Benzos Best option to cease use of Alprazlam

[RTrain]

For, I think 7 weeks this Monday, I have been using Alprazolam basically daily, maybe 2-3 days did not use it. Doses vary from .5-2 mg, probably average out to 1 mg a day.

I really need to stop using them, I have no intention of developing a serious addiction to benzos. I basically was using them to reduce my heroin use, but have as of last Wednesday been on Suboxone. I assume at this point there will be some physical w/d symptoms, the extent I can't say for sure as I don't think I have gone more than 36 hours without taking one.

I was wondering if anyone can give advice as to best option to do this? I have considered going to my doctor, fessing up and hoping to be Rx'd a small valium 'script to wean down on. I really would rather not, though they already know I have an opiate addiction I don't want more on top of it.

 

[Gyrospeck]

I think you can get off pretty easy if you are smart.

First begin exercising regularly and clean up your diet as much as you can (assuming you aren't already doing this). Do this for a few days before trying to lower your dose, and when you feel ready, reduce your dose down to .5mg/day. I would recommend staying at this dose for 2-3 days before trying to jump off. Also don't be afraid to take another dose if you are experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms (if you can, try to fight through it, even just for another hour. This is a good way to learn coping skills).

Some supplements have helped me: magnesium chelate, Lysine, and a high quality multivitamin. Try to go light on caffeine and remember it can trigger your anxiety. Also keep up on diet, exercise, and a stable sleep schedule (for example, don't let yourself nap).

Best of luck getting off the Xanax. You'll be very happy when you do.

 

[bennyZA]

A slowish taper might will probably get you off without any physical issues. You could probably reduce by .25 every few days, if you have the willpower. In my experience, .5/day, so getting off in 2 days, will probably be a little too fast.

 

[morphonorconic]

Gyrospeck pretty much covered most of the advice I'd give. Really do your best to hold out as long as possible before redosing, and then only take sub-therapeutic doses, as in 0.25mg tops, and ideally fractional amounts less than or equal to 0.125 (an eighth of 1mg). I've never researched it, but the threshold dose for alprazolam is probably as little as one sixteenth of 1mg (0.0625mg). Measuring at this level becomes complicated unless you have 0.5mg or even better 0.25mg tablets, but I'm guessing you have the 1mg or 2mg variety. Just divide as accurately as you're able to.

You should be okay with little or none for 24-48 hrs, and in my experience you'll feel pretty decent- very excitable and enthusiastic- before the adverse symptoms set in. You'll initially need at least 0.5mg when the anxiety peaks, and probably the same amount for 72 hrs after that initial dose. But try to hold out as long as possible, and to take less than 3/4 of 1mg.

Exercise is the most critical factor: Do it. It is the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself and will accelerate the homeostatic processes ie healing. The more intense and strenuous, the better. It forces your brain to come off of lots of good stuff that it otherwise will keep on lockdown like a vault. Physical exertion is the ideal method for channeling all of that anxious energy.

Do this for yourself now, because even the worst things you are capable of imagining in life don't even compare to the hell of full blown benzo addiction and withdrawl.