I have been detoxing or withdrawing for almost 2 weeks. Tapered off 4 mgs a day over the past year. I'm wondering how long the withdrawing symptoms will continue at this level. How can I help it?
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal - Anyone here! I'm just getting off Xanax after 22 years on board.
Question posted by Shrimpton27 on 1 Feb 2018
Last updated on 1 October 2021
17 Answers
ScrewyLouey
22 April 2020
Well, I sure hope the OP was able to get off and stay off - I haven’t read the whole thread. I add my $0.02 because it’s only by seeing a bunch of accounts can anyone get an idea of what they may expect by detoxing. I went off Klonopin after being on 1 mg for 20 years. I’m not sure what the dose difference will do to your time. Everyone’s withdrawal symptoms are different anyway, so there is no hard and fast blueprint. I did a taper, but on my own and probably too fast. Get a pro’s help if you can. For me, after stopping entirely, the worst of it was past after about 6 months. That’s when I was able to regularly get a full night’s sleep without any medical help and not have to go back on anything (I had a few 2 month-long stints on mirtazapine before that). Mirtazapine will pack on the pounds, but, at least in my experience, it didn’t cause addiction, and, most importantly, it gets you to sleep.
I would have to say that it took about a year to where I could say that I fully recovered to the point where I didn’t feel like I was on emotional roller skates. I still have low level tinnitus. That will never go away, but I barely notice it anymore. I haven’t taken anything for about a year and a half now.
sammycody
14 April 2020
How did you get on?
Iv been taking diazepam/lorazepam daily for around 4 months. Iv reduced my dose on my own down to 10mg of diazepam a day. Still though I feel horrendous for a lot of the day, anxiety, panic attacks, headaches, nausea, breathlessness, can't function at all. These sites seem to be making me so much worse. I want to try and taper down quickly as I haven't been on them as long as most people. How long do these intense withdrawal symptoms last when you take the last dose? I honestly don't know where to turn.
elandem
25 March 2020
Clearly, by the number of responses this is a difficult issue. I got off Klonopin last year, but I did it very very slowly... cutting back 1/4 of the dose very 2 weeks. Regarding sleep, YES, that was the worst issue for me. If you don't mind adding something in (and atypical antidepressant) 15 mg of Remeron works wonders... and it is then easier to come off of once you are off benzos. Or Trazodone also works well for sleep. Hang in there and frankly, now is a bad time to be going off anything--so you have my sympathy.
masso
25 March 2020
"Do not stop using Remeron suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (such as dizziness, vomiting, anxiety, confusion, strange dreams, feeling shaky). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine."
Trazodone
"You should not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as dizziness, vomiting, agitation, sweating, confusion, numbness, tingling, or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine."
Source: Drugs.com
elandem
25 March 2020
Dear Shrimpton27,
I hope it is clear that I was only providing a suggestion for something that has worked for me, and others I know, i.e., a short course (weeks, not months or years) of taking something at a low dose that might help with the difficult transition you are trying to make. Of course you would need to do this with your Dr. who may or may not think this is appropriate in your circumstance. The literature suggests that coming off benzodiazepines (especially when taken for 22 years) is much more difficult than stopping a short course of an antidepressant at a low dose--- which is why it is common practice to give such an alternative medication to assist in the transition. That said, again, the pros and cons of that can easily be discussed with your Dr. I am a Dr.
(Phd, not MD--big difference, I do research, I do not treat patients) and I work in the Department of Psychiatry at a major medical center so I try very hard to keep up with "best practices", especially since I too have struggled with mental health issues over the past 15 years. I'm new to this forum, but it is my understanding that this is for folks to share their personal experience, guided by what they may know professionally, to merely suggest a potentially helpful path that someone might want to explore. As a rule I do not support "poly-pharmacy", however, in certain instances it can be helpful -- again -- guided by your physician. I hope this reply addresses the concerns raised by one of the other members of this group. Again, best of luck.
FreestyleBMX
25 March 2020
I am now trying 2 x .5mg xanax with 2 x 2mg lorazepam a day and finding it OK but have used zopiclone quite often at night to sleep. Now nightly I switched to 2 x 3mg of melatonin which is helping. I feel more on the ball throughout the daytime with lorazepam so I am aiming for a further cut next week. Also noticed the next day after drinking some wine or beer I have a tendancy to reach for benzos to help my head.
