Self-Detox off Xanax Is Dangerous

Question

I've been addicted to Alprazolam for several years now. Two years ago I decided enough is enough and started to taper off. I started at a dosage of 4.5mg 3x a day. I am currently at a dosage of .5mg 3x a day. I find it incredibly difficult at this stage. Due to the low dosages involved, I have resorted to a water titration method to detox myself. I have started with 200ml of water. I use 2ml of ethyl alcohol to dissolve the alprazolam so that I can more uniformly distribute it in the water (I read it is insoluble in water alone). I plan to remove 2ml of the solution every day until the solution becomes just 200ml of water and no alprazolam. Does this seem effective? Is there anything I should know doing it with this method? Is that too fast of a taper? Basically, what is your opinion of the water titration method?

Dr. David Sack · Accepted Answer

Because Xanax has a short half life, many people will experience withdrawal symptoms when they get down to the dose you describe. Successful detox from Xanax nearly always requires that the Xanax be replaced with a longer half life medication that prevents the withdrawal symptoms from emerging. Seizures are not unusual in coming off of Xanax even when it is done gradually as you have. I strongly recommend that you find a physician knowledgeable about Xanax detox to help you succeed in the home stretch and avoid medical complications.

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