Hey a few of you might remember me. This is Retread. The name comes from quitting and quickly relapsing. The last time I quit TSM was because I was and still am taking Xanax. .05 time release every 12 hours and then regular .05 on top of that to sleep at night. I have yet to get any real clarity on the benzo's and NAL issue. I heard Dr. Escapa reversed himself on that issue. My 2nd question is I've tried TSM 3 times and quit. I still have a good supply of NAL. My thought is to taper off the Xanax and really give TSM a chance. Any responses will be appreciated.

Hey, Retread! Welcome back!

Yeah, the benzo thing isn't proven by any studies, it's that some people who were having problems with TSM and were using benzos or z-drugs started having progress when they got rid of the benzos.

You might want to check into using Gabapentin for the benzo taper if you run into problems, I read a mention of it from someone that had been using/abusing benzos for years. She tried to taper off them a number of times, but had better luck when her doc gave her an Rx for gabapentin. It also seems to help TSM, my own doc started me on a low dose of it to help me get better sleep even before he ok'd my Rx for Nal.

Thanks Joe. I was looking up the benzo's issue on Google and found an old 2015 post in which Dr. Escapa was firm in saying benzo's would impede the extinction process, and that there were studies to support this. I'd like to get off the Xanax anyway. My MD added Bupropion which I believe is generic Welbutrin. That's supposed to help with anxiety as well. So, I need a full work up anyway, and I just moved so I'll be getting a new doc as well. Again, thanks for your timely response.

You betcha, Retread! Keep us filled in on how it's going for you!

Hi Retread - sorry that you are having trouble. I do think it would be a good idea to get off the Xanax and then give Nal a proper try. I can't give any advice on how to do it, but just wanted to offer support! I know that you can do this!

HUGS, Maggie x

Welcome back, retread. I tapered off diazepam to begin TSM. I also was put on Wellbutrin XL 300mg in lieu of something much heavier at about the same time. Had great success. Now I take nothing and have zero anxiety.

Welcome back retread. I have not been here for more than two years. Thinking of diving back in after stopping and working my own self-control with typical results. Made good progress on TSM for awhile back then, but eventually just wanted to be drunk and stopped taking the medicine. Anyway, good luck.