg xanax? I just need to know if I should be worried about the Xanax withdrawal effects even though I have Valium.
Starting next month i'm going to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to get weened/tapered the xanax so I don't have to take so much. I already have an appointment - I just need to know if I will be able to survive the xanax withdrawal effects via replacing xanax with valium for just a week.
Is this dangerous? Even though I have some 10mg valiums - should I ask my doctor for a weeks supply of Xanax until I get my next refill?
Thanks for your help!!!
Here's the problem: I recently went on a vacation and didn't realize it but lost about two weeks worth (30 2mg xanax bars). I brought my medicine and it got destroyed by water.
I get my refill of xanax around the 2nd of December (I can most likely pick the script up 3 days beforehand). I didn't want to stop taking the benzos cold turkey for a week so a friend gave me about 40 10mg Valiums until I get my script in about a week and a half.
I am worried that I will still withdrawal from Xanax while being on the 10mg valiums for a week. The last thing I want is to experience a seizure or any other serious xanax withdrawal effect.
I do have about 2 xanax bars left. I usually take 2-3 bars a day though (i'm so used to xanax - I can fully function on even 3 bars taken at once). Should I notify my doctor that I lost the remaining xanax? Or should the 10mg valiums relieve any xanax withdrawal effects for just a week?
This has me so terrified. How many 10mg Valiums does it take to equal about 2-3 tablets of 2mg xanax? I just need to know if I should be worried about the Xanax withdrawal effects even though I have Valium.
Starting next month i'm going to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to get weened/tapered the xanax so I don't have to take so much. I already have an appointment - I just need to know if I will be able to survive the xanax withdrawal effects via replacing xanax with valium for just a week.
Is this dangerous? Even though I have some 10mg valiums - should I ask my doctor for a weeks supply of Xanax until I get my next refill?
Thanks for your help!!!
We're not permitted to give specific dosing information. The medications are in the same family, but it isn't always cut and dry to replace one with another. I would strongly recommend talking to your doctor about this. It sounds like you're taking more of your Xanax than is prescribed, which can put you in a very bad position.
I wish you the best. If you come back to update us, please start your own new thread, as this one is quite old...thanks!
I wish you the best. If you come back to update us, please start your own new thread, as this one is quite old...thanks!
Ok I've read a few stories people have posted and they sound like they can't just speak the truth and i'm going to be completely honest. I messed up and I can't take the chance of going into withdrawal and having a seizer. It's happened before but that time honestly wan't my fault. But this month I messed up like I said and I take 2mg 2x daily of Alprazolam and I'm 10 days short. So I have Valium 5mg. I just want to no if I take the valium until I get my Alprazolam in 10 days? will I go threw withdrawal or will I be ok? I'm extremely nervous and I just want to no the truth if I'll be ok until I get my prescription. I no this was extremely stupid but will I be ok? Please tell me if valium keeps you from going through withdrawal from alprazolam,please! Aren't they in the same family? Thank you for your help!
*NOTE* I know this is an old tread but I hope someone reads it, nursegirl, reness, Dj etc..
First off, I agree with DJMO98765 that he has red flags.
He stated:". Starting earlier this month my doctor increased my dosage of Xanax from 1mg three times daily to the bars (2mg) two or three times daily." We know he has been on it for four years so yes, tolerance maybe in case.
An addicted would have upped it or tried too, less than a year off being on it. This guy wants to go to C.B.T. and we should not judge him as a drug addicted.
However, I know the "Red Flag" was when he said:" (i'm so used to xanax - I can fully function on even 3 bars taken at once)" That is ABUSE! But he never said how often he takes more than one or made it clear. I understand he also stated:" I get them three days early." So, I understand how you may see it as abuse but I disagree you maybe wrong and he is really having a tolerance issue because I have also.
Lastly, his doctor should have not upped him;instead taper him off to another benzo. But what I am really upset about is DJMO98765, your igorant remark that " The bars are mainly intended for people who are facing death or something really tramatic(MS, Terminal cancer, or just facing death in general" You are 100% not accurate. Please do some research on what they are used for! I want to make myself clear...Igorance is when you are not educated about an issues or something;where as stupid is when you know! So I want to educated you that xanax and all benzos are for the treatment of panic disorder, agoraphobia etc. So please, understand that is a serious matter and has helped many people.
