Tapered withdrawal from diazepam. Help needed.

[[Be...]]

I need some advice. I've cut down from 25mg diazepam in December to 19 mg daily now. My doctor is suggesting cutting down by 1mg every 2 weeks until nothing. I just need some ideas as to whether this sounds a good way of coming off.  First of all I didn't want to come of benzos now I'm impatient and thinking at this rate I won't be off of diazepam until maybe November. I'm not sure if i'm posting this in the right place?

[[bu...]]

It takes as long as it takes.  Your receptor system can only recover at a given rate.

 

Most folks who have tried to cut faster than their natural recovery rate find that their sxs just persist longer.

[[Be...]]

Thanks. I guess i need to take it as it comes. I've been on them 21 years so i guess it's going to take a little time or maybe a lot of time.

[[Ju...]]

I think it is better to gradually feel your way forward and do it right the first time. This isn't an experiment that you want to repeat. You can see my taper in my signature. It can be done if you are committed to getting off. A supportive doctor helps too. I know it is sad to think about how long it takes, but if you are feeling relatively well it doesn't matter how long it takes.

JKS

[[Be...]]

Thanks. I know that makes sense, especially as i have tried and failed to come off the dreaded diazepam a few times before.

[[NJ...]]

I agree with Just Keep Swimming. Don't think about how long it will take; if you are mostly doing okay who cares how long it takes? Sounds like you have been on for a long time so why rush, especially as you say you have tried before. I am going so slow I won't even calculate how long it will take at this pace to get off. I am getting lower, that is all that matters to me.

[[Wo...]]

Agree that slow is better.  After 20 years, your brain will need to wake up gradually for sure. 

 

Even though it is a pain, you will avoid some much worse pain by taking your time.  Many of us did rapid withdrawals from large daily amounts for many years and trust me I wish I would have simply done it right the first time and gone super slow.

 

Also remember that when cutting 1 mg from 10+ mg valium per day will not be too noticeable but as you get under 10 you may want to consider micro taper.

 

We're with you though so hang in there.