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Hi there - new here!

 

I'm currently on 2mg valium daily and live in the UK.

 

I lived abroad until a couple of years ago. Whilst there I was prescribed valium (for the first time (2013) - for anxiety and panic). The doctor there was happy for me to take up to 15mg per day. Thankfully I settled on 5mg usually, although I used to take extra tablets on an "as needed" basis, so I did take 10mg or 15mg daily quite regularly.

 

When I first moved back to the UK in 2015 I had enough to get me through on 5mg per day, then when I ran out I saw a UK doctor and have been tapering since early 2016. Thankfully the doctor here is quite understanding and has let me work on this at my own pace.

 

It's taken me just over a year to go from 5mg (with frequent 10mg days) to 2mg per day. Each time I reduce, I usually have about 10 days of hell, which don't begin until about 4 days after the reduction. I've found the drops from 3mg to 2.5mg, and 2.5mg to 2mg the hardest so far.

 

Any similar stories / advice etc. much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

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

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through. 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. 

 

Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia but there are many others. These 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. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested 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!

 

:smitten:

 

 

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