You say for people with cancer or dying...well I know two people who were sick and on their way out and GUESS WHAT? They had no panic attacks! I am healthy, not dying and have a very long history of major panic attacks.
So you need to be educated on this issue before making statements or judgements like that. "Just want to advise you!" Xanax saved my life and I never tried drugs nor alcohol but all types of anti-depressants, buspur and other non- narcotic anxiety meds that did not help me what so ever. I was house bound for two years, which made me very depressed. Thus, finally as a LAST RESORT tried xanax in January 2003.
I started at 1 mgs. 3 x's daily and then, on my own in the first few months,went down to .05 mgs 3x's daily. Now , it has been ten years and the highest I went up to was a 2 mgs 24 E.R. tablet and 1 mgs 3 x's daily.
In ten years, I am at 5 mgs total and last month I taper down to 2 mgs.!
I did it fast by dropping 3 mgs in a months time. Like that guy, my doctor wanted to up me as well because I told him it was not working. I told my doctor that is the worst thing to do!!. So he ask me, what I wanted to do, which is get off and use Valium. I have no problems and Valium is working good. I, personally do not feel it works better than xanax. For me, it is the same! I'll be back to check in to any cooments or questions.
Thanks,
Shell!
First off, I agree with DJMO98765 that he has red flags.
He stated:". Starting earlier this month my doctor increased my dosage of Xanax from 1mg three times daily to the bars (2mg) two or three times daily." We know he has been on it for four years so yes, tolerance maybe in case.
An addicted would have upped it or tried too, less than a year off being on it. This guy wants to go to C.B.T. and we should not judge him as a drug addicted.
However, I know the "Red Flag" was when he said:" (i'm so used to xanax - I can fully function on even 3 bars taken at once)" That is ABUSE! But he never said how often he takes more than one or made it clear. I understand he also stated:" I get them three days early." So, I understand how you may see it as abuse but I disagree you maybe wrong and he is really having a tolerance issue because I have also.
Lastly, his doctor should have not upped him;instead taper him off to another benzo. But what I am really upset about is DJMO98765, your igorant remark that " The bars are mainly intended for people who are facing death or something really tramatic(MS, Terminal cancer, or just facing death in general" You are 100% not accurate. Please do some research on what they are used for! I want to make myself clear...Igorance is when you are not educated about an issues or something;where as stupid is when you know! So I want to educated you that xanax and all benzos are for the treatment of panic disorder, agoraphobia etc. So please, understand that is a serious matter and has helped many people.
You say for people with cancer or dying...well I know two people who were sick and on their way out and GUESS WHAT? They had no panic attacks! I am healthy, not dying and have a very long history of major panic attacks.
So you need to be educated on this issue before making statements or judgements like that. "Just want to advise you!" Xanax saved my life and I never tried drugs nor alcohol but all types of anti-depressants, buspur and other non- narcotic anxiety meds that did not help me what so ever. I was house bound for two years, which made me very depressed. Thus, finally as a LAST RESORT tried xanax in January 2003.
I started at 1 mgs. 3 x's daily and then, on my own in the first few months,went down to .05 mgs 3x's daily. Now , it has been ten years and the highest I went up to was a 2 mgs 24 E.R. tablet and 1 mgs 3 x's daily.
In ten years, I am at 5 mgs total and last month I taper down to 2 mgs.!
I did it fast by dropping 3 mgs in a months time. Like that guy, my doctor wanted to up me as well because I told him it was not working. I told my doctor that is the worst thing to do!!. So he ask me, what I wanted to do, which is get off and use Valium. I have no problems and Valium is working good. I, personally do not feel it works better than xanax. For me, it is the same! I'll be back to check in to any cooments or questions.
Thanks,
Shell!
Hello there! I don't know if you noticed, but this thread is almost 3 years old, the OP is not on the site any longer.
Your advice is still good, and I agree with most of it. There ARE lots of people, besides just people who are "dying" who are on high dose benzos, but they have to be maintained VERY closely by a specialist.
