Xanax and withdrawl using Diazepam to taper

[deaglan]

I have been suffering very badly from extreme panic attacks for quite some time now and I am losing my ability to cope. I have so many symptons which stem from Anxiety, which i am certain all of you experience too. However, I want to try and taper of 'Xanax as they've long lost their efficacy and I have become totally dependent on them even though they cannot help me counteract my Anxiety.

I went to visit my doctor yesterday. It was a tough day for me as I've lost faith im him and I wanted to be referred to another doctor. Unfortunately, it never transpired and I summoned all the courage I had left to demand that I want to stop taking 'Xanax.

My doctor, seemed bemused. Even though I had phoned him two days earlier as I was in such a state of panic and having attacks verey frequently. My heart was continuously racing and my entire body was tensed up and I shaking uncontrolably.

In addressing my phonecall, I was told to increase the 'Xanax as that's what they were for and to busy myself by reading a book!

When I calmed, I made an appointment to see him yesterday. My purpose was to taper off the 'Xanax, be given a tapering programme and be referred to see a therapist (here only a doctor can get a patient to see a therapist, especially when they're being treated in the public health system)

What I was told not only offened me but made me wa't to give up. I was advised to keep taking the 'Xanax and in the new year I'll be afforded a chance to see a therapist.

I said I cannot do this. Already I am taking 2.5 mg and when I am stressed I increase it more and the worse thing is that they are only making me worse as the stress is now rampant and the 'Xanax aren't doing anything to alleviate it.

He just didn't have any response. I am convinced that doctors here or at least where I reside just aren't adept at dealing with pateints suffering from Anxiety disorders. Or if they are they believe that medication will be sufficient to  deal with it.

I had to get out. I had heard enough and because I've been repeating the same thing over and over to him over the past few months about my anxiety worsening, nearly every visit resulted in me bringing some new sympton to his attention. I had run my course. Before I did leave I asked him if I could be prescribe something to help me as I taper off. He didn't recommed anything and all I found myself saying was can I get some 'valium to calm me.

I have discussed some elements of this situation before and have been given advice before, and I thought things were beginning to improve for the better when a locum said to me last week that I need to be given something for depression and to be referred to a therapist. My failing was that I didn't change my doctor and that was my intention when I went to see him, it didn't quite turn out as anticipated.

I have been on 'Xanax for approximately 10 months. my dosage has increased from O .25 mg's to 2.5 mg's over that period.

I asked the pharmacist when I was getting the 'diazepam could I use them to taper off the 'Xanax and she said that it would be best to start taking the 'diazepam about eight hours after the last 'Xanax I took and to not mix them. In short, either stay on one or the other.

Here's the dilemma. Because neither designed a programme for me to taper off 'Xanax, I wonder if anyone has advice as to how to combine the two, if that's possible.

Thanks for any imput you may have on this.

Declan

[deaglan]

I really hadn't much choice.As I said my doctor told me to stay on the Xaxax until january,despite everything I had said about how anxious I was.I am getting sick now.I've had a rough day,palpatations,tremors,sweats,hot flushes,an overall feeling of worthlessness,even some nightmarish thoughts although I haven't slept.The diazepam don't seem to be of any advantage and I am cursing the day I ever took Xanax.I trusted that they would help me and I took them under that belief.If I can just get through tonight maybe tomorrow I wont feel as bad.I really am annoyed with myself for not being able to speak up more for myself.I am responsible for being in this position.I pity anyone that's going through anything like this.Please say a prayer for me.

[MrGreen]

Just my own opinion here. I think your choice of tablet to take over from Xanax is a bad one. Valium, as it is better known, is fast acting and short lived. It wears off in no time at all and you feel the come down from it. Klonopin is the main medication people go for when making a switch over. Even mixed with some valium until you are completely off the xanax. Klonopin can last for up to 12 hours. So would seem a better choice. But the final shout is between you and your doctor.