Intermittent User -- Withdrawal Help & Support

[Guest [...]]

Hello,

 

I've been an intermittent user of benzodiazepines for the past 5 to 6 years. I've never taken it on a daily basis for more than a few weeks, and that, at the lowest possible doses. However, I believe I'm terribly dependent on it, and even with intermittent use, have developed some nasty symptoms -- including debilitating insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks -- which seem to respond only to benzos.

 

I wish to tell my story in this forum, to see if there are others who went through something similar, even on small doses, with intermittent use. I want to know if I am indeed dependent on it, or am getting worked up thanks to the horror stories about dependence out there. If so, how should I withdraw? Taper, or can I afford to go cold turkey? If not, what should I do?

 

I've tried speaking to doctors on both sides of the pond, and neither are willing to help. They wish to put me on antipsychotics instead -- even though I'm not psychotic -- or antidepressants -- when I'm not depressed, and might be possibly bipolar.

 

I need help and support, and somewhat urgently, which is why I've come here.

 

Thank you.

[[ma...]]

Hi br85  Welcome to benzobuddies

 

Benzodiazepines should only be used short term, (2 or 3 weeks)  It doesn't take long for the body to become dependant on these drugs. We usually recommend to those that have been taking a rather erratic dose. To stabilise at a set daily dose with which they feel reasonably comfortable, before starting their taper.  The rule of thumb is to taper slowly by making cuts of between 5-10% every 10-14 days.

 

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 

 

Please feel free to check out the forum and post to any of the dedicated boards, you'll find a great community of people who are here to support and encourage you.

 

Here are a few helpful links:

 

Professor Ashtons Manual 

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support 

 

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

 

Please let us know If you have any questions.

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Magrita

 

[Guest [...]]

Further to my original post:

 

I do wish to write in detail about my (1) background, (2) diagnoses, (3) history of medication & dosage, (4) present symptoms, dilemmas and predicaments, and (5) seek all of your thoughts, experiences and advice. But I do not know if I should post all of these here, or elsewhere, in one place, or split them into multiple posts and multiple fora. So, if you could kindly direct me as to where to give all this information, and how, without of course in anyway identifying myself, I would appreciate it.

 

Also, just to confess the truth, I know that there are a lot of threads out here and elsewhere about benzos and withdrawals, but I'm going through a particularly rough patch now, and haven't much energy to do more reading than I already have, with which I'm sure you can sympathise. After a while, they tend to make me nervous, and can trigger further anxiety and panic, not to mention insomnia. However, just to let you all know, I have read all of the Ashton manual, and some of the threads already available here.

 

 

[Guest [...]]

Hi br85  Welcome to benzobuddies

 

Benzodiazepines should only be used short term, (2 or 3 weeks)  It doesn't take long for the body to become dependant on these drugs. We usually recommend to those that have been taking a rather erratic dose. To stabilise at a set daily dose with which they feel reasonably comfortable, before starting their taper.  The rule of thumb is to taper slowly by making cuts of between 5-10% every 10-14 days.

 

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 

 

Please feel free to check out the forum and post to any of the dedicated boards, you'll find a great community of people who are here to support and encourage you.

 

Here are a few helpful links:

 

Professor Ashtons Manual 

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support 

 

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

 

Please let us know If you have any questions.

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Magrita

 

Hi Magrita,

 

Thanks for your reply. It seems as if I wrote my follow-up post just as you posted your reply.

 

"Erratic dose" is right, and on the nose. I said 'intermittent', but given that I've used it for the past few years, sometimes for a few days, sometimes a week or two, sometimes never, 'erratic' seems a much better way of describing it. My husband thinks I cannot have become addicted on such small doses, taken so irregularly. But I feel as if I am.

 

I have read the Ashton manual and many of the links suggested -- but as you see from my post above, I just want some direct advice and support from the community.

 

I'm already on diazepam, anyway. And I've never been higher than 10 mg at any time. In the past week, I've taken diazepam twice, once on Monday, 8 mg, and another yesterday, 7 mg. Normally, I take between 2 and 5 mg, depending on the severity of anxiety and insomnia.

 

So, I'm wondering if 5 mg is a good base to start with and taper.

 

I also wonder whether one can taper 'intermittently', i.e., a dose one night, a gap of one or two days, then another dose.

 

Should I ask these questions elsewhere, at dedicated threads?

 

Many thanks for all the help. I appreciate it!

[[ma...]]

Hi

 

It sounds like you have a good plan starting at 5 mgs.  As i said we do suggest a stable daily dose before starting a taper  You are in charge of your own taper and with support, you will come through this.  I would take it slowly, listen to your body, it usually dictates the pace.

 

Withdrawal from benzos can be very overwhelming, communicating with people who understand what your going through is important.

 

”Create a signature”. To help other members understand your history so they will be better able to support you.

 

Go to the top of the page and select Profile, then choose Forum Profile, insert drug history/timelines into the text box and click Change Profile.

 

 

Good luck to you

 

Magrita