Help with titration taper please!

[[el...]]

Hi Eljay, thanks for that,  without meaning to be a bit thick!.....what is not too long? I have been crossing from the Loraz to the Valium at weekly intervals, Colin said 'a week or longer' so should I

 

Yes, that sounds about right. Or even a couple days more if you prefer. By not too long, I just meant weeks or more! 

[[An...]]

silly old me, still I am beginning to understand, never done this before, and am in my fifties so plenty senior moments!

Annie

[[el...]]

silly old me, still I am beginning to understand, never done this before, and am in my fifties so plenty senior moments!

Annie

 

You're doing fine! Not necessarily senior moments, just benzo fog, probably. 

[[An...]]

Hello again,

It is a full week since I've been on titration changeover on 30% Loraz & 70% Valium (1mg Loraz tab to 10mg Valium tab)

Things seem to be a bit bad still, main things being stomach knotting anxiety - but dozyness, this very flat and tearful feeling. (not really bad depression)  Am taking 90mls of titrated liquid divided into 3 doses a day.

I am on hol next week, and really want to try & enjoy myself, up to now I have been pretty good. I know all these are w/d effects, It is bad in the mornings, and then improves slowly.

Any hints how to help myself....am doing CBT so am trying to do something positive!

Annie

[[Th...]]

Hello again,

It is a full week since I've been on titration changeover on 30% Loraz & 70% Valium (1mg Loraz tab to 10mg Valium tab)

Things seem to be a bit bad still, main things being stomach knotting anxiety - but dozyness, this very flat and tearful feeling. (not really bad depression)  Am taking 90mls of titrated liquid divided into 3 doses a day.

I am on hol next week, and really want to try & enjoy myself, up to now I have been pretty good. I know all these are w/d effects, It is bad in the mornings, and then improves slowly.

Any hints how to help myself....am doing CBT so am trying to do something positive!

Annie

 

Hi Annie,

 

It is not unusual for members to feel bad in the mornings due to high cortisol levels through out the night. I will post an article on this below. Also, Valium is known to cause depression. You may want to consider holding where you are until after your holiday, hope things settle down for you and you enjoy your holiday.

 

MORNING ANXIETY

 

Here is an article about morning anxiety...

 

"Yes, depression and anxiety are worse in the morning. That is when your body's cortisol level is the hightest(cortisol is stimulating) and that accounts for probably part of what you are feeling. Cortisol is the stress hormone, your body produces when you are under stress.

 

The paradox of stress/cortisol is that anxiety produces cortisol, which produces anxiety which produces more cortisol, which causes you to feel more anxious...etc....

 

Soon you find yourself in this never ending cycle of anxiety and depression.

 

What you must do to get well is ACCEPT your anxiety. You must ACCEPT your feelings and not try to fight them. Do this long enough and an interesting thing happens, the anxiety goes away."

 

Deanne Repich from her article Understanding Early Morning Anxiety says,

 

"Another reason why symptoms can be worse in the morning is because your blood sugar is low when you first wake up. You have gone all night without food.

 

 

It's important to maintain a constant blood sugar level because the brain uses sugar, also known as glucose, as its fuel. If blood sugar levels are too low or drop too fast, then the brain starts running out of fuel.

 

This causes the brain to trigger the "fight or flight" response. The "fight or flight" response sends a rush of adrenaline, cortisol, and other neurotransmitters through your body to prepare you to fight or flee the perceived threat (low fuel).

 

This process can trigger physical reactions ("symptoms") such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, sweating, panic attacks, fatigue, insomnia, mental confusion, nervousness, dizziness, and more."

 

 

[[An...]]

Thanks for that, it is really what my CBT therapist has been teaching me, I used to have really dreadful anxiety & depression, and the gp that was treating me gave me the ativan at Christmas.

I became so bad that I have been seeing a psyciatrist privately at a very well known clinic, also CBT therapist.  It has cost a fortune, but he had me feeling much better on Sertraline & the therapy, but said I MUST come off the ativan (he hates benzos) ...He fully approved & applauded this website & my plan.  For the month I have been going over from Ativan to Valium I have felt pretty good....I suppose we all hit a bad patch - it is just a bit like a hammer blow when the depression & anxiety rear their ugly heads again.  I am doing everything - working, going out socialising, trying to do my hobbies ......If I had seen the psyciatrist to start with I wouldn't be in this mess really.  I am just lucky to have found so much support - here, at the clinic, and my family & friends.

I will fight on regardless!  But we must not blame ourselves.  We must accept our anxiety ....I thought I had learnt to do that - so get out the CBT manual again!

Annie

[[An...]]

Hi again,

I seemed to have stabilised a bit...but my problem now is that I think the valium is making me really dopey & sleepy and a bit depressed during the day. I take 90mls divided into 3 doses, one of about 25 in the morning, then the rest in 2 equal doses afternoon & night. I have no anxiety really.

I am titrating an 80% valium & 20% Loraz mixture at the moment. 

