I do have a severe anxiety disorder, I always [even when I was in high school, back in the 1980's] I had a bad anxiety issue, so after I graduated in 1988, I started seeing a psychiatrist, and he got me on 2 mg xanax 3 times day, but over 1-2 yrs, I needed more, so I went to a differeant Dr. and would pay cash for the other 90 2mg xanax, so I was on 6 a day for over 5 yrs. Well, I ran out, it seemed like I went into instant withdrawl, so my mom has to get 10mg Valium 30/mth w/ her Pain pills[ she has Multiple Sclrosis] and she dose not take her Valium 10mg b/c it knocks her out, so I have been takind 2-3 10 mg Valium, and I am on day 2 [w/out any xanax] I have a stomach ulcer[ probably from all the pills I have taken] and when I ran out of my Xanax [ I honestly think someone got into my supply, b/c I would give my Mom about 5 Xanax a week to help her anxiety, and I think she may of gotten into my bottle, or I would not of ran out, and I know I had 37 left when I went to spend the night , due to 1 of her M.S. flare ups, and the next am, my Vanax bottle had 8 left! So, she gave me 20 of the 30 Valium she gets, I have been taking 2 10mg Valium, and they take the edge off, but that is it, I feel so Dope sick, it is unreal. I was thinking if I could go a few more days w/ the Valium, maybe I will not be addicted to Xanax?? But I have to have something for my severe anxiety issue, I heard that Kolonipn 2mg is the best choice of the 3 [Xanax, Valium, Klonopin]] I also read some other post on another website, and there was a guy that posted he had been on Xanax 2mg for 12 yrs, and they have a fast acting resonse, but leave ur body quickly, so that is why he was taking 6-8/day, then went to Klonopin 2mg, then the Valium 10mg is what he chose b/c it stays in ur system alot longer than Xanax, but I am trying to think about how much longer will I feel 'Dope sick' from cold turkey Xanax, and what other 1 I am going to choose before I go back to my Psychatrist. I do need 1 of the 3, but I know how Xanax works, it dose come on fast, and it leaves fast, and the withdrawls I have been experiancing is not at all fun, That guy that posted about how he took all 3, and decided to stick w/ Valium10 mg b/c it works best, but a aquantance of mine that was taking alot of Vanax was switched to Kolonapin 2mg. said that they keep u from Sezing, but they r not like Xanax at all, so if u have tooken Xanax, and got off of them b/c of the worst withdrawl symptoms, what do you suggest I take [since I have never took Kolonpin, I have no clue as to how it works..I just want to know 1. How long dose it take to get better from the withdrawls from Xanax? 2. Out of the other 2 Valium 10mg, & Kolonpin 2mg, which 1 do u think I should switch too? [I do not ever want to experiance withdrawls like ths ever again] I need ur help if u have taken Xanax ,like me, which 1 should I ask my Psychiotrist to switch me too? I know he writes Klonopin too, but not sure if he writes Valium???
Any replys would greatly be appreicated.
I am having to run to the bathroom every 30 minutes ro 2 hours w/ diarreah, and I am taking Phenergan 25 mg to help w/ the vomiting,,, plz help!
I've been on 2mg Xanax for 12 yrs. Ran out, and taking 10mg valium, help?
Question posted by chellek0209 on 27 Sep 2009
Last updated on 27 November 2023 by Probenzo101
3 Answers
I want to start by saying that I’m sorry that you had to go through that and I definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’m going to answer your question that will give you the best answer because most people on here don’t really know anything about benzodiazepines and how they work so my answer would be that if you’re trying to withdrawal/detox from alprazolam then diazepam is definitely the most effective option of the two.