FreestyleBMX
24 March 2020
keep me updated especially during these tense times, we are in lockdown and maybe just maybe its time to try and get off
Inactive
18 March 2020
I’m withdrawing from 20 years of benzo use (Valium, klonopin, Xanax). I started tapering down on 2/12/20 and that lasted 5 days. I’m still experiencing lots of withdrawal symptoms.
FreestyleBMX
24 March 2020
lets know how you get on
lmchoyle
24 Oct 2019
I have been taking Xanax XR 6 mg a day for 14 years. I started tapering off it about a year ago. It was split up into three 2m mg tablets. First I just stopped taking one tablet so I was down to 2 - 2mg tabs. Then after about 4 months I cut back to just one at bed time. Got the shakes really bad but kept busy and I took it at bedtime so it calmed me enough to sleep. Then after about another 4 months i cut that one tablet in half ( yes, I know you're not supposed to cut them but i did). Side effects were awful..I felt like an electric wire was being run thru my body. That lasted a couple of months. Now i have cut that half tablet in half once again so I am taking 1/4 of a 2 mg tablet. I take it at bed time. I'm not experiencing much in the way of side effects until late in the day when I start feeling wired. I'm scared to stop altogether but I'm going to force myself to do it. This drug is horrible to try and get off of.
Please go very slowly and although I haven't, I strongly recommend you have your doctor help you to do it because the doctor can probably give you something for side effects. Good luck to you!
kevinb1953
25 Oct 2019
Very good of you to have done this. Just remember that there's probably a good reason that you were given these in the first place and that you may just need to be on some sort of dose of Xanax or another med for any lingering anxiety like I am. I cit from 1mg every six hours (4mg a day) for over 15 years to just .25mg as needed. The "as needed" is what all of my research tells me. This benzodiazepine has ALWAYS been recommended as a "as needed" ONLY in all of the FDA recommendations AND not to be used for more than a few months but unfortunately health care "professionals" hardy ever prescribed it that way in the beginning. Also health care providers are not very well informed on how to wean or tirate from benzodiazepines. It's a shame but it's only recently that doctors are very leary to prescribe these and if they do then they will only prescribe these as little as possible. It's almost as hard to get these as opioids are... Too bad that we all were hooked on these for so long.
Best regards,
redlockeddoc
1 Oct 2021
I agree completely... I am 70 y.o. and have spent 18 weeks so far ( my shrink knows) and am down from 5.0 mg a day to .25 mg up to 3 times a day. The side effects of a zinging sensation in my legs is as bad as ever and drives me crazy. I cannot predict when the zinging will come. My shrink mentioned that his patients complained of the worst side effects when they reached the lowest doses. NOTHING WILL KEEP ME FROM GETTING COMPLETELY OFF THIS HORRIBLE DRUG, but I am going to go REALLY slow now and not be hard on myself. Thank you.
mhelfrich51
24 Oct 2019
I stopped taking these meds 15 months ago. The physical withdrawal symptoms went away within 2 months. However, the emotional symptoms have continued. I have been suffering from a knee-buckling depression since I withdrew from this medicine. I have addressed this by getting counseling (psychologist, no psychiatrist)participating in BenzoBuddies, and MMJ. It has been effective and I would recommend trying a combo of those three.
Glh-64
2 Sep 2019
I hope you are titrating under the care of a physician.
If not, weaning can be dangerous. Seizures are possible, mania and even death. Please educate yourself, did you know that it could take years before you feel relief? I have been prescribed Xanax for 40 years. Had a Doctor"skip" town so was off Xanax 10 days while awaiting a new appointment.
I was hospitalized in a manic episode. My daughter was able to report being off the med. After one dose, within 15 minutes I was perfectly fine. I can't tell you enough to seek medical attention to oversee the weaning process! As for when you should expect relief, the news isn't good. A physician may be able to help with another less addictive medication. Good luck
PeppermintMaddie
12 March 2019
Hi! I am finally admitting I need help. I’m a 48 y/o female, newly divorced, just trying to stay alive, keep my job and be understood. I’m willing to listen or chat. I’m brand new in this journey and quite frankly, terrified.
Any tips greatly appreciated.
FreestyleBMX
3 June 2019
I have been on this bad journey for maybe 6 years and finally realised I need to quit. Tried a few times and got brain freeze and then realised what I fell into. Just started to taper down the other day and got massive sore heads so reading these posts have helped a lot. It's kind of scary even commenting on this subject but I think it's the only way. Anyone got issues around alcohol and is it best to stay clear while tapering off. I can't, won't see a doctor so gotta try this on my own. Anyone know how to deal with the headaches.
