xanax withdrawal

[dogmansis]

I've been on xanax for yrs, fortunately a low dose, .25 mg 3 times a day.  Got tired of the drive to see my shrink (40 mi away), and the price of the visits.  Now I'm out of pills, was also on Lexapro, ran out of both 2 days ago.  Experiencing withdrawal now, and would like to know how long will it last.  I live by myself in the country.  Any advice will be welcomed.  BTW, I HAVE been eating, mostly fruit.  I'm still a little thing, about 105 lbs, and just turned 50 2 weeks ago. Thanks for the help.  Debbie

[xanweaner]

Yes, you have to taper down on this...you are currently taking .75 mg/day and that still requires a tapering down. Also, Lexapro requires a tapering down as well.

You must call your prescribing Dr. again to set up this tapering schedule for both meds. Very, very important - as Greenlydia has written.

There are different approaches to take in doing this withdrawal. Do a search on the site here for both xanax as well as lexapro withdrawal so you can read up on different solutions.

For both safety as well as a successful discontinuation, you have to follow a plan, but again, it starts with your Dr.

Make that call right away - and you can call on a Sunday, as this does require immediate attention. Especially given the fact that you're in the country alone and if something should occur, you might need medical assistance right away.

Please take care of yourself,
-xan-

[RubyWitch]

Dear Debbie,
Please, please, please..................make ONE MORE drive to your therapist and pay the price for the visit. It could save your life! You can NOT just quit Xanax cold turkey! You say you've been on it for years. It's going to take you MONTHS to withdraw from this particular med correctly and safely! I'm not sure about the Lexapro but I don't think that should be a "cold turkey" w/d either. If you want to learn about why you shouldn't CT (cold turkey) Xanax, go to the top of the webpage and type in "Xanax/Ryan." You will learn much that you need to know.
But I am begging you to please see your therapist this one last time and have him/her supervise your withdrawl from Xanax. What you are attempting is dangerous and frightening. I'm sorry if I've scared you, but I think you need to be a little scared right now. Please let us know how you're doing. Please keep talking to us, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia