[Gl...] Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 Hello: I'm ashamed to say I've been here before. I ended up having to go to the hospital with a breakdown due to Covid-related stress at the beginning of this May, i.e. last month, and was given first Ativan, then valium (because I asked for it as I know about the Ashton Manual that it's easier to taper) an SSRI and anti-psychotic. The benzo and anti-psychotic are meant to be temporary until the SSRI kicks in. I was on a benzo equivalent of 2.5 mg to 5 mg for 10 days. Then, on 3.75 mg valium for 4 days Then, 3 mg valium for 3 days Then 2 mg valium for 11 days. The doctor wants me off the valium. I want to be off the valium. So, I'm here to get support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest [Ka...] Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 Hello Gloria A, welcome to BenzoBuddies, I am glad you are here! Oh goodness, there is no shame in what has happened with you. From what I hear, Covid can be terribly rough! How are you doing now after having it? I hope you'll have no lingering effects from it. And hopefully you will do okay with a quick benzo taper since you weren't on benzos very long. You can reach out for withdrawl support with this link: Withdrawal Support (during your taper) Take a bit to look around and get settled in. Let us know how we can help you. Again, welcome, Kate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Gl...] Posted June 3, 2021 Author Share Posted June 3, 2021 Hello Gloria A, welcome to BenzoBuddies, I am glad you are here! Oh goodness, there is no shame in what has happened with you. From what I hear, Covid can be terribly rough! How are you doing now after having it? I hope you'll have no lingering effects from it. And hopefully you will do okay with a quick benzo taper since you weren't on benzos very long. You can reach out for withdrawl support with this link: Withdrawal Support (during your taper) Take a bit to look around and get settled in. Let us know how we can help you. Again, welcome, Kate I actually did not get Covid, just the entire situation related to various Covid things where I live put me over the edge :-( You asked how I can be helped? Well, right now, I am not sure how to proceed. I have been on the benzo for about 27 days, and am now at 2 mg valium, which I've been on for 11 days. I'm thinking of cutting soon, but I am not yet stabilized from the SSRI I was put on (plus zyprexa, which I am supposed to taper later). Should I make a tiny cut, e.g. go down to 1.5. I do not want to stay on the valium any longer than I have to, but if I am not that stable on the other drugs, is it a good idea to stay just a bit longer? G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest [Ka...] Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 Oh good, I'm glad you didn't have Covid, guess I misread your Intro! I do see your dilemma about whether or not to taper. It can take 6-8 weeks for an SSRI to be full effective. Which feels more right to you, going ahead and doing a tiny cut or waiting? I don't think there is a cut and dried answer to this but if you still feel really shaky, then waiting would make sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Gl...] Posted June 3, 2021 Author Share Posted June 3, 2021 Thanks Kate for your advice and such a nice welcome! I think I will wait until tomorrow when I am supposed to have an appointment with my doctor. I want to make sure she will prescribe enough valium pills so I can taper properly. I think if I do cut, from the 2 mg, I will try to dry cut and take 1.5. I am not confident enough to cut a whole mg. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest [Ka...] Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 Thanks Kate for your advice and such a nice welcome! I think I will wait until tomorrow when I am supposed to have an appointment with my doctor. I want to make sure she will prescribe enough valium pills so I can taper properly. I think if I do cut, from the 2 mg, I will try to dry cut and take 1.5. I am not confident enough to cut a whole mg. Thanks again! This sounds like a great plan! Sometimes when we pause, the next step becomes clear. We normally advise a slow taper of no more than 10% of you dose every two weeks or so but short-term users can sometimes go faster. I hope your appt with your doc goes favorably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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