Cold Turkey Withdrawal

[Ariel]

@Jilla

 

You might read carefully through this topic and ask your question there instead:

[Untethered]

Thanks for this. Due to a long delay last summer between my pharmacy and my Dr’s office, I went 2 weeks without Lexapro. I stupidly decided to just stop taking it. Other than depression and crying spells, I thought I was ok. It didn’t really hit me until a few months later. It’s been difficult to deal with. I’m angry at myself for putting myself through it all. My Dr wants to reinstate or add another a/d, and I’m really hesitant. I’ve read that it can just make things worse. It’s already been almost a year. 
Anyhow, I feel like there is a lot of shame directed towards those who c/t. I certainly regret it, but I can’t change it. Sending support to all. 

[Scrountz]

@Untethered I don't think there's any shame in CTing. Prescribers have a responsibility to warn their patients about the consequences of stopping their medication abruptly, but few do. You see a lot of stories of people on this forum who just didn't know, and why should they? It's the responsibility of the doctor to inform them of the risks the medication poses.

 

The shame is on the drug companies who obfuscate the risks of these drugs and the doctors who don't take withdrawal seriously. The shame is on a culture that pathologizes human suffering and sees it as a medical problem in the first place. 

 

The shame isn't on you though. Keep safe and keep going, I hope your healing comes soon.

 

 

[ChessieCat]

16 minutes ago, Scrountz said:

Prescribers have a responsibility to warn their patients about the consequences of stopping their medication abruptly

 

Something that I have noticed is that when you get a prescription filled these days you do not get the patient leaflet with it.  For my drug Pristiq, the patient leaflet states not to stop the drug abruptly.  It is also says not to cut the tablet.  Only 25mg, 50mg and 100mg Pristiq is made, and in Australia our TGA has not approved 25mg.

[Scrountz]

13 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

Something that I have noticed is that when you get a prescription filled these days you do not get the patient leaflet with it.  For my drug Pristiq, the patient leaflet states not to stop the drug abruptly.  It is also says not to cut the tablet.  Only 25mg, 50mg and 100mg Pristiq is made, and in Australia our TGA has not approved 25mg.

 

 

When I was prescribed Fluoxetine with a few Ativan, the pharmacist briefly met with me to discuss the medication, but describes the Ativan as "one that will make you feel better temporarily but won't solve the problem" and the Fluoxetine as "one that will solve the problem". If I had no working knowledge of medication (which fortunately I do) that would have been all the information I received.

 

Similarly, when I had my adverse reaction and talked to my doctor about discontinuing, he told me that 10mg Fluoxetine "wasn't even a dose" and that CTing would be fine. While Fluoxetine has a gentler reputation for CTing than other medications, it was clear he had little knowledge of adverse reactions or withdrawal challenges. 

 

I'm sure other people have stories very similar to mine. The lack of information patients are given is appalling.

[Altostrata]

These are good suggestions, @Scrountz

 

People who have found cold turkey to be a big mistake can, in fact, reinstate a low dose of the drug to address withdrawal symptoms. The sooner this is done after quitting the drug, the better.

 

Risk of reinstatement increases the longer you wait, but we have seen people do better with very low-dose reinstatement even years out. We advise a probe of a very low dose to minimize risk of kindling from reintroduction of the drug, and sometimes this very low dose is a sufficient crutch to set people along the way to recovery.

 

Up to the individual whether they want to try reinstatement or manage symptoms with non-drug methods. In any case, expect recovery to be very, very gradual, with many frustrating ups and downs, and to take many months.

[Jilla]

What is kindling?

[Ariel]

@Jilla

 

[Untethered]

On 6/15/2022 at 2:12 AM, ChessieCat said:

 

Something that I have noticed is that when you get a prescription filled these days you do not get the patient leaflet with it.  For my drug Pristiq, the patient leaflet states not to stop the drug abruptly.  It is also says not to cut the tablet.  Only 25mg, 50mg and 100mg Pristiq is made, and in Australia our TGA has not approved 25mg.

Yes! It’s the same where I live. They stopped giving the leaflet/printout the last year few years or so. I even asked for one once and they just said I could talk to the pharmacist for any questions. 

[Untethered]

I am one of the people who naively and stupidly went c/t. Here was a miscommunication between my dr’s office and my pharmacy and I was without my cipralex and decided to just stop. I was unaware of forums like this. I did not do my research and now I’m paying for it. 

