View Full Version : Stopped diazepam 18 days ago. Need some support .............
Hi could really do with some support right now. My GP prescribed me with diazepam in 2009. Oh how I wish I'd done my research before taking it and threw them away the day she gave them to me. I suffer with anxiety and at that point in 2009 was waking up with panic attacks and was in a bad way. However I was never told they were addictive and only supposed to be taken short term only. This poison was put on repeat prescription 2mg three times a day. However I only ever took 2mg a day, 4mg once in a blue moon. The last year I only ever took 2mg a day, first thing on a morning when I first wake with that awful morning anxiety.
I never knew about tolerance and never craved the drug or had any urge to take more. About a year ago I started feeling unwell despite taking the 2mg each morning. I was getting pins and needles in my feet and waking up with dead arms during the night. Felt like I had nerve pain in my arms and feet, joint pain, muscles were always in a tight knot, especially around my neck area. I was having digestive issues, eye sight was blurry, chronic fatigue and developed health anxiety as a result. Saw neurologist, rhumatologist, eye specialist, gastrointestinal consultant, heart specialist and nobody could tell me why I was having so many problems all at the same time. Had scans, x rays, bloodtests, er admissions. Rhumatologist diagnosed me with fibromyalgia.
I never put all these symptoms down to the diazepam because I was only on 2mg. I was in tolerance and this was making me incredibly sick.
So angry that I have been given this drug not knowing how incredibly sick it can make someone when they hit tolerance. My options were to increase, and always have to increase when tolerance strikes again or get off this poison. I read online from the webpage benzo buddies so many people suffering as I was with exactly the same symptoms.
I broke my 2mg tablet in 4 and slowly since December started to taper down. Did this by dropping 2 mg to 1mg waited two weeks, dropped again to 0.5mg waited 2 weeks and dropped again to 0.25mg then 18 days ago stopped completely after 7 years of this drug. It's been hard and had loads of withdrawal symptoms but knew I had to get off this and hopefully begin the healing process. I know it can take months/years in some cases to heal. Would love to hear if somebody reading this has successfully come off diazepam? How are you now? How long did it take to heal? Anyone reading this going through withdrawal right now? Let's encourage and support each other through this nightmare.
My withdrawal symptoms presently are
Blurred vision
Nerve pain
Numb feet/toes
Swollen buring hands
Temperature fluctuations
Extreme fatigue
Increased anxiety
Joint pain
Tight muscles
Digestive issues
Overactive bladder
Bladder irritation
Brain fog
Short term memory loss
DP/DR
Isolating myself
Food intolerances
Vitamin intolerance (especially vit b)
Skin changes
Histamine problems
Insomnia
Rls
And probably loads more but due to brain fog can't think right now 😩
I've read it takes about 30 days to be out of my system but scared how long these horrible withdrawal effects are going to last. There's now way I'll take it again and take no other Meds. It's wonderful to be med free, just want to heal now and guess this is just going to be a time thing now.
Please share your experience with me and anyone thinking of taking Valium in the future please do your research first and don't take for longer than a couple of weeks max!
Michelle
YOU ARE AMAZING!
That is all I have to say.
Many people stay dependant, and choosing not to go down that route shows courage.
The thing to remember is that you build a tolerance to diazepam, and that wothdrawal makes anxiety WORSE.
So stick with it. You are walking through a rough patch, so just keep walking, and soon it will get easier!!
You've got this!
Why on earth did your GP sanction diazepam on a repeat prescription basis?
How is your h.pylori infection? That can't be helping matters..
I'm sorry that things got so bad but well done for carrying on through withdrawal. It will be so worth it.
How many do you have to take before you become addicted? I have them here (2mg) but only ever take one if I wake up in the night and really can't get back to sleep. I've probably taken them 4-5 times in the last 3 months. Is that OK?
I'm certainly no expert but I wouldn't have thought you would have any problems at all from such infrequent use of diazepam, Mojo. It's the regular unbroken use which can cause real problems.
Thanks SLA that was a lovely message and surely brightened up my day ��. Yesterday was so far my worst day (due to diazepam long half life side effects can happen a lot later than when you cut/taper down.
Side effects seem to constantly change too, what can be bad one day can go the next but be replaced by something else. Now got tinnitus, never had that before! Muscle twitching and spasms seem to be my worst side effect right now with nerve pain and benzo belly!
