Jumped off too quick? Should I resume?

[[sc...]]

I was at 2-4mg Valium for several months (previously much higher) when I decided to quit outright.  I did so.  Eight days later I find myself here looking for advice.  Days 1-6 were easy (Valium's long half-life) but days 7 & 8 have brought mounting withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, agitation).  QUESTION:  Should I tough it out or resume Valium at a reduced dosage (1-2 mg say) and taper from there?  I don't want to forfeit any progress to date, but neither do I want to suffer needlessly. 

[[Th...]]

Welcome scottvt,

 

You've come to the right place for some help with your valium concerns. I do not personally have the expertise in answering your questions regarding valium, but others will be by to give you their advice. Of course, cold turkey is never recommended, but re-instatement at this point has advantages and drawbacks.

 

Hang in there, someone should be along soon! 

 

 

[[ru...]]

Hi Scott! Glad to have you here!

 

I would suggest you resume at 1-2 mg and go from there. Jumping from the level you did you'll probably experience some rough times ahead and reinstating would help. You could then taper down.

 

rufus

[[Co...]]

Hi Scott,

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies.

 

I agree with Rufus. Since you have only quit recently, and because of the long half-life, reinstate (I think 2mg would be sensible), but stick to this dose (no upping and downing day-to-day). Stick to this dose until you feel stabilised (I suggest at least a couple of weeks), and then start a sensible taper. We can help you devise a sensible taper plan.

[[ge...]]

Hi Scottvt,

 

I fully agree with Rufus. I would go back to a lower dose and start from there. You are almost home. I have two years ahead of me yet .. arghh!

 

Love,

Genie

[[sc...]]

Took the advice here.  Reinstated to 2mg about a week ago.  I am now stable at this dose & symtoms have dissipated.  Will stay at 2mg one more week then go to 1mg for 2 weeks & see how that goes. Will let you know. Having been at one point on the equivalent dose of 40mg Daizapam daily (clonazepam) & having been at a mere 4 mg for 6 months, I mistakenly assumed I could drop from 4mg to zero with no adverse effects.  How wrong I was! That final taper is critical. What a powerful grip this poison has when so small a dose can cause such withdrawal.  I am glad to know that I am nearing the end off this hell-ride.  I can hardly wait to be my "self" again.   

 

Thanks guys for the advice & support.  This community is sorely needed as ignorance of this subject dominates in the worlds of doctors & their unwitting patients.  I was unaware that this scourge afflicted the UK on a level apparently similar to the US.  I guess pharma-dominated America does not have the only script-happy medical establishment...?

[[Th...]]

Hi scottvt,

 

Glad to hear you stabilized and are on your way to getting off the poison.  Your words are so true about the pharma-dominated world. I was never told of the dangers of this drug by an ER doctor, a psychiatrist or my own GP. It has made my husband and me so disgusted and outraged about the health care system in general. I hope the rest of your taper goes well. Even a jump down by 50% may be too much. Some others should be by to give you some advice and share their experiences.

 

Take care!

 

T2

[[tr...]]

What a powerful grip this poison has when so small a dose can cause such withdrawal.  

 

It's amazing that such a small pill can cause such damage....it really is hard to imagine... but that is one reason to taper at a reasonable pace.    I wish I had known that back when..... 

[[Co...]]

Hi Scott,

 

Good to hear that you are feeling better.

 

I suggest that you cut by just 0.5mg at a time. The 1mg cut might hit you too hard - most of our members tapering off Valium cut by just 0.5mg at your stage of the taper. Leave at least a week between each cut (but allow longer if you don't feel ready for the new cut).