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Is it possible to withdraw slowly at home?

Posted , 4 users are following.

ann55375
ann55375

5mg at night and 3mg day.  Tried anti depressants and cant toleratenthem.  Want to slowly lower valium, has anyone managed it from this level and how much to drop per month or more without withdrawals?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 ann55375

    Posted

    Hello, i dont think dropping the dose of a benzo, is not as bad as starting or stopping an anti depressant. Been on diazepam for 3 months, was on 7.5mg, average per day, ocassionally as high as 12.5mg per day. Dropped by 2.5mg, to 5.00mg a couple of weeks ago, no issues, and feel better. Would suggest you take it really slow, perhaps 0.5mg reduction at a time. Reduce by that amount, and stay on new dose for a month. That should give your mind and body time to readjust, and settle down. Do the reduction by whatever small amount you think is appropriate, then dont drop any further for next 4 weeks. Take as long as you want abiut it. That way, you settle down, after each small reduction, and will not mistake individual spikes, for thinking reduction isnt good for you.
  • RubySlippers
    RubySlippers ann55375

    Posted

    Hi Ann. i think you can do this at home. Just slowly taper. I was on Lorazepam for 20 years and did a 5 month taper. Was a little rough. you will probably lose sleep but just keep in mind it will get better as time goes on. I do know that now that I am off the drug I feel pretty amazing. Also look up the Ashton's Manual on google. It might help. It all depends on how long you have been on the valium. Keep us posted please and I wish you the best of luck. Ruby S

    • ann55375
      ann55375 RubySlippers

      Posted

      I have been on four years since back surgery. I notice i am needing more each month and i am almost at 9mg, per day.  I take 5 at night then 2x2 in day.  Do you think i should start with trying to reduce the night time one to 4.5 first then go from there.  Imahve to say younhave done well going from 20 years.  I have read Ashton but feel it is too fast atnthe lower end.  I am not good at losing sleep.  I already take paracetamol in night when i wake up to try to get Nkther hour or so.  Maybe im addicted to,them too.
  • RubySlippers
    RubySlippers ann55375

    Posted

    Maybe find a doctor that will let you taper the way that works best for you. I found that after I was off them I fell better than I did 20 years ago. I tapered a 1/2 mg every 2-3 weeks, but at the end it was horrible. My pain doctor is who helped me. She put me on 2mg of tizanidine at night to help and then I went to 4mg. She says it is safer than the Benzos. At first it will really help. Just take your time and try not to up it anymore. Half mg a month maybe. Of course I am not a doctor but if it wasn't for my Pain Specialist I would still be on mine. I am healthier than I was 20 years ago even if I do have a lot of physical health problems.Best of luck. No rush if your doctor is still prescribing it. Maybe talk to him or her. God Bless and good luck. SLOWLY is the key. Ruby S

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