Valium Taper With Chronic Illness

[[Gs...]]

Hi all...new member here.  Joining BenzoBuddies for some support while going through a Valium taper. I've been on Valium, with doses no higher than 10 mgs per day, for about 10 years, due to Meniere's Disease and horrible vertigo spells. At the suggestion of my new ENT, I am in the middle of a taper that I started in January of this year, and am down to 4.5 mgs per day (2 mg AM and 2.5 mg PM).

 

I am currently tapering by .5 mgs every 4 weeks.  So far, I've done fairly well.  Because I have other medical issues (lupus, fibromyalgia, Meniere's Disease), I cannot really tell if I'm having any withdrawal symptoms or not.  I do struggle with insomnia, depersonalization, PVCs, and some pseudo-panic-attack type episodes. I have not had 'good' sleep in months, but I do sleep several hours a night off and on.  I have had tinnitus for many years, but over the last 6 months, it has been constant and louder.  I've been chalking that up to the withdrawal, but I'm not sure if it's that or if it's the damage that goes along with the Meniere's. I also have some pretty bad TMJ issues, and have been in Invisalign braces to help with my bite (I have an awesome dentist).

 

My doctor has been extremely supportive of my desire to taper off Valium, and she thinks that I am making a good decision in tapering just 0.5 mgs every 4 weeks.  I'm doing a dry taper.  I have 5 mg and 2 mg tablets, and I take a full 2 mg in the AM and half of a 5 mg at night right now.  I've been taking 10 mgs of Atarax to help me sleep.  I like the Atarax because it's not habit-forming, and is a little more than glorified Benadryl.  Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't.  Because I am not working right now, I don't worry too much if I don't sleep at night.

 

Is anyone down to 4 or 5 mgs of Valium, and having success with tapering faster than 0.5 mgs every 4 weeks?  I have an autistic son, plus my own other health issues that sometimes complicate intricate taper plans, so I'd rather not have to shave pills or weigh them. But I'd love to hear how others are doing at this lower dose and if you have any suggestions or ideas.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[[ma...]]

Hello GsGirl   Welcome to BenzoBuddies!. 

 

I am sorry your dealing with other health issues and it has to be tough taking care of your son.  Well done to you on your taper so far.  I dry tapered Valium and found I needed to slow down to .25 at the lower doses.  I was very symptomatic throughout my taper, having reached tolerance level.  My cuts were far from accurate, had I know about titration I probably would have gone down that route. 

 

I don’t think you should rush it, you have done such a good job so far.  The best way to minimize withdrawal symptoms is a slow  taper.  It gives your central nervous system time to adjust to each reduction.  It is suggested to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  This can be adjusted based on how you feel.

 

We have a great bunch of people here, our members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, and will share their experiences with you.

 

I would suggest you read The Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides Tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

Withdrawal Support

 

General Taper Plans

 

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

 

[[Gs...]]

Thanks so much for the kind welcome and the good advice.  Super grateful for the Ashton info. I've been reading it and trying to follow a lot of the advice in it for a while now. I discovered it years ago, but just this year decided to be brave and try to taper off the Valium.

 

It's 2:30 a.m. as I type this...another lovely night of insomnia, but no biggie.  I just had a little bite to eat, and I'll probably read or maybe watch a movie.  Hubby and son are sleeping...lucky boys!

 

Oh, and of course I'll be reading posts on the board. 

[[ma...]]

Thanks so much for the kind welcome and the good advice.  Super grateful for the Ashton info. I've been reading it and trying to follow a lot of the advice in it for a while now. I discovered it years ago, but just this year decided to be brave and try to taper off the Valium.

 

It's 2:30 a.m. as I type this...another lovely night of insomnia, but no biggie.  I just had a little bite to eat, and I'll probably read or maybe watch a movie.  Hubby and son are sleeping...lucky boys!

 

Oh, and of course I'll be reading posts on the board. 

 

Insomnia is not pleasant, I know only too well!  I used to sit quietly and watch, feel good movies, just resting your body helps. I think you have a great attitude Gsgirl, I know your going to be okay!

 

Yes lucky boys is right