FreestyleBMX
8 June 2019
I downloaded an app pill tracker and keep it up to date with tapering and times. So far I have found to be doing OK as tapered down to two squares a day 1mg of xanax but had to take lorazepam a little to combate that gut feeling and tense headaches. Also found the gym good and had to use IBS pills and immodoium to help. Will keep you all posted but slow progress and have a very tense week ahead so worried I may up my dose again.
mhelfrich51
25 Oct 2019
Admitting you have a problem is a huge step. But remember that this is not your fault. Your doctor should have been aware of the issues of their long term prescription and use. My tips that worked for me: 1) try to find a recovery center to handle the withdrawal. It may help to accelerate the withdrawal and will keep you comfortable. 2) Find a good counselor to help you deal with the anxiety and depression. Commit to the cognitive based therapies they recommend. 3) Join a support group like BenzoBuddies and this one. Consider a 12 step program too. Although they are not a perfect fit for Benzos, you connect with people and may get a sponsor to personally support you. 4) MMJ - will help you get a good night’s rest when withdrawal would normally keep you up at night. You can do this. I took Ativan for nearly 20 years, and I was able to withdrawal and have been off Benzos for 15 months.
lmchoyle
21 Jan 2020
Always here for you if you want to chat
AMC7928
13 Feb 2019
I know exactly what you are saying. I was taking 6mgs of Xanax a day for almost 15yrs. Please let me give you my advice and how I got off safely with zero withdrawals. It took me forever and multiple seizures to do it safe. I know this answer 100% no question. Bars that you can split into four are definitely the best. Reason being, you can monitor exactly where you are at and the dosage you are taking where when taking a milligram let’s just say, you cannot break evenly or take the correct dose. Bars are the way to go. You can taper down correctly, safely and take the same dose every time. Now let’s just say you’re at 1mg. That would be half a bar. As you taper down, I didn’t change my dosage minimum of one week even if I felt like I could go down. Because of my high dosage and the years of taking. It took time but was definitely worth it. My doctors wrote out a million different plans. Only you know how you feel when coming down.
At 1mg, I stayed for at least a week sometimes a little more. I made sure I was okay before coming down. A week later or maybe a little more, depending how I felt, I dropped down to 1/2mg or the first line of the bar. Since it’s in four parts or three lines. Each part is 1/2 mg or 2mg in whole. Once I was down to 1/2 mg, I stayed for 2weeks just to be safe. I didn’t want another seizure so I was extremely careful. You have to go how you feel. I know you have been on them forever like myself. You won’t have permanent damage or not get back to normal. If you’re like me. This thought can drive you crazy. Please don’t worry. I was on a massive dose for over a decade daily. As you taper down with time, your brain and body adjusts and you will be fine. Getting back to dosage, I was on 1/2 mg for at least two weeks. I took only when I really needed. You feel it and it can come fast. When doing this have them close by. Time your dosage and when you take. You will notice the time getting farther apart. Your body is adjusting to normal. Once I was down and safe on 1/2 mg, I took the bar and bit off less than 1/2 mg. I did the same and took when needed. My time got farther apart and after about a week, my body adjusted so well I didn’t even feel like I needed anymore. It was amazing. One day I needed and the next I didn’t feel like it at all. It took about a week but everyone is different. I bit just the smallest amount of a bar. Less than 1/2 mg, probably less than 1/4 mg. Just the smallest amount. Even though they make in 1/4 mg, I didn’t even bite that much. This is why I say bars are definitely the best for coming down. They are an “all in one “ as far as dosage. You can taper down from 2mgs all the way to nothing in one pill. Finally 1 bar lasted me forever coming down. Once I got down to nothing and felt it was safe to drop completely. I was taking every other day to every two days. Just if I needed. Listen to your body. Before you know it, you won’t need at all. Once I totally dropped or when I got down. I didn’t drive for at least 4 days. Just to be safe. I didn’t want to chance it. Well good luck and hope my experience helps.Please don’t worry and take the time your body needs. Just know you will return to normal no matter how long you have been taking. Be safe and best of luck!!
Tammy Moulton
21 Feb 2019
You said that you went off it carefully? Yet had multiple seizures? I don't think that is very safe. Withdrawing safely is not having seizures. Glad you got off but I think she should listen to her Dr. Or her own body.
