[PrairieCat]

I have been going off of Alprazolam/Xanax 1 mg. I think the doctor had me go off too fast. I had been taking it for at least 15 years or more for sleep at night (1 mg.) and 1/2 mg or 1 mg at times for anxiety. I have not taken it for anxiety for maybe at least a year.

I've gone down 1/4 mg per week for three weeks and am now down to nothing. Am having bad panic attacks and great anxiety and feel very, very SCARED of LIFE!

I am thinking of taking 1/8 mg for at least another week or two to see if that helps. I think I must do that. I will see doctor on June 10. I think he should have had me go down 1/4 mg for TWO WEEKS EACH instead of ONE week. Anyone have experience with this?

Hope you will reply soon. Thank you.

PrairieCat

[Little Lulu]

Prarie - you are physically fine with that a taper that slow (plus you were not on a large dose) but your brain is telling you that you are not fine ... I suspect that is the problem in a nutshell.

How you decide to proceed is up to you. You could choose to go back to a small dose, try another sleep med, or you could get some support during this time - a counselor, friend, family - someone you trust to call when you are feeling afraid.

I think it is admirable you were able to get off the daytime meds - wow ... that is a real achievement. (((PrarieCat))) You are an inspiration!!!

[PrairieCat]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

Prarie - you are physically fine with that a taper that slow (plus you were not on a large dose) but your brain is telling you that you are not fine ... I suspect that is the problem in a nutshell.

How you decide to proceed is up to you. You could choose to go back to a small dose, try another sleep med, or you could get some support during this time - a counselor, friend, family - someone you trust to call when you are feeling afraid.

I think it is admirable you were able to get off the daytime meds - wow ... that is a real achievement. (((PrarieCat))) You are an inspiration!!!

Little Lulu, thanks for your input. This was a night time med for me, for sleep, not daytime. Yes, I called a friend. I cannot go out right now, am out of melatonin for sleep, not able to get to healthfood store to get velarian or l-theanine supplement. I am feeling almost hit by a truck! I guess it will get better as time goes by.
PrairieCat

[TheatreKid]

Coming off benzos is hard. The only problem with drawing it out is that it's still going to be just as hard when you go off them in the future. If you can get through it, it will get better. You just have to stick it out sometimes. Extremely unhelpful when you're feeling like you do, but true experience.

[swheaton]

I'm tapering off Klonopin right now. I am also on a low dose Valium too. It's been tough and I am hoping for the best.

You sound like you need the benzo..is there a reason you need too come off of it?

[PrairieCat]

Originally Posted by swheaton

I'm tapering off Klonopin right now. I am also on a low dose Valium too. It's been tough and I am hoping for the best.

You sound like you need the benzo..is there a reason you need too come off of it?

Yes, there's a very good reason. I am 73. Alprazolam/Xanax can cause dementia in the elderly.