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Oxazepam to diazepam switch/taper


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Hello all

Hoping for some sound advice. My doc agreed yesterday to switch me over to diazepam to help me taper off Oxazepam (just lowered dose to 17.5mg from 20mg taken once daily) Reason being I am started by to develop withdrawals from taking a short acting Benzo once a day. Is there a way to transition from Oxazepam  to diazepam smoothly? I believe I am currently on equivalent to just shy of 6mg diazepam. Thanks for any support and advice! The goal is to not suffer from daily Wd.

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I'm tapering oxazepam as well and had thought about transitioning to valium, tried it, but I couldn't handle it ... way too strong.  I'm doing pretty well on my DLMT, but not without symptoms.  For the most part, they are manageable, but I'm retired and don't have to hit the ground running every day in the working world, thank God.

 

If you can handle the valium, it seems like a great way to go since it's not short acting.  From what I've read, it can be prescribed in a liquid form.  I'm not sure of the benefit of that versus the tablets.

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Hi CAgirl

By too strong you don’t mean symptoms, just the med itself? Does switching over to Valium eliminate daytime withdrawals?

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Also what symptoms are you having? I take my dose around 5:30pm and by 11:30 the next day I start getting shakiness, nausea and anxiety/heart flutters. Ugh
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Sorry last question - I’m the Ashton manual it says 20mg Oxazepam is equivalent to 10mg Valium?? Is that correct? I thought 15mg Oxazepam was equivalent to 5mg? Not sure which is correct, but need to know before I do this...
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I was just looking at the schedule. You could start at 20 mgs of oxazepam.

 

And as for equivalencies, I believe Ashton is correct. Her schedule is built around her equivalencies. I haven't come across anyone who disputes her figures.

 

You could just follow her schedule as written.

 

I followed her for my crossover from Ativan to valium. No problem.

 

Good luck.

 

:smitten:

 

Katz

 

 

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Hi CAgirl

By too strong you don’t mean symptoms, just the med itself? Does switching over to Valium eliminate daytime withdrawals?

 

Yes, just the med itself.  I felt detached and like a zombie.  I'm not sure about that, but I've read from some that since valium is long-acting, it can really minimize the withdrawal symptoms if one is on a slow taper.  Then there are others who have had problems. 

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Sorry last question - I’m the Ashton manual it says 20mg Oxazepam is equivalent to 10mg Valium?? Is that correct? I thought 15mg Oxazepam was equivalent to 5mg? Not sure which is correct, but need to know before I do this...

 

That is correct, 20/10.  15 mg oxazepam is equivalent to 7.5 mg of valium.

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Aye! I thought it was way less. I’ve only been on benzos for just under 3 months. Started wig Valium as needed, then switching between temazepam and ambien and finally Oxazepam for the last 2. I am having nterdose withdrawals. Do you think it’s better to switch to Valium or just ride it out for another month? I started a taper about 3 weeks ago...
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I was considering also splitting my daily dose of Oxazepam into 2 doses as well, but I don’t know if that would  be better or worse? If anyone has had experience with this sort of thing it would be greatly appreciated to hear about :)
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I was considering also splitting my daily dose of Oxazepam into 2 doses as well, but I don’t know if that would  be better or worse? If anyone has had experience with this sort of thing it would be greatly appreciated to hear about :)

 

I would try that first, personally. I was also on a short-acting benzodiazepine and was afraid to switch over to Valium because of the depression and sedation CAgirl mentioned. The crossover is long-ish which will extend your benzodiazepine use beyond what IMO is necessary. Three months is fairly short term, I would advocate an abbreviated taper rather than a longer one.

 

 

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I was on three doses a day when I began my taper, 2 capsules and 1 liquid.  After about 3 months, it moved to 2 doses a day, 1 capsule and 1 liquid and now, in 3 more months, I'm at one dose a day.  Due to upcoming surgery, I decided to hold at 10 mg at night in capsule form and titrating again after the surgery.  Also, I am having symptoms and decided holding was best for me at this time.

 

Anyway, I think splitting your dose is a good idea at your present dosage.

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I was on oxazepam for 7 years before tolerance got me then all hell broke lose! I went up to 150mg oxazepam and an appointment! Tapered off antidepressants in 10 months and crossed over to valium! Im now on 14mg valiam and have felt awful for 12months, wish id just tapered off oxazepam on its own! But couldn't see the future but know id be done by now! Now im finding it hard to stabilise at 14mg. Disappointed is an understatement and my anxiety is through the roof...just my opinion
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Thanks for the advice. I am at 17.5 for 4 days now. I think tomorrow I will split the dose and see how it goes. My plan is to drop 2.5mg every 3-5 days so I can be done soon. I really appreciate everyone’s help and support. I hope I can pay that forward when I get through this.
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