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rutan
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Joined: 03 Jun 2005
Posts: 22
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 Posted: 09/14/06 - 23:00 Post subject: tapering off xanax |
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I’ve been taking xanax for 3 years now, and as my doctor said it’s time to cut the dosage. Anyway it worked for me very well, my panic attacks are under control, but I’m afraid that tapering off xanax will bring them back...
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valli
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Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 291
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| Posted: 09/18/06 - 11:18 Post subject: |
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Well, first of all, let me tell you it’s not going to be easy to taper off xanax. The most important thing is to understand, that tapering off xanax is a long term process. Successful tapering off xanax requires the dosage to be reduced step by step. I suggest you to start by cutting the dosage in half for first two weeks, and than see how well you do. If you think you’re ready to cut it further, lower dosage some more. You may experience crankiness, lack of sleep. You must not cut off xanax fully in start, that can get you to hospital. Anyway, you must consult your doctor and listen to his advice. Maybe, if you experience difficulties, he will prescribe you some other medicine, like Ambien.
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ksgirl2008
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Joined: 24 May 2008
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| Posted: 05/24/08 - 18:06 Post subject: xanax taper |
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Tapering off Xanax is possible, but it is best done in a slow manner. There are two main ways to go about it. One is to switch over to an equivalent dose of Valium and then slowly taper off that drug - no more than a 10% cut every 2 weeks or so. This approach is advocated by Dr. Heather Ashton who ran a benzo withdrawal clinic in England for 12 years. Her work is detailed in what has become known as the Ashton Manual. You can download a free copy at http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm.
The other way is by Water Titration. It was developed for those who are unable to get their doctors to prescribe Valium or simply did not want to use Dr. Ashton’s crossover method. This method involves mixing one’s daily Xanax dose with a fixed amount of water. By gradually eliminating the amount of water, one can slowly reduce the daily amount of Xanax. Further information about Water Titration including PowerPoint demonstrations can be found at http://www.benzosupport.org/water_titration.htm
Discuss with your doctor which method would be best for you. Either way consider joining a support group while you are tapering. One such group is the Yahoo Benzo group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/benzo. The moderators have several years of experience in helping others gain freedom from Xanax and other benzos. |
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