Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking. Be sure to mention any medical conditions that you have. These can affect your tapering schedule.
Tapering schedules with vary with each individual, depending on length of use, dosage, and other factors. [3] X Research source
Another benefit of diazepam is that this drug is readily available in liquid form and smaller dose tablets. Both of these options aid in tapering. The switch from alprazolam to diazepam can be immediate or gradual. If your doctor chooses to switch you to diazepam, she will adjust your initial dosage of diazepam to equal your current dosage of Alprazolam. Generally speaking, 10 milligrams of Diazepam equals one milligram of Alprazolam.
Your dose schedule may also be adjusted according to how you respond to the taper.
If you are taking diazepam as a replacement for alprazolam, your total dose should not decrease more than about 5 mg of diazepam per week. It should also go down to decreasing by one to two milligrams per week when you reach a small dose like 20 mg of diazepam. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you have been on low, sporadic doses of Alprazolam, your doctor may not recommend tapering or may taper faster than someone who has been on a chronic, steady or high dose. Generally, anyone who has been on a benzodiazepine for over eight weeks will require a taper schedule.
If your doctor prescribed other drugs instead of alprazolam, the taper plan will take that into account as well.
Drink plenty of fluids. Eat plenty of healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay away from processed and refined foods. Get as much quality sleep as you can. Get regular exercise.
A journal entry example in a spreadsheet form might look like this: 1) January 1, 2015 2) 12:00 PM 3) Current dose: 2 mgs 4) Dose reduction: . 02 mgs 5) Total reduction level: 1. 88 mgs You may add several daily entries for a multiple daily dosages. Include any withdrawal symptoms or change of mood you notice.
Mention any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing, such as anxiety, irritability, agitation, insomnia, panic or headaches. If you experience any severe symptoms like hallucinations or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have a slowly designed taper plan, this is not a typical course of action that needs to be taken.
Consider continuing to see a mental health professional after your tapering schedule.
In some cases, unsupervised withdrawal from alprazolam may result in death.
Anxiety Irritability Agitation Insomnia Panic Depression Headache Nausea Fatigue Blurred vision Aches and pains
Remember, until you have completed a successful benzodiazepine taper, your body will be in a constant mild withdrawal state. This is why a slow taper is highly recommended.
The estimated time frame for tapering is between six and 18 months and varies upon dose rates, age, general health, stress factors and time of use. Regardless of your doctor-recommended taper schedule, it should be: Slow and gradual. Scheduled: The doctor will ask you to take a dose at a certain time rather than “as needed. ” Adjusted to your symptoms of withdrawal or rebound of anxiety or disease. Monitored weekly to monthly, depending on your situation.
