Need some support with the tapering blues

[[La...]]

I guess I'm looking for a little support at the moment and hoping what I'm experiencing while tapering is not so abnormal. I managed to taper down to ~ 2.30 mg of valium from 5 mg. I did it rather slowly, I believe, starting in mid-August to now (6 1/2 months). Some nights were horrendous, and others not so bad, although never good and I'm exhausted. Since I reached this level, I try to sleep a few hours without any pills since they give me no more than 4 fragmented hours of sleep, if that.  If I do get a bit of broken sleep, I usually wake up around 1:30 am and take the pills. But now I don't sleep at all for hours after and one night may fall asleep again at 5:30 am or even 9:00 am and sleep a bit. I don't know what to do. I'm falling apart. Is this a normal reaction to cutting? Or not? I'm starting to experience real fear that I may never be able to successfully withdraw when I think that I have to taper even lower. How will I ever manage that when I can't even manage my last cut? I feel so trapped. I don't know how to exist without proper sleep and it's getting to me. Sorry if I appear so self-consumed. I don't know where else I can go to but to you, my fellow sufferers.

[[Fl...]]

Hi Laura,

 

Are you trying to stop Valium at 2.3 mg?  This is not a good idea. It's non wonder you can't sleep. It sounds like youve been patient fir the first 2.8 mg. Why not just continue on with your slow taper?

 

Are you familiar with the Ashton protocol? It advises 10% or less cuts every 2-3 weeks. 

Don't get in a rush, OK?

Flip 

[[La...]]

Thanks Flip. I'm not really trying to stop at 2.3, but because this dosage gives me so little sleep, I am trying to start the night with a few hours sleep without taking anything and then, when I inevitably wake up, take my full dosage to get a few more hours of sleep, but it's not working so well, as I remain awake for hours before I can asleep again. This did not happen until I reached this level, and that's why I have this concern about my ability to eventually lower my dosage and be free, once again.

[[Fl...]]

Laura, it's best to just take you're Valium at regular intervals.  If you have been taking it once a day at bedtime, just continue that. Sleep will return. Try not to obsess about it.  I think most of us have gone through periods of sleeplessness.  It comes back. Try not to worry.

Flip

[[De...]]

Hi Laura,

I am halfway through my taper, tapered down from 10 mgs to 5 mgs since September 2011 and my sleep is also very poor, difficulty going to sleep, frequent awakenings and never feeling completely rested but this seems to be very common in withdrawal. I know what you are saying about being frustated and worn out I feel like that too a lot of the time but I think the more we worry about sleep, the worse the problem becomes. If you type in Insomnia in the "Search" box you will find lots of posts some have tried herbal remedies to assist with this but personally I would prefer not to add anything into my system at the moment to allow the CNS to recover by itself. I am sure the sleep issue will right itself in good time we just have to try to be patient. Have you tried listening to relaxation Tapes ? They help me not so much to sleep but to relax my mind so I wont stress so much about not sleeping.

Hopefully Laura your sleep will improve as you taper further down so good luck with that !

Take Care Debbie 

[[La...]]

Hi Debbie,

Was very happy to receive your post. I guess, as you say and Flip as well, this problem is very common in withdrawal and so I know that I'm not the only one, although I am sorry that you and others are having similar problems. Like you, I also prefer not to take anything to interfere with the CNS, even though the need is desperate. Must try not to worry so much. I also tend to regret that I ever started, but, as one person wrote, regret is a wasted emotion. Will try to take your advice.

All the best. Laura.

[[De...]]

Hi again Laura,

Just to say I know you must be fooling despondent now but really Laura there is nothing to gain by going back and everything to gain bt sticking it out and carrying on with your taper. If you get time, read some of the success stories Laura and you'll see what I mean.

Good Luck and hope things improve.

Debbie 

[[La...]]

Dear Debbie and Flip,

I just wanted to thank both of you again for your encouragement which you offered even though you have your own issues. It's very giving. You are among the many fantastic people here. I wish you both the best of luck.

Laura

[[De...]]

Thank you Laura for the good wishes and really hope your sleep is a little improved. sleep deprivation I think is one of the toughest issues to deal with.

Take Care

Hugs

Debbie