Diazepam withdrawl

[[ir...]]

Around 2002 was prescribed 5mg valium once daily to go along with my prozac.  Was concerned so took a very small dose of 1.25mg initially and it made a difference so started with that.  By early 2018 I'd been taking 80mg prozac and 5mg diazepam (as needed) for years.  Believed the dogma that my brain had a defect so just kept taking it.  Over the last year tapered off the prozac and now valium. 

It's ten months later and have been off prozac for almost six weeks.  Never thought the valium was a problem since I was taking a minimal dose.  I was wrong.  After going to zero over a couple months the side effects are brutal.  Terrible rumination, emotionality, night cramps, restless leg syndrome, paranoia, neuralgia, and more.  Finally gave in and started back on .625mg in the morning.  Side effects lessened but still severe.  Last night reluctantly took .625 at bedtime.  Feel like a failure.  Help - what are the implications of going back up to 2.5mg daily?  It feels like a big step back but things are effed up!  What are the implications for the next attempt at stopping?

[[pi...]]

Hello ironjohnw,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies and congratulations on being benzo free! Even taken as prescribed, benzos will create a physical dependency, that is the problem behind the long term use of these types of drugs.  You took diazepam for a long period of time and your taper was actually quite fast.  I'm not surprised you are having some strong withdrawal symptoms.  Your system is in shock due to the rapid reduction of the 'calming' medication. With time, this will ease up.  It might not take 3 years,  everyone will heal at a different rate.  However, this is a temporary situation.  I'm glad you've joined the forum. You'll get a lot of good support from those who understand the withdrawal process, having lived it themselves. 

 

I'll give you a link to the Post Withdrawal Support Board where you can post and receive feedback from others.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. While it discusses tapering the detail, it also gives good information about the withdrawal process in general. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

Benzo withdrawal can be challenging for some of us and the road to recovery a bit bumpy.  In my opinion, it's well worth the effort to no longer be tethered to a prescription.  Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

Post-withdrawal Recovery Support

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

[[Ma...]]

Hey Ironjohn, welcome to bb.  May I ask why you fel the need to get off the .625 in two weeks?  You are very low and said you were having  bad withdrawal sxs before adding back in the .625.  Now is a good time, imo, to take it easy for awhile and let your brain and central nervous system have a chance to stabilize.  They will, if you give them some time and hopefully, the next time you jump, it will be with far less symptoms.  Could you do me a favor?  Go back to the Homepage, click on your profile and you will see your signature.  Please fill out your drug history and that way we can give you the best advice possible.  Again, welcome.  Mary 💙💘🙏💙💘🙏