It’s not as weak as people seem to think they are and it’s actually one of the most beneficial benzodiazepines that exist and I’ll go into very clinical reasoning but first I want to address the elephant in the room and that’s clonazepam (Klonopin) I have been taking alprazolam 16mg daily, dextroamphetamine/amphetamine quad salts 60-90mg daily as needed and 16mg daily of buprenorphine hcl for the last 18 years with zero side or adverse effects and the alprazolam is the only reason I’m able to help you today. The reason why I am highly against clonazepam for withdrawal and detox is because of two things, unreliability and both clonazepam and lorazepam (Ativan) have been proven in clinical trials and research studies to have a higher risk of suicidal ideation than other medications in their class. With how cheap and unreliable the generic drug market has become, it is very unwise to use Clonazepam as of 2014. I’ll keep it brief but if you just research the negative and terrible adverse effects almost every generic Klonopin is having on patients is a little more than disturbing. I speak from personal experience with the generic Klonopin and there’s not a single brand that is either the strength it claims to be or some is as if they don’t possess any active ingredient in their products at all. Now if you look at the benzodiazepine conversion chart they compare different benzodiazepines with the 10mg strength diazepam. The chart “claims” that a .5mg of alprazolam is equivalent to roughly a 10mg dose of diazepam which means “technically” a .5mg alprazolam is equivalent to .5mg of Clonazepam which would be equivalent to 1mg of lorazepam. This is false and is not meant to be used to make claims based off the chart. 10mg of diazepam is actually equivalent to roughly.735mg of alprazolam and it’s actually the most unique and effective treatment for anyone who is coming from a short/intermediate acting benzodiazepine like alprazolam because of the fact that when diazepam (Valium) is digested it breaks down into three specific metabolites, it has a very fast onset of action yet it has an abnormally long half life. Diazepam is actually a byproduct of three different benzodiazepines which is why it’s uses are very vast and the efficacy is always consistent. The other two benzodiazepine metabolites that breakdown in the body are actually widely used benzodiazepines. Once in the body diazepam breaks down into three different metabolites nordiazepam, temazepam (brand name is Restoril), and oxazepam (brand name is (Serax) and anyone who is familiar with these benzodiazepines can see why this drug is the hands down no-brainer when it comes to treating alprazolam discontinuation. Temazepam (Restoril) is a sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepine that is primarily used specifically for treating insomnia and oxazepam (Serax) is an intermediate benzo that is used for a spectrum of symptoms such as alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms anxiety and restless legs so with all this in mind it would also be useful to read the Ashton manual which is the standard for deciding whether or not the patient would benefit from being tapered off, the best methods and the length of time for a tapering schedule as well as the conversion from a short acting benzodiazepine (Xanax to a long acting benzodiazepine (Valium) which I have read and memorized the entire literature. Physicians are not supposed to abruptly stop, decrease or alter your current medication without first addressing if it would do more harm than good, obtaining consent from the patient and finding the appropriate dosage equivalent and duration of tapering for the individual. I apologize for the very lengthy response but I created an account to explain certain aspects and liberties that most patients don’t even know they have. I don’t like when people who answer a question without having some sort of medical background or full knowledge about what they’re saying. I am a former professional who worked in the pharmaceutical industry and I feel like it’s my responsibility to help people who are being affected by this lack of understanding we call the medical field. This isn’t just a personal experience but it’s also a very true in depth analysis backed by a wide range of clinical trials and research studies. I hope everyone will be better informed about the understanding of the rights and roles you have as a patient. Thank you for allowing me to spread awareness and knowledge and I am always happy to help anyone that needs it.
It is my understanding that it is very dangerous to just stop taking xanax. This medication has to be tapered out of your system by your physician. It is also my understanding that if you do not have a physician at this time to help you taper, you should go the emergency room as soon as you can. I'm not saying this to scare you, but the side effects of just stopping any pysch med is dangerous, especially Xanax. I am not a physican or a healthcare provider, but I do take this medication as well.
I am by no means a doctor, but I have had 15 years of misery addicted to benzodiazepines.
With the amount of xanax you have been taking you will need about 40-50mg of Valium a day to stave off withdrawal effects. Please see your doctor as soon as possible and tell them the situation you are in. If they don't act sympathetic-get another doctor or contact a tranquiliser addiction support group. Withdrawal from a large amount of alprazolam (xanax) can be dangerous, as well as mighty uncomfortable. The Valium will stabilise you as it stays in your system for much longer. It will probably take a couple of weeks to feel better on a dose of 20-30mg of Valium. It (valium) is what is used to wean off benzos.
Phenergan is an antihistamine and should not really do much for vomiting. Too much phenergan will make you feel quite weird and sick.
I cannot stress enough that you seek medical support for tranquiliser addiction.
I used to take around 8mg of xanax a day for many years and it eventually became a HUGE problem.I ended up putting myself through rehab and that was the best thing I could have ever done. You can do it too.
Take care.
I did go to my Psychatrist, and I asked to be put on Klonopin, I told him the truth, and he prescribed me Klonopin 2mg, to take 2 of them when I got them filled, and that was Monday, I have been threw heck and back with the Xanax, He also stressed how it will take a few more days till I feel normal. I fell more 'normal' than ever, and it has been since Monday around 11am that I started the Klonopin.
I do not ever want to feel that sick ever again. I do not remember the weekend at all. I went to my Mom's so my 6 yr. old daughter could be taken care of, plus I was withdrawling bad, I could feel my heart rate was very hard and fast waiting in my Dr's office, I honestly thought I was going to Sez.
