Benzodiazepine accidental addict

[[St...]]

Hi, just going to write a bit about why I have joined the forum and my present situation. I am a long term sufferer of anxiety and agoraphobia and was introduced to diazepam by a friend around November 08. I didn't know anything about the side effects or withdrawals at the time but felt instant relief and took a daily dose of 5mg up until December 2010.

 

The diazepam helped me a lot through that time but started to notice side effects and wanted to stop taking them. I unknowingly went cold turkey and stopped taking diazepam for three months. I know its only a small dose but went through a lot of stress at the time of withdrawal (split up with GF, lost my job, lost a lot of friends etc) and the symptoms became unbearable.

 

I went to see a psychiatrist and we agreed that a I reinstate. I am currently taking 6 mg (2mg at morning and 4mg at night) and am due back to to see the psychiatrist in about two months to discuss a taper plan. I am joining the forum to research benzodiazepines and hopefully get support for a successful taper.

 

That's about all for now. Will discuss more if my account gets approved.

 

Stranger

[[St...]]

Hi Stranger

 

I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time, you will find support here.

 

How are you feeling now?

 

We're here to help, please ask any questions you may have.

 

Welcome to BB's 

 

 

Star

[[St...]]

Thanks for the reply.

 

I am feeling much better since I reinstated although I wouldn't say I completely stabilized.

 

My main reason for joining is to work out a taper plan so will probably be posting any questions i have on those forums.

 

Stranger

[[Pa...]]

Hello Stranger, Welcome!

 

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better since you reinstated, we'll certainly help you with a taper plan.  You could taper .5 mg every week or two, or go even slower than that if you're feeling too uncomfortable.  Did your Dr give you the 2 mg pills, that would be best for tapering. 

 

Pam

[[Mi...]]

Welcome to BB, Stranger.

 

I tapered Valium at the rate of .50 mgs every 1-2 weeks.  Much of it depends on how you feel and how you are adjusting to the reductions.

 

I found that once I got lower in my dose, I actually started to feel better.  This does not happen to everyone, but it did for me.

 

We're glad you found us, and please feel free to ask questions.

[[Pe...]]

Welcome Stranger!

 

So glad you decided to do this before you got in any deeper.  I am also happy to see you have a Psychiatrist who will support your decision and help you with your taper.  Stay determined and you will make it.  We will be here for you if you have rough times.

[[St...]]

I reinstated about two months ago on 5 mg a day. I had a appointment just last week and I got him to up the dose to 6 mg a day with the main reasons being I could get the 2 mg tablets and hopefully feel more stable when it's time to start tapering.

 

I will be starting my taper in two months time, my psychiatrist first wanted me to start reducing 1 mg every two weeks but I told him I though that was to fast so he suggested that I reduce my dose by 1 mg every 4 weeks. Next time I see him I will be trying to convince him to drop the dose to 5mg then reduce it by 0.5 mg every 3 weeks. I don't really want to do it any faster after my last experience and if I can get him to agree that would be really good to say I live in the UK.

 

Really hoping things go smoother this time. I was in a bad way when I went cold turkey and my family didn't really understand and wasn't fare for them seeing me like I was. I also thought they had to be a better way around it so thought it was best that I reinstate. No point me suffering more than I have to even if it means staying on the benzos a bit longer.

 

On my first appointment I really clashed with my psychiatrist because he wanted to prescribe me olanzapine instead of diazepam which I didn't agree with. The second time I saw him he was much more understanding and has started to work with me which is good.

 

Sorry if the post is a bit incomprehensible, not thinking to clearly at the mo.

 

Thanks for the reply's.

 

Stranger

[[St...]]

I am just going to add that my taper will be fixed so what ever the psychiatrist decides he will fax the future prescriptions I will receive to my GP.

 

That's why I think it's important I learn as much as I can before my next appointment and may even take some of the information from here to support why I need a slower taper than he is suggesting.

 

Stranger

[[Mi...]]

Have you read the Ashton Manual?  It's a wealth of information on tapering, etc.

 

Here's a link for you: http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

 

Many members choose to either print this out or place it on a drive to take to their doctors.

 

Either way, it might help you and your family better understand what is happening to you.