Need help tapering off benzos for work

[[Bo...]]

Hello, I joined benzo buddies because I saw a place for help with taper plans. I've taken alprazolam, flubromazolam, clonazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, diclazepam and etizolam. I've been on benzos on and off for four years, my current run is 5 months of being on benzos. I started on about 12-20mg of etizolam a day, usually around 16mg for the first 2.5 months. After that, I received clonazolam to help start my taper, and started out on about 3-4mg per day of clonazolam. I am currently at 1-1.5mg of clonazolam a day(.5mg when i wake up and .5-1mg when I go to sleep), but only have flubromazolam left, about 20mg in .125mg doses. I have about a month and a half to get myself off benzos before I start taking tests for the line of work I'm going into (which will remain undisclosed for anonymity reasons). I'm not incredibly worried about feeling anxious or shaky or nauseous etc. but I am absolutely terrified of having a seizure, and would like to get other opinions on how much I should take so I don't end up screwing myself over. Thanks!

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  There is almost no chance of having a seizure if one tapers slowly off benzos, especially if you've never had one before.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  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 and other symptoms are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

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!