5mg diazepam and want to rid of this

[[Ch...]]

Fourteen years ago I developed a balance issue.  It caused me to quit my job of approximately 30 years. In the beginning stages I developed anxiety because I was told by so many Dr.'s, specialists that they couldn't find anything wrong.  It took years to start to get control of my anxiety and I had been given a script of 5mg of diazepam.  I usually only took 2 per day and never upped my dosage.  I honestly thought it was okay to continue with the diazepam and when mostly recovered from the balance issue, I had to take it less and less.  Ignorance to think it would be okay to take if I couldn't sleep.  I could go maybe a week and not take any with no withdrawal symptoms because I didn't have any anxiety.  Now I have become a huge part being my mother's caregiver and in all honesty, she does quite well, but I am a worrier and overthinker and she came down with pneumonia and really triggered anxiety again...so back to taking at least one 5mg a day. She has since recovered.  I went to see a counselor and she told me it sounded like I was having withdrawal.  I honestly thought I was in control of the diazepam.  I absolutely refuse now to take the med if I can't sleep because now I have insomnia.  I am trying to taper and have been taking 2.5 mg once a day and it actually Is enough just to smooth the edges.  I know you have to do this slow and I am determined to do this.  I know many others were put on different benzos and see that it is a bit easier to come off of diazepam.  I just wonder if my withdraw from this drug of 5mg will be as bad as those taking a much higher dose?

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  The advantage of being on a lower dose is mainly that it takes less time to taper off of than a high dose.  In order to do that, you'll have to establish a steady daily dose and taper off slowly.

 

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 starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  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:

 

Withdrawal Support Board

 

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!

 

 

[[Ch...]]

So I am now on day 12 with a taper of 5mg and went directly to 2.5.  By day 8 the anxiety was unbearable.  I was walking 3 times a day doing anything possible to stay active.  I finally went to my gp and he basically said the feeling was just in my head and if I thought about cutting the dose in 1/2 again!!!!  I knew I needed him because I had to continue my taper and I know now this is going to be a lot longer than I thought.  Had I read I should have started at 4mg taper that's what I would have done.  But since I am at day 13 with this taper, the last thing I want to do is go back up.  Can anyone give me some insight the amount of time it will take for my body to adjust to this taper?  I did get my Dr. to prescribe Propranolol ER and it has helped me quite a bit.  Last couple of nights I have been suddenly wakened to anxiety and inward trembling.  If I fall back to sleep, it just reoccurs.  Every time I feel pretty good, I get brave and think I can taper a bit more, but last night was a reality check and going to stick with 2.5 for another week and see if things calm down.  I know most are on a much higher dose and 5mg may seem petty, but being on it for 14 years really did a number on me.  I guess the withdrawal is so you never forget.  I always took just 5mg a day on an exception of perhaps 4 times in my life when I took 2.  Doesn't matter, this is the price we have to pay. Please anyone advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

5mg diazepam once daily for 14 years, taper to 2.5mg on day 12 of withdrawal

[[Ch...]]

Perhaps when people read that I only took 5mg for 14 years they wouldn't think someone could have such a hard time with this amount.  Well I believe my first mistake was directly cutting the 5mg to 2.5.  8 days later severe anxiety and shaking inwardly developed.  I tried walking 3 times a day and tried to keep myself as busy as possible and that didn't help.  I have had gad since 14 years ago.  I went to my gp and he prescribed Propranolol 60mg ER, it worked for 3 days and then didn't help other than to alleviate my headaches.  This past Saturday after I couldn't calm myself down, I caved and took another 2.5 mg and since then returned to my initial dosage of 5mg.  I need time to regroup before I start this again, I am frazzled.  I am trying to hook up with a psychiatrist hopefully someone who understands the need for a slow taper.  I am so afraid of the withdrawal symptoms as I got a good dose of them.  I have read the Ashton taper method and I feel even that would be too fast.  Does the slower taper calm the withdrawal symptoms or is just a crap shoot and it may not help.  Please someone respond with advice.

 

5mg once daily diazepam for 14 years, tapered directly to 2.5 went into withdrawal on day 8

resumed 5mg of diazepam on 10/28/2017

[[Et...]]

I'm also coming down from a "low dose" of librium that has the same 200 hour metabolite as Valium; we are at the same starting dose in some tables and perhaps I am higher in others, so we are pretty much on the same boat.