Hi Pulisa hope you are keeping strong. Helicopter pylori on the last sample was clear so hopefully it is gone. Lots of stomach issues now but not entirely sure if withdrawal has messed up the gaba receptors in the gut too. Still taking a good quality probiotic each day.
Hi Mojo 61 I did a lot of research into the half life of diazepam online. Found this useful:-
Benzodiazepines like diazepam can stay in the system a pretty long time. It depends on how much you take and for how long. Also your health, age, weight and metabolic rate play a part.
How long a drug stays in your system depends mainly on it's elimination half life - the time it takes for plasma drug levels to fall by half.
The elimination half life of the active metabolite of diazepam (N-desmethyldiazepam) is, on average, 100 hours.
It takes 5.5 x elimination half lives (hours) for a medicine to be cleared from your system, therefore diazepam or it's active metabolite will be in your system for 550 hours (5.5 x 100hrs) i.e. approximately 23 days.
---------- Post added at 07:53 ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 ----------
Scary..... 1 tablet can stay in your body that length of time, the positive benefits when I first started taking the drug only lasted 2-3hrs but it can stay in your system weeks! Another article I read was about a young guy only ever took 1 tablet to trial it. Never took another but due to an interview he had to take a drugs test and the diazepam still showed up 21 days later.
Please weigh up the negatives of the drug before starting on the path I ended up on. No DR should prescribe these without fully explaining the potential very distressful withdrawal process.
Pulisa yes I don't know how my gps got away with putting this on repeat for 7 years. I was getting 56 tablets every 28 days but only using half. Wish I had the energy to sue somebody. Anyway onwards and upwards...... day 19 without diazepam let's see what today brings x
My GP told me there hadn't been any studies done on how long you could take diazepam for before there was a dependency issue.....
I am also meds-free, Michelle. I prefer it this way.
Well done Pulisa on being drug free too xx
To be honest my scary experiences on paroxitine/seroxat, venlafaxine/Effexor and now this bloody poison I've been taking daily for 7 years I'm scared off Meds. It really has made me have a phobia about these sorts of medications. I keep saying to my teenage daughter please promise me you will never take antidepressants/benzos. I really hate to see anyone suffer such soul destroying symptoms when it's time to come off!!! Maybe I'm just one of the unlucky ones who has the genetic disposition to find these drugs harder to come off. I don't know. I think I've had a lot of damage done to my CNS from these drugs and now I just want to feel like me without any drugs. I spoke to my gp about my insomnia since tolerance and subsequent withdrawal and she was going to suggest another drug to counteract this. I said noooooooooo
There comes a point where you just want to draw a line and start again after a good meds clearout.
I hope today is a better one for you. Keep going and you are doing the right thing xx
Thanks. Yes your right I am doing the right thing. It's just so damn hard!!! It's not so much the anxiety that's bad today it's the physical symptom and so much pain.
Hard to do normal everyday things like shower and dress. Housework extra, feel so drained. Getting next to no sleep not helping much but I try not to look as these as bad symptoms but more as signs my body is adjusting itself for not having diazepam and healing.
Today better than yesterday so that's a bonus
Day 20 off diazepam
Slept better last night. About 7 hrs. Haven't done that in so long!!!!!
Feel a bit brighter today, no anxiety or depression.
Going to venture outside today and make the most of feeling ok.
Thanks SLA that was a lovely message and surely brightened up my day ��. Yesterday was so far my worst day (due to diazepam long half life side effects can happen a lot later than when you cut/taper down.
Side effects seem to constantly change too, what can be bad one day can go the next but be replaced by something else. Now got tinnitus, never had that before! Muscle twitching and spasms seem to be my worst side effect right now with nerve pain and benzo belly!
Hi Pulisa hope you are keeping strong. Helicopter pylori on the last sample was clear so hopefully it is gone. Lots of stomach issues now but not entirely sure if withdrawal has messed up the gaba receptors in the gut too. Still taking a good quality probiotic each day.
Hi Mojo 61 I did a lot of research into the half life of diazepam online. Found this useful:-
Benzodiazepines like diazepam can stay in the system a pretty long time. It depends on how much you take and for how long. Also your health, age, weight and metabolic rate play a part.
How long a drug stays in your system depends mainly on it's elimination half life - the time it takes for plasma drug levels to fall by half.
