Xanax to Valium crossover advice? Stories? Beginner looking for hope!

[[Ma...]]

Hello all, to begin I have been on Xanax for 15 yrs 3mg a day. 12/23 my pc suggested tapering bc she felt the fda was going to restrict this drug. We cut .5 from 3 leaving me with 2.5. For 8 weeks to the day i went to a benzo specialist listed on the benzo coalition page and got some small relief my withdrawals from that “small” cut which I learned wasn’t so so small was debilitating and horrific. Akathesia, insomnia, pain everywhere, inability to eat, nausea, the list goes on. I went to the specialist on 2/17 and she implemented a crossover. She added 10 mg to my 2.5 Xanax to stabilize me and after this two weeks it will be swapping .5 X with 10mg V every two weeks until X is done and I’m at 60mg of V? Can anyone share anything about this crossover with me please ???🙏  i Am terrified as probably expected. 

[[Pa...]]

Hello @[Ma...], welcome to BenzouBuddies,

I'm sorry that first cut was so hard on you, but I'm glad you found someone to help.  Switching to Valium is a common practice for those taking Xanax, the short half life of that medication can make it very uncomfortable to taper.

It looks like your specialist is using the Ashton protocol to cross you over, however, ending up on 60 mgs may be somewhat overly sedating, I hope you'll pay attention to your body's needs and slow down adding anymore towards the end if you find this to be the case.  I say this because Professor Ashton uses an equivalent that's on the high end and since we're all different, you don't want to end up on more than you need.  

Here is a schedule from the Ashton manual that kind of describes what you're planning to do. benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw, Prof C H Ashton DM, FRCP, 2002

We're glad you found us and hope we can help you.

@[Pa...]

 

[[Ma...]]

Thank you so much !! My dr is extremely well versed in this doing these Ashton tapers since 97. I believe in her and feel lucky to have found her. She implemented the updose bc I was beyond unstable. So I guess I’m looking for others experiences with the crossover process and what to expect ?  Again I’m traumatized from the first cut and hoping others can share their experiences with x to v crossover again thank you for responding ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[[Pa...]]

Hopefully those with experience will drop by but the two most common complaints are sedation and depression.  It can be challenging and some people have to go back to their original benzo but those who are successful crossing say it made the process better, no more interdose withdrawal and the pills come in small doses so easier to cut.

Hopefully your doctor understands that slowing down towards the end seems to be what most need to do, a patient led, symptom guided taper is best. 

[[Kh...]]

46 minutes ago, [[M...] said:

Hello all, to begin I have been on Xanax for 15 yrs 3mg a day. 12/23 my pc suggested tapering bc she felt the fda was going to restrict this drug. We cut .5 from 3 leaving me with 2.5. For 8 weeks to the day i went to a benzo specialist listed on the benzo coalition page and got some small relief my withdrawals from that “small” cut which I learned wasn’t so so small was debilitating and horrific. Akathesia, insomnia, pain everywhere, inability to eat, nausea, the list goes on. I went to the specialist on 2/17 and she implemented a crossover. She added 10 mg to my 2.5 Xanax to stabilize me and after this two weeks it will be swapping .5 X with 10mg V every two weeks until X is done and I’m at 60mg of V? Can anyone share anything about this crossover with me please 🙏  i Am terrified as probably expected. 

Marlo…it’s doable.  I did it.  See my profile history.  Sounds like u are in good hands.  Pamster is right, somehow the Valium creates depression in a different way than the Xanax seemed to.  I am still depressed…enough so to seek counseling and Psych help over and above the benzo issues.  That said the dosing is easier and you will get to a stage where only a night time dose is needed and you won’t have daytime withdrawals.  That is a good thing.  Good luck keep your spirits up and beat these benzos.  🙏

[[Ma...]]

Thank you so much I’m currently feeling hopeless scared and depressed but also have intense nerve pains in my legs. Think it’s from the valium? @[Kh...]you did a Xanax to Valium crossover ? 

[[Pa...]]

10 minutes ago, [[M...] said:

Thank you so much I’m currently feeling hopeless scared and depressed but also have intense nerve pains in my legs. Think it’s from the valium? @[Kh...]you did a Xanax to Valium crossover ? 

Yes, nerve pain is a common symptom, there isn't a system in our body that isn't affected by this process.  Here is a list of symptoms and what may be causing them, I found it calming to read because I had so much fear, I thought something else had to be wrong with me. 

benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw, Prof C H Ashton DM, FRCP, 2002

[[Kh...]]

Yes I did exactly that.  See my profile history and u can see what I did exactly.  Your nerve pain is likely to be related to withdrawal type issues.  I know u are scared and hopeless, I am too and I am finished with my taper but still feeling unwell.  It is a waiting game.  You have decided to come this far get through.  I want to give up often but see no way to do that just gotta march on.   

[[Kh...]]

My issues have been with my ears.  Fullness, pressure pain and tinnitus, so it can be anything it seems. 

[[Ma...]]

I totally understand my first cut was BRUTAL. I had ringing in my ears too but it came and went. I can’t even begin to recount the worst of it bc it was sooooo much. I’m currently standing and typing away bc of the leg pain but yea I’m praying this Valium taper is truly the best way none the less scary as hell 

[[je...]]

You can have a look at this thread below. This member has just started a crossover too

 

[[Kr...]]

I crossed over from Lorazepam 1 mg to diazepam 10 mg over a year ago. Benzo free as of 10 days ago. I tapered very slow to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. Only suffering from mild benzo belly (waves of nausea and burping) at this point. I am now benzo free. You can do it. 

[[Ka...]]

Hello @[Kr...] welcome and it is so good to hear of your taper and encouragement to those doing the same.