Feeling low

[[fo...]]

I am on a 2mg fortnightly cut from Diazepam, with support from my GP. This taper plan is flexible however. I was on 14 mg equivalent some weeks back (been around this for five years) and the first few cuts were ok and never had any noticeable withdrawal symptoms. However I am now down to just 8 mg - 6 mg at night and 2 mg in the morning. I am feeling low and waking earlier. Its like some of my anxiety/depression is returning. I'm also planning to get back to work part-time in this coming week. I am apprehensive that I will start feeling even worse, but I suppose it's all so unpredictable. My doctor has said she is prepared to extend the next cut for a while if I get withdrawal symptoms but I'm not seeing her for another three weeks. Is anyone else in the same situation with regards to the withdrawal symptoms and if so do you eventually settle on the cut you have made? I'm trying not to worry too much but the easy thing to do is just to take an extra tablet which I don't want to do.

[[Ma...]]

Hey formidable, I am going through almost the exact same thing, I started on 40 Valium equivalent and am now down to 8.80.  I take 5 mgs in morning and 3.8 at night.  I am not sleeping as well either, and some anxiety back during the day.  Other old symptoms are rearing their ugly head also.  I have been tapering now for 2 and 1/2 years and plan on asking my Dr to hold for 3 months tomorrow.  I am tired and think my brain and body need a break.  Seems around the 10 to 8 mgs, for some of us, we hit a wall.  Hope you are able to find away around it and that your symptoms don't get worse.  The stress from knowing you are starting your job soon could be causing part of it.  You might consider a different way to taper.  On the Homepage, if you scroll down, you can click and read about them.  Wish you lots of luck!  Mary 💜

[[de...]]

From my own experience formidable, a 2mg cut of Diazapam each fortnight is far too rapid. 

 

Recommended is 5-10% each 10-14 days.  Some find this too aggressive.  If it were me, I'd slow it right down.  Your doctor does not seem benzowise, not many are. 

 

Dee

 

 

 

[[Ma...]]

Dee is right, you might print the Ashton Manual and take it to her office.  Be prepared to argue for a slower taper. 

[[Bi...]]

Yes, please slow down if you can.  And proceed using your symptoms to guide you.  The lower doses are certainly the trickiest for most of us.  You've been on it for awhile, and your last cut from 10mg to 8mg was 20%.  A cut that big deserves at least a month break.  Maybe next appointment I would argue to make a smaller cut like 1mg and see how you feel.  8mg to 7mg is still a sizeable 12.5% cut. 

 

I've failed a few tapers, and it was always because I went too fast below 0.5mg clonazepam (10mg valium equivalent)

 

Hope you feel better.