netsavy006 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Starting today, as instructed by my pdoc, I will be going through the tapering process of my Xanax. I'm both excited (because I'd like to get off of it, or to the lowest dose possible), and nervous. I don't know if this question is answerable, but other than the slow tapering, what can be done otherwise to help reduce the possible "rebound anxiety" that could come up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netsavy006 Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 Ok. I'll be sure to drink tea. Are there any types of tea that help relax you? (cuz I think I've heard that camomile's is good.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Emperor Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Yeah, anything with chamomille or passion flower. they are good, I drink them. They don't work super great for anxiety, but it's definitely worth a shot. Try not to drink a lot of cofffee either. Good luck with your taper. I'm tapering off diazepam right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think that it is also important to mention that you shouldn't psych yourself out. You know that you have a tendency of focusing way too much on meds and any slightest possible ' symptom' you may have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseDropper Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Starting today, as instructed by my pdoc, I will be going through the tapering process of my Xanax. I'm both excited (because I'd like to get off of it, or to the lowest dose possible), and nervous. I don't know if this question is answerable, but other than the slow tapering, what can be done otherwise to help reduce the possible "rebound anxiety" that could come up? Has your pdoc helped you come up with some back-up plans and coping strategies? My prime purpose for taking meds was to use the times when I was well (and had the juice to do so) develop coping strategies and survival skills when the anxiety does return which I believe it inevitably will. Juiced up on meds helped me build new neurological pathways in order to be prepared. It has helped having done some proactive work, educating myself as much as time would permit. Why has your pdoc suggested this does s/he feel you are ready? What steps have you taken since the beginning of treatment? What tracking process has taken place? Do you think you are ready? Sometimes relapses are a good thing because it's an opportunity to use what you have learned and grow and see where you've been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netsavy006 Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 So the first night I did ok with the reduction, I didn't have any increased anxiety or panic attacks. Friday came and I had a 45min - 1hour panic attack in program in my drama group and I took my 1pm dose one hour early just so I could calm down because deep breathing and cues from the counselor weren't helping (I felt bad doing that but I was expecting increased anxiety and panic from reducing the dosage). This weekend I did pretty good. Only today I had a mild panic attack that lasted no more than 10 minutes and it was within 10 minutes before my next dose so I rode it out before taking the Xanax pill because I know I have to learn to confront my anxiety and panic or else I'll never, ever get off this medication. I'm not seeing the doctor again till 12/28. Do you think that the panic and anxiety will level from the decreased dosage by then? I know I just wrote doctor, but my regular pdoc at the clinic is on vacation that week is on vacation so I will be seeing the nurse practitioner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Shackleford Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 I've had too many experiences with benzodiazepine withdrawal.... so I hope I can be of help. For the general edginess, nothing helps more than valerian root. Don't muck around with kava or alcohol, as they'll just make the process all the more uncomfortable in the long-run. For insomnia, antihistamines are the way to go.... Benedryl (diphenhydramine) or any of the like. If you're jumping from a high dose to a low dose or complete succession, be sure to take an anti-epileptic.... I've found Depakote (sodium divalproex) to be the most helpful. Either way, I'd talk to the doc about prescribing Depakote for the withdrawal process... one can never be too safe when something as serious as seizures are a possibility, besides, it may lower the overall anxiety felt during the transition. Also.... the doc's tapering you off of alprazolam.... with alprazolam?? It's kinda common practice to use diazepam (Valium) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for tapering... something also worth mentioning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netsavy006 Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Also.... the doc's tapering you off of alprazolam.... with alprazolam?? It's kinda common practice to use diazepam (Valium) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for tapering... something also worth mentioning. The only reason he's tapering with the same medication is because I was up to near 30mg per day of Valium and developed a tolerance to it. I can't take Klonopin (paradoxical reaction). Ativan "pooped" out on me too, so all that's left is the Xanax (alprazolam). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Shackleford Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Also.... the doc's tapering you off of alprazolam.... with alprazolam?? It's kinda common practice to use diazepam (Valium) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for tapering... something also worth mentioning. The only reason he's tapering with the same medication is because I was up to near 30mg per day of Valium and developed a tolerance to it. I can't take Klonopin (paradoxical reaction). Ativan "pooped" out on me too, so all that's left is the Xanax (alprazolam). The only reason I suggest diazepam or chlordiazepoxide are the long half-lives and availability in low doses compared to alprazolam. It makes the transition all the smoother... and in spite of what we expect from medical 'professionals', most doctors aren't aware of the pain (anxiety, aches, malaise, etc) that benzodiazepine withdrawal can induce, even on a taper. In terms of receptor mediation [1, 2]: 10mg. diazepam ≈ 0.5mg. alprazolam With diazepam, one can taper off more slowly with the use of a pill cutter. Alprazolam, unfortunately only goes down to 0.25mg dose, as opposed to diazepam which goes down to 2mgs (roughly equating a dose of around 0.1mg. alprazolam). Here's an ideal taper schedule [1] http://www.non-benzodiazepines.org.uk/equivalents.html [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_benzodiazepines However you decide to go about it, I wish you patience. The transition will be awkward and uncomfortable at best... but like all things, gets better in time. And trust me on the valerian root thing, it's a God-sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Everytime I was tapered of Alzaprazolam, it was done entirely on Alprazolam. It is not uncommon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Andy, please consult pdoc on valarian root given all the other shit you take. Chamomile tea should be fine. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netsavy006 Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Andy, please consult pdoc on valarian root given all the other shit you take. Chamomile tea should be fine. Anna Don't worry Anna. I always ask my doctors before adding anything OTC to my prescribed medications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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