16 month on low diazepam - help quitting

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Hi there, a while now on diazepam tapered from 10mg - 4mg

Failed withdrawal last year, due to depression it induced and over rapid taper. 1mg per week at the end and stopped abruptly at 2mgs currently tapering every 2 week by 1mg just want some advise.

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If I taper every 2-3 week right down to 0.5mg am I still in for 6 weeks of feeling like death after the last dose?

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Hello sdp  Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community, you will get plenty of support here.  Some people withdraw with few symptoms,  it's possible that you could be one of them.  Withdrawal can be relentless but its temporary, remember that it will get better eventually.  The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to taper 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

 

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Hi

Still too fast I think

If you were ok on 1 mg you can stay on that for three week are read up about it on the boards

Best wishes

Dick

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In theory, you should be able to taper down to the point where there are minimal WD effects if you are patient.  I have read a number of people on here who have used a gram scale to cut their medication and had great success.  I suggest patience at this stage, set your personal goals and begin working on a strong personal belief you are going to be successful this time.

 

I am sorry you too fell for the take pills these and you will feel better, I truly believe it was not intentional, just a lack of knowledge on your physician's behalf.  I am constantly shocked at how many of my colleagues fail to understand the ramifications of the prescriptions.

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Hi, many many thanks for the replies. I think for me the problem is going to

be psychological Problems I have pre-existing psychiatric history. I think that’s what hit hard for me rather than the physical symptoms The muscle spasm’s the sweats and pain. It’s the dysphoria my body was kind of more itself after 4 week when I failed the taper but my brain wasn’t. I think uncomplicated patients have the easiest time getting off these unless they have been on strong benzo’s or massive doses, I’m on  SSRI’s I’m Not comfortable driving on 4mgs or above and haven’t been driving, going to get down to 2mg and plateau then take the last part in 3 week intervals. At 2mg it will be equivalent to a strong beer or 2 roughly and while it’s not ideal driving will be manageable and not an offence at that prescribed dose In The Uk unless impaired. The irony is anxious and people who sleep rubbish or alcohols get prescribed these and then everyone is in a damn cycle. Thanks folks I’m going to stick around here