It’s time

I’ve been on these things on and off for nearly ten years. I average around 20 mg Valium a week at the moment, basically 5mg every other day. I started tapering last week and managed to go cold turkey for a week before withdrawal was too much and had 5mg yesterday. Feeling average, going to follow Ashton Manuel and reduce by 10% every few weeks.

I got into them through doc prescribing them for anxiety and insomnia then managed to get them other ways. I don’t need them anymore, want to be off them in six months.

Hello losgauchos Welcome to BenzoBuddies.

Glad you joined us. Cold turkey is not recommended and can bring on some very severe symptoms.  If you have been on benzos more than a few weeks, the generally accepted taper rate is 5-10%, every 10 to 14 days.  The rate can be adjusted to meet your needs.  Tapering slowly can help keep withdrawal symptoms manageable. We do eventually recover from this experience. 

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides Tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

The Ashton Manual. 

Here are some additional links:

General Taper Plans

Withdrawal Support

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to”Create a signature”

Welcome Aboard

Magrita