The elimination half life of the active metabolite of diazepam (N-desmethyldiazepam) is, on average, 100 hours.
It takes 5.5 x elimination half lives (hours) for a medicine to be cleared from your system, therefore diazepam or it's active metabolite will be in your system for 550 hours (5.5 x 100hrs) i.e. approximately 23 days.
---------- Post added at 07:53 ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 ----------
Scary..... 1 tablet can stay in your body that length of time, the positive benefits when I first started taking the drug only lasted 2-3hrs but it can stay in your system weeks! Another article I read was about a young guy only ever took 1 tablet to trial it. Never took another but due to an interview he had to take a drugs test and the diazepam still showed up 21 days later.
Please weigh up the negatives of the drug before starting on the path I ended up on. No DR should prescribe these without fully explaining the potential very distressful withdrawal process.
Pulisa yes I don't know how my gps got away with putting this on repeat for 7 years. I was getting 56 tablets every 28 days but only using half. Wish I had the energy to sue somebody. Anyway onwards and upwards...... day 19 without diazepam let's see what today brings x
Unlikely to be your pills. I was put on antidepressants myself and the withdrawal wasn't even that bad. It took about a week for the symptoms to go away. I can, however, relate to the h pylori infection. I got food poisoning back in February last year and started experiencing the same exact symptoms you're experiencing. I have a feeling that there's a new strain or a difference between contracting h pylori from someone else and directly ingesting it. I'm still trying to deliver a sample to my doctor but the constipation is killer. Get rid of this bug! And get rid of it for good! I've been taking sublingual b12 and the dpdr goes away somewhat. Also, take vitamin D as well. You will feel 1000x better once this bug is gone! Trust me!
Hi Lakme, h pylori is an awful bacteria. I can sympathise with you if you have it also?
I got food poisoning too, salmonella in Egypt. Had h pylori almost all 2015/2016, 2 endoscopy and 1 colonoscopy later it's gone!!!! Yey
Very hard bacteria to kill. Erradication therapy never even killed it!!!
Mastic gum did thou.
This is very much diazepam withdrawal I'm afraid. Been on a low 2mg daily dose for over 7 years........ a very hard med to withdrawal from worse in my experience than antidepressants
Today marks 3 weeks off diazepam. I think I'm turning a corner on my insomnia.
Last night slept 10pm till 730am without waking once!!! 9 and a half hours.
Mood seems to be ok. Slight anxiety upon waking but goes after 10 mins.
Hope this is helping others either reducing diazepam or thinking of coming off after long term use. You can do it!!! And it does get better.
I'll report in again when I hit the month off mark and report how I'm feeling then.
Good luck to those of you going through withdrawal from diazepam xx
Really pleased to hear this, Michelle! Sometimes we fear that we will never be able to sleep normally again and it becomes such a big mental hurdle to overcome.
Psychologically you will feel better for getting rid of the diazepam dependency. You no longer need it to function normally. The h.pylori will have taken its toll on you as well-I'm sure the combo of drug withdrawals and gut infection and disturbances will have made your physical symptoms very difficult to cope with but you are winning the battle now!! xx
4 weeks off diazepam!!!!!
Reckon it must be all or almost out of my blood now.
Won't lie the last few days not been good. I expected to feel bad then slowly start feeling bettter, but diazepam withdrawal is very strange. I've read about windows and waves from benzo buddies website and that is exactly how it goes. At the moment I seem to be having a awful soul destroying day (yesterday), followed by a day where I feel more human (today).
The bad days are terrible stay in bed with the covers over your head, sobbing my heart out, the better days like today I'm up, dressed hair and make up on and I've been to the cinema. So weird how things change from one day to the next. Yesterday was the first day I was thinking it would be so easy to go back on the diazepam and bring some relief but soooo pleased I didn't as today much better and I would of been so annoyed if I had after a month off. Praying every day that things will get better and I will get more Windows and less waves. Be strong others going through diazepam withdrawal.
From my limited experience of diazepam the relief it brings is very short-lasting anyway and you're certainly better off without it now, Michelle. Maybe not all your symptoms are down to the withdrawal but those that are will surely be tailing off soon.
Thanks Pulisa, hope you and your family are keeping well. Yes first month over now so hoping and praying month 2 off diazepam will be better. So far familiar patten has been one bad day, followed by one better day.
Things that have helped me during this time:-
A clean diet.
