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 theDDU(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.

· Sure there are entenuating circumstances - as with all patients - You don't get put on Xanax for nothing. But to be rushed off it and offered lower dose meds which don't help, can lead to the above symptoms. If you are unsure of how many (and what I listed is only a part of the symptoms that can occur) symptoms there are, google Xanax or Benzo withdrawal. It is a sad read. I have started this as I almost died, needed a ventilator for almost 12 hours to breathe. All because the mania from the Xanax caused me to lose my head. How many others have to go through this before the DDU and the medical board can do something about it?

· In support of this petition, if you could share it on your Facebook, Twitter and get people to sign it it would be a God send. Please look into contacting the Minster of Health, The Honorable Jack Snelling, MP. His webpage is :http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/jack-snelling-mp

· Jack Snellings email is :minister.health@health.sa.gov.au .

· Emailing Jack Snelling in numbers may help. I have sent him an email and today I am mailing a hard copy of the email in letter form so he can see this is serious. More emails will hopefully assist the DDU being looked into - and some action may be taken. Not everyone should be off this med.

· Check out this youtube video, there is many :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjpD41mMG8o

How many people need to die from a coma or if they commit suicide in a maniacal state coming off this drug? If someone you know is affected by this, or you are, please look into this. Something has to be done! Not everyone on Xanax are junkies; some have life long anxiety and when you are going through drug hell it feels like you are in prison. I long ago kicked street drugs, and wish I never had an anxiety disorder; but you cant help if you have a disorder. What one can do is be proactive and find a way to manage it. Some need to come off this medication, that is a given, however it cannot be done lightly. The side effects are life threatening and dangerous. Please help me, do the research, just five minutes worth and pass on this petition. How many people have to die? How many are going to be put in psych wards when they don't belong there? This isn't just me, this is for all sufferers.

PLEASE HELP ME AND THE MANY SUFFERING DUE TO THE DRUG DEPENDENCY UNIT RAISING ALPRAZOLAM (XANAX) TO A SCHEDULE 8. MORE REVIEWS NEED TO BE DONE. PLEASE HELP!!!