Reinstate?

[[Ri...]]

Hi everyone,

I am struggling. I have been tapering from 15 mgs a day of Valium since June. 43 days ago, I was cold turkeyed off of my TCA. 30 days ago, I dropped my Valium dose from 7.5 mg (1.25 am, 6.25 pm) to 5 mg all at night. I was ok for a few weeks, but for the last 2 weeks I have been very bad off. Sever withdrawl. Waking up every night at 2 with cortisol surging. I’ve tried clonidine and hydroxazine without much help. I should have stayed on the TCA and shouldn’t have dropped so much, but can’t change the past. Should I consider Updosing or continuing to hold? Continue the taper? Thank you!!!

 

edit: could this be tolerance withdrawl?

Edited September 20, 2023 by [Ri...]
Is this tolerance withdrawl?

[[de...]]

Sorry you are struggling.   It seems like you were feeling a bit better over the weekend.   This is how it goes......symptoms waxing and waning in intensity.   At the very least I would hold, and you might want to consider updosing back to the 7.5 mg until you stabilize.   Going from 7.5 to 5 is a really big cut.  

Your current symptoms are from your body getting used to having a smaller amount of the benzo.   Waking up during the night is extremely common and that will subside.   

Please don't beat yourself up about getting off the anti-depressant or tapering too quickly.    

Keep reaching out!

[[Ri...]]

Thanks Decatur! I’m 30 days out so I’m pretty committed to holding. I was better over the weekend. Did pretty well yesterday, but today was tough. I’m just very tired lol. Tired from getting up every day at 2-3 and the pain (internal tremors, sweating etc). I was almost unable to see last week, so yes I do feel I am slowly recovering, it’s just slow. I suppose I will continue to hold here, I just feel I’m waiting for something that likely won’t come - some relief. I do not feel stable. I just don’t have the confidence that I will. I’m afraid (anxious state) that I’m in tolerance withdrawl and the only way to get better is to cut. I feel I’ve done too much chemistry and I feel some time holding will stabilize me, but that’s just how I feel. I’m not confident though. Thank you!

Edited September 20, 2023 by [Ri...]

[[Ri...]]

I’ll add too, these are new symptoms. I almost completely lost my ability to talk a few weeks ago. Catatonic. I’ve been getting up with cortisol shock through my taper but more mild and at 5 am or so. This last drop has really sent me into another realm. Getting better by the day, just want to feel confident that holding is the way to go. 

[[Be...]]

Definitely hold until the symptoms subside or are reduced, and then continue. You have come so far!

 

[[Ri...]]

Thanks for the input @beendownthisroadbefore. I keep getting anxious thought patterns that are making me feel like I have to take some sort of action. I think the right action is likely no action for now.