Feel for you
25 Nov 2018
Im so sorry for your pain. I to have been taking them for 5 years then my doctor decided to take all patients off because of over prescribing i guess but i have had 12 surgeries. Suffer from nerve pain, insomnia and severe anxiety. Was put on some other anxiety med called hydroxyzine hcl and it does not help. I'm 24/7 nausiated, stomach pain is unbearable, sleep 2 hours every 72. Nerve twitches and have been to the ER 3 times this year because i thought i was having a hear attack and found out i had 3 small ones. I have no words to help you. I do use Benadryl which helps sometimes but i feel like I'm dying. I'm 46 and afraid. I just keep talking to God. Started to read the bible again which is soothing. Talking to people makes it worse i just cry. I wish i could hold you and tell you it will be fine but i can't. Just find something to believe in and put your thoughts there. Baths,magnesium helps. Good luck huni and try to stay positive.
Buggs333
11 Oct 2018
My biggest problem with getting off of clonazepam was the pain. Every little thing hurt. If I laid on my right side, my ear hurt, every where I had a seam in my pajamas or underwear I had severe pain. Then I had hallucinations for two months. It is something that I will never forget. Unfortunately I am on it again and have been for years. I'm thinking I will just take it till I die. Is this a sad story or what? I am not sure.
kevinb1953
11 Oct 2018
Hi. I was taking 1mg every 6 hours (4 a day) since after I came back from 9/11. I tapered back to 1mg twice a day on my own. The best way to come off Xanax for me was to have my doctor write a prescription to a compounding pharmacy at the widely accepted rate of lessen the milligrams by 2-5 % every ten days or so then another 2-5% for another ten day until you are off of them. You will be getting a persise tappering dose from the compounding pharmacy every dose. There are these pharmacies in most major towns and pharmacies.
This is very persise and you just can't break the pills in these equal and small amounts. This was my best way.
Hope this gives you more insight.
Best wishes
Kevin
WildcatVet
10 Oct 2018
Try Googling "benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome wikipedia" for an extremely informative article on the withdrawal process.
Unfortunately, after the acute phase withdrawal symptoms can continue for weeks, months, even years along with the problems that long term use causes both physically and mentally.
There are much safer treatments available that are equally effective and are not addictive. Doctors know this and many are prescribing less and attempting to wean long term patients.
Best regards and best of luck to you. I hope you can get through this quickly.
Germanized11
10 Oct 2018
Each person is probably going to react differently as to time and relief from Benzo withdrawal. But assuming you've been on a large dose for that long a period of time, the usual reduction of benzos is around .25mg every few weeks for the least amount of negative consequences. This varies as I said. Personally, I reached a point where I told my doctor that I had reached the absolute limit of the amount I could decrease without going back to generalized anxiety disorder. So I've gone
from 6mg to 2mg per day and that's where I stay. I understand the issue of getting off benzos, but there are good reasons why some of us will always have to be on some limited form of them. It is what it is. My personal viewpoint.
TKMarsh711
11 Oct 2018
I agree. It's like the other lady said, quality of life. I take 2mg. daily. I used to just take 1 mg
Oliviad123
6 Aug 2020
I'm here years later, so no one will probably see.. but I agree fully with TK Marsh. Everyone and their story, their reason for taking meds is different. I have taken Klonopin off and on for decades, initially for panic attacks and anxiety, which did resolve. I've long periods of time, many months, maybe a year I can't even remember. Now I'm almost 60, I have a chronic GI disorder and awful pain they can do nothing for. Klonopin now takes the edge off or allows me to get some sleep when I'm having a flare up. I save it for the bad days, so I don't take it every day. I'm okay with it. I have no side effects (unless they are so long term and subtle I don't know). It's hard to say if it makes me less motivated or I'm just older and don't feel good a lot of the time, lol. Actually, I get more done and am more productive if I get sleep and my pain is less. Klonopin does that for me, nothing else does, it's cheap.
Thank goodness I find Drs who are okay with it, with the 'war on drugs' mentality today, so many aren't. For me to go off and go through withdrawal symptoms would just be cruel. I don't need more suffering now. Maybe that will change in the future. I don't like taking meds, or the idea of "needing" one; but my quality of life is better with it, so I'll deal with it.
Related topics
xanax, depression, anxiety, benzodiazepine withdrawal, panic disorder, withdrawal, detox, benzodiazepine, symptom, benzodiazepines
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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