All c/o to valium people

[[ja...]]

Im sorry for wearing this suject out. But my xanax is not working good at all anymore I have 2 options 1 Drive 5 1/2 hours to Dr pundy who uses ashton method. Hope i can handle valium. 2 Try to titraite my xanax that i switched from 4 doses to 8 doses the last couple days to cope wiyh I/W sx I take 2 mg xanax a day Is it really going to be better c/o?

[Guest [wi...]]

If he does Ashton I would go see him and give that  a try. Maybe you can get a 90 days worth supply? I don't know what would be best. I've been told valium takes a month to work in your system and since you're on such a short acting benzo then take your time crossing over. Everyone reacts differently to valium, i've been trying to cross over and my psych has it at a lower dose than is recommended by everything i've seen at the internet, but since i cant get a hold of her i'll do what my body feels is best. I keep debating a K taper, but am still gonna try this out. I've had some off side effects from valium, paradoxical even. I don't know why but i'm going to see if i need to just get used to it. A benzo is a benzo is not the case with me:)

[[Bi...]]

Hi there,

 

I asked around and speculated, too. You just have to c/o and see. I didn't have much of a problem crossing over and if I could go back, which I cannot.. I would have just crossed to 20mg instead 45mg. I would probably be half healed by now.

 

Billy.

[[Fl...]]

Jackie, I switched from Xanax to klonipin to Valium, each time it was off one, on another one the next day.  I didn't know better.  I felt horrible the whole time, so I can't say it was good or bad. But I lived through it.

 

You will probably see as many stories as there are people.  You're just going to have to make a decision.  What works for one, might nor for another.  If you do decide to do a switch, not a crossover, you're still going to have to deal with the insane concept of such a quick taper.

 

My vote is go to the Ashton protocol guy.  Call him first and make sure he's willing to do what you want.  Right now, you just need a script writer and someone to pick you up when you trip.  You know what to do.

Good luck

flip

[[ja...]]

What about switching to klonopin? he might do that. but i know what intend went through i cant keep going on like this. i will be honest titration scares me making sure i get what i need. im sorry to go on and on. im just so sick and i fel its getting worse im at a stand still so im not even ridding my body of this junk And thinking of 5 1/2 hour drive 1 way every month and if im sick bothers me

[[JO...]]

Jackie,

I really would recommend trying the cross if your doctor is willing to go with you being in control of your taper. if you go slow follow ashton schedule and hold you hopefully will adapt well. I think people run in to trouble when they don't do the cross or go to fast and don't hold before beginning their taper. There are several advantages to the valium taper . At first you may notice a very sedating affect this is normal and will pass. I really think that because i have tapered so slowly and using valium that my symptoms have really been almost nil. Everyone is different though so i think once you make a plan go for it. Kolonpin is the second best choice in my opinion. you get the longer half life than xanax but it's also as potent. the last few bits of K would most likely would be needed to titrated off of. I wish you well in whatever decision you make. one other thing perhaps he could see you every two or three months.

[[ja...]]

Hi Johano, Thanks for the reply. and to everyone else too. I guess i feel so bad for my hubby to have to drive me all that way round trip and the recptionest was certain he would want to see me every month. Also the price of gas just everything. My Neurologist might consider k but im not sure how he will deal with taper. Im thinking just fill out the paper work on line and make appointment. Do what we have to do. Im so sick now is this how it will be for a year or more? I have a lot of respect for all who have beat these drugs.

[Guest [Be...]]

Hi Jackie Brown,

 

You could use the Ashton Manual see attached link to crossover to valium.  If you do the crossover as suggested by Ashton your doctor could adjust the schedule in 1/2 to account for the 2mg xanax you are taking instead of the 4mg that is posted on the schedule.  It would be a good guideline for the doctor to figure out what you need to do for the crossover.  The valium will fully build up over the course of a month. 