[keogh08]

Hi

 

whilst I am aware there are topics for fatigue as a symptom when tapering for a drug, I can find little information relating to those of us who are experiencing it years later from an adverse reaction or cold turkey. 
 

I am desperately looking for advice on help with this symptom I am experiencing 3 years out from an immediate adverse reaction, to citalopram 20mg taken for approx 4 days. 

In recent months my fatigue is unbearable to a point where I cannot even function. I cannot drive and I am struggling with work and looking after my young child. 
 

I have seen a massive decline in my energy levels and I do not know what to do about it. 
 

my blood levels are all normal whilst my FSH and LH levels are on the low side they are considered normal by my GP they will not treat me. 
 

I just also note that this fatigue is not any better with increased sleep. I can sleep all night with no known disturbances but I still cannot wake up and function. 
 

Having very little history with medication, and experiencing such devastating consequences from the small dose I did take. I am now seriously contemplating a stimulant just to help me get through the days. 

Any advise on this symptom I would greatly appreciate. As I do not have the option of reinstating uprising etc. 

[LotusRising]

@keogh08

 

What is your diet like? It can have a huge impact on energy levels. While our blood levels of certain hormones can be within normal range to a medical doctor, often naturopaths are a little more specialized in that area if you can find a good one. Have you ever considered seeing a naturopath or holistic nutritionist? They can work with you on your diet/lifestyle to see if any modifications can be made. Something to consider. 

[keogh08]

Hi @MedRN

 

Thank you for getting back to me. Early in withdrawal from my reaction I seen a naturopath. If I am being honest I am so overwhelmed by the fatigue that I even struggle to prepare meals, but I know I could do so much better where diet is concerned. I will look to arrange an appointment asap. 

[chrona]

at least eat fruit and vegetables and not sugar and junk.  cold showers.  or if you can stand it baths or swim in the cold ocean.  start walking.  just start,    a little bit,  not for sweating, just moving,  enjoying the trees or whatever you can.  preferably in nature if you have it.  yoga, get a book or video,  do it in a meditative way,  not striving to accomplish anything, just enjoying the stretch as far as you can.  certain breathing exercises really help to. really slow, quiet.  I am on the same wavelength as you.  I know these things help.  I can acupuncture myself so I do that, so if you have money, do that a lot. 

[ChessieCat]

18 minutes ago, chrona said:

 I can acupuncture myself

 

Acupuncture - Posts #6 & #8 (not detox or stimulation)

[Scrountz]

In both withdrawal and ADR cases, healing is non-linear. It's not so uncommon to have periods where you feel really awful again, even after going through better periods or feeling like a lot of progress has been made.

 

See the Windows and Waves Pattern of Healing

 

Hang in there @rebeccaannxo, your nervous system will find its way back.

[Vonnegutjunky]

I feel you Rebecca. I am right there with you. Praying for better days for you. 

[Altostrata]

We've seen that drinking alcohol, taking antibiotics or other drugs, getting covid-19, being in very hot or sunny places, overexertion, lack of sleep, and other upsets can revive withdrawal symptoms.

[Jilla]

On 6/26/2022 at 12:40 PM, rebeccaannxo said:

Unfortunately I haven’t made much progress at all. I’m housebound every single day from symptoms and so sick I can’t even walk down the street. I don’t ever have windows, it’s just constant suffering. When will this nightmare ever end 😩

I’m so sorry Rebeccaannxo. I am in a very bad place as well right now. Wondering how I am supposed to keep going on this way. Very scary and debilitating. Please know that I will be praying for you…praying for God to bring healing to your body.🙏

[SlowVeil]

My only progress so far is that my akathisia and inner vibration seem to be gone for good for 2+months now. All other symptoms had 0 progress and no "window & wave pattern", and most of them are physical: tingling in extremities, muscle twitch, tinnitus, slight tremor. The Tinnitus is the most troublesome and I really don't know if it's med induced because it did not appear immediately(within a day) after a med is introduced/withdrawn. Also developed head pressure on right half in the last 2 weeks.

I get that since my akathisia and inner vibration is gone, it means I am healing, but I don't feel that way at all...Enduring them makes me exhausted and lose hope already...

[Ariel]

WD anxiety, a.k.a. neuro-anxiety, is different from normal anxiety. 

 

We mustn't let ourselves be discouraged if our usual non-drug coping techniques and run-of-the-mill CBT-style tactics don't make a dent. 

