Alprazolam (Xanax) and the DDU - Save Lives

Alprazolam - trade name Xanax, or Kalma, has been around for many years now. I myself have been on it for five years at a high dose. While I have PTSD and other ailments mentally, this February the DDU (Drug Dependency Unit) changed Xanax to a schedule 8 drug (Up there with Oxycodone and Morpheine).

It can be a major tranquilizer if misused, or can keep conditions such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and anxiety disorders at bay. It is a useful drug WHEN NOT abused. The issue the most with this drug is the horrifying side effects from the withdrawals (or tapering).

The many side effects include:

Blurred vision
Trouble sleeping
Intense sweating
Nervous feelings
Anxiety
Aggressive behaviors
Weight loss
Depression
Tingling sensation in hands and feet
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts
Death resulting from suicide or other health complications
Mania or Hypomania (may include suicidal thoughts or tendencies, allusions, auditory and visual hallicinations)
Shakes throughout the entire body
Electric skakes (feels like constant tingles under the skin)
Incredible, horrid bad dreams
cold and flu symptoms, from runny nose to vomiting
Decreased urination
Swelling in hands and feet
Coordination difficulties
Dry mouth
Stuffy nose
Sweating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fluctuations in weight
Dizziness
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech
Headaches
Drowsiness
Heart palpitations
Jaundice
Tachycardia
Tremors
Seizures
Hot and cold sweats
Twitching of the eyelids
These symptoms are some of MANY. All can feel like hell for the sufferer.

These are only some of the effects that come from this horrid drug. Seizures, coma or even death can result. I am scared for myself as well as others who are in my situation, There is many like me, who are going through med - hell daily. We need proper medical care, not just to be rushed off the drug. Some patients may need the drug for life, however the DDU isn't looking at individual cases as they should be assessed.

The GPs and psychiatrists prescribing this medication need to A) Have a safe tapering/withdrawal plan in place; B) Not judge everyone the same, it is idiosyncratic - sure there are some "Doctor Shoppers" - I for one am not. This past weekend, the mania from the withdrawals had me on life support (and coma) in a hospital ward. Intensive Care Unit. Never been in such a place before and I was treated like a common pill popper; upon the psychiatrist seeing me he advised I am fine to go home but I need to address this the best way I can. Seeing more doctors, working out a better regime, and ultimately, making sure their doctor is right for them and filling out the forms for the DDU correctly. The fact that this drug risks seizures, comas, even death, is enough for a petition. It could be your brother, sister, mother, best friend, husband, wife... we cannot help we have a medical condition but without the right help, we are only going downhill more.

I have seen many blogs and reports from Benzodiazapene sufferers who are in my boat. They are unable to put words together sometimes. It is the definition of hell. I don't want to die from this drug, nor do I want anyone else to either.