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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by super on August 13, 2001, at 13:56:07
Any suggestions for psyching myself into stopping Xanax. I am so psychologically dependent on it that it makes me anxious to think about stopping. The last time I tried to stop, I ended up not sleeping for a long time until my dr. put be back on a higher dose, then everything resolved. Now I'm trying to stop again but having trouble.
Posted by Willow on August 13, 2001, at 14:09:28
In reply to stopping xanax, posted by super on August 13, 2001, at 13:56:07
Super
You'll probably get more help from the psycho-babble board I'll redirect your message there.Willow
Posted by kid_A on August 13, 2001, at 14:10:40
In reply to stopping xanax, posted by super on August 13, 2001, at 13:56:07
hey super, this should probably be moved over to the Psycho Babble board but, I do believe there are methods to weening Xanax usage that involve Klonopin substitution... Here's the detox program verbatim from the site I viewed it on:~~~
For the first 9 mg Xanax per day, substitute 1 mg Klonopin for each 1.5 mg Xanax. For doses beyond 9 mg Xanax (that is, for the next 9 mg and beyond), substitute 1 mg Klonopin for each 3 mg Xanax.
Start with a loading dose of 2-4 mg Klonopin and divide the rest into tid dosing. Reduce gradually over 14 days or so.
So, the pt were taking 15 mg Xanax a day, this would be (6 mg Klonopin for the first 9 mg Xanax) + (2 mg Klonopin for the next 6 mg Xanax) = 8 mg Klonopin. Give Loading dose of 3 mg, then 2 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg the first day, then gradually reduce.
The usual doses of Xanax people are taking are usually modest... 8 or 10 mg a day. If they are enormous doses, try 3 mgm Klonopin tid.
Klonopin is a pretty good anticonvulsant, and is structurally similar to Xanax. Phenobarbital might be an alternative--good anticonvulsant, but won't substitute for symptom control (panic,etc) during withdrawal.
If the pt began the Xanax for panic disorder, or depression, be certain that an alternative tx is started during detox. Some would consider valproic acid as an alternative.
~~~
good luck...
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