Sometimes the best strategies for WD anxiety are distract, acknowledge-accept-float (AAF), distract some more. 

 

It's very important not to beat ourselves up for "failing" to get a handle on WD anxiety, because it may not be manageable in the same way that garden-variety anxiety is. This is not to say we shouldn't practice coping skills, just that they may not be effective in the ways we're used to. We mustn't spiral into self-blame and other neuro-self-recrimination as a result. 

 

Let us be gentle with ourselves <3

 

SunnyRainyDays has written a brilliant description of the experience of WD anxiety, sharing their post here: 

19 hours ago, SunnyRainyDays said:

Normally reassuring and challenging the thoughts with solid proof and facts makes my anxiety go away, but not this one - withdrawal anxiety won’t go away no matter what I do - I just have to sit with it.

 

The neuro-anxiety puts me 24/7 in a flight-or-fight mode. My anxious brain now interprets every single thought and action as “danger”.

I daydream for one minute:

You must have maladaptive daydreaming.

My mind wanders for a few seconds while doing a hour long task:

You must have ADHD

I want to play a video game that has a few drops of blood:

Don’t play it, it will make you violent

I scratch my skin because it itches:

You might go ill and scratch your skin bloody to excess

And so on and on. There aren’t even the “what if you have …” questions that anxiety normally does, but it’s straight out “You (must) have …”

Today I was afraid to leave my house for no reason. The fears come and go as they wish, one day I’ll have them and on another I don’t.

The combination with other neuro emotions that appear from time to time like random hostility out of nowhere make it worse.

 

Weird though that it is afraid of every mental problem but anxiety disorders - if it would be then it would practically eliminate itself by avoiding worrying. But it’d rather be scared of daydreaming, logically. Why is it scared most of daydreaming??? Probably because it’s so common and human that it’s unavoidable, and anxiety hates unavoidable things…

 

I tried reassuring, showing proof that the thought is impossible and stupid, but no matter what I do it won’t even decrease a bit. (I researched the topics my mind is afraid of and it didn’t help - it’s like talking to a moron. It holds to its belief no matter what. I compared the “mental disorders” to myself and even though I fit none my anxiety still insists I probably have it. I even took the official test for Maladaptive daydreaming which you need a score of 40+ points to even be considered a MDer, my score was 17,5, not even the half of it, but my anxious mind doesn’t care and won’t shut up. Each time my mind wanders off my anxiety flares up. Same with every topic. Can’t concentrate once in a while? Danger, very, very bad.) Everything that I do is accompanied by extreme judgement from my anxious mind.

Pity my anxious brain doesn’t notice that most of the problems come from the anxiety itself.

 

All I can do for now is to ignore or distract myself and let it pass along with the withdrawal. Mostly it makes me avoid and not do the things that flare it up, this time facing fears is useless as it leaves me in even more distress.

Yup, withdrawal anxiety is something completely else than normal anxiety and now I know that.

 

[Jilla]

34 minutes ago, Ariel said:

WD anxiety, a.k.a. neuro-anxiety, is different from normal anxiety. 

 

We mustn't let ourselves be discouraged if our usual non-drug coping techniques and run-of-the-mill CBT-style tactics don't make a dent. 

Sometimes the best strategies for WD anxiety are distract, acknowledge-accept-float (AAF), distract some more. 

 

It's very important not to beat ourselves up for "failing" to get a handle on WD anxiety, because it may not be manageable in the same way that garden-variety anxiety is. This is not to say we shouldn't practice coping skills, just that they may not be effective in the ways we're used to. We mustn't spiral into self-blame and other neuro-self-recrimination as a result. 

 

Let us be gentle with ourselves ❤️

 

SunnyRainyDays has written a brilliant description of the experience of WD anxiety, sharing their post here: 

 

Great post!

[Jilla]

15 minutes ago, rebeccaannxo said:

Has anyone had extreme facial burning, lethargic, really pale skin, floaty like feeling (almost flu like)? 

I have had facial tingling and pale skin!

[Erin9]

Really glad to have found this topic. About 3 weeks ago I took mirtazipine for 5 days (am also on citalopram, maybe that had an effect) and was told to discontinue after 5 days because of my symptoms. Am now about 3 weeks out of stopping mirtazapine cold turkey and still feel like I've got the flu, got brain zaps, tingling on my scalp and headaches, and can't seem to think straight. I was so shocked that i could still be having these symptoms after only a few days on a medication, and it was really worrying me and making me think there's something bigger going on - but reading this topic reassures me that unfortunately ADR can happen, so that would explain my symptoms. 

