I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1985, but I’ve wrestled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. I was put on Xanax in 1989. At that time benzodiazipines were the “next big thing,” so pdocs were prescribing them like candy. I have been taking Xanax/alprazolam on a daily basis for 28 years, and my average daily dose for about 20 of those years was 7 mg.
Everything changed 2 years ago: The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) (where I get my healthcare) began cracking down on pdocs prescribing opioids, which was soon followed by benzos.
Four months ago my pdoc refused to prescribe me any more alprazolam, so I’ve been using my last few bottles. I was supposed to be off of it by next week, but I can’t get below 3 mg/day. I see my pdoc on April 12, but she’s made it clear that she’s not prescribing any more.
The VA does offer a 3 week inpatient detox program for people dependent/addicted to narcotics. I’m 99% sure I’m going to need it because it seems I cannot taper off by myself. And it’s free.
I’ll see what happens, but if you don’t see my on the forum in the second half of April and first week of May you’ll know where I am.
i wish you luck and strength… coming off a narcotic sucks… especially alone… please don’t hesitate to utilize the detox assistance… im sure they could make the process much more comfortable and manageable compared to trying it alone… it sounds like you will use the service to your benefit if needed though… so good luck and sleep helps alot …
I was only on 0.5mg clonazepam for about a year and a half, and had a terrible time coming off it. I’d certainly take them up on the detox deal. Best of luck with it. Strap yourself in though, it might not be easy.
Good luck with this. And definitely use the detox help. If the resource is available to you, there’s no reason not to take advantage of it. I hope your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
In the UK there is 250,000 people currently taking benzos regularly. And they are now trying to reduce that number.
My doctor would only allow me 28 X 1mg Lorazepam a month so I couldn’t become dependant on them.
Your paranoia could get really bad if you come of Meds too quickly.
Couldn’t hurt to go into the 30 day program. A lot of people still don’t believe in acute benzo withdrawal symptoms but I do because I went through it myself. . I was on a pretty large dose of Librium for about 10 years before I went cold turkey two years ago. 2 months later i went psychotic. I don’t think withdrawal effects were the sole cause but they were definitely a contributing factor.
I’ll know on April 12, and I’ll keep everyone informed. As long as pdoc approves (and I’m certain she will) I’ll use the detox center., a 3-week inpatient facility for people getting off of narcotics (benzodiazipines are narcotics).
From what I’ve read about benzo withdrawal, many get through it without extreme symptoms while others have a very rough time. In my case I got extreme bouts of anger where I was going off on people for the slightest reason. I think all of my symptoms abated in about 3 mons.