Being with people (try not to isolate yourself)
Drink plenty of water
Try gentle 20 min exercise each day (even walking)
Meditation and Youtube relaxation exercises
Breathing properly (very important when anxiety hits)
Each day telling myself it will get better and I will heal
Realising it's the drugs which have caused this and the brain can heal itself
Not being impatient and realising time is needed to feel well again.
Laughing and being thankful every day for 3 things.
Things that don't help when coming off diazepam:-
Vitamins and Suppliments (spent a small fortune and some make it worse)
Get your vitamins from food instead. Eat clean and organic where possible.
No alcohol
No caffeine
Don't try to push yourself on bad days, listen to your body
Don't push people away. Be honest with people about what your going through.
Benzo forums are insightful, but don't become obsessed on them.
Try to avoid negative horror stories. Everyone's withdrawal is individual to them,
Don't substitute one drug for another. Ride it out instead.
Hope this helps others coming off diazepam. It will get better.... time is a great healer.
Well it's been 3 mths off diazepam now and feeling worse since stopping not better!!! Not sure what's going on so many physical and physiological symptoms. Not sure if this can still be withdrawal after 3 mths or my anxiety is now worse, or something else physical going on? Really hoped stopping diazepam I'd feel better but the last 3 mths been hell
panic_down_under
10-05-17, 13:28
Well it's been 3 mths off diazepam now and feeling worse since stopping not better!!! Not sure what's going on so many physical and physiological symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Catherine S
10-05-17, 14:03
Michelle, reading your first post you'd been taking this tranquiliser since 2009? That's 6 years of continual use. I would say you are still in the withdrawal stages after only 3 months...it took me a year to feel anywhere near normal after my tranquilser experience in the 1980s and I'd been on them for18 months to 2 years. I was on Ativan after initially being on Tranxene.
So now you have all the adrenaline bombing around your nervous system that the diazepam would've suppressed.Your muscles will be almost rigid with tension now too...I was so tense even my eyeballs ached and I couldn't speak very clearly because my jaw was so clenched, and my body shook so badly that my teeth chattered.
They do say the anxiety after coming off them is worse than the anxiety that had you taking them. I was a volunteer for MIND in the Midlands after I'd got through the worst of withdrawl, and I manned a telephone support line as well as making home visits to people coming off these Benzos...it was and still is one of the bravest things I've ever seen.
Please don't despair, I know it's horrendous but you've been doing so great, and you will get through this with a bit more time. In the meantime there are natural remedies in all the health food shops and some of the pharmacies that can help to stop adrenaline producing too many symptoms. I take prescribed beta blockers which calm my system down, they calm my heart down and none of these are 'mind-altering ' drugs like the Benzos are. Natural muscle relaxing remedies are out there too.
But remember that when you get back to 'normal' anxiety is part of life for everybody, it's how we react to it that counts, and when we hit the blips it's ok to take something to help if needed, but Benzos will never cross my lips ever again. There are much better alternatives out there to calm us down.
Stay strong
ISB ☺ x x
Thank you so much for your message. Yes I was on a daily low dose 2mg of diazepam (Valium) for over 6 years. Hit tolerance but refused to increase the dose and tapered off over about 6 weeks.
I hoped I would be over the worst by now but I seem to be getting worse.
Symptoms:-
Teeth chattering
Shaking
Low temp
Feel like I'm going to faint
Dizziness
Nausea
Muscles have gone rock hard
Neck pain
Gi disturbance
Ibs/gerd
Insomnia
Feeling of hopelessness and I'm never going to feel well again
Jelly legs
Twitches and adrenaline rushes
Muscle pain
Blurred vision
Basically feel awful every single day and doesn't seem to be getting better.
I've read people say it can take a year. Wish to god I'd never been prescribed this poison in the first place. Your right anxiety coming off is far worse than the initial anxiety I was having prior to taking diazepam
Catherine S
10-05-17, 14:55
That's the trouble when a medication affects every part of your bodily functions, without it your various systems go into overdrive. You did it the right way reducing slowly, however it doesn't take long to reduce from 2mgs so I'm guessing you were on each reduced dose a bit longer? I was on 5mgs of Ativan, then halved it with a pill cutter, then quartered it. Still went through hell though !
I experienced every one of your symptoms Michelle believe me. You won't feel like this forever. You've been really brave and done so well. Be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up and think you'll never make it through because you will. The bad days will become fewer and you'll have more good days, you'll see.
