30 mg diaz taper

[[sa...]]

Hi guys!

 

Was wondering if my taper plan is sound. I've been on benzos daily for roughly 3.5 months, and on dec 20th, began a taper from 30 mg diazepam daily. I have been tapering by 1 mg a week, and plan on stretching it out to every two weeks or so when things start to get unbearable (if they do, expecting the worst, hoping for the best). I know that 3.5 months is certainly enough time to become physically dependent, as I am now. However, will the (relatively) short amount of time that i've been on benzos daily speed up the process of recovery? Is it possible to taper too slowly? I've been tapering slightly more slowly than the Ashton Manual suggests, listening to my body, and have only really been listening to the advice given in this forum and on the Ashton Manual. My doc erroneously believes that 5 mg diaz = .5 mg clonaz (10 mg of diaz feels around the same as .5 mg clonaz, and i've read up alot about benzo equivalency charts). He also initially told me (when I first began taking benzos that taking 2-3 mg clonaz daily was totally acceptable). When I suggested that I switch to 30 mg diaz (was averaging 1.5 mg clonaz), he said that the dose of diaz I suggested would be "medical malpractice," even though he was totally comfortable prescribing me 2-3 mg clonaz daily (40-60 mg diaz). Thankfully he's been cooperative and is willing to let me taper as slowly as I want. I'm currently down to 27 mg and have experienced fairly constant dp/dr (not too bothersome, i've had it constantly for the past 2.5 years), restlessness, agitation, mood swings (the former 3 being pretty controllable and bearable). However waking up at 6 am with terrible stomach pain and super restless legs has been pretty annoying. I know this whole recovery process is pretty subjective to the individual, but how do my prospects look? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks guys! 

[[bu...]]

Hi guys!

 

Was wondering if my taper plan is sound. I've been on benzos daily for roughly 3.5 months, and on dec 20th, began a taper from 30 mg diazepam daily. I have been tapering by 1 mg a week, and plan on stretching it out to every two weeks or so when things start to get unbearable (if they do, expecting the worst, hoping for the best). I know that 3.5 months is certainly enough time to become physically dependent, as I am now. However, will the (relatively) short amount of time that i've been on benzos daily speed up the process of recovery? Is it possible to taper too slowly? I've been tapering slightly more slowly than the Ashton Manual suggests, listening to my body, and have only really been listening to the advice given in this forum and on the Ashton Manual. My doc erroneously believes that 5 mg diaz = .5 mg clonaz (10 mg of diaz feels around the same as .5 mg clonaz, and i've read up alot about benzo equivalency charts). He also initially told me (when I first began taking benzos that taking 2-3 mg clonaz daily was totally acceptable). When I suggested that I switch to 30 mg diaz (was averaging 1.5 mg clonaz), he said that the dose of diaz I suggested would be "medical malpractice," even though he was totally comfortable prescribing me 2-3 mg clonaz daily (40-60 mg diaz). Thankfully he's been cooperative and is willing to let me taper as slowly as I want. I'm currently down to 27 mg and have experienced fairly constant dp/dr (not too bothersome, i've had it constantly for the past 2.5 years), restlessness, agitation, mood swings (the former 3 being pretty controllable and bearable). However waking up at 6 am with terrible stomach pain and super restless legs has been pretty annoying. I know this whole recovery process is pretty subjective to the individual, but how do my prospects look? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks guys! 

 

The initial shock to your system and level of discomfort is the same whether you hold for 1 week, or 2 weeks.  Its the cut that causes WD sxs, the hold time is the just period you set aside to recover.  Smaller cuts, more often will always be easier than big cuts and long holds. 

 

The only disadvantage to "too slow" is it takes longer.  It will NOT cause any other difficulties with your taper.

[[sa...]]

Thanks man!

 

Also, how does consistent dosing play into this whole process? Sometimes i'll be wide awake at 4 am and have the urge to take one or two 5 mg pills, but I force myself to wait until at least 7-10 AM when I get up. Does it matter if I dose throughout different times during the day, as long as i'm taking my intended dose on the same day? As of now, i've been trying to keep my doses consistent, taking them either in the morning, afternoon, and evening, or just the morning (when I get up), and evening (before bed).

 

[[Tr...]]

I was on diazepam twice daily (12 hrs apart), but due to my insomnia have been cutting only the morning dose and holding the evening dose. For me, it's been working well so far.

After my next cut I'll be off the morning dose altogether. Not looking forward to begining evening cuts.

[[Ta...]]

Hey

 

My taping is allmost the same as yours...

 

I tap 0,08mg pr day. Go on hold when I know family-stuff is coming.

 

So tap slower - its very important you get this done as smooth as possible. Keep your nose in the track.

 

Now I am at 8,3mg pr day - its damm shit wakin up 4 am - but if I awid taking a nap doing daytime, I will have a good night sleep. Work with something your like - if you dont "like" anything - then start like something. Not just to do something, but because its your only option and only way to make taping "not making you crazy" - learn to play guitar or play drums (make a choice - find something)

 

Just do it to help your self.

[[...]]

I think you're taper plan looks very good.

The cuts are the hardest.

Holding for 10-14 days would be OK and smooth.

 

Look at my signature. My new pd want me on this "taper plan".

You will be fine