11 Months off Valium and Xanax

[[Ho...]]

Was prescribed Valium for sleep after a traumatic divorce.  Never suffered from insomnia or an anxiety condition before.  Used Valium to help with sleep for 4 more years, then was switched to Xanax for sleep because the Valium was no longer working.  Now was having breakthrough anxiety every day, even on the Xanax.  Got up to 2 mg. Xanax per day, then realized I had to get off it all.  A benzo-wise doctor got me onto 16 mg./ day of liquid Valium, which I split into 3 precise doses each day.  The slow taper took 10 months.  I've been 11 months drug-free and am doing much better, but still suffering from some symptoms. Currently, I feel like I could use the support of this forum to help me continue to pick up the pieces of my life.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member. Congratulations on getting off Benzos!

 

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, and some taper even slower than that.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these are temporary and will go away in time.

 

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!

 

 

 

[[ma...]]