How to Conquer Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Even if Xanax helps with anxiety, and sometimes it worsens the condition, unintended addiction may occur. Some patients try to discontinue using the drug to feel more connected to life. While you should never stop a medication without medical advice, there is help for Xanax withdrawal symptoms.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Discuss Xanax discontinuation and Xanax withdrawal symptoms with your physician. Abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines can induce life threatening seizures or other complications. Your doctor can advise you accordingly.

2. 
   Water may offer an effective Xanax withdrawal technique.

   Withdrawal from Xanax slowly, unless advised otherwise. One slow reduction method involves dissolving Xanax in a glass of water and reducing the solution by a spoonful each day or two. Typical reduction methods progress faster, such as by reducing the dosage by half every 3 to 7 days.

3. Educate yourself on the short-term and long-term side effects of Xanax withdrawal. One excellent website (www.benzo.org.uk) focuses intensively on benzodiazepine withdrawal and offers valuable support information. The Ashton Manual is also made available, whereas patients can learn what to expect in the weeks, months and years to come.

4. Find a support group to empower you as you endure severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms. It will encourage you to connect with others who made it through the worst times successfully. Both online and offline support groups are available. Yahoo Groups has a popular support group and mailing list named Benzo-L.

5. 

   Focus on your diet to reduce anxiety and detoxify the body, including the basics of drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine. Investigate the potential of herbal remedies such as Kava Kava, but beware of many bogus claims involving homeopathy. Check with experts in the field of natural medicine and review independent clinical studies in the U.S. and abroad.

6. Talk to a psychiatrist, pharmacologist or neurologist about prescription medicine alternatives, if one is needed. Unlike a general practitioner, physicians dedicated to the physiology of the brain are often better equipped to help with these issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rule out non-medicated therapies if it is not contradicted by your doctor.
• Keep track of the positive mental changes as you progress with conquering Xanax withdrawal.
• Exercise helps reduce stress significantly.
• Consider a drug rehabilitation program if you take more than the prescribed dosage of Xanax, are taking it in combination with alcohol or can't get past the acute phase of withdrawal safely.
• Some patients do better on Xanax despite the drawbacks and side-effects. This is both a personal and medical decision. Don't judge yourself or let others judge you harshly about medication.

Resources

• Benzo.org.uk - Home of The Ashton Manual on Benzodiazepines

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/24/2008 Diet will work wonders. Also maybe try some alternative therapies instead of something so strong that you have to worry about withdrawal. Good article!

[jpwhickson]

on 2/14/2008 This is good advice. I personally use tic tacs and pretend they are nerve tablets. It seems to work, but I am easily fooled.