Benzo Addiction

[[Be...]]

I've been playing around with Benzos for around 2-3 years, self medicating my GAD which I've had for 6 years, then I started getting other symtoms like chronic dizziness 2 years in after many attempts of trying to speak to my GP and referrals for my dizziness I discoverd Valium & Xanax, long story short I've been taking these for maybe 6 months at a time over the last year and a half and stopping in between thinking maybe I wouldn't get addicited, to be honest I'm not too sure how long I've been on them but while I have it has helped me, a stressful eventime has made me realise there is an underlying problem that I can't suppress with benzos anymore, I tried to come off for 4 weeks over Xmas and felt better but relapsed due to respite and used a huge amount of xanax which has triggers a more severe episode (now).

 

Valium 10mg -20 daily

Xanax 2mg  daily (over the last week I've been using pure alprazolam powder probably 10-15mg)

 

Im now suffering severely with my anxiety and feel like I'm losing my mind, I'm seeing my GP tomorrow but I do not have any faith in them as they didn't even know what xanax was.

 

What are your guys thoughts I'm in my early 20s, obvusily want you expand on this once approved.

 

[[pi...]]

Hello Benzobloop,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies!  It very could well be that the dizziness is caused by reaching tolerance to the dose of benzos you were taking.  It also sounds like you are having some withdrawal issues from the inconsistent dosing of both Xanax and valium.  It doesn't take long for dependency to develop and if you stop, you are going through withdrawal. Reinstatement sometimes works, other times does not.  Additionally your doses combined are pretty large.

 

We can certainly help you with a sensible taper plan.  I would suggest that before you implement a taper that you stabilize on one dose of each of the drugs.  Since you are taking two benzos, it is best to taper just one at a time so there won't be such a huge impact on the central nervous system. Usually the short acting benzo would be tapered first, that is, the Xanax.

 

A slow taper can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms. A reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

You've come to the right place for support and information.  Hopefully you will also be able to find alternative, non drug ways to deal with your GAD. Modalities such as CBT, deep belly breathing and meditation can work.  Please feel free to ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

[[Be...]]

Thanks for your reply, hopefully I can get my GP to let me taper with a prescription tomorrow as well as seeing a physctrist to help with the underlying GAD.

 

Thanks again for your help, and I shall post an update asap.

 

Benzobloop

[[Be...]]

Hi Guys,

 

So the GP has refferd me to a pych, also put me on valium 30mg a day until I see them which could be 6-8 weeks.

 

Also ViePax (Venlafaxine) for anxiety but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

 

Also I'm not sure if 30mg is too much as I don't want to get more dependant then I already am, follow up with doc in 1 month.

 

What areally your thoughts guys? I'm feeling lost.

[[pi...]]

Hi Guys,

 

So the GP has refferd me to a pych, also put me on valium 30mg a day until I see them which could be 6-8 weeks.

 

Also ViePax (Venlafaxine) for anxiety but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

 

Also I'm not sure if 30mg is too much as I don't want to get more dependant then I already am, follow up with doc in 1 month.

 

What areally your thoughts guys? I'm feeling lost.

 

Hello again,

 

Actually, your doctor is pretty correct. 1mg of Xanax equals 10 mg of valium.  Add to that the valium you are taking and if it is 10mg, the 30 mg amount would be correct.  While I understand that you don't want to add additional doses to what you already take, it's important to make this process as easy as possible on your central nervous system.

 

Many people find AD's like venlafaxine to be stimulating at the start, adding more anxiety at the outset.  I believe that usually these issues ease up once on the drug for a period of time.

 

I would suggest you stabilize on the valium before starting a taper plan. Did your doctor discuss tapering with you?

 

Take your time, there is a lot to think about. Benzo withdrawal is not a race, slow and steady is the way to go.

 

pianogirl 

[[Be...]]

Hey,

 

So my doctor suggest I stay on valium until I see my psych and mentione we can taper without them anywayso and understood it will take many many months to come off, I wanted to get evaluated and diagnosed by my psych before I take those SSRIS but not sure if I should take them, maybe Ithe will help me, I've just heard they are also a nightmare to get off of.

 

How long of a taper would you suggest?

 

Benzobloop.

[[pi...]]

Hey,

 

So my doctor suggest I stay on valium until I see my psych and mentione we can taper without them anywayso and understood it will take many many months to come off, I wanted to get evaluated and diagnosed by my psych before I take those SSRIS but not sure if I should take them, maybe Ithe will help me, I've just heard they are also a nightmare to get off of.

 

How long of a taper would you suggest?

 

Benzobloop.

 

Hello again,

 

It's not the length of the taper that matters, it is the rate/speed of tapering that will make this process manageable. In my first post to you I gave you the general recommendations.  It is suggested to reduce no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  Of course, it's important to listen to your body and adjust the taper if necessary.

 

pianogirl 

[[Be...]]

Should I increase my dose if I still feel very anxious?

[[ma...]]

Hi, i would not do that . I suggest you, to follow Dr Astons Manual fr.o.m. 30 mg, i did so. IT took me one year. I dont know about antideppressiv . I am to scared to take them. Good Luck

[[pi...]]

Should I increase my dose if I still feel very anxious?

 

I can only offer my experience. My taper was not easy and I felt every cut, more so about 2 days after.  I never updosed. I was too stubborn to put more of the drug in my system, more of the drug that was making me sick.  What you can do is stay at this dose for a while since you are new to taking all valium and could be feeling withdrawal from Xanax even though they are both benzos.

 

PG 

[[...]]

Hello Benzobloop

I would not increase, that's just my opinion from cuting V myself.

Stay on this dose maybe you will be stable on it.

 

For me it takes at least 5-6 days to feel a bit stable after a cut.

I've tried venlafaxin - a nightmare. Anxiety went through the roof. Had to stop taking it.

Many/most of the SSRI/SNRI increases anxiety during the first two-four weeks.

Best of luck 

[[Ch...]]

You are still posting in Introductions.  More forum members will see your posts and questions if you post in  General Taper Plans.