[OldDodgy]

@Erin9

That sounds really foul for you. 
I had to withdraw from mirtazipine fast for medical reasons. It wasn’t very nice. 
The main issues were dire insomnia, night terrors and anxiety.  
I promise it cleared up and wish you well. 
I went on a low histamine diet to help with the withdrawal. But you may not have to do so !!! 
Best wishes 

OD 

[geezee74]

On 7/6/2022 at 6:50 PM, rebeccaannxo said:

Has anyone had extreme facial burning, lethargic, really pale skin, floaty like feeling (almost flu like)? 

Facial burning, feeling flu like and lethargic. Yes!!

[Guest]

Hi, I CT 4 month ago. And struggle with anhedonia at the moment. I hope this will pass .

[LanaCoFireBird]

On 2/7/2022 at 1:06 PM, Scrountz said:

ADMIN NOTE If you abruptly quit your drug without tapering (cold turkey), see

---

 

I thought I'd write something up for the CT/ADR crew, as those who are tapering are often able to manage their symptoms well through a gradual hyperbolic taper. For those of us cast out to sea, so to speak, and with no choice but to endure suffering, I think the only thing we have control over is our attitudes and our relationship to what we're experiencing. This means that though we have no choice over what we experience, we have the power to decide whether we suffer it. 

 

I may only be 30 days into my ADR experience, but I think given the intensity of my symptoms I've done remarkably well. Part of the reason that's the case is that I'm already well versed at managing suffering by virtue of struggling with CPTSD. One of the most helpful resources I found in my trauma recovery has been Pete Walker's 13 Steps for Flashback Management. I feel Pete's strategies could similarly be helpful for those suffering symptoms from Withdrawal/ADR. CPTSD flashbacks often resemble Withdrawal/ADR symptoms in their overwhelming and intense quality, and are similarly difficult to assign meaning to. Pete's steps help people to endure and manage their suffering, and support people to develop a healing attitude towards a complex and often lifelong syndrome. 

 

So here I present to you, adapted directly from Pete's steps,  Scrountz's 10 Steps for Managing Withdrawal/ADR Symptoms:

 

1. Say to yourself: "I am experiencing a symptom."

Its important when symptoms arise to name them what they are. When in a wave it is easy to lose perspective and believe that what we are experiencing is a sign that we are going crazy, mentally ill, that our brains are broken, or that we are dying. Symptoms are not characterological defects, nor are they signs of a deeper problem. Symptoms are time limited experiences that will gradually resolve. When you name what you are experience as a symptom, you are reinforcing what is real.

 

2. Remind yourself: "I would not be feeling this way if it was not for the medication."

Withdrawal/ADR symptoms are compelling and have a tendency to pull us in to a unique physiological reality characterized by interminable suffering. Neuro-emotions, ruminating thoughts, and unrelenting physical ailments feel so real it is sometimes hard to believe that we are experiencing is drug induced. Falling into this pit can send us into a spiral of googling symptoms, experimenting with remedies and endlessly theorizing about our condition. Reminding ourselves that it is the medication (or for withdrawal, its absence) that is causing this experience grounds us in the appropriate context for recovery. When we remind ourselves it is the medication, we open the door to taking the right action to promote recovery. 

 

3. Own your right and need to have boundaries

Remind yourself that you are injured, and have a right to do what is necessary to heal. Respectfully communicate to others when you are distressed/overwhelmed/debilitated and need space or freedom from responsibilities that may burden your already over-sensitized nervous system. Own your right to take care of yourself and put your wellness first. Remove or reduce distressing factors in your environment and focus on finding a space for you that is safe and conducive to healing. Remember you are free to leave overstimulating situations and to protect yourself from the dismissive behaviour of others. 

 

4. Seek reassurance

When symptoms arise, they can be incredibly distressing and debilitating. Many people in withdrawal feel as though their lives are ruined and they may never feel better again. Seek reassurance from loved ones and compassionate others to remind you that you will heal in time. Call your parents, talk to your spouse, connect with your counsellor, or phone a friend. Journal in your introductory topic or reach out to other members of this forum. Find whoever you can to reassure you things will get better. Often just hearing that from someone else is enough to provide some strength to keep going. 