 

Scroll down for the link slow withdrawal schedules and your doctor could use the 4mg xanax to the valium crossover  as a guideline to calculate what you would need to do for the 2 mg that you are taking -  it is 40mg of valium.  If your doctor works with you and allows you to control the taper from valium you can do a slower taper than Ashton recommends (in my opinion Ashton is too quick)!  I used the Ashton Manual to crossover from  15 zoplicone to  10mg valium.

 

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm#s7

 

You will have some withdrawal symptoms but once you get a few weeks of v under your belt it will make things alot smoother.

 

When you start reducing the valium dont do cuts of anymore than 10% once every 2-3 weeks depending on how you are feeling.  Valium has an extremely long half life and the cuts tend to catch up to you if you reduce too quickly...it is not about the race to the finish line but getting there successfully. As long as you continue to reduce the valium you are making progress in the right direction.  You could ask your doctor for liquid as well so you can do the smaller cuts without having to cut pills, it allows for a smoother taper.  The v comes in 10mg, 5mg and 2mg pills.  I switched to a combination of pills and liquid about a month ago and feel so much better as the smaller cuts are accurate as opposed to cutting pills.

 

Re: your question on switching to Klonopin is that it will make it harder to taper unless you do water tiration. Klonopin will be very hard to cut and the dosage of K is not idea for making smaller cuts as V is.

 

I hope you get some relief soon....this tapering business is really hard.  I have been tapering valium for 6 months and for the most part doing really well as I have done a slow taper. 

 

All the best to you Jackie Brown!

 

 

 

 

 

[[sa...]]

Hey Jackie,

No apologies necessary here. This is exactly what this forum is for. You keep asking till you get it figurd out!

I was on Ativan and when I asked dr about switching to val to come off as it would be easier to wein off due to longer half life, as u know. He agreed and said my. 5 mg dose of Ativan was equivalant to 2 mg of val. After he wrote my rx I checked Ashton comparison chart that said it was 5 mg. Val to my .5 ativan. I called Dr. Who said try the 2mg val, if it doesn't work you can go to 5mg. I thought, if he's willing, I didnt want to risk taking less when I was feeling so dreadful too.  and went 5 mg straight over. I felt better in 3 days time.  So much better that I questioned if it wasn't indeed an "updoe" in comparison. I didn't care, I got some relief. Tappered too fast at first. You can see my sig. Up doesed a little once and stabelized. Now I'm slowpiking it down. Like one other person, my symptoms are paractically nill.

 

So there's some more info to add to your information gathering. I certainly commend you for embarking on the venture. I'm sorry you. Have to but it is what it is. You will get amazing suppirt here. My blog link is at the end of my sig. I'm going to put this thread on notify. Keep up with you every couple days!

 

Hang in there, Jackie. Info is power. Look forward to hearing what direction you take.

Armful of comfort to you

sarah~

[[ja...]]

Thankyou Benzofreedom, I appreciate your help My best to you too

[[JO...]]

Jackie,

Let me assure you that you don't have to be sick through this whole ordeal. Another suggestion have you looked to see if there are any benzo wise doctors in your area or a bit closer?. I believe if you check www.benzodocs.com I am going on memory here so forgive me if thats wrong. You may find a better option closer to you. I found my doctor through this site. Also the receptionest  is not the doctor you need to speak to him directly and explain the commute and finances as well as time. The other option about consulting with your Nero doc may be good too. Remember you don't have to tell him you are tapering sometimes less information is better. Maybe let him know that you would like to try the kolonpin instead of the Xanax. Either way Jackie don't lose hope or feel bad you are on your way to becoming drug free. Once you have a doctor on board it makes the process much easier. Good luck

[[ja...]]

Hi Johano5, Yes i found dr pundy on this site i filled out the paperwork and am trying to set up an appointment for march 5 he does ashton. My hubby and i dont really want to drive there but feeling no other choice I know what your saying about not telling neurologist everything. I agree but ive heard horror stories of klonopin. would love to hear if anyone thought klonopin worked good for them. Thanks so much for caring

[[ba...]]

