Diazepam tapering also w/d sypmtoms verses natural anxiety symptoms

[[Ka...]]

Since I started on this medication, it was used for events and life circumstance at the time.

I was taking 2-6 mg of diazepam for panic attacks. Then they would happen at night. So I would take a little about 2.5 to 5 mg  about 1-2 times  a week.

For at least 2 years now I have been on anywhere from 2- 6 mg a day. I had to get creative since my pill cutter broke.

So I actually was tapering without knowing much about doing so. I did not like needing it. but I really had bad panic attacks.

and I thought this medicine was not harmful  if taken long term, or with adjusting a dose. It never occurred to me I still kept taking small does throught the week that I thought was treating anxiety - but I was actually in beginning stages of withdrawal. I believe I confused withdrawal with needing it for panic and anxiety. does that make sense?

What if you have started taking this med for occasional use, but it became more needed, and gradually added to ones dose?

Should I just use an educated guess and go on 3 mg each day? skip a day? OR direct me where to start. The Dr that was willing to work with me on this is no longer with us. So I am reaching out here. Please be gentle on me, Im a little frightened of the symptoms and struggling with how to approach tapering. thank you in advance friends.

[[Fa...]]

Hi, @[Ka...].  If it were me, I would try to determine what my average weekly intake has been as of late (past few weeks) and divide that number by 7.  From there, I would take that dose consistently/daily and not skip days.  After a couple weeks on a steady daily dose, you should feel 'stabilized' or relatively well.

[[Ka...]]

3 hours ago, [[F...] said:

Hi, @[Ka...].  If it were me, I would try to determine what my average weekly intake has been as of late (past few weeks) and divide that number by 7.  From there, I would take that dose consistently/daily and not skip days.  After a couple weeks on a steady daily dose, you should feel 'stabilized' or relatively well.

thank you so much. its been a roller coaster. one I do want to jump off of at some point.

Once I get to that magic number (hopefully) I will remember not to skip,  then start this tapering once again. Appreciate that

Edited December 9, 2023 by [Ka...]