ISB ☺ x x
Thank you so much I really needed to hear that.
I've started feeling depressed thinking why am I not feeling better yet. I was originally put on 2mg three times a day to help whilst starting an antidepressant medication (venlafaxine).
However my gp never took me off it and I reduced myself down. The last two years just taking 1 2mg a tablet to help sleep. Then the s%*t hit the fan when I hit tolerance. My gp said go back up to 2mg twice a day but I thought if I start increasing every time I hit tolerance I'll never get off it.
I broke tablet in halves and quarters like you did and would get him with side effects usually 7-9 days after reducing due to the long half life.
When I came off completely in feb it was really bad then I had a few semi decent days in month 2 and I started to feel like I was healing. Lately thou I feel the se as bad as when I first stopped. I can't believe these types of pills can cause so much damage.
You did really well getting off 5mg Ativan. Drs don't warn us how hard these drugs are to get off. If they had done I would of refused them. Now when I say how I'm feeling many Drs say diazepam can't do that to you. Only 1 consultant was totally honest with me and confirmed how dangerous these drugs are. He was very honest and told me his wife was highly addicted to diazepam and could never come off. She now buys them off the internet and he's now not with her but tried to get her help by seeing Dr Heather Ashton at Newcastle hospital (she was a specialist in benzo withdrawal) and unfortunately she still couldn't get off.
It helped knowing what I'm going through is not all in my head. Most Drs just dismiss it. I really thought I'd get away quite easily will just being on this small dose but for some reason it's hit me hard.
I just need to know there's going to be a light at the end of the tunnel and I will heal. Can I ask in your experience how long does the healing take ? Xx
Catherine S
10-05-17, 16:18
Well it was more or less 6 months before all the really bad stuff had reduced way down and around a year before I could say I'd got my life back. If I did have a bad day I could cope with it. We're all different though and lots of factors come into it about how these Benzos affect our body.
Re the prescribing of them. They have their place but only short term, and that was recognised back in the 70s and 80s when they were handed out like sweets and dosage was increased without thought. Some of the people I helped had been on these pills for over 20 years, so if that message has been ignored over the years since then, something needs to be done because doctors know better now. Are the big pharma companies to blame? Who knows, possibly. Alot of doctors march to their tune when it comes to meds. Particularly if they are denying these drugs make people ill with long term use. There's more than enough evidence out there so you have to wonder why some GPs do keep denying it.
ISB ☺ x
Thank you. Your doing a wonderful job now helping others go through something you yourself have been through first hand. Reassuring to know I will heal in time. 6mths to a year seems such a long time, but I have no choice but to wait it out. I appreciate your response today it's helped x
Catherine S
10-05-17, 16:56
You're welcome, any time. And bear in mind it might not take you as long as me.
Stay strong
Cath ☺ x x
Hi, just wanted to see how you are. I'm only 2 1/2 months stopped and getting worse again. Like you it's ups and downs. I'm balancing estrogen on top of this as I had my ovaries out.....im only 36. Anyway wanted to say that diazepam lowers estrogen so many of the withdrawal symptoms are menopausal/low estrogen symptoms. The way to look at it is you have damaged your body taking the drug so long and it's healing so all the hard work of going through this is at the end you will look and feel better. The anxiety/dizziness feelings increase as our bodies relax more.....dont feel like you have anxiety that's causing physical symptoms. Anxiety is a feeling from the physical symptoms!!
I feel like no one understands and my boyfriend thinks the anger and crying outbursts are just me.....hard to try and be normal when your body is telling you to be sad, scared or angry.
Evil pills and doctors should not be allowed to prescribe them....they do not help they mask and then make you worse.
Sending my love xxx
Hi, I'm so sorry you are going through this too. Truely and awful drug to come off after long term use. I was on 7 years. Damn angry to be honest that I was allowed to be on it long term when everybody now knows how addictive these are. I really thought as I was on a low dose I'd not suffer too bad. Wrong!
Can I ask how long you were on for? What dose?
I'm 5.5 months off now. Everything I've read from benzo buddies says healing begins from 6mths onwards (trying to ignore the horror stories where some users say it takes years ��). I hit the 6mth mark the middle of August. To be honest I have really bad days and some decent days. Worst side effects I still have are
Muscle tension, my muscles never fully relax. Always feel like they are in spasm. I have acupuncture and massage to try to release the knots.
