New to forum

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Hi joined Benzobuddies because I am struggling with a taper my  Gp has put me on. Firstly I would like to explain my situation. In  December of last year I was visiting my father who was ill in Thailand and after a couple of days of heavy jet lag visited the local chemist were I bought Xanax over the counter. Well from 0.5 mg to help me sleep I soon developed a habit of 2mg a day over the course of 6 months. Realising I had a problem I visited my Gp who put me on 3 x 5 mg of Diazepam for one month now down to 2 x 5mg 0f Diazepam for a further month. She told me to take dose  5 mg at a time but have been taking them I one dose as did not feel 5mg 2 or 3 times a day was helping with the taper. I realise this is a short time to have had a problem but would like some advice if I am going in the right direction as really having some real bad off days???

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Hello towrope1968   Welcome to benzobuddies,  you will get plenty of advice and support here. You have been taking these drugs for roughly 8 months, its not such a short use as It only takes a few weeks for the body to develop dependency to benzodiazepines. 

 

The general rule of thumb is to make a reduction of between 5/10% every 10/14 days. I am sorry your having some rough days, doing a slower taper will help with symptoms, It will get better.

 

I will leave you some links here you might find useful

 

“Professor Ashtons Manual” It is an authoritative resource on benzodiazepines and how to withdraw

 

General Taper Plans   

 

Withdrawal Support

 

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

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Hello towrope1968,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

I'm sorry to hear you're having a bad time. The diazepam equivalent dosage of 2mgs of xanax is 40 mgs so it sounds like you weren't prescribed enough diazepam for the xanax dosage you were taking and this will almost certainly be the reason why you are suffering so much plus your doctor's proposed taper rate is quite fast. Tapering slower, within the guidelines that Magrita has given you, will definitely help to keep the withdrawal symptoms minimised.

 

Perhaps you'd like to copy the relevant pages from The Ashton Manual to show to your doctor, many members have done this as a lot of doctors dont appear to be benzo wise. There is a diazepam withdrawal schedule within the manual, chapter 2, to give you an idea. I will give you a link to a Benzo Equivalence chart also so you can check the eqivalent dosages for yourself, Magrita has given you a link to Dr Ashton

 

 

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benzo.org.uk%2Fbzequiv.htm&ei=qzXvU4CpDsqa1AW1p4FQ&usg=AFQjCNGdg-uokNQ6UIdoPMxMf3hZXUiRTA&bvm=bv.73231344,d.d2k&cad=rja

 

 

 

I hope this helps and I wish you success with the taper.

 

Debbie

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Thanks guys, yes the way I am feeling I thought my Doctor had reduced too quick. Will give her details of the Ashton Manual and see if she can plan my taper a bit slower. Thanks again for the advise and links 

[[De...]]

Thanks guys, yes the way I am feeling I thought my Doctor had reduced too quick. Will give her details of the Ashton Manual and see if she can plan my taper a bit slower. Thanks again for the advise and links 

 

I would do that towrope 

 

You're very welcome for the advise, good luck at your doctor's visit!

 

Debbie