I learned my lesson the hard way, so any of you that are taking Xanax, and your taking more than the prescribed dose, I am here to 1st hand tell you that it was, and still is a nightmare. I will never take another Xanax ever.
Thanks for the info on the phenergan, I do fell like crap, but alot better than before my Dr. gave me the Klonopin 2mg.
Now, I guess my plans are to stop taking the phenergan, and I have 5 more 10 mg Valium, that I will take to keep from feeling like I was dead.
Thank You very much.
It is good to hear that you are feeling a bit better. Only a few unlucky people in life go through major xanax withdrawal and I know how you felt. The rebound anxiety is probably the worst symptom of tranquiliser withdrawal.
I don't know much about Klonopin as it is not used as much in Australia. I do know that it is a longer acting benzo and your dose is roughly equal to 20mg of Valium. That is a BIG step down from the dose of xanax you were taking. Good on ya!
I fully understand if you don't but at least try and give some thought to getting off benzos all together.
The facts are that everyone becomes tolerent to their benzo dose (esp if you tend to get addicted to alcohol/drugs easily).
Also, this may sound stupid but when situations change (my doctor retired once) you will find yourself without a supply of benzodiazepines and feeling crap again. It is not a question of if-more like when.
I eventually went on a 2nd gen anti-dep (dothep) and that has helped me sleep and reduced my depression. My anxiety is still present and I have to work on getting out and about but I am glad to be free of the absolute misery that is tranquiliser addiction.
I wish you and your mother the best health..
Thanks for all the information. I can't sleep. Klonopin has a few side effects, and I am experiancing 1 of them now can't sleep at all, I have been up since 3am [24 hrs ago] it is 3:10am here now, and I feel like I have a coated tounge, so I keep drinking water, and frequent unirnation at night. The reason I chose Klonopin was because I did alot of research on Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonipn. Klonipon keeps a person from having a sezuire, plus it helps with anxiety which I have severelly, If I go without any anxiety drug I start to studder with my speech, and I feel that I somewhat became immune to Xanax.
I am scared. In America, our President will not admit it, but we are in a ressesion[ like back when the people who were not rich, but not poor, are getting poor because of the cost of food has risen, gas is $3.29/ gallon, annd if you have your own house, a drivable car, your doing great. Money is really tite right now here, and on the news, ppeople are O.D.ing by taking what we call a 'pill Cocktail'. It is Xanax, Soma, and Lortab 10mg. At 10 pm on the news , there were 3 O.d.'s by that Cocktail.
I look up to you for being benzo free, and would like to have you as a friend?
My name is Rachelle , I am 39y/o, and been on Xanax for severe Anxiety attacks since 1998, but I finally got off them, and yes, I thought I was going to die. The Klonopin has few withdrawls in case I run out.. I live on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, about 100 miles East of Houston, so when hurricane Ike hit us, we lost everything, and I was due to go back to the Dr to get my Xanax for the month, the police would not let us back into our homes for 2 weeks, and I went to a ER up state TX, and they gave me Ativan, it helped some
This past time though opened my eyes up, and I may not be sleeping at all, but I would rather not sleep than go threw what I did this past weekend.
Anyways, I wanted to get back at ya, and let you know my personal email. I feel I can trust you, and you have been threw what I went threw. Oh, Iheard of anti-dep (dothep), but it is not prescibed in Texas??
I am happy to support you with your problem. Sometimes it is good to get support from people who have been in excactly the same situation. This is not to say that all therapists should have a history of drud/alcohol use. I have met a few good doctors who haven't used but have a great understanding of addiction.
You might be urinating alot because of the Phenergan-it has that side effect. Make sure you drink heaps of water (def not caffeinated drinks) and keep peeing :)
I am sorry but don't expect too much sleep at the moment. Take what you can get. When I detoxed from Xanax I only got about 2-3 hours a night for about 2 weeks. This just illustrates how potent benzos are. Taking alternative drugs such as Stilnox/Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is NOT a good move as Stilnox mimics the effect of benzos as it works on the same part of the brain.
Stilnox/Ambien is a very dangerous drug when used incorrectly or by people who are not "supervised" when sleeping because there is a tendency for people to wake up and self medicate without really knowing it. I took 14x10mg in the space of 12 hours on several occasions. Scary stuff.
If you can PM me with your email address, I would be more than happy to support you through what is a really tough time. I am not very computer savvy and can't work out how to PM you..
Good luck.
p.s I am only guessing but Dothep may not be prescibed in your state because people can have serious, life endangering ODs on the drug. It is alot harder to do that on the new gen of anti-deps.