The most important message, like you restated, is that the ONLY safe way to handle a situation like this is under the supervision of a doctor.
FYI...for future reference, any thread marked with an hourglass symbol is 6 months+ old. Always a good idea to peak at dates when posting. I hate to see people spend time putting together a thoughtful reply, like you have, when the OP is long gone.
Welcome to the forum, btw! :0)
Your advice is still good, and I agree with most of it. There ARE lots of people, besides just people who are "dying" who are on high dose benzos, but they have to be maintained VERY closely by a specialist.
The most important message, like you restated, is that the ONLY safe way to handle a situation like this is under the supervision of a doctor.
FYI...for future reference, any thread marked with an hourglass symbol is 6 months+ old. Always a good idea to peak at dates when posting. I hate to see people spend time putting together a thoughtful reply, like you have, when the OP is long gone.
Welcome to the forum, btw! :0)
Personally I feel your story fits many scenaros of someone who is addicted or becoming addicited. There is nothing wrong with increasing med doses but look at what you wrote. In one year you went up at a staggering rate. Second you lost a bunch somehow and want them replaced.(classic excuse for addicted people because they take too much and run out too early; or sell them-whatever excuse to get more) All the while you are taking higher and higher doses. Im not one to pass judgement, but you need to find a new doctor and get some help. The bars are mainly intended for people who are facing death or something really tramatic(MS, Terminal cancer, or just facing death in general, but you are taking up to 3 a day. My advice would be to step down the way you stepped up, under supervison of a professional and then tackle the underlying problem once you detox. I am not trying to be a jerk, Im just callling it how I see it; and you sound like you are or becoming addicted to Benzos. SEEK HELP WHILE YOU CAN! ITS NOT TOO LATE.
It is PRECISELY because nursegirl does "realize the severity of the situation" that she gave the advice she did, which is the medically correct and safest advice.
I don't know where all your anger is coming from, but it's something I think you should deal with. If you disagree with the advice nursegirl gave, fine. State your case like an adult. For you to come blundering into this thread using very immature and crude analogies about the advice given by nursegirl is unacceptable, as is calling someone with her medical background and knowledge a "loser and an idiot."
This forum is intended for posters to get accurate and safe medical advice. It is not a place to learn how to keep trouble at bay by playing "junior chemist" with borrowed psychotropic drugs.
Nursegirls advice to see the doctor on call, go to an Urgent Care Clinic or the Emergency Room are the only three options this original poster should consider. Oh, and flushing the diazepam was perhaps the best advice of all.
If you'd like to continue this discussion without the anger and name calling, please start a new thread. I'm pretty sure other posters on here would like to contribute their thoughts.
You WERE right about one thing at least........and I know nursegirl will disagree with me, but her cupcakes really are quite horrid.
Peace
Greenlydia
I don't know where all your anger is coming from, but it's something I think you should deal with. If you disagree with the advice nursegirl gave, fine. State your case like an adult. For you to come blundering into this thread using very immature and crude analogies about the advice given by nursegirl is unacceptable, as is calling someone with her medical background and knowledge a "loser and an idiot."
This forum is intended for posters to get accurate and safe medical advice. It is not a place to learn how to keep trouble at bay by playing "junior chemist" with borrowed psychotropic drugs.
Nursegirls advice to see the doctor on call, go to an Urgent Care Clinic or the Emergency Room are the only three options this original poster should consider. Oh, and flushing the diazepam was perhaps the best advice of all.
If you'd like to continue this discussion without the anger and name calling, please start a new thread. I'm pretty sure other posters on here would like to contribute their thoughts.
You WERE right about one thing at least........and I know nursegirl will disagree with me, but her cupcakes really are quite horrid.
Peace
Greenlydia
What ever turned out to happen??? I am concerned, have similar issues, and am interested to know! Please tell us!
I'm glad to hear you're not abusing it, I just had to ask...there was several concerning things in your post. Certain things just didn't add up. These types of posts are always a red flag for us too...and obviously you can understand that we couldn't "advise" you on a formula anyway for flip-flopping the two meds, it is just irresponsible advice.