 

Your 5mg is accumulated at 200 hours half life to about 62.5mg in about 125days, so it's not as low as one would think.

 

Most people on the board are on other benzos before switching to Valium, and then down so they have a softer landing; my theory is that they withdraw from their drugs in the months on Valium, and then from Valium which they have only been on for a few months.

 

My advice is stabilize 1 month on your dose, then bring it down by 1/2mg each month for the next 10 months. You have been 14 years on, 10 months more shouldn't affect anything other than how hard you land, that this way should be as painless as possible, if you feel ok you can cut at 3 weeks or even 2.

 

You tried to see if you could cut easy and you couldn't, so did I. In my case I noticed when I cut too much my symptoms were unbearable for 2 weeks, the 3rd week it was better; but I did cut half what you did and have been on less time.

 

You were on Valium for a reason, read as many self help books, and do as many CBT workbooks as you can; get your life free and take your time, do it right! You will be a stronger and better person on the other side.

[[Ch...]]

Thank you so much for replying.  Right now after my first failed attempt, my anxiety is very high.  Last night after reinstating my initial dose of 5mg for 3 days, I felt the inward trembling.  A little less than when I was initially withdrawing.  Do you think this is because I am trying to stabilize?  I ended up taking 2mg at 2:30 am and that helped.  I wake up every 2 - 3 hours and so at 5 am took the remaining 2.5 to equal the 5mg.  I don't know where you are but here in the states they are getting very strict about these types of drugs so I am hoping my gp doesn't push me again to go faster.  When I first saw him he just said I should break the 2.5 pill in half again and go from there.  He said it was only a feeling I was having.  I can not do a fast taper and am completely on board to take it real slow, I just hope I am allowed to do this.  Right now my life is completely upside down.  I have a wonderful husband who is there for me, but I sure turned his world upside down also.  Because I failed at my first attempt and know what the withdrawal symptoms feel like, that is very scary to me.  I will certainly look for cbt info.  I walk everyday and try to keep myself busy even if it's doing the dishes or folding laundry.  Once again, thank you for responding.  Wishing you all the best in your continued journey and hope to hear from you if I should need some encouragement.

[[Ni...]]

That was really excellent advice from Ethan.

 

There is nothing really to be fearful of - anyone here reading your posts would understand fully. The fact is you made a 50% cut after fourteen years use and that would rattle anyone - way too much of an initial cut.

 

I think you made the right decision.

 

Do this at crawling pace and it will be much more manageable than you currently think. Whatever about CBT, it is well worth learning and becoming skilled - like, expert -  in a muscular relaxation method, such as Passive Progressive Muscular Relaxation. When well-practised regularly, that new skill can give you a very good and practical sense of mastery over any mounting anxieties, if ever they arise.

 

All the very best.

[[Ch...]]

I can't thank you enough for the advice and encouragement.  I have already made a note to check out cbt and passive progressive muscular relaxation techniques. 

 

Thank you,

K.

 

 

 

5mg once daily diazepam for 14 years, tapered directly to 2.5 went into withdrawal on day 8

resumed 5mg of diazepam on 10/28/2017

[[St...]]

Hi L take the withdrawal as slow as you need to.Do not let anyone pressure you.l know 5 mgs is a low dose however you have been on diazepam for 14 years.l am in the same position however I have decided this is a marathon not a sprint so l will go as slow as l need to get off these drugs and stay off them.

[[Ca...]]

Hi Changes - welcome. I'm too coming off a relatively low dose of Valium/Diazepam. There are many others here better placed than I to offer the best advice but one thing I've learned is: go at your own pace. Can your doc prescribe the 2mg pills which will make subtle reductions easier? Good luck, you can do this.

[[Ch...]]

Thank you for your response and yes of what I have read and heard you must cut slowly.  After making about 20 phone calls I finally got an appt. with a Psychiatrist.  My gp didn't have much sympathy for me and unfortunately on my first try I cut my dose in about 1/2 and after 8 days the bottom fell out.  So they say no more than 5 - 10% cut from your starting dosage.  I prefer the smaller cut and take it from there.  I am scared, but reading some self help books on anxiety and just trying to be prepared as possible.  Even though it is a Dr. prescribed dose...that doesn't mean a thing when getting addicted to a benzo.  You are very kind and I wish you all the best with your venture, if we can call it that.