Jackie my healing thoughts are with  you, 1 mg xanax is equal to 20 mg valium, as dr ashton states valium is the benzo of choice for tapering off benzo's because of the 200 hr half life life, with valium you should not have any inter dose withdrawl, I switched from ativan  with no cross over schedule, because my dr. Was not benzo wise, not a wise thing to do bando

[[ja...]]

I bet that c/o was ruff Bando, At least i know dr pundy knows how to do this. But already im thinking what if it doesnt work. My mom use to say dont borrow trouble i need to remember those words.

[[JO...]]

Think positive Jackie . I know it's hard sometimes as these drugs just wear us down. it will be well worth the time and effort to explore the Valium option first. i was on Kolonpin for a year and knew that I just didn't want to mess with tapering it. I would suggest you print the copy of the ashton schedule that applies to you and take it with you. I never will forget my first visit with my doctor i had the schedule in hand gave her my history told her the way I would be doing the taper and off I went. I also made it clear there would be no other drugs scripted for me period. Every time i see her which is two months soon to be three it's like hitting another milestone in this journey. I am telling you Jackie you will be successful and once you start tapering and see the results it gives you the drive to continue and conquer . It's very normal to feel aprehensive when you first begin but as you go on so does the determination.

[[ja...]]

Bando and Johano5, You both are so thoughtful, I needed encouragement today, i feel like im dying inbetween doses. I told my hubby today i cant go on like this. So i called Dr Pundys ,i got him from benzowise docs and my husband has agreed to drive the 11 hour round trip to get me help. Im trying to get appointment on a monday hopefully March 5 that way we can leave sunday stay at hotel and go for appointment on monday. I just feel like there is no $ amount you can put on your health. Thank God my hubby Loves me. I will still go for my wednesday neurologist yearly check in just in case. But my hubby and i both fel we should not say anything we might need him if valium doesnt work for k But somehow i think valium will work. Im am scared of c/o the  w/d but im in severe w/d now. I will just have to deal with it. I may need you both when the taper begins. I also know Dr Pundy also gives liquid valium when needed. Im guessing hes older guy.Im glad for my decission I think its right I just cant wait to get going and im hoping i can get a little sleep after i c/o just to get caught up before this journey begins. So i saw you both c/o to valium and Johano you said i would not always be in pain im ready for that THanks Bunches  BIG HUGS to you both  Jackie

[[ba...]]

Jackie you are stronger than you think, you will defeat the beast  you will  win anybody who can handle interdose xanax witbdrawl is a winner  bando

[[ja...]]

Thanks again Bando, I really dont know how much longer i can before i crack Thats why im getting an appointment ASAP

[[ba...]]

Good idea take copy  of dr. Ashton  mannual with  you to show the dr. Bando

[[JO...]]

Jackie,

I am thrilled you have made the decision to see the new doctor. Trust me I know how you feel I have been there. You are right we can't put a price on our health. My doctor visits are not cheap by any means but I will do whatever it takes to get off these drugs. Once your visit is over and you have started your cross you should begin to feel some relief i hope. This is what happened for me I had started to get interdose withdrawal or perhaps tolerance about a month before i began my cross. I began to feel relief almost immediately with in the first week. By the last week of the hold I was very sedated but didn't care . I knew my body had adapted to the change. the main reason I am not further along is i had two very stressful events happen in 2010 and early 2011. One being i lost my partner who i was a care taker for. Stress is especially hard on benzo suffers but you know what Jackie I made it through and so will you. What you have to keep in mind is forget about the clock listen to your body. We all want this to be over and done with but it just sets us up for a rough time. Keep us posted on your visit and progress. Best of luck to you.

[[ja...]]

Sarah, thankyou for your response Please stay in touch I value you advice  Hugs Jackie

[[sa...]]