What I really wanted to know is there a way of having less valium in the mix, as I have no idea how to do it or even IF I can do it?????  Or must I wait until the change to valium is complete.  Hopefully by end of next week. HELP!

Annie

[[Th...]]

Hi again,

I seemed to have stabilised a bit...but my problem now is that I think the valium is making me really dopey & sleepy and a bit depressed during the day. I take 90mls divided into 3 doses, one of about 25 in the morning, then the rest in 2 equal doses afternoon & night. I have no anxiety really.

I am titrating an 80% valium & 20% Loraz mixture at the moment. 

What I really wanted to know is there a way of having less valium in the mix, as I have no idea how to do it or even IF I can do it?????  Or must I wait until the change to valium is complete.  Hopefully by end of next week. HELP!

Annie

 

If you are feeling well with where you are at, you may want to just start decreasing the Loraz and leave the Valium where it is and see how that goes. As you might know, equivalencies stated by Dr. Ashton are just estimates and is different for everyone as to how it affects them.

[[An...]]

that sounds ok, will take less Loraz (boy will I be glad to get shot of it)!  My husband is just fed up with me nodding off all the time, we are on a weeks hol & normally I am quite a noisy person with lots to say, but I know I need to keep busy to help the depression, and I have such a dozy head that I don't know what I'm doing half the time!

Annie

[[Th...]]

that sounds ok, will take less Loraz (boy will I be glad to get shot of it)!  My husband is just fed up with me nodding off all the time, we are on a weeks hol & normally I am quite a noisy person with lots to say, but I know I need to keep busy to help the depression, and I have such a dozy head that I don't know what I'm doing half the time!

Annie

 

I had the benzo fog most of the time while tapering, now I have it with menopausal symptoms. 

[[An...]]

This is when all my problems started with the menopause, never been depressed or anxious in  my life.  Got over that .....then a 'wise' doc put me on loraz....and here I am !

At least the hot flushes went .....4 of us at work were going through the menopause at the same time - it was like Monty Python sketch, anyway Theresa, thanks for your help, you are all stars on this site.  I don't feel so alone (even though my son & hubby are here) you sometimes feel alone in a fog, and they don't understand - although they try!

bless you for being there for us.

Annie

[[Th...]]

This is when all my problems started with the menopause, never been depressed or anxious in  my life.  Got over that .....then a 'wise' doc put me on loraz....and here I am !

At least the hot flushes went .....4 of us at work were going through the menopause at the same time - it was like Monty Python sketch, anyway Theresa, thanks for your help, you are all stars on this site.  I don't feel so alone (even though my son & hubby are here) you sometimes feel alone in a fog, and they don't understand - although they try!

bless you for being there for us.

Annie

 

I know doctors are either prescribing A/D's or benzos for menopausal women nowadays since HRT's are too dangerous! Makes me sick to think about it. 

[[...]]

This is when all my problems started with the menopause, never been depressed or anxious in  my life.

 

Me too!

If only I'd known then what I know now!

 

Lynne 

[[An...]]

Hi Lem,

thanks for that.....I find all this support really encouraging...nothing will make me stop till the end now!

Even if you feel crap - at least you have it in your mind that you are actually DOING something about the situation.

Regards

Annie

[[An...]]

Have been going pretty well on Valium/milk titration. Am down to 86ml, a few little wobbles, but generally good.

However, last night my Mum (in her 90's) called to tell me she had fallen, broken a vase & she was cut. She is actually a very young spirited person, but has heart condition.  Of course my son & I rushed over and thankfully she was not badly hurt, it was just a few minor cuts - but the blood looked bad because she takes Warfarin.

I dealt with it all fine, but today I feell so shaky & wobbly, & my muscles ache.  I really want to ask if I should hold at 86ml for a day or two....or will it not make any diff?

[[Th...]]

Have been going pretty well on Valium/milk titration. Am down to 86ml, a few little wobbles, but generally good.

However, last night my Mum (in her 90's) called to tell me she had fallen, broken a vase & she was cut. She is actually a very young spirited person, but has heart condition.  Of course my son & I rushed over and thankfully she was not badly hurt, it was just a few minor cuts - but the blood looked bad because she takes Warfarin.

I dealt with it all fine, but today I feell so shaky & wobbly, & my muscles ache.  I really want to ask if I should hold at 86ml for a day or two....or will it not make any diff?

 

You might want to hold for a day or two, it may help but not always. Having some stress like you had could have revved up symptoms. Glad to hear your mom is okay with just some minor cuts and nothing broke.

[[An...]]

Hi all,

After my trauma with my Mum, who recovered pretty well my husband took me away for 4 days - perhaps I should not have gone so soon, but I felt really anxious and nervous the whole time, I felt really drowsy, and still do - and in a low mood.  I am down to 81 titration and keeping going at 1mg drop per day.  I was worrying all the while about just about everything, and we went out all the time to some great places.  Now I am home it is an awful effort to do things, like ironing, shopping etc. Am seeing my CBT therapist today, so maybe she can give me some pointers.  I know everyone is different, but I just need reassurance that this will pass.....

