Looking forward to talking with others who know what this is like

[[Bl...]]

Hi, I started taking diazepam after a virus and then bacterial infection left me with high anxiety. I have been taking diazepam since April. I went through a phase of increasing my dose from between 4.5-6mg and then my gp just said if you feel bad take more, so I sort of lost track, ended up talking to a helpful psych nurse who suggested trying to stabilise my dose which I did in June at 4.5mg. I have been gradually reducing since then and now I am down to 2.5mg. I also take avansa 15mg mostly for sleep, my gp wanted me to take this to help with the anxiety but the higher dose made me feel awful. Sadly, my gp didn't take me off the diazepam after a couple of weeks and so here I am. Also, I think she underestimated the effect of the diazepam and still does but she is supporting me in this taper. I have had many symptoms, tremors, anxiety, sweating, panic attacks, fatigue, sleep problems - insomnia and hypnotic jerks, stomach problems - acid reflux in particular and weight loss. I am just hoping to hear a friendly voice who knows what it is like to be in this situation and what has become one of the hardest times in my life. I am determined to be done with this evil drug, but despite my desperately wanting to jump off quickly, I know that slow and steady is the only way. My daily walks with my dog and yoga help keep me sane. I have read Ashton and I am trying to cut 10% every 2 weeks (have just ordered some scales for the future cuts) but am thinking this cut may need 3 weeks as my symptoms have yet to settle back.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, Blueocean - welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.

 

Sorry you got stuck on diazepam - the symptoms you're having are very common, but they do ease up over time, and it sounds as though you're doing all the right things to become benzo-free. It's so worth it to be off, and soon you'll be well on your way to getting your life back. 

 

Based on the information provided in your introduction, the following links may be a good starting place for you to post your questions.

 

  General Taper Plans

  Withdrawal Support

 

When you have a chance, I recommend that you take a look at The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative resource on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations.

 

For those who are currently tapering, a starting guideline is that the dosage not be reduced faster than by 5-10% every 10-14 days - some taper even more slowly than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper somewhat faster. 

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature. This will allow members to see where you are in the process, so that they can better support you.

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the forum!

  Leslie