Okay, I know what everyone is going to say here. I've been reading these postings for a while now so I know its a big NO NO to take one drug to get off another. BUT, here's my question. I've never taken Xanax before. I know it too can be addictive (even harder to get off of once you've been on it for a while). I'm not going into this blindly. Anyway, I've decided to stop taking the pain meds (I was mainly taking percocet - about 6-8 per day). I stopped taking the percs about 2 weeks ago and made it 2 weeks. I could have gone longer (honestly, I could have b/c I was finally starting to feel almost normal again). But, my doctor had already perscribed me another perscription and I filled it. So, now that I'm done with that perscription, I'm just tired - tired of the guilt, tired of worrying about the next rx, you all know the story. I got a rx for Xanax b/c I was having anxiety due to being off the meds. Yesterday was my first day with no meds (pain meds anyway), today is my second day. I didn't take anything during the day yesterday or today - just when I got home from work. Last night I had 2 xanax and today so far, I've had 2. I feel fine (other than my back hurting like crap). Any advice? Has anyone ever tried this during the w/d period?
Well since you already know the answer about substituting one for another, I won't go there. If you got through the first 2 weeks without taking anything, why not try it again? You are an addict so you are already addicted to the xanax even if you've never taken them before. You're body and mind will want them even after 2 days. Flush em. Even if you tried to use them short term, when is enough, enough? As long as you have them, you'll find an excuse to use them. Do yourself a favor and don't travel this road any longer than you have too. I know what you're going through and it really sucks. But you can get through this..just look how much better you felt after the first 2 weeks! The xanax won't help your back, try advil instead. It's non-addictive.
I hope this helps....
Love,
Cowgirl
I hope this helps....
Love,
Cowgirl
I personally wouldn't do that. I just managed to get through most of the withdrawel and I didn't use it. I considered it. I just don't trust myself well enough to dare and take something else I'd have to get off of. I've heard that withdrawel from that is worse than from opiates. I don't know that for sure since I never did it. Good luck in whatever you decide, Kat
A doctor I know that deals with addiction and addicts using Ativan instead to help the detox of his patients. He says Xanax causes mood swings and Ativan is less addictive to use when withdrawals start. Just a little bit though and then he tapers his patients quickly from that within a 20 day period. He combines this with Wellburtrin and keeps the patient on WEllburtrin which helps with cravings. The Wellburtin is tapered and stopped after a 3 month period.
Maybe this helps?
Maybe this helps?
No Xanax is a huge mistake. The withdrawl from that isnt all fun and games.. You get the shakes, over exaggerated periods of fatigue, cramps, and insomnia. Not only that, alot of people forget what they are doing, and kind of get a slight period of amnesia. It can get you in trouble because you can do something abnormal, that you wouldnt typically do. If you aint going to listen to me, at least cut your doses down to a half a pill. Or you will find yourself in a different mess then the pain meds gave you. I know its cheaper to purchase, but your best bet is to see professional help. Do what i did, and turn down the anti-anxiety drugs. Ask him about a pill that he can give you.There is one out there that can cut out close to 60% of the major withdrawl symptoms you can go through. Well please get better my heart is with you.. take care..
You know I don't think there is one right way. What works for one doesn't for another. The most important thing is to be extremely honest with yourself. I'm not for or against anything. I would seek out professional help to work this through. And make sure you set yourself up with good support. Be it meetings, groups, therapy, whatever. Best of luck.
PM
PM
dear jane good luck if taking xan will help you escape the grasp of pain meds do it anything to stop is better than doing nothing. i'll pray 4 u
bump for llh
