Greetings..!

[[go...]]

I was originally placed on lorazepam some four or five years ago with the goal of eradicating my frequent "first thing in the morning" panic attacks. But the incredibly hellish withdrawals that I would experience if I did happen to run out for even a day or two prompted me to ask my doctor to switch me to valium, which, in all honesty, I had tried at the behest of a friend (my mistake??) and I thought worked an awful lot better.

 

  I was wrong. I was started on diazepam and this is where I confess my complete ignorance of the inter-relatedness of the benzo family of drugs. The diazepam had me so relaxed that it actually frightened me and I experienced such bad dreams with alarming regularity that now I want nothing to do with benzos, period.

 

I have much more to say but for brevity' sake, I'll leave it there.

 

I am excited to be a part of a group that I have heard such good things about. Thank you..!

[[pi...]]

Hello gooddreams66,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! I experienced the same issues with ativan that you did. I was given this medication after a 'misdiagnosis' for an inner ear issue with no information about what type of drug it was. I would have severe interdose withdrawals as well as extremely strong symptoms when I missed to dose to see how my 'ears' were doing.

 

Valium does have a very long half life and can be extremely sedating. I crossed over to valium for my taper and it did work although I didn't like the depressed feeling it gave me.

 

I see you wish to come off diazepam and I think its a good idea. Studies have shown that long term benzo usage can cause memory issues and well as cognitive problems. We can offer a lot of good information for you as well as support as you undergo the withdrawal process.

 

Generally a slow taper is recommended to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. A reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

I'm glad you've joined the forum. You'll receive a lot of encouragement as you journey to be benzo free. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans   

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

[[go...]]

Thank you, Pianogirl, for your extremely informative reply. I already feel welcomed..! I don't mind at all saying that I am "cold turkey-ing" my diazepam. This could be outright crazy but so far I've been feeling okay, keep swimming, practicing yoga, and meditating.

 

I will have to start looking over the links that you kindly sent along to me. I have an excellent psychiatric nurse but seeing him only once a month doesn't feel like enough. I am in what is known as EMDR therapy as I went through multiple traumas both in my childhood and as an adult. They could perhaps contribute to the panic anxiety disorder that I am on disability for and that has affected every facet of my life.

 

I get the sense that the lorazepam at first worked and that is was well intended as I am often on what I have learned is called "fight, flight, or freeze." I often freeze and dissociate when I am confronted with an overwhelming and stressful situation. I look forward to learning more about these benzos and thank you many times over.