New and need help and support in tapering off of Flurazepam

[[Re...]]

Hi, I'm new here. I've been taking Flurazepam 30 per night for over a decade now and would like to start tapering off. In reading the manual I'm having a hard time fitting the Flurazepam capsules into the instructions as I don't see the drug mentioned and it is a capsule not a tablet. Has anyone had experience in tapering off this drug? What would a recommended way be and the suggested maximum drop with each taper - and how do I know what 5 or 10% is? I'm new to this and don't know if I'm asking the right questions but hoping to get a conversation started. Thank you for being here.

[[me...]]

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.  Specific tapering questions should be asked on the first link:

 

General Taper Plans

 

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!

 

 

[[Re...]]

Thank you for the welcome. I do have another question that is part of my introduction. I know there never really is a good time to start tapering but ones situation does that come into play at all? I have experienced pretty severe PTSD most of my life and have been in intense therapy for over a decade. We are just recently delving very deep so my anxiety is very high, nervous system very sensitive and reactive plus I don't sleep well. Is it best to get in a more stable position or just step in? Your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.

[[me...]]

Thank you for the welcome. I do have another question that is part of my introduction. I know there never really is a good time to start tapering but ones situation does that come into play at all? I have experienced pretty severe PTSD most of my life and have been in intense therapy for over a decade. We are just recently delving very deep so my anxiety is very high, nervous system very sensitive and reactive plus I don't sleep well. Is it best to get in a more stable position or just step in? Your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.

 

I think you should begin your taper when you're comfortable doing it.  But it's important to remember that some symptoms, like insomnia and anxiety, are almost universal, so they are to be expected.  However, they're temporary, and they do go away or return to normal in time.