medicine dependancy

[wms52289]

I think I'm beginning to become physically or psycologically addicted to the xanex the doctor prescribed to me. I feel shaky if I haven't had it in a while, and I think that is a symtom of dependancy. I can't fully blame it on the xanex, because I suppose the shaky feeling could be a number of things, but I'm trying to ease myself off of the xanex, because I was prescribed it only when I needed it while the Lexipro was taking affect. (I take 2 or 3 .25 MG xanex pills per day typically) But, I read a website that said that if you stop taking it too quickly, it could have horrible reactions, such as seizures. Does anyone have any advice about how I should ease off my dosage?

[o-ren]

hi,

When I tried to get off celexa I phased out of it.  Simply because I did not want to suddenly break any dependancies.  I suggest you phase out of it too.  Try taking 1.5 pill per day and see how that goes.  The more u feel comfortable of lowering it down you should lower it down by half a pill.   This is the method that I used till I was completely off Celexa.  Good luck 

[Smokey]

I am not sure if you know, but I will post this anyway because it is useful to know in the future.

Xanex is a form of Benzodiazepine which are used to alleviate anxiety. However, there are strict measures on GP's in prescribing Benzodiazepine's because they can be highly addictive and the withdrawel symptoms can be horrendous.

A common Benzodiazepine used by GPs is Diazepam or Valium. They are sedative drugs that block certain signals to the brain. I don't pretend to know exactly how they work but that is the general gist.

I have been on a form of Benzodiazepine for many years, called Tranxene. This was discontinued in January of this year and so I was put on Oxazepam. I came off this in May. Basically I relied heavily on these meds, and I would have said back then I couldn't cope without them.

They certainly do make you feel calmer and more confident, but when the subside you will feel shaky and nervy. As a result you will want to take more, and it is said that Benzodiazepines typically only work well for 4 months and then you have to take more for the same effect. I personally found this wasn't the case. GP's will normally only prescribe these drugs in times of grief for a period upto 4 weeks. It is heavily advised that this medication is not used longterm.

Just remember that these drugs will not heal you, so if/when you come off them, you are gonna find it pretty tough. Withdrawel from these drugs can be prolonged and cause many side effects. You may not think you can cope without them, but I would only say that you have to come off them at some point and long term that is gonna be more difficult.

[itsmeesindee]

I would only reduce the dosage by 1/2 mg per week (I believe I read this somewhere), dont rush it.

cin

[Smokey]

Yea I should add, DON'T go cold turkey! Come off slowly, even if it means splitting the tablet. It IS much much better to come off slower and feel a bit crap then suddenly stop and feel you have been hit by a train and run over by a marching circus band.

Good luck mate, talk to your doc if needs be.

[itsmeesindee]

LOL Smokey!  I know that feeling.