Date: Wed Apr 24, 2002 6:30 pm

Subject: xanax withdrawal

Hi group:

I am back in this group after being too ill to keep up with all the postings. I am almost 7 weeks xanax free and I just wanted to let you all know that I tapered successfully with Neurontin. It is a non-addictive anti-convulsive medication. I could not take valium or klonopin. The benzos had become poison to me. I had a paradoxical reaction and the longer I stayed on them, the worse I became. Instead of calming me down, they made me highly anxious.

I've also been going for neurofeedback, which is the grandbaby of biofeedback. The treatment took me from being bedridden to being able to function on a daily basis. I still have a long ways to go, but I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. If anyone is interested in neurofeedback, you can obtain more information at www.EEGSPECTRUM.com or there is a book called Symphony in the Brain.

I was very skeptical when I started, but it makes perfect sense. Benzo withdrawal increases the brain waves that cause anxiety and neurofeedback teaches the brain to lower those waves. It didn't get rid of all the other withdrawal symptoms, but life sure does look a lot more rosy these days. Another book that helped me get through was Don't Panic (taking control of anxiety attacks)

It explains the in detail the symptoms of anxiety, agoraphobia and panic and also explains in detail the things that help such as meditation, deep breathing, muscle relaxation, disrupting the pattern and inviting the symptoms etc. It also addresses physical ailments that can cause anxiety.Someone in this group told me there are no magic bullets, but the above was and is a pretty good substitute.

I've just been back in here for a day, but already your postings have helped a great deal.

Jane