Hey Jackie,

Sounds like you have a priductive plan in place. I'm with your Mo about nit inviting trouble. You are taking steps to get well. Since you have a few days before your appt, if you haven't already, read up on some success stories. That will encourage you. Use as much critical thinking as possible. You are legions ahead of do many simply by enlisting tje aid of a benzo wise dr.

 

Valium has a longee half life and builds up in upur system so you don't withdraw everyday.  I'm sorry I don't know half life of xanax, but mine was 20 hours top. So I was having tolerance withdrawl everyday. Not so with valium. The symptons we endure on tapering is because we are denying our brain of gabba which its been getting from benzos by cutting the dose. But my doing it slowly, like the dudes in office space who were goung to steal like a penny an hour, our brain is less agitated bevause we are doing it in little doses. Theoretically allowing time for it to leave our bodies within 9 days which is valiums longest half life ie: the longest amount if time.it stays in your body...9 days.

 

You are going to be so fine, Jackie. Your plan is so wise.  Hang I'm tjere best you can. Take med

s at same time, low stress if you can and lots of rest. Alrthough I felt great when I switched o.

I just went straight over to val. No problems but not revomended

[[ja...]]

Hi Sarah, thankyou for replying your thoughtfulness is appreciated. I had my appointment yesterday. At first i wasnt sure he would do it but out of the blue he asked how i wanted to c/o Thanks to wonderful Laura, By the way Laura if you see this post reply i would like some more of your wisdom you sweetheart. anyway Sarah we went with the 40 mg c/o started last night. He said he will not let me go up once taper starts and i agreed but asked if he would be patient with me as long as im going foward he agreed. So im feeling more hopeful today and feeling like someday i will be free. I have had such bad I/W i feel like im dying yesterday was torture. THe doc kept saying stuf like you need to have lunch with your fiends and gardening and enjoy life. I totaly agree. But it is obvious he has know clue what im feeling like I said to him i think once im not battling I/W i think i wil be beter. But they dont get it and thats ok im on my way now and thats all that matters Lets keep in touch I hope you are well Someday soon i can be more supportive to others I will start a blog soon Thanks Sarah

[[sa...]]

Oh Jackie,

I was thrilled to read your post! What good news! You are on your way. Huge congratulations hug for you! You likely wont need to updose unless you come down too fast. When I did updose it was just .5mg(back to the level where I had been last stable) for 4 weeks which equaled 1 pill. Loweset val pill is 2mg.

 

I started ver low, at 5mg of valium whuch was the equivalant of my .5 mg of ativan that I was on for 3 years. Its my knowledge that once at 5mg val, important to taper ever so slowly. Like 5% - 10% every 2-3 weeks.

 

What is your taper plan? Crossover plan? I'm so glad ypu feel hopeful about this. You will feel markedly better. I highly recomend journalling, even just privately or here either way, but when you hit rough spots in ypur taper, and you will, they will likely not be close to how dreadful you are feeling before you embark on this. That way even when you struggle, you can rally in improvement.

 

You're on your way, Ms Jackie Brown!!! You will feel better soon.

Warm hug,

Sarah•♥•

[[ja...]]

Sarah, you are so nice. I went to my neurologist today to let him know what was going on He understood the w/d thing or so he said i told him this other doctor who he knows, is going to help me. He gave me his blessings. Im sure he doesnt have a clue that little pill he prescribed all these years has caused all this grief. But i really do forgive him. Someday when im better i will enlighten as many as i can. So Sarah im excited, but a little scared and sad because i know it is a long road ahead. I went to lunch with hubby and my pill was wearing off so i couldnt eat much and skin was so on fire it took all i had to act like it was fun , My hubby knew i wasnt feeling well I feel bad because i dont want to hurt any one else or be a burden. And ive already obcessed about my doc not wanting this taper to drag out. He thinks we will follow ashton all the way and it kind of scares me. Oh our minds can get us into trouble. Im going to be fine.