I've been taking Xanax 1 mg twice a day for 25 years or anxiety panic attacks post-traumatic stress syndrome has anybody successfully got off of Xanax? The reason I ask they want to get me off of Xanax but I' have taken 2 milligrams per day and it helps me with everyday life. I don't abuse it. Do you think the doctor has the right to take me off or do you know someone who's been off of it after 25 years?
I have been taking Xanax 1mg two times a day for 25 years. Has anyone successfully quit?
Question posted by Ronlove777 on 21 Jan 2020
Last updated on 2 September 2021 by Daverss
3 Answers
Daverss
2 Sep 2021
I guess the Dr, Has the right , but after so long ,it is unethical IMO & dangerous .
I been taking Xanax since 1993 & 4 mg a day + since 2008 .
I don't think ill ever quit Xanax or other Benzo class meds , & if I were forced to I'd likely start drinking again & after 19 years sober (Nobody even me is scared of that ) .
Unless a miracle happens ; I'm comfortable with my fate . + I created this issue (but it helped/helps me a-lot) ..I blame no-one for my dependance + I do not abuse this like I did Booze .
I wish you the best in the future , PS I'm 50 y/o & live a Very Stressful Life .
Inactive
21 Jan 2020
I was able to quit! I'm sure you can too!! (I am 55, btw)
It is very, very difficult to get off of, but you can do it! I was on a lower dose than you, and not as long... but I think it's difficult no matter what. There is a world of support for those wishing to make this change.
Google the Ashton Method... it gives detailed information on how to wean and ways to assist along the way. Some people do well transitioning into longer acting benzodiazapenes (like Valium), but all suggest VERY "LOW AND SLOW CUTS!" Like 10-15% every 2 weeks. The Ashton Method will also give you information on possible side effects you may have (which can be truly wonky).
God Bless You!! Work closely with your Dr and make sure he understand the need to go VERY slowly in order to do this right. There is a ton of documentation supporting that...
NOTE: It's not recommended to go to a Rehab Facility to have this process done faster. Such places get you off safely, but it's done too quickly and afterwards you can have a much longer and harder recovery. Take the time.. and do it SLOW!!
D
lmchoyle
21 Jan 2020
I was taking 2 mg XR three times a day for 14 years. I weaned myself off it myself verrrrry slowly. First i just dumped the 2mg one I took at noon. Then (yes I know you're not supposed to cut them but I did) after about 3 months, i cut the morning one in half. Same way... slowly over a few months. Then i eliminated the half in the morning so i was only taking the one at night. This was/is the one I was more dependant on for sleeping so i cut them into quarters. I took 3 quarters for 3 months, 2 quarters for 3 months and then after 3 months I had my doctor switch me over to the 1 mg ones, three times a day as needed. I take half of one at night. So far no bad withdrawals but I did it slowly. I WILL eventually give this up totally. It's one drug that is very hard to get your body off of. The key is go SLOW. I wish I had never started taking it in the first place...
all I did was worry that I was going to run out and have to go thru withdrawals - I am not going to feel like a slave to a drug for very much longer!!! I think this probably would have been easier if I had my doctor on board bur he didn't want me off it. I feel SO MUCH better now!!! ... Good luck to you !!!
Ronlove777
21 Jan 2020
Thank you so much for your feedback unfortunately I was hospitalized three times trying to get off the medication because I suffer from anxiety panic attacks and agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress syndrome after 25 years my doctor was to take me off I don't drink and I don't do drugs well for some reason he wants to take me off and I'm afraid I'm 50 years old now I have a brother who has cerebral palsy my older sister is in a nursing home my little sister has a son so they depend on me and I depend on myself to be strong and well do you know if the doctors actually have the right to take my medication that's actually helping you instead of destroying you I don't know but it seems every few years to try to trade take me off I was wondering my rights God bless you and thank you for your feedback and if you came this far I know you going to do it be free be free at last
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, syndrome
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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