20 mg Val down to 2 mg

[[Ca...]]

Hello,

 

Like many here I was sadly placed on benzos (1 mg clonezapam) daily about 4 years ago.

 

In 2018, I tried to come off with the approval on my doctor, but had no idea about tapering.

 

I just started taking less and less over the course of probably a month and then all hell broke loose.

 

I went back up to 1 mg Clonezapam, and then switched over to 20 mg diazepam to taper down.

 

I'm down to 2 mg diazepam but I'm struggling pretty badly. I'm hoping to have some support in this site.

 

 

[[pi...]]

Hello Catona55,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! Yes, many of us did exactly what you did, tapered rather roughly, ending up with severe symptoms. This was followed by reinstatement and another attempt at tapering. This happened to me as well.

 

You've reduced your dose quite significantly.  How long have you been tapering and what taper plan are you following?

 

Sometimes people find the lower doses to be more challenging.  This is true especially with diazepam that has a long half life so it can take a while for the cuts to catch up with them.

 

You might consider slowing down your taper.  Benzo withdrawal is not a race, slow and steady is the best plan. There are also other alternatives such as titration. I'll give you a link to the Planning Your Withdrawal Board for additional information.

 

I'll also include a link to the Ashton Manual.  It is an excellent resource about benzos, tapering and withdrawal. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

It helps to know you are not alone. We understand what you are going through and will off our support and encouragement as you finish your taper and become benzo free. Please ask questions, we're here to help.

 

Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans)

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl