hi, sorry about your situation. Xanax is a short half-life drug in the benzodiazepine family. Guidelines suggest that to lessen the risks of detox from Xanax and to lessen its harsh WDs a person is wise to do a bridge taper by switcing from a short half life benzo to a longer half life drug, like Valium, and then do a very slow taper over several months. Switching to a a longer half life and a very slow taper blunts the sharp dropoff of short half life benzodiazepines that slam a person into intense WDs and presents risks like those your b/f unfortunately experienced.

You may want to review threads on Benzodiazepine aka Benzos or BZDs. To learn more information, Professor Heather Ashton in the United Kingdom has published on line free regarding her extensive research and published work regarding benzodiazepine, particularly THE ASHTON MANUAL. The bridge tapering guidelines are included. Just type her name and The Ashton Manual into Google and it should take you to it. Good luck.

FYI: I was researching tonight and found something I felt should be added to this thread associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal seizure. There is a warning published online regarding antihistimines stating that the risks of seizure during benzodiazepine withdrawal may be increased with the use of antihistimes. [The Epilepsy Therapy Development Project report reviewed and edited by Steven C. Schachter, MD., March 2004.] If true, then those detoxing from benzodiazepines should not likely use any products that include antihistimines; e.g. Benadryl, TylenolPM, and sleep aids w/antihistimines. Consult with a doctor!