i was taking 2 bars a day and i just stopped cold turkey and not by choice. Im having the worst anxiety ive ever had and dizziness shortness of breath i cant sleep i am having alot of withdrawl symptoms . i am scared i might have a seizure. is there anything i can possibly do too prevent that.
Anxiety - I stopped taking Xanax is there anything I can possibly take to help my withdrawl symptom?
Question posted by jandrade100 on 9 Oct 2012
Last updated on 19 September 2017
4 Answers
Yes. Keep taking Xanax and then follow the recommendations of the Ashton Manual which can be found at benzo.org.uk.
This is the only real safe way to withdraw from benzos. It involves slowly reducing and replacing the Xanax with a long half life benzo like diazepam. Medazepam and prazepam would work just as well but diazepam is the good Professor's choice and she is the world's foremost expert on all matters benzo.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STP ANY FASTER THAN ASHTON ADVISES!
Great info. Thanks. I just got cut off after 11 years of xanax. I know that heart pounding too well. I had heart attack so I am really scared right now.
Hey! Slow down there. Doing what you are doing without doctor supervision is not that safe, especially if you have been on Xanax for a long time (it is addicting). Here is the short version:
Serious side effects:
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
feeling like you might pass out;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Xanax side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable;
blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating;
sleep problems (insomnia);
swelling in your hands or feet;
muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech;
upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
increased sweating, dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
appetite or weight changes, loss of interest in sex.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Call your doctor now, or go to an emergency room. Depending on how much and how long, you could be in serious trouble.
RonMan
thanks i actually went to my doctor he prescribed me more Xanax so i can slowly get off of them... for good. My doctor is supervising me know so i should be fine :) thanks
Thank goodness. I was VERY scared for you. The kind of crash you were headed for is something I have seen before. The person survived, but had permanent damage. Xanax is a serious drug. I can't believe that kids take it for 'fun' at parties.
RonMan
yuup i was pretty bad earlier. i luckily have good friends that drove me to my doctor cause i couldn't even drive... my doctor actually wanted too hospitalize me but i cant at this time i have too many things in my life that i would have too put on hold if i were too be hospitalized. im feeling better
How dangerous is the pounding in the chest. I,ve had to go to hospital for anxiety and they treat you like your nuts so I hesitated one time and had full heart attack. My Dr just cut me off after 12 years.
My Dr cut my xanax after 11 years. I,m now on my 2nd day up , dry mouth, weight loss , havn,t got to heart pounding yet which I have had in past. What do I do ? What can I take ? I,ll try to get it on street
no i just stopped because my purse was stolen and my entire prescription was stolen as well. after feeling the way im feeling im stopping entirely not going back to Xanax. i have some Benadryl ill take some of that hopefully it will help this none stop anxiety if not ima drive to the e.r. Thanks...
omg, some people just don't give a darn about others. I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I hope you feel better soon.
Did your doc just cut you off? You should have been tapered off of it. Sometimes taking an antihistamine like benadryl will calm anxiety. I would say if you feel too bad, go to the er, a seizure is a possibility.
no i just stopped because my purse was stolen and my entire prescription was stolen as well. after feeling the way im feeling im stopping entirely not going back to Xanax. i have some Benadryl ill take some of that hopefully it will help this none stop anxiety if not ima drive to the e.r. Thanks...
Related topics
xanax, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, sleep, cold turkey
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)