Why do I feel anxious between doses?
It might be simple biology. The "Half-Life" of your medication determines whether it is a Sprinter or a Marathon Runner.
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The "Bathtub" Analogy
Imagine your body is a bathtub with the drain open. When you take a pill, you fill the tub. The Half-Life is simply how fast the water drains out.
- Short-Acting (Xanax/Ativan): A wide open drain. The water level drops fast. Your nervous system notices this rapid drop and can panic, causing Interdose Withdrawal.
- Long-Acting (Valium/Klonopin): A tiny slow leak. The water level stays remarkably steady day and night. This stability is why the Ashton Manual often recommends switching to a long-acting benzodiazepine for tapering.