 

5. Deconstruct eternity thinking

Withdrawal/ADR symptoms are incredibly compelling. Often when a wave of symptoms arises, one feels they will always feel this way forever. I know for me, when a wave of depression hits, I have a hard time believing it won’t last forever. The reality is that symptoms change over time. Recovery follows an unpredictable course, yet no feeling is final. Waves will always end eventually. Remind yourself that symptoms are not forever, and you will feel differently eventually. Symptom journals can be incredibly helpful in this regard, as when eternity thinking sets in, you can revisit past journals to see how your experience has changed over time. 

 

6. Remind yourself of the resources you have

While time is the only factor that truly resolves Withdrawal/ADR symptoms, there are numerous resources available to help with coping and reducing symptom severity. When distressing symptoms arise, remind yourself of the resources you have to cope. It can be helpful to make a list of the things you find helpful in managing symptoms (for me it's talking with loved ones, journaling, Qigong, Acknowledge/Accept/Float, CBT exercises). In withdrawal/ADR, you are out of control but you are not powerless. There are ways to increase comfort and help manage your experience.

 

7. Ease back into your body (this is copied verbatim from Pete’s flashback management as it is just as applicable to us)

• Gently ask your body to relax: Feel each of your major muscle groups and softly encourage them to relax. (Tight muscles send unnecessary danger signals to the brain.)
• Breathe deeply and slowly. (Holding the breath also signals danger).
• Slow down. (Rushing presses the psyche's panic button.)
• Find a safe place to unwind and soothe yourself. Wrap yourself in a blanket, hold a stuffed animal, lie down in a bath, take a nap
• Feel the fear in your body without reacting to it. Fear is just an energy in your body that cannot hurt you if you do not run from it or react self-destructively to it.

 

8. Resist drasticizing and catastrophizing

Withdrawal/ADR symptoms throw us into a state of high distress, where it is easy to begin catastrophizing (believing the world is ending) and drasticizing (believing that something needs an immediate and severe response). It’s important to forcefully resist this, as this kind of thinking only serves to increase distress and reinforce the notion that recovery is not possible. Use whatever strength you can to push back against this thinking, reminding yourself that symptoms are not life threatening, and that this is not forever. CBT techniques that challenge catastrophic thinking are particularly helpful in managing this dimension of symptoms. 

 

9. Allow yourself to grieve

Withdrawal/ADR can be a debilitating, life altering experience that has robbed some of us years of wellness and prosperity. For many the loss of a sense of safety and trust in the medical system leaves one feeling existentially exposed. The symptoms of withdrawal/ADR can impact our relationships, sense of self and life direction. It is important to leave space to express the healthy feelings that come up as a result of this demoralizing, often traumatic experience. Pain, sadness, anger, despair and anguish all have a place in the recovery process. Give yourself permission to express whatever feelings are present in relation to the inevitable loss that withdrawal.

 

10. Be patient with a slow recovery process

I was sobered when I read on this site that recovery takes longer than you’d like. The truth of iatrogenic injury is that there is no clear timeline for anyone’s recovery process. Everyone experiences a unique healing trajectory, with some going very slowly and others experiencing more rapid progress. Whatever the pace, it is important to be patient. You simply cannot rush your healing. Most of us will be at this for months or years. Raging against this fact only engenders needless suffering. Though in many ways the hardest step, this is the most important, and feeds back positively into the other steps. If you can take things one day at a time, you’re more likely to successfully manage your symptoms as they arise. If you’re fixated on getting well NOW, you’re less likely to do what's actually helpful (see steps 1-9).

 

This list is far from exhaustive. I’d love to hear from the collective wisdom of this forum about other necessary “steps” in coping with hard symptoms. 

 

Thank you so much for this, it really helped me out tonight. My taper rate is far from cold turkey but I feel very intensely the first 5 days or so after a taper and really really need these reminders, especially with eternity thinking.

[Greatful]

Thank You I am going to print out a copy and copy and paste to save in my documents.

We need all the help we can get to manage this🤗

[Catina7]

Thank you for sharing such comforting and encouraging information.  I will definitely be referring back to this list quite often.  I need all the help I can get in my darkest moments.

[Wardy4022]

Hi,

I seem to have fallen in the adr category. I took amitriptyline for a week. Then stopped and all hell broke loose.