The thing is....I couldn't possibly guaruntee (nor could anyone) that exchanging the Valium for the Xanax would be enough to keep you "out of the wooods" for problems. While they are obviously both benzos, they work a bit differently. Valium is more of a preferred long-term drug, similar to Klonopin, where I believe it has to build up in your system. I hope for your sake that Ryan stops by...he would be able to give you reassurance as to whether or not you could safely "switch" from one to another for a week, without actually giving you dosing instructions. At your dose, my honest opinion is "no".
Your doctor may be out of town, but docs have to have someone covering for them. Honestly, if you want to play it safe, you should find a way to speak to the on-call doc....or request an urgent appt with your doc's colleague. If that doesn't pan out...then head to the ER or an urg-care type clinic.
I am just VERY concerned that at the high dose of Xanax that you're on, you really are playing with fire here. Let's hope ryan shows up and can shed some light on this for you.
Obviously, too. taking other's meds is just a "no no", and being that Valium is a controlled substance, your friend could actually get himself into some trouble doing that. Just an FYI.
Please just from now on, be careful, and I think that your plan to take on CBT and get on a safe tapering plan is the way to go. There are many better options out there than to be on such a high dose of Xanax. Klonopin, for example, would be one option. It doesn't share the tolerance issue of the Xanax, and I'm very surprised that instead of looking at other options, the docs just kept upping your dose.
Good luck...let us know what happens.
The thing is....I couldn't possibly guaruntee (nor could anyone) that exchanging the Valium for the Xanax would be enough to keep you "out of the wooods" for problems. While they are obviously both benzos, they work a bit differently. Valium is more of a preferred long-term drug, similar to Klonopin, where I believe it has to build up in your system. I hope for your sake that Ryan stops by...he would be able to give you reassurance as to whether or not you could safely "switch" from one to another for a week, without actually giving you dosing instructions. At your dose, my honest opinion is "no".
Your doctor may be out of town, but docs have to have someone covering for them. Honestly, if you want to play it safe, you should find a way to speak to the on-call doc....or request an urgent appt with your doc's colleague. If that doesn't pan out...then head to the ER or an urg-care type clinic.
I am just VERY concerned that at the high dose of Xanax that you're on, you really are playing with fire here. Let's hope ryan shows up and can shed some light on this for you.
Obviously, too. taking other's meds is just a "no no", and being that Valium is a controlled substance, your friend could actually get himself into some trouble doing that. Just an FYI.
Please just from now on, be careful, and I think that your plan to take on CBT and get on a safe tapering plan is the way to go. There are many better options out there than to be on such a high dose of Xanax. Klonopin, for example, would be one option. It doesn't share the tolerance issue of the Xanax, and I'm very surprised that instead of looking at other options, the docs just kept upping your dose.
Good luck...let us know what happens.
I have suffered serious panic attacks since my mother passed away about 6 years ago. I don't abuse it - tell you the truth I hate the (excuse my language) effing drug. Makes you feel like blah... but it's the only thing that helps with my tachycardia, panic attacks, stress, heart palpitations, etc. I used to drink alcohol to self medicate myself but I stopped that.
I've been trying to set up an appointment with a CBT for about a year - so I can wean off this drug. It's just my tolerance - it's really not my fault. I told the dr. that the xanax really has been giving "no effect" on me lately (unless I take a few more than recommended) for my panic attacks. So he upped me... until I can see the CBT. In no way in hell will I flush those Valiums because I'm not about to experience a seizure - I have two daughters. I'm not taking them to get high - I can't get high on these honestly. I have too much of a tolerance. I think I've felt heavily buzzed off a xanax maybe twice in four years.
The drug *****, all I wanted was advice. Will the Valium save me for a week until I get my refill? Once I get my refill - I'm immediately cutting down because I never want to go through this dilemma again.
About my tolerance - I've been telling my doctors for years about it. All they want to do us up and up it. I take Zoloft with it - so that helps too but these panic attacks are happening more and more lately.
I just want to make it though until next week so I can finally start to wean myself off the medication and trying alternate therapies.
Having said that, I am pumped to see my CBT about my panic attacks/social anxiety/stress.
