Zanax Cannibis

mikeandnaomi

Well-Known Member
I take .5 mg to 1.5 mg zanax per day. Started off .5 mg a 6 years ago and of course over time 1.5 mg. I was pondering wanning myself off zanax. I am thinking a .25mg reduction with cannabis assistance per week. Anyone else use this method off getting of zanax.

I have used cannabis over the years (I am 42) in conjunction with will power to ward off other vices. Has worked very well.

Is 1 mg of Zanax in the over scope of Zanax? I'm 6 -1 160 lbs.

I work in a very high powered occupation and these two serve as a wonderful "wind down" in the evening.

prop 215
 

MacGuyver4.2.0

Well-Known Member
I take .5 mg to 1.5 mg zanax per day. Started off .5 mg a 6 years ago and of course over time 1.5 mg. I was pondering wanning myself off zanax. I am thinking a .25mg reduction with cannabis assistance per week. Anyone else use this method off getting of zanax.

I have used cannabis over the years (I am 42) in conjunction with will power to ward off other vices. Has worked very well.

Is 1 mg of Zanax in the over scope of Zanax? I'm 6 -1 160 lbs.

I work in a very high powered occupation and these two serve as a wonderful "wind down" in the evening.

prop 215

First off, I'm very sorry you have to take any pills. My spouse has MS and has to do injections all the time. Wish we could all be free from the pharmas. Sounds like you have the right idea about weaning off gradually. I'm NO doctor, and I suggest you consult with yours FIRST before making any changes to your regimen (just to be safe). ;)

If in fact your are taking XANAX, here is some info on weaning off. Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

Xanax is a Central Nervous System (CNA) depressant known as benzodiazepine, which is commonly prescribed by physicians to treat panic attacks, nervousness, and tension. Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). Xanax has been used as a tranquilizer since the 1960s. With strong opposition to the use of benzodiazepines in the 1970s, there was a 25 percent drop in the number of prescriptions written and today, with approximately 3 million Americans (1.6% of the adult population) having used benzodiazepine on a daily basis for at least 12 months, they are the most controversial of all psychotropic medicines.1,2,3
According to the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and under the CSA, all controlled substances are rated on a five-schedule system. Schedule V, the lowest, for the potential for abuse and dependency and I, the highest. Xanax is a Schedule IV. All Schedule IV controlled substances have the following attributes: a low potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and if abused, may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence. Other examples of drugs included in schedule IV are Darvon®, Talwin®, Equanil®, Valium®, and Xanax®4.
Although there are many benefits to taking Xanax and other Schedule IV drugs, many patients are becoming addicted and therefore require an intervention and drug treatment program to overcome their addictions. The patient’s body can also build up a tolerance to the drug and require larger doses if taken for long periods of time. With these increases in Xanax use come physical and psychological dependencies. Xanax is not drug to quit cold turkey. The Journal of Postgraduate Medicine stated that up to 25 percent of patients who stop taking their medication experienced withdrawal symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, chills, lethargy, fatigue, moodiness, crying, dystonia, paresthesia, tremor, vivid dreams, and myalgias.5
The National Institute on Drug Abuse found during a two-year treatment outcome study that 15 percent of heroin users also used benzodiazepines daily for more than one year, and 73 percent used benzodiazepines more often than weekly. Studies also indicate that from 5 percent to as many as 90 percent of methadone users are also regular users of benzodiazepines.6
With this information in mind, the Xanax abuse treatment involves careful monitoring and counseling in an in-patient or outpatient treatment facility. The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) report on benzodiazepines revealed that 11 to 15 percent of the adult population has taken a benzodiazepine one or more times during the preceding year, but only 1 to 2 percent have taken benzodiazepines daily for 12 months or longer (4). However, in psychiatric treatment settings and in substance-abuse populations, the prevalence of benzodiazepine use, abuse and dependence is substantially higher than that in the general population.7,8 Treatment encompasses a patient’s thought process, behavior, and helps them to cope with everyday life. Patients suffering from Xanax addiction should be tapered off gradually. There are basic outpatient plans available for discontinuation of the drug including: gradual discontinuance over a six to 12 week schedule, monitoring and helping the patient to feel in control of their dosage, and supplying a helpline when the patient needs reassurance.9 Other plans include inpatient treatment centers and 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, and drug treatment exchanges such as, Clonidine, propranolol, or carbamazepine. Although these substitutes can be dangerous, an inpatient setting where dosages can be physician monitored until the patient can reach a zero dose of the benzodiazepine is recommended.
In conclusion, Xanax and other benzodiazepines can be addictive drugs that are hard to discontinue however, they are also drugs of great benefit to patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, fear of open spaces (agoraphobia), premenstrual syndrome, and panic attacks. The patient and the physician should work together to regulate long-term usage, monitoring side effects, and any signs of abuse.
 
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