New to forums

[[Us...]]

Hi

Have been on Ativan for around 6 months. 3mg/day (3x1Mg) for around 3 months, gradually scripted from as needed to the current dose of 3mg.

 

I have just been switched to valium two days ago by GP (due to sleeping issues after also switching from Mirtazapine to Brintillex) who scripted 2.5mg valium in the morning and 5mg valium at night, with instructions to "see how I feel on that dose" and to review if sufficient in two weeks (!)

 

Straight swap from Ativan to valium. Looking for help regarding this switch over the weekend as it's not even close to sufficient in my opinion, and am wondering as I've had 3 x 2.5 mg valium today every 5 hours as I'm starting to feel super anxious if it's still safe to have the 5mg dose, or if I can have even just 1mg of Ativan in the same day.

 

Probably rambling a lot for an intro. Oops.

 

[[pi...]]

HellousernamesAreHard,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! You did give me a laugh with your user name, but you're right, sometimes it's hard to come up with one that someone hasn't already chosen.

 

First of all, a direct switch is not the best way to make a change from one benzo to another. You might feel withdrawal from one while the other takes effect. Valium has a particularly long half life and can take a while to build up in the system.  Additionally, you are correct, the amount of valium you have been prescribed is not even close to the dosage of Ativan. 1mg of Ativan is equal to 10mg. valium.  If you are taking 3mg of Ativan, the equivalent amount of valium would be 30mg.

 

We are primarily a benzo withdrawal support forum.  Are you interested in tapering off the benzo once you have stabilized?

If so, we can provide a support for you.  Generally, a slow taper is recommended to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. Generally, a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

Let us know how we can help.  Long term usage of drugs like benzos is not recommended, they are designed for short term use, say two to three weeks. After this period of time a physical dependency can develop.  Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

[[Us...]]

Thanks Pianogirl

I've been reading the forums all afternoon and a lot of yesterday and have looked at the Ashton method and.. so much googling 

Brain hurts.

 

I wasn't really concerned about coming off valium after the switch (after being told for my OCD and GAD and add a bit of depression (situational) that long term use, although addicting, would probably be something I'd be on for a few years...  but after reading so so many stories of how difficult and drawn out withdrawals can be... I'm definitely going to be talking to the doctor about different options rather than benzodiazepines. I don't want to go through worse anxiety than what I have now, just because I had to go on benzos.. for anxiety 😐

 

I am concerned about whether I'm ok to take a normal dose of Ativan, or if it's not safe after already having 3 doses of Valium today (although very small)

 

Should I post in one of the other topic threads/subforums, would that be better?

[[pi...]]

Thanks Pianogirl

I've been reading the forums all afternoon and a lot of yesterday and have looked at the Ashton method and.. so much googling 

Brain hurts.

 

I wasn't really concerned about coming off valium after the switch (after being told for my OCD and GAD and add a bit of depression (situational) that long term use, although addicting, would probably be something I'd be on for a few years...  but after reading so so many stories of how difficult and drawn out withdrawals can be... I'm definitely going to be talking to the doctor about different options rather than benzodiazepines. I don't want to go through worse anxiety than what I have now, just because I had to go on benzos.. for anxiety 😐

 

I am concerned about whether I'm ok to take a normal dose of Ativan, or if it's not safe after already having 3 doses of Valium today (although very small)

 

Should I post in one of the other topic threads/subforums, would that be better?

 

Hello again,

 

Yes, I would post on one of the other boards, perhaps the Substitution Board. I don't have a lot of experience or knowledge combining two different benzos, although at one time I was prescribed 3. I didn't take them though, thank goodness.

 

Everyone must make their own choice in terms of using benzos long term.  There is a risk of tolerance, where the dosage needs to be constantly increased.  There are also studies indicating cognitive issues with long term use.  Withdrawal can also be challenging for some of us. I'm glad you are doing your reading, being informed is very important.

 

Have you looked into other methods to deal with anxiety such as CBT, meditation, yoga and breathing exercises?  I can only speak for myself, I didn't suffer from anxiety or depression before being put on benzos, but they did a great job of creating it.

 

pianogirl 

 

Substitution Taper Plans   

 

[[Us...]]

Yes I have CBT booked and have also been on general psychology appointments for 6 months as well.

 

I'm going to copy paste most of my original to the substitute board, thankyou (took forever to write  )

 

[[pi...]]

Yes I have CBT booked and have also been on general psychology appointments for 6 months as well.

 

I'm going to copy paste most of my original to the substitute board, thankyou (took forever to write  )