Annie

[[Pa...]]

Hello Annie6,

 

I'm amazed you were able to go on the trip, when I was suffering I don't think I could have traveled.  I'm sorry you were anxious and nervous, but that's very normal.  Sometimes we think we can run away from our withdrawals, it doesn't always work.  Distraction is good, it helps us think about something other than our pain, but we can't totally eliminate it.

 

 

I think now you're feeling very drained.  After dealing with your Mum and the big trip you probably just need some time to decompress.  Give yourself a break, you might just need a little down time to rest.

 

What you're feeling is very normal, it's all part of the process of withdrawing.  It WILL pass.

 

Pam

 

 

[[An...]]

Thanks Pamster,

I have just got back from rushing Mum to hospital, he had a huge rise in BP suddenly, am going back to pick her up.  I actually feel ok!  Not thinking about me and how I feel I guess!

My CBT therapist was extremely helpful, and gave me many coping tips. 

Your kind words, have made me feel calmer and realise I am on the way to getting rid of the beast!!!!

Annie

[[Pa...]]

Well, I'm glad you're feeling better.  Yes, it's good to have distractions, but I sure wish it wasn't your Mum's health issues! 

 

I think it's great you're seeing a CBT therapist.  I've heard many people on BB recommend them.  The really great part is what you're doing by seeing your therapist, you're learning life skills.

 

A lot of us moan and whine and feel sorry for ourselves over our plight.  But you're doing something positive for yourself while your body is healing.  That way when you finally feel better, you'll be ready to take on the world and all of it's challenges without your first thought being.....I need a pill!

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Pam

[[An...]]

Hi all,

Whilst dealing with my Mum's health problems pretty well, the problem I am having is this benzo foggy feeling, am going about my everyday life as well as I can, am now titrating 73ml valium split into 3 daily doses, take less in morning.  Can anyone suggest a way to lift myself a bit - or is it all par for the course?  I am taking Sertraline for depression, which was my original problem - this is helping & CBT therapy.  But am just feeling as flat as a pancake, and am trying to do gardening etc. to help.  My energy levels are low, but when I am at work I find I can do my job - and concentrate reasonably.  I know there is no instant fix but having a moan helps! Besides I feel that every day as I drop 1ml I am getting nearer to the real me!

Annie

[[Th...]]

Hi all,

Whilst dealing with my Mum's health problems pretty well, the problem I am having is this benzo foggy feeling, am going about my everyday life as well as I can, am now titrating 73ml valium split into 3 daily doses, take less in morning.  Can anyone suggest a way to lift myself a bit - or is it all par for the course?  I am taking Sertraline for depression, which was my original problem - this is helping & CBT therapy.  But am just feeling as flat as a pancake, and am trying to do gardening etc. to help.  My energy levels are low, but when I am at work I find I can do my job - and concentrate reasonably.   I know there is no instant fix but having a moan helps! Besides I feel that every day as I drop 1ml I am getting nearer to the real me!

Annie

 

Hi Annie,

 

I had a lot of fatigue and feeling flat during my taper so I would say it is par for the course! I don't know what can help but getting off and start healing. I still would have good days when all was normal and then days when I couldn't get off the couch. Good to hear that you are getting nearer to the real you!! 

 

 

T2

[[Pa...]]

Hi Annie,

 

Good to hear from you, and I'm glad to see you're trying to keep busy.  It sounds like your taper is progressing quite normally, the fogginess, the low energy are very common.  Feeling flat is a good description, not sure if I've used that one.  I felt really empty of emotions, no joy, no laughter, not able cry, so yes flat is a perfect description of that.

 

It's good you're still able to work, I was too.  Some people aren't so lucky that way. It's a good way to keep yourself distracted from your symptoms, although we can't escape them entirely.

 

Just keep doing what you're doing and you'll eventually feel better.  Have you noticed the "windows" when you seem to feel almost normal?  I found those to be wonderful and would think I was healed only to have them close and the symptoms would return. 

 

I'm really glad you checked in.

 

Pam

[[An...]]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the support, have done some gardening, did me good ....I do have better days where I have a real laugh in the office!  I just keep remembering my consultant's words 'if you feel bad -it is not you - it's the drugs'

He despises benzos, and although he is fine with my taper, will not prescribe them for anything but that situation.  Well, it's pill crushing time, so off I go!

Annie

[[An...]]

hi all,

Just a bit of advice please, am titrating on 58ml per day split 3 doses, am waking feeling really jittery and anxious, and this gradually fades as the day goes on. Would there be any point in holding for a day or two (am only titrating 1ml per day) Or should I just plod on regardless - and hope it will settle.

On the good side, the benzo fog has lifted a lot and am able to concentrate on things much better!  I know this is all par for the course - am under no illusions about w/d - but I have to communicate with people in my work, and I find it quite hard early in the day!

Cheers, Annie