Benzos Chances of withdrawal symptoms? (Xanax) Please help.

[st0rch]

I was prescribed a trial of Ativan (0.25mg) on 1/31/2013. I believe there were 5-10 pills and I took them all over the course of a month. I went back to my doctor after noticing the effects weren't strong and he prescribed 30 pills of Xanax (0.5mg) on 2/28/2013. I took these pills infrequently over the course of about a month and a half, I do know the bottle was finished by 5/17/2013 (moved into a new place, so I remember not having any.) I recall taking two pills on some occasions, and once I took 3 (1.5 mg total).

I decided after reading in to the side effects that it wouldn't be worth it for me to continue. This last Sunday, I started having what seems to be the most terrifying experience I've ever encountered (detailed in my other posts, so I wont go into that). My question is, for those of you experienced with benzos; is it possible to have withdrawal symptoms from a low dose taken over a 2 months, and the withdrawal starting 2 months after taking the last pill? The feelings of terror started Sunday after a very bad fight my siblings got in. I was fine all day, but woke in the middle of the night with an extreme fear that doesn't seem to be diminishing.The withdrawal symptoms match my current symptoms almost exactly, but I hope its not true... Extreme fear / panic of almost every thought that pops into my head, obsessive thoughts, pretty bad derealization, slight depression (worse some days) ..

I went to a doctor who said its not likely, & prescribed me some 5mg Valium pills and some abilify, because I literally feel as if I'm going insane. The day I went to the doctor, I also decided what he gave me was NOT working and went to the ER, where they gave me 2 MG of Ativan (1 mg there, 1 for 8 hours later). Since I only have the Valium now, I am taking it ONLY when I feel completely out of control. I would just like to know if this is unlikely to be withdrawal symptoms from the duration and low doses I took previously, as I'd really like to avoid taking this terrible drug all together if it is.

I have had panic attacks previous to taking the Xanax, and I also had a sinus infection and got a stomach flu close to or the day this all started happening... Which could also have thrown me into panic in addition to the family drama i'm going through.

I am just looking for some reassurance... some wisdom.. and maybe someone to guide me through this. I have tried going on a walk, going to a work event, and being with my girlfriend ( the latter seemed to calm me down the most), but the feelings are PERSISTENT. They diminish but do not completely disappear. Is this all in my head or an actual withdrawal?

I will remember you for the rest of my life if you can help me. I am so desperate to feel normal and happy and not terrified again. thank you...

 

[RobotRipping]

it is extremely unlikely you would have any withdrawal symptoms from that kind of use. It is likely attributed to your emotional reaction to what happened that day.

if you are feeling terrified, ask yourself, what you are terrified of? what's the worst possible case scenario? you aren't going to go crazy, at the very worst you'll have a panic attack which is terrible at the time but it'll pass, the less you fear it, the better you'll be.

It is all in your head but in saying that, what you experienced likely caused a chain reaction of neurotransmitters to hit, likely norepinephrine which gives you that fight or flight terror feeling. Try to relax yourself, stop worrying about things (easier than it sounds) and if you really want, try to figure out what exactly is triggering this feeling. I assume that if you were prescribed benzos in the past then you have at least some anxiety and it's being heightened by your recent situation, so resolve that in your head and you'll likely feel better.

I'd say 100% it's family drama, same shit will send me into a panic attack and my anxiety through the roof along with nightmares and everything else anxiety related.

With your frequency of use, unless you had a past benzo addiction, then there is no way you are experiencing withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal can be similar in ways to a panic attack and by reading about the withdrawals, you are just further freaking yourself out. You'll be fine, calm down relax, everything passes in time and things will get better.

 

[sekio]

0.5 to 1.5mg Xanax, no more than once every few days, is unlikely to produce dependence in most individuals. Treat it like roughly 1-2 standard drinks of alcohol, dependence wise. It wears off quickly, too. 30 doses over a month and a half is clearly in theraputic limits - like drinking a beer or two every other day. You won't go into withdrawal, but without your benzos as a crutch you may find the stress overwhelming.

It sounds like you are just an anxious person. It's probably best to stay on a medication that works for controlling your symptoms (Xanax) and not abuse it, especially if you're just going to end up on other benzos anyway. Benzos, when used responsibly and in moderation (not continuously) can be excellent tools for dealing with stress, etc - it's generally only at higher doses, and with frequent use that people see problems.

Remember: side effects are variable between people, and you can't tell ahead of time what they will be. And make the most of a shitty situation when you can - if you're not suffering, don't assume you'll start soon!

I am just looking for some reassurance... some wisdom.. and maybe someone to guide me through this. I have tried going on a walk, going to a work event, and being with my girlfriend ( the latter seemed to calm me down the most), but the feelings are PERSISTENT. They diminish but do not completely disappear.

That sure sounds like stress. Confront what worries you and discover why, then work on fixing that.