Well my Dr. is out of town so I'm screwed. I guess I'll be looking forward to these seizures. If you can give me advice on how to avoid the seizures that would be great. I have two daughters and the last thing I want is to have a deadly seizure.
I've been trying to set up an appointment with a CBT for about a year - so I can wean off this drug. It's just my tolerance - it's really not my fault. I told the dr. that the xanax really has been giving "no effect" on me lately (unless I take a few more than recommended) for my panic attacks. So he upped me... until I can see the CBT. In no way in hell will I flush those Valiums because I'm not about to experience a seizure - I have two daughters. I'm not taking them to get high - I can't get high on these honestly. I have too much of a tolerance. I think I've felt heavily buzzed off a xanax maybe twice in four years.
The drug *****, all I wanted was advice. Will the Valium save me for a week until I get my refill? Once I get my refill - I'm immediately cutting down because I never want to go through this dilemma again.
About my tolerance - I've been telling my doctors for years about it. All they want to do us up and up it. I take Zoloft with it - so that helps too but these panic attacks are happening more and more lately.
I just want to make it though until next week so I can finally start to wean myself off the medication and trying alternate therapies.
Having said that, I am pumped to see my CBT about my panic attacks/social anxiety/stress.
Well my Dr. is out of town so I'm screwed. I guess I'll be looking forward to these seizures. If you can give me advice on how to avoid the seizures that would be great. I have two daughters and the last thing I want is to have a deadly seizure.
Your answer is provided by yourself....
"Is this dangerous? Even though I have some 10mg valiums - should I ask my doctor for a weeks supply of Xanax until I get my next refill? "
Honestly, something isn't adding up here. Your best bet is to contact your doctor. You should NOT be accepting Rx meds from anyone, nor should your friend be sharing his meds.
Your dose of Xanax is significantly high, and with the tolerance issues, you will only need a higher and higher dose, as you well know (considering that you said that 6 mg Xanax doesn't even affect you...that is outrageous!!!).
If you try to substitute the Valium for the Xanax until you get your script, you're playing with fire, and with the high dose you take....withdrawals could be a very serious issue for you. While they are in the same class, they still function a bit differently...it isn't as easy as replacing one for another.
Do NOT mess with this. Flush the Valium and call your doctor.
Lastly....and I mean no disrespect by this at all, I'm only pointing out what is a HUGE red flag for me. The use of certain terminology amongst other things in your post has me concerned. Are you abusing Xanax? I have a sneaking suspicion you are, which is a whole different story. If you are...you'd be doing yourself a favor by taking the first step towards getting some help, which on this site...there are awesome people who can help you do that.
Whatever you do...if you are taking 6+mg of Xanax a day, you absolutely MUST not stop abruptly. You will risk seizures for sure, not to mention some other potential problems.
Good luck.
"Is this dangerous? Even though I have some 10mg valiums - should I ask my doctor for a weeks supply of Xanax until I get my next refill? "
Honestly, something isn't adding up here. Your best bet is to contact your doctor. You should NOT be accepting Rx meds from anyone, nor should your friend be sharing his meds.
Your dose of Xanax is significantly high, and with the tolerance issues, you will only need a higher and higher dose, as you well know (considering that you said that 6 mg Xanax doesn't even affect you...that is outrageous!!!).
If you try to substitute the Valium for the Xanax until you get your script, you're playing with fire, and with the high dose you take....withdrawals could be a very serious issue for you. While they are in the same class, they still function a bit differently...it isn't as easy as replacing one for another.
Do NOT mess with this. Flush the Valium and call your doctor.
Lastly....and I mean no disrespect by this at all, I'm only pointing out what is a HUGE red flag for me. The use of certain terminology amongst other things in your post has me concerned. Are you abusing Xanax? I have a sneaking suspicion you are, which is a whole different story. If you are...you'd be doing yourself a favor by taking the first step towards getting some help, which on this site...there are awesome people who can help you do that.
Whatever you do...if you are taking 6+mg of Xanax a day, you absolutely MUST not stop abruptly. You will risk seizures for sure, not to mention some other potential problems.
Good luck.
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