Hi friends. 6 months and had enough!!

[[JJ...]]

Hi buddies,

Having spent the last few days researching, I know I need to be part of this community.

 

I was prescribed with Valium when I “quit” alcohol in December 2018. Initially I was eating them like candy, maybe 30-60mg a day. Not knowing about tapering, I cut down to 15mg/day for a few weeks (was hell) then moved down to 6mg/day where I’ve been for the last 6 weeks or so.

 

I have now actually quit alcohol, weed and want to do a safe taper. Have looked through the Ashton manual but not entirely sure how I should proceed and have come here for mutual support and friendship.

 

JJ

[[ma...]]

Hello JJ Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community, you will get plenty of support here. Well done getting off alcohol, I know how difficult that is!    Benzodiazepines need to be tapered off slowly, 50% cut is far too much.  The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to go slower than this, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.

 

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with 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 

 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

Please take time to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

 

Welcome aboard

Magrita

 

[[Fo...]]

I hope you have 2 mg tabs or can get some.

The rule of thumb is 10% OR SO as said, so 5.5 mg a day for two weeks, then all being well 5mg a day for 2 weeks.

Then the fun starts because 4.5 mg is the last easy 10% rule for two weeks.

Then you need to go to home page and look at liquid tapering as the bext reduction shouls be to 4.05 mg and so on.

It gets harder around 2mg apparently so expect to go 3 weeks at 10 % or 2 weeks at 5% might suit!

 

Personally I use pills and a sharp blade so one day I would be on 17.25 , the next 17.75 with little issue.(IN APRIL)

About to come off valium 15 so will be cheering you on.

Best wishes

Dick

[[JJ...]]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome and info.

Great tips there Dick, yes I have the 2mg tabs.

Will speak to my doc today and check out the possibility of getting a prescription for v solution.

On the backend of a nasty influenza, will probs start the taper on Monday

[[La...]]

Hi & Welcome to the Group! Congratulations on quitting these awful drugs, as well as the alcohol! I too was on Valium for 7 years & I'm now 8 1/2 months Benzo free! I feel Great! I have some lingering symptoms but nothing I can't handle!  It gets better with time, so hang in there!