zanax withdrawals

[IMPK]

OK, I think I have submitted a question about ten times trying to figure out my way around this website-  someone sent me a link to RYAN - but I couldn't find where to post a question when I went there.  now I am here so I am posting again.  I have been taking .5 mg zanax 2-3 tabs a night for over a year.  I am having extreme memory problems and basically sleeping thru my life.  I want to get off this drug.  I tried substituting tylenol pm and started having withdrawal symptoms after 2 nights.  My question is how to taper off this drug slowly so I don't have terrible withdrawal symptoms.  My doctor will help if I need her.  I also have a pharmacist nephew who can probably help me.  My withdrawal symptoms were nervousness and jittery feeling.  I got startled easily at work.  Thank you for your help  IMPK

[Paxiled]

My own opinion is that you should speak to a psychiatrist who seems to understand withdrawal and work out a schedule that suits you and only you, because we all react differently.  Some swim by, some have a hard time, so the tapering will be longer or shorter depending on how you react.  But do this with someone who understands benzos, because stopping them can be dangerous, and regular docs aren't as well versed in psychopharmacology as psychiatrists.  On the mental health forum, Dr. Gould usually recommends a three week taper, but that's very general, and he sometimes suggests, depending on how long the person's been on the benzo an anti-seizure med. to be safe.  See, it's very dependent on the person, and you're the only you.

[RubyWitch]

Go to the top of this page and find the green box that says "post question." Write a tag in there such as "xanax" or "anxiety," or whatever. That will open a screen for you to write your question. Cut and paste the link I sent you and hit "post comment" at the right rear bottom. That will take you directly to the group and there you find another box that asks you to  "post a question." Put in a title so people will know the main topic of your post and then write what you want..........hit the "post comment" box and it's done.
It's a bit difficult, I know and MH, I believe, is working to make it easier to reach the various groups available.
Any more problems, please let me know
Peace
Greenlydia    

[kane3]

Xanax can be a highly addictable med, and especially if you were relying on it at night time. Withdrawl symptoms are almost impossible not to expect. But you should talk to your doctor first, letting her know that this is what you want and what's the safest route for you to start weaning off of this medication. I would personally suggest taking 2-.5mg tablets for a month and a half...then 1-.5mg tablets for a month and a half and then half of that for a month and a half and then weaning off of it totally. That would be  along the lines of what your  doctor would say also. But make sure you notify her first of doing this and also someone close to you so they can check in from time to time and see how your doing. When coming off some meds, some people can turn south in a hurry. So always be in touch with someone. I hope all goes well for you, keep in touch.

Kane