Almost Benzo free after at least 10 yrs

[[Li...]]

Hi and thanks for the accept

My name is Liz and my doctor prescribed benzodiazepines for panic disorder as I was having major seizure like panic attacks. I had to go to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner and she put me on 1 milligram of Alprazolam twice a day and 10 milligram Valium once a day which I stayed on for many years. My current doctor happens to be a pain and addiction doctor and he has helped me taper back to two milligrams 3 times a day of Valium. I really feel like I have this on the Run but also know that my body is very used to the drugs so am looking forward to the support to get to the finish line.

 

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.

 

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!

 

 

 

[[Re...]]

Hi, Liz.

 

Glad to hear you are making headway on your reduction plan.  Everyone on here is pretty good at being open minded, understanding, non-judgemental and just generally supportive.  Just remember, most of us speak from our own experiences and there is great variability from person to person on what we experience.  Therefore, not every horror story is experienced by everyone, nor does everyone necessarily do a fast taper like nothing happened and resume life normally instantly.  The key is to try to understand what benzos are doing and how your body is reacting to your taper and go from there, step by step, day by day.  Good luck!!!

[[Ch...]]

Hi, Liz..I, too, welcome you and applaud you for wanting to become Benzo free..I am so happy for you that you have a supportive doc in your corner.