A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Insomnia Forum
Posting


Archived Insomnia Forum11. To post a new topic go to the Insomnia Forum Homepage.

Re: Another question on Xanax tapering

Posted by HOpe Master on January 10, 2002 at 04:18:55:

In Reply to: Another question on Xanax tapering posted by CW on January 10, 2002 at 02:13:08:

I took xanax regularly for two years for sleep.For the first 6 months I was taking 1 mg and decided to go cold turkey.What a mistake. Could not sleep at all and had severe withdrawal symptoms.Had to return to usage and stayed on it for another year at .5, sometimes a little more. When I began my taper I was also doing colon cleansing which I still feel has been responsible for my successful taper. I cut the .5 dose toabout .35 stayed there for a few months. Then I went to .25 and stayed there a couple of months. Then I cut the .25 in half and stayed there a couple of weeks. The next cut was so miniscule but pychologically I felt better taking it for a couple of weeks, even though it was almost powder. Then I went off of it and started to take a supplement with chinese herbs and 5HTP. The whole experience was one where patience was totally necessary. I didn't sleep every night, but then again even taking the xanax quite often I didn't sleep. Rebound insomnia is possible but if you really want to get off of the medication you must be prepared for some bad nights. Just muster up on your determination and thoughts that something good will come out of the taper. The best way is to gradually taper. With xanax I would not go the every other day route because it has a short half life and you will feel annoying symptoms between doses however small they are. I would stick to taking the dose daily and possibly as you lower your dose you could asist it with a valerian or melatonin supplement . I know you are not supposed to take melatonin with a MAO inhibitor but it may be o.k. with the xanax.Abby might know about combinations of drugs. Tapering slowly will guarantee that you will not have the withdrawal symptoms that are evident in a quick taper. You may have some weird physical and mental feelings after you are done with the taper for a while, but they will eventually disappear. Drink alot of water while you are tapering to eliminate toxins more rapidly. I wish you alot of luck with your taper. Do not get discouraged if you are not on target all the time. It is a very difficult endeavor...Sincerely Hope

Follow Ups:


Archived Insomnia Forum11 To post a new topic go to the Insomnia Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved