I’ve been on Xanax over 20 years after the loss of a child. Started titration and stopped taking anything 6 days ago. Only big side effect is feeling jittery. My husband feels I should take a quarter Xanax to take the edge off but will that set me back? I desperately want off this medication. Appreciate any help!
What to expect at day 6 off Xanax?
Question posted by T Belle on 6 Jan 2025
Last updated on 7 January 2025
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Answers
masso
6 Jan 2025
In order for you to stop having withdrawals and stopping this benzodiazepine properly, you must stop gradually under medical supervision with the help of your Dr. with a discontinuation schedule, not cold turkey.
masso
6 Jan 2025
The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines is accompanied by a withdrawal syndrome which is typically characterized by sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, difficulty in concentration, dry wretching and nausea, some weight loss, palpitations, headache, muscular pain and stiffness and a host of perceptual changes. Instances are also reported within the high-dosage category of more serious developments such as seizures and psychotic reactions. Withdrawal from normal dosage benzodiazepine treatment can result in a number of symptomatic patterns. The most common is a short-lived "rebound" anxiety and insomnia, coming on within 1-4 days of discontinuation, depending on the half-life of the particular drug.
The second pattern is the full-blown withdrawal syndrome, usually lasting 10-14 days; finally, a third pattern may represent the return of anxiety symptoms which then persist until some form of treatment is instituted. Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines can occur following prolonged treatment with therapeutic doses, but it is not clear what proportion of patients are likely to experience a withdrawal syndrome. It is also unknown to what extent the risk of physiological dependence is dependent upon a minimum duration of exposure or dosage of these drugs. Withdrawal phenomena appear to be more severe following withdrawal from high doses or short-acting benzodiazepines.
Source: National Library of Medicine
National Center for Biotechnology Information
T Belle
6 Jan 2025
Thank you and no I have not gone cold turkey. I’ve been going down titrating for weeks and my doctor is supportive of me wanting to go off. I see her again next week.
masso
6 Jan 2025
One more aspect, as everyone is different and reacts to everything in life differently, in this case to this specific benzo, there is no one pattern of symptoms that are the same for everyone.
T Belle
6 Jan 2025
Thank you for your comment! My Dr has gotten back to me and is pleased with how the weaning off is going. I have a script for Valium if the “jitters” get bad as that is suppose to help the withdrawal process. So far not needing it.
masso
6 Jan 2025
Good for you!
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Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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