I don't know what's going on

[[Sp...]]

I've been abusing diazepam for two years.

 

I would get a script once a month and use them all in the first week then cold turkey for 3-weeks.

 

My dosage was 15mg every 4 hours, often staying awake for 2-3 days.

 

I have gone cold turkey for 7-weeks now but ... I am taking 15mg of oxazapam once a week from a family member which is causing really unpleasant symptoms for 3-days after. Why would such a small amount cause this? What's going on here?

[[me...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We are glad you decided to join us.  You'll find a lot of support and information on this forum, which is the only one of its kind online. Going on and off benzos frequently is a bad idea, since it can cause kindling and much worse future withdrawals.

 

For those starting a taper, we generally recommend starting out at a rate of 5 to 10% every 10-14 days, then adjusting the taper to suit your own needs.  Note: very short term users may be able to taper faster.

 

Withdrawal symptoms, which vary widely but commonly include anxiety and insomnia, often occur during a taper, but these are temporary and will get better in time.  In general, first tapers are easier, but cold turkeys or multiple withdrawals may be more severe and longer lasting.  Here are a few links to get you started:

 

The Ashton Manual, a concise reference for tapering and symptom issues.  Chapter III contains excellent descriptions of common symptoms such as muscle issues, anxiety, and hyper-awareness.

 

Here is a link to our Cold Turkey Board:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=133.0

 

Once again, welcome!

[[La...]]

Hi & Welcome to the Group! This article taken from W-Bad.org says: One explanation for this occurring is a phenomenon called kindling. Kindling, as a result of substance withdrawal, refers to the neurological condition that occurs with repeated withdrawals from sedative-hypnotic drugs like alcohol and/or benzodiazepines. With each withdrawal, individuals are at a higher risk for experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms—up to and including seizures, psychosis and/or death.  Hang in There & good Luck!