Looking for encouragement

[[Na...]]

Hi I have been on a mixture of Valium, Oxazepam and Temazepem for the past 4 months. I took one or two tablets each day and sometimes had a day in between but the last couple of months were pretty much every day. I didn't realise I was addicted until I decided to stop taking everything one day and got the biggest shock of my life. I lasted two days and thought I was going insane. I went to the Dr who prescribed me more Oxazepam and I have since read up about Benzo withdrawal and realised what I am going through is "normal".

 

I am looking for support now I am on day 4 with no benzos after a rapid taper. I am lucky not to have many of the physical symptoms so far that I have read about but I am experiencing very intense psychological symptoms. I have severe anxiety, shakiness, extreme exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, feelings of unreality and blurred vision. I am also going through a very messy separation/divorce and have two young children so adjusting to being a single mum. I am HIGHLY anxious all the time and feel a lot of the time that it's all too much and I can't take any more. Since I was only taking benzos for a relatively short period of time is it likely that theses symptoms will subside after a week?? The dosage I took was either 5-10mg Valium per day, or 15mg-30mg of Oxazepam per day, or 20mg Temazepam per day so not really high doses. I'm hoping this will mean a short withdrawal period.

[[me...]]

Hello Nalarocky, and welcome to the forum! Yes, your symptoms are normal at this point, the first few months off are the acute withdrawal phase when most symptoms appear.  Healing rates vary, we are all different in this, so no one can predict exactly when you'll heal.  Hopefully you'll start feeling better soon.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to see  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Post Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms in Chapter III, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

[[ti...]]

Who would have thought four months would do it? I would think recovery should be quicker. I hope you have help with the kids

[[Na...]]

Yes I'm surprised that it  could have this much affect on me only after four months, especially since I didn't take them every day for the first two months. Today is day 5 with nothing and although I still feel awful it is definitely better than the past four days and I have had fewer adrenalin rushes and panic attacks so that's a plus.

[[ti...]]

I gave up.  I haven't slept AND I am getting this crap.  There has to be a better way.  I took 3mg last night just to try and break this insomnia cycle.  No luck.  I have a life to live, I'm sorry I cant take a month off of being a mom.  I wish I had done this years ago like you. Unfortuately clonazepam was the only thing that gave me sleep