5mg a day for 7 years

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Hi, new here, I am currently tapering off of 5 mg a day went to 1/2 and I am at 19 days. I was told by my physician that 5 mg a day isn't habit forming which I find untrue. I plan on going for 20 more days and then take the leap. So far I have experienced quite a few vision and sound problems as well as extreme anxiety as well as high blood pressure and bouts of sadness, sleep is a rare thing. So I am wondering if it is all in my head? I also weaned myself off of gabapentin last month a rapid wean in which I would not recommend so I don't know if I am having cross withdrawal symtoms. My physician also said that gabapentin is not habit forming which is untrue. I was on 400 mil a day for 6 years. Also on hydrocodone for the same time frame and I plan on tapering off of them when I get over the benzo. So is 5 mg a day non habit forming after 6 years? After two weeks of tapering back to 1/2 of a 5 mg should I just stop as suggested by my care giver? I am so glad I found this site.

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Hi  Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I am glad you found us today.  Benzodiazepines should not be taken for more than several weeks for variety of reason. One being that a dependency can develop in as little as two weeks.  They can also be very difficult to get off taken past that point.  You don't say what kind of benzodiazepine you are on so I can't tell you if it is a low dose or a very high dose. The recommended reduction rate is 5 to 10 percent every two weeks. Your taper plan looks very quick. Your symptoms are all classic of someone tapering too quickly.

 

In my opinion it is easier to keep symptoms at bay with a gradual taper, than trying to reign them in once they get out of control.

 

Other medications

 

 

You might like to check out The Ashton Manual it is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. 

 

Please feel free to post to any of the dedicated boards, we have a wonderful community of people here, who will give sound advice. Members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal and are more than willing to share their experiences.

 

General Taper Plans

Withdrawal Support During Your Taper

 

 

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! 

 

benzos-R-cruel

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Hi, thanks for quick response. Diazepam is what I am currently tapering, down from 5 mg a day to 2.5. For 21 days now. Its eye opening to see all the posts from people who are currently in the process of withdrawal!! Thank you for your help:)