Introduction

[Guest [Sa...]]

thank you.

 

i am experiencing symptoms and i need to know if this is from withdrawal or something physiological.

 

i have taken valium for thirty years, on and off....in varying doses

in the past ten years, i've taken 20 mg or more per night. i only took it at night for pain relief and sleep

i now wish i had kept a journal, but i've been so foggy

i cannot remember what day i started my wean, and i had no idea it was going to be like this.....but it was approximately two and a half months ago.

 

february 28 was the last time i took any valium.

 

i was able to sleep and thought, wow, this is good. the last decent sleep was on march 2.

 

symptoms began a few days later.

 

1. hair loss/thinning

2. insomnia

3. fast heartbeat, though regular.

4. heartbeat is loud, thudding

5. paranoia

6. skin is breaking out - my skin never breaks out

7. increased anxiety

8. hyper alert

 

i am miserable. a week ago, i went to the ER because i didn't make the connection to a valium withdrawal and wanted to make sure i was not having a cardiac event.

 

ekg showed slightly abnormal T-waves, which can be indicative of anything, including electrolyte imbalance.

everything else tested out normally....

 

i do have an appointment to get a referral to a cardiologist. to make sure this is valium withdrawal and not something organic.

 

i am miserable.

 

thank you for adding me.

 

 

[[ma...]]

Hi  SaschaB Welcome to Benzobuddies

 

We are glad you found us, sorry your having a rough time, it sounds like benzo withdrawal to me.  Benzodiazepines are only recommended for short term use, 2 or 3 weeks.  It takes just a few weeks for the body to become dependent on these drugs.

 

Tapering slow can help to minimize withdrawal effects.  It is generally recommended to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  This is a guideline and it is ok to adjust this schedule for your own comfort.

 

We have a great community here of knowledgeable and friendly people who understand this process.  They will be willing to share their experience with you.  Feel free to ask questions so that members can respond

 

Are you familiar with the  Ashton Manual , it is an excellent resource for information about these medications and gives a lot of information about withdrawal/tapering. 

 

Here are some helpful links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

[Guest [Sa...]]

these are the symptoms for at least a half dozen conditions.

 

please delete this account.

[[ma...]]

these are the symptoms for at least a half dozen conditions.

 

please delete this account.

 

Hi,

 

I assume you have had these symptoms checked by a doctor just as I did.  I am not a doctor, I had all of the symptoms you listed and more.

 

1. hair loss/thinning

2. insomnia

3. fast heartbeat, though regular.

4. heartbeat is loud, thudding

5. paranoia

6. skin is breaking out - my skin never breaks out

7. increased anxiety

8. hyper alert

 

If you wish your account to be closed, please start a ticket at the helpdesk

 

Helpdesk

 

Thank you

Magrita