Hello everyone!

[[be...]]

Since my father died about a year ago, I have been using oxazepam (60 - 90 mg) daily for my anxiety, panic attacks etc. I came to this forum because I want to find the tools and support to kick the habit. I've been lurking around the net on different support sites, and by far this seems to suit me the best.

 

Last time I used benzos (about five years ago, I have a long history of panic attacks), I didn't know about tapering, so I just quit cold turkey. I really don't think I can suffer through that again.

 

I apologize for any grammatical errors or misspellings - English is not my native language (although I'm quite fluent at it). 

[Guest [Mi...]]

H, benfin.

 

Welcome to benzobuddies. Glad you found us. 

 

You will find a lot of information and support here.  I'm sorry about the death of your father. Mine passed away in 2010, and it was a difficult time. As you experienced with a cold turkey, stopping benzos too quickly can cause a lot of problems. This site can help you wean off the meds slowly.

 

A good resource about benzodiazepines is the Ashton Manual. Here is a link to the manual: Professor Ashtons Manual  It’s great for learning about these meds and for taper plans. Ashton recommends reducing between 5 - 10% every 10/14 days.

 

You'll find a great community of people here who will support and encourage you. Feel free to check out the forum and to post to any of the dedicated boards.

 

In addition to the Ashton Manual, here are some other resources:

 

For tapering advice, post here General Taper Plans

 

For support with any symptoms you may have, post here: Withdrawal Support

 

Please add a signature (history of medication/doses etc). It will help members give you relevant advice. This link will show you how to Create a signature

 

Your English is quite good, and we don't grade for grammar or I wouldn't still be here! 

 

You may wish to explore the Anxiety forum, as many people are finding non-drug ways of handling anxiety and panic attacks.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

~ Mind

[[De...]]

Hello benfin,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

I'm also very sorry to hear of your loss, I'm sure that must have been a dreadful time for you.

 

Oxazepam is a very short acting benzo, half life of 4-15 hours so for this reason a substitution of diazepam which is a long acting benzo is recommended for tapering purposes. There is a withdrawal schedule for oxazepam within the Ashton Manual, chapter 2 with diazepam substitution to give you an idea. 60 mg of Oxazepam is approximately equivalent to 30 mgs of Diazepam. Should you decide to opt for a crossover, a gradual crossover is advised to allow time for the diazepam to build up in the bloodstream before the oxazepam is completely withdrawn.

 

It might be an idea to make a point of taking the same dosage of the oxazepam every day, this is particularly important once you begin tapering to ensure that the blood benzo level is kept as smooth as possible. Taking varying amounts will confuse your brain and can contribute to interdose withdrawal symptoms, (between dose withdrawals)

 

I'm glad you found us and I wish you success with the taper.

 

Debbie

[[Mo...]]

Hi benfin,

Loosing a loved one is very painful and i am sure Oxazepam gave you some relief

at the time. However Benzos are not meant for long term use , i am glad you've

decided to taper off this med.

Debbie mentioned a cross over to Valium due to the longer half life , i agree,

it will be easier for you to taper off Diazepam i think. (Valium).

 

here is an explaination how Benzos affect the brain, quite interesting.

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=66397.0

 

warm welcome and all the best,

Claudia.

 

[[be...]]

Welcome  I am so sorry to hear about the death of your father. Mine died 3 years ago and I miss him dearly. I think you are making the right decision to taper. This is a great site for both resources and support. We have a great bunch of members and their collective wisdom is enourmous.