Posted by ro6 on December 12, 2002, at 3:35:47
In reply to Re: Xanax Addiction, posted by judy1 on December 10, 2002, at 10:11:49
Judy… First off, addiction is not a strong word when describing “Benzo” dependency. As for switching from Xanax to Klonopin, you are will continue to be addicted to a benzo. From my personal experience I would not recommend trying to “wean” yourself off Xanax, Klonopin, Valium or and other benzo without the help of a doctor who has experience with benzo withdrawal. My first withdrawal attempt was under the supervision of a physician in a so-called drug treatment center in Houston, Texas. After three days of inpatient detox I was released. After three days of insomnia I suffered a Grand Mal seizure, which left me with a lacerated forehead that required plastic surgery and hospitalization. After being released from that hospital I soon began to experience severe anxiety and other withdrawal associated symptoms, which were only relieved by once again taking Xanax.
A year later, I checked into the Herman Memorial Prevention & Recovery Center, at the recommendation of a friend who was detoxing from Klonopin in the Betty Ford Clinic. I was in Detox for 4 days, inpatient for 25 days and outpatient for 30 days. Six months have passed and I am still experiencing withdrawal symptoms (Anxiety, Short Term Memory Loss, Confusion…) all of which is normal for Benzo withdrawal. Overall Xanax has caused far more problems in my life then the symptoms the drug was to treat!
My dose was 4mg daily, which I took for 3 years. I had no idea how addictive the drug is, and it was a physician who addicted me to the drug.
Good Luck
poster:ro6
thread:131148
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021210/msgs/131435.html