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Help with lowering 5mg diazepam

Posted , 7 users are following.

ann55375
ann55375

can anyone help with the slow withdrawal from this med

took it for pain before spinal,op and dr never stopped prescribing it.   Was 62,never taken any before and didnt realise it would be a problem to lower.

i would like to go down by half a mg for a while, then another half etc but i am worried as i have depression now and dr hasnt offered any help, just says its a small amount.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • lc72704
    lc72704 ann55375

    Posted

    Hi ann. Im so sorry youre going through this.  I followed the Ashton manual to get off. It did not cause depression in me so I cant address that issue.  My symptoms were anxiety attacks ( which I had never had before) heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes, flu like symptoms. 

    I encourage you to try to find a doctor that will help you through this.  No doctors I saw believed my symptoms were because of the drug. 

    It seems to me there is a strong connection between our stomachs and our nervous symptoms, probiotics helped me. 

    I am 60 years old and was given  diazepam for sleep after menopause.  I have been off it almost 2 years after being on it 2 1/2 years. 

    How long have you been taking it?

    Lynne

    • harriet67221
      harriet67221 lc72704

      Posted

      Hi Lynn Sorry to butt in but I was just wondering how much diazepam you were taking?

      ​I know if reducing the benzos  it has to be done very slowly​.

      All best wishes for the season. 

      Thanks.

    • lc72704
      lc72704 harriet67221

      Posted

      Hi Harriet. Youre not butting in. 

      Now that I think I was on  lorazapam (ativan) not diazapam ( valium)

      I took 1 mg which I believe is equal to

      5 mg  diazapam , one short acting one long acting.

      I agree slow is the way to go, and each person reacts differently.  I was having tolerance withdrawls so I felt terrible on it.  I took 3 months to get off the 1 mg ativan. 

      Happy, healthy benzo free New Year !!

    • ann55375
      ann55375 lc72704

      Posted

      Has been 4 years at 5mg niight, 1mg day some days. I wasnt depressed before it and now i wonder if its suppressing my feelings and thats why im having bad ideation on waking.

      i dont know how to find a dr to help me. Gp just says if you need it take it. Psych wants people on meds that suit them and dont need lots of appointments

    • marleen85993
      marleen85993 ann55375

      Posted

      Hi Ann a lot of doctors don't help as there is not a lot they can do.Getting of a benzodiazepam is really a case of tapering the dose slowly until you are off and giving your brain time to recover.You have to just give it a try and make sure you don't increase your dose again.You must get the mindset that you can do this and take it a day at a time.

  • RubySlippers
    RubySlippers ann55375

    Posted

    Hi Ann. I was on 3 mg of ativan and now down to 1 mg of ativan. I am stuck on the 1 mg and my doctor is letting me get through the Holidays and then the tapering off begins again. I was on the 3 mg for 20 years. Getting down to 1 mg was rough but I did it. Took about 4 months. Now the hard part is going down from 1mg. I am going to only taper a little off the 1 mg for a couple weeks and then a little more in a couple weeks. Don't rush but taper a little at a time and you will lose nights of sleep but eventually a good night will come and you will be so happy. These are dangerous pills and I hate that the doctors were so freely about prescribing them. I have a great pain doctor that is helping me get off these. Never would of thought about it if it wasn't for her. You have to find the right doctor for sure. Ask around your area for an understanding and trustworthy doctor that would help you help yourself to get off these and not just a doctor that wants a payment and give out RX. Good luck and keep us posted. Take a deep breath and don't stress. Like they all say the Ashton's Manual is the best. Google it. I printed it out. but I did not switch to diazepam. Just lowered slowwwwwwly. Keep your chin up. Gay

  • michael62588
    michael62588 ann55375

    Posted

    Tapper tapper Tapper! When ever I take a benzo I feel like garbage the next day(depression). I have recently started celexa and I think it is helping(5 weeks 10mg). I now take magtein to help with the muscle pain and sleeping. It really does help. I suggest picking up a bottle and trying it out! 
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