new to site need help

[[tr...]]

hi I started taking diazepam in January 2014as I suffered major anxiety and panic attacks and depression  my dosage was 15 mg per day .I took this for 3 months .I started to taper at 1mg per day every two weeks at which I know is a slow taper .I am now down to 5mg per day and I am struggling where I noticed a few withdrawal symptoms and they were short lived ,its getting harder and the symptoms are staying .mornings are especially bad when I wake up and headaches and fatigue a problem .due another taper down on Monday .my psyc is aware of my problems but denies it is withdrawal as they do .any advice would be great .pretty sure my probs are withdrawal .thanks

 

edit: user name removed from title

[[pi...]]

Hello Tracy,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies!

 

I have to agree with you, your issues are most likely due to withdrawal. However, it will be important at some point to find alternate ways to deal with your original anxiety and depression rather then a benzo. Benzos should only be used very short term, say 2-3 weeks to avoid developing a physical dependency.  Modalities like CBT, meditation and breathing exercises can help with anxiety.

 

If I understand correctly, you have dropped 1 mg every 2 weeks? Rather then simply reducing by mgs we recommend a taper of 5-10% every 10-14 days. That would make the amount less as the total amount decreases. This can help minimize withdrawal symptoms. Many people also find the symptoms to be stronger at the lower doses which again supports a slower taper plan.

 

Why don't you take a look at a couple of links I'll provide. The first is to the Ashton Manual which gives a lot of information about these medications and how to withdraw. The other link is to the General Taper plans for more information.

 

The Ashton Manual

 

General Taper Plans   

 

Let us know how we can help, that's what we're here for.  I'm glad you found BB, it was a lifeline for me while going through withdrawal.

 

pianogirl

[[tr...]]

hi thanks for your reply .its now clicked why its become harder the lower im getting .I see an ot at mental health every couple weeks to see how I am doing .I have tried get cbt through local places but wont accept me as I am under mental health and their waiting list to see a psychologist is 18 months .I do relaxation and meditation to try and help myself .my doc and psych I don't think will reduce me by a percentage as it means cutting up pills and can never be accurate .I can manage to do in halves which I have done .so if im due to drop from 5mg on Monday to 4mg what is the right mg if was at a percentage .thanks tracy

[[tr...]]

hi just read the ashton manual and that says at 5mg to reduce 0.5mg but most people manage at 1mg which is where im at .thanks tracy