Tapering if not completely stable

[[CM...]]

Hi I’m looking for someone who can tell me the definition of stable.  (In this benzo world) I have been through 3 rapid detoxes in the past yr, only to be reinstated on a longer benzo. I am currently taking 35 mgs of Librium for the past 4 months. I was on 48 mgs of Valium , that I detoxed off of way to fast(very bad decision).  These addition Med specialists, don’t know how to taper a person. I printed out Ashton schedule for my doc(supposed to specialize in addition meds)He never even heard of Heather Ashton!!!!!!im appalled but more importantly I need to know if I can start a taper now so that eventually I will be free of pills and trying to cover up protracted withdrawal symptoms.  So even though I’m having ups and downs, do I have to wait to be great before trying a 5 per cent reduction???  I don’t think I will ever feel perfect just waiting around yo make a move.  Can anyone define stable? 

[[Ca...]]

Hi I’m looking for someone who can tell me the definition of stable.  (In this benzo world) I have been through 3 rapid detoxes in the past yr, only to be reinstated on a longer benzo. I am currently taking 35 mgs of Librium for the past 4 months. I was on 48 mgs of Valium , that I detoxed off of way to fast(very bad decision).  These addition Med specialists, don’t know how to taper a person. I printed out Ashton schedule for my doc(supposed to specialize in addition meds)He never even heard of Heather Ashton!!!!!!im appalled but more importantly I need to know if I can start a taper now so that eventually I will be free of pills and trying to cover up protracted withdrawal symptoms.  So even though I’m having ups and downs, do I have to wait to be great before trying a 5 per cent reduction???  I don’t think I will ever feel perfect just waiting around yo make a move.  Can anyone define stable?

A good and very important question...

-Also very individual...

I guess "stable" is relative to ones own "unstable"..  As I see it, It does not mean feeling great, esp if that hasnt been a recent or achievable position...

 

I think most of us have deep entrentched symptoms, and more volitile SX that tend to fluctuate in response to reductions and changes.. These more volitile SX would probably be the ones that better give an indication as to ones "stability...  I think it is much easier to determine when one has a steady, workable taper underway...

 

CM, you have had some big events and changes to contend with, so yes, it could take some time for things to settle, but they may only settle to a point... 4months is probably about the time to be seriously evaluating your situation, -and it might come down to your gut feeling on the matter...

Testing a reduction doesnt have to be an ongoing commitment, but it might provide further info to help you decide how to proceed...??

It realy is a bugger of a question.. For some a lot more holding would produce good results, and others, starting to push on with tapering would provide some relief, or atleast be productive... Often the best we get is our past history, -how sensitive one is to meds, changes etc, or are things like tolerance or direct medicine effects more in play..??

 

But NO, I dont think stable means feeling great in most instances...

 

If your intent is to in effect reinstate and slowly tease the med out in hope of avoiding post cessation horror, then time will be your friend, -particularly, or more so, at low dose... But it can be done, and be very worth it..

-SX guided tapering, -and I hope that gets easier to determine as you get some taper history behind you, -when ready..

 

Best wishes..

 

 

 

 

 

[[Ma...]]

No, you definitely don't have to feel great, not really even good imo, but like a level below tolerable.

Now you will need to keep a close eye on your sxs, maybe keep a notebook so you can see if any sxs are ramping up.  So, it will be based on what you observe and how you feel.  Hope that helps.  Good luck 🍀 Mary