I do not know how to IM you? I have looked all around your profile? I had a bad experiance with the Klpnopin. Like I had told you. I could not sleep, and it was going on hour 37 before my Psychatrist called me back, and he told me to only take 1/2 of a 2 mg Klonopin, and he called me in some Seroquel 50mg, and told me to take 1 when I got it [it was 6:39pm when he called], then take 1 only at bedtime. I finally got 4 hours of sleep, and I do not have the 'coated tounge', or the dizzyness anymore.
I tryed to send you a private message, but it took me to a page that would be posted for everyone to see? So, when U click on you as my friend [which I did] how do I send only you a private message so I can give you my email?
Thank you very much for accepting me to chat with, and your positive words are the only thing helping me get threw this.
Thanks very much.
Hope you post a reply on how to send you a provate message.
Your Friend,
Rachelle
Here is an email address I just made up so I am not worried about spamming from people.
Contact me through this: (I put spaces in it) c o m a f m @ h o t m a i l . c o m
ok i been on xanax for 20+ years, im scared to try and get off of them cause i heard about the withdrawls, my doc knows and asked me to cut down, and own my own i did cut back to 45 a month, was taking 60 a month 1 mg, he wanted me to go to colopin, i refused , but they say they in the xanax family , just not as a strong kick , but now i dont get high or nothiing from them no more, just a feeling of being normal, and yes im tired of a pill every day to feel right or not to sez, , but they said toget off them i would have to go in , and i heard that to not sez they would give u fenobarbital its for seziures and i heard they was alot better than xanax, any advice thats all i got! carolyn Q.
Xanax is a potent drug
Xanax is a potent drug because it has such a rapid onset and a relatively short "half life" or the full strenght of the drug in you blood..
That's why cigarettes are so addictive because nictotine only hangs around in the body for aprrox half an hour!
I have been on a trial in the addictions unit at one the best hositals in my city.
The ended up putting my on clomaz as it has a much longer half-life than Xanax and tends to iron out the ups and downs of the cravings you get from Xanax.
Yes the cons are that in a large dose, clomaz will make you drowsy. Until your brain get a bit more used to the drug. It is posssible to cut down as a an out patient without having to go into a rehab facility.
This is good if you are working or cannot afford a good clinic or the waiting list is too long.
Even though they are in the same drug family, try and avoid mixing Xanax and Clomaz.
As with any of these type of drugs, do not obtain them from "other sources" and for goodness sake, do not mix them with alcohol. It can kill you.
Also NEVER stop these type of drugs cold turkey. You can have bad seizures or worse.
Try and find a doctor who is sympathetic to your situation but be honest with them. Otherwise you are wasting his/her and your precious time.
Good luck!
When I say Clomaz, I mean Klonopin.
OK TRUTH SPEAKS: I have just been released from a Adult Psychiatrist Hospital where I committed myself. I was marorly addicted back on the Xanax, and I had been secretly taking 120mg. of Methadone. I had to 'tell all' to my Psychiatrist,[ since he had been prescribing me 120 2mg. Xanax sine 1994], and I admitted to him in the Hospital I was on 120 mg. of Methadone.
I apologize if I lies to you all, but I guess I was in denial??
When I was in the hospital, I detoxed down to 20mg. of methadone, and he took me off the Xanax, and started me on .50 mg. of Ativan twice a day, then I was w/ no Ativan Sunday, Father's Day, and I cried like a baby about my past, it hit me like a fright train, losing my 4 year old daughter to Cancer in 1993, then burying my Father a year later beside her.
I finally accepted that, and the fact that I have a loving husband, beautiful daughter, and a loving Mother here NOW at home. I am still taking 1.5 Ativan total a day, and NO METHADONE:}}, I decided NOT to go back to the Methadone Clinic and let them tapper me of 20mgs. I dosed last Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 9am at the hospital. My husband says I did great, but I still had a full blown Seizure before I admitted myself in the hospital , he said " I walked into our kitchen, and he heard a big boom, and I was in a full blown seizure, and my dentures, he tryed to get out of my mouth while I had apparently cut my bottom jaw on them, blood everywhere, and he somehow got me to the bed, and took me to the medical hospital, but they did not treat people that where trying to detox off of Methadone & Xanax, so they gave me something by IV for the seizures and released me, I had no Xanax, or Methadone b/c I threw up the dose of methadone w/ Xanax 3 times, and I would re dose myself. Long Story made short, I SURVIVED! I am still very anxious, and a little studery, but I go see my Psychiatrist Wed. the 29th of June, and I plan on telling him that I never went to the clinic like he advised me to , to tapper from 20 mgs. I do not plan to lie anymore to anyone, if they do not like me sober, then I don't need them. I thank you very, very much for keeping up w/ me, it means the world!!!
Related topics
valium, xanax, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