Really struggling at the minute with the mental symptoms especially. Feeling like my brain has broken and can't remember anything. It's like my head is empty. Never felt so poorly physically and mentally. 

I'm into my 8th week now since stopping.

Does it get better? Is there anyone else going through this at the minute or gone through it that I could talk to. Feeling very alone and scared with nowhere to turn. I can't even comprehend having to go through this for months.

[Scrountz]

5 hours ago, Wardy4022 said:

Hi,

I seem to have fallen in the adr category. I took amitriptyline for a week. Then stopped and all hell broke loose.

Really struggling at the minute with the mental symptoms especially. Feeling like my brain has broken and can't remember anything. It's like my head is empty. Never felt so poorly physically and mentally. 

I'm into my 8th week now since stopping.

Does it get better? Is there anyone else going through this at the minute or gone through it that I could talk to. Feeling very alone and scared with nowhere to turn. I can't even comprehend having to go through this for months.

It gets better @Wardy4022

 

I'm 11 months off after 30 days of Fluoxetine. Had an ADR on day 30 and had to cold turkey. Symptoms got really bad at 2 months and 5 months off. Things have very gradually improved. I'm feeling MUCH better than I was, though still dealing with things.

 

Everyone's trajectory is a little bit different. Try not to compare yourself to others. And manage eternity thinking! Symptoms feel timeless but they're not. It always surprises me a bit when something eventually goes away (because it feels like it never will) but it always does. 

 

PM me if you want to chat more. Hang in there.

[PortugueseSea]

On 6/27/2022 at 3:33 AM, Scrountz said:

In both withdrawal and ADR cases, healing is non-linear. It's not so uncommon to have periods where you feel really awful again, even after going through better periods or feeling like a lot of progress has been made

I should print this out and hang it on my wall...

Thank you for the essential reminder.

[Krish]

Hi!

 

Is it possible that I had a ADR from taking Zoloft for 16 days? 11 days half pill, 5 days quarter pill. I have taken Zoloft before, but like a really long time ago, from 1997-2007. No psycho drug since then. I had no problem quitting back then, I gradually decreased the tablets, but had no real knowledge how to do it, so as far as I remember, I decreased by quarters for a few months and quit. Had a few brain zaps the next days, but that was it.

Back to the present, I started taking 3 x 0,25 Xanax at the start of November 2023. I had a small breakdown and was stupid enough to accept medicine for treatment. Did not know anything about benzos 2 months ago. Now unfortunately I know too much, especially Xanax. Had few more small breakdowns (possibly because I tried to taper Xanax too quickly and had stress), so ended up asking for Zoloft again. After 15 years. Never had any problem in this period. I took it only for a short period of time, but have lost appetite, could only get a few hours of sleep, and I felt like zombie in the world. Things started to settle a little by day 11, had appetite, could sleep, but felt complete emotional numbness. That's when I decided that I don't need this. Took a quarter pill for the next 5 days, then quit. The first few days after quitting was okay,  but like about a week and half ago I lost appetite again, 3-4 hours of sleep, and lethargy/depression full power. Like I'm not interested in anything. I never had this before. Also, probably small akathasia like symptoms, over agitated sometimes, walking up & down in my room. 

 

The best thing is, that because I also take Xanax, I can't decide which medicine is causing this. Tolerance built up to Xanax, or the 16 days (6,75 pills all together) Zoloft? If I have taken Zoloft before and had no issues like this, can these symptoms still come from Zoloft? Or maybe even increases the chance of ADR reaction? Like that part of my brain settled for 15 years and now activated badly with only a few pills? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[TightLinesGuy]

On 1/19/2024 at 6:26 PM, Krish said:

The best thing is, that because I also take Xanax, I can't decide which medicine is causing this. Tolerance built up to Xanax, or the 16 days (6,75 pills all together) Zoloft?

My thoughts are that it is much more likely to be the Xanax. Xanax requires very slow tapering. You will need to make sure you take the same dose spaced out in divided intervals each day to get your body used to a fixed dose before gradually reducing. Xanax is very difficult to taper from as it requires crushing and dividing the tablets into very small doses as it is very strong. Often people transfer to an equivalent dose of a benzodiazepine like diazepam or chlordiazepoxide and slowly reduce.
 

We can remain sensitive to even short exposures to drugs but 15 years is a long time and you report that you did not experience withdrawal when you came off lexapro (very lucky and fortunate).

 

anyway, I certainly hope you get relief from your symptoms soon.