Muscle twitches and cramps
Stomach issues
Blurred, cloudy vision
Depression
Depersonalisation
Fatigue
Anxiety upon waking.
Your right about the hormones being affected. I am so much worse the week before my period and all symptoms are worse.
Lots of Drs dismiss the symptoms of withdrawal but if you look up heather Ashton manual she documented the side effects of long term benzo use and said it can take 1-2 years for the brain to heal.
Ohhhhhh how I wish my gp never prescribed them all those years ago and then continued to prescribe for years. Sometimes wish they had to suffer a bit of what I have and then they might realise how dangerous these drugs can be to some people.
The good news is I never once in the last 5 and a half month have been tempted to restart them. I really wish you well in your recovery. Keep going my friend. We will recover in time. Xx
Your symptoms are pretty much the exact same as mine. The tension and spasms are the worst as they just will not go away. I get a lot of headaches and I think these give me bursts of anger and panic.
Other symptoms like you are:
Very emotional or emotionless
Real deep depression sometimes
Lethargy or feeling like I have too much energy
Sleep problems
Feel stuffed up and thickly cough past month
Greasy skin
Sore joints and muscles
Tight chest
Shoulder and back tension
High heart rate and anxiety
Mornings I just want to stay in bed or have panic feelings
I was on them for 4 to 5 years on and off and took anywhere from 2mg to 7.5mg a day.
I have two kids and I work 50 hours a week as a financial adviser so to say I struggle is an understatement. I'm lucky I get to work from home sometimes.
Yes I have hope we will both be ok very soon and this will all be but a distant memory.
Bevy xxx
Ps I would happily force doctors these pills to make them realise grrrrrrrrrrr
Oh I'm so sorry to hear you are suffering too. Yes let's hope we both see gradual improvements over the coming months. The depression really hit me month 3. No motivation and exhaustion upon doing the simplest of tasks. I can't believe your working 50 hours a week while going through this.
I too suffered badly with insomnia the first couple of months, often only getting 2-3 hours a night. That's improved now. Still not sleeping all the way through the night but getting a decent amount of sleep. When I was in tolerance my joints/muscles ached so bad I found it hard to walk, my legs turned to jelly standing up in the shower and used to shake. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (may of been related to benzo use). Even though I still have joint and muscle pain every day it's not as bad now.
I urge anyone else on these type of pills (taking daily, long term) please speak to your dr about a withdrawal plan. It's a bumpy ride but I'm praying time will heal us.
I'll keep updating how I'm getting on, as it may help others going through a similar thing xx
---------- Post added at 13:13 ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 ----------
http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=185584.0
Shows some people's time line to improvement since stopping benzodiazepines. Shows everyone experience is different but most see significant improvement after 6-7 months.
We can do this!
Thank you for the link very helpful to see as most people think once the drug is out your system then you should be better but the effects of the drug is what causes the issues.
I struggle with work but it keeps me focused and gets me out of bed even when I feel like I can't get out.
I just try and talk positive to myself and tell myself how well I'm doing....some days though I think I'm weak and can't carry on.
Yes keep this thread going so we can here all about your full recovery 😊 not long now xx
Hi
I built up a tolerance to Valium taking 2-6mg once or twice a week only!
The broken down valium (one dose) stays in your body for up to 23 days...so if your repeating the dose per 24hrs, your body is never without the drug in its system.
Therefore it can take up to a month to feel the full effects of withdrawal.
My two main symptoms of withdrawal were severe neck muscle pain (as if I had cricked my neck). This went on for 2months. Doc told it wasn't withdrawal. It was.
After 2-3 months, it started to ease, but it took to the 6 month mark before I had days with no pain or stiffness.
The second symptom was ringing in my ears. Took nearly a year to go.
It only came on at withdrawal
(However, my son has tinnitus and has never touched benzos/drugs). It is common.
The third was tremor. 3.5 years to stop. And still comes back if I'm anxious.
Many many more symptoms.
All symptoms scared me.
They were severe during the first months in withdrawal, and there was no guidelines as to how lng theyd last.
But
They do go.
For me, it was 2.5 years before I recognised I had no withdrawal symptoms.
You have to keep reminding yourself, it's just a chemical body imbalance and that your body will bring it back to normal .limits and you'll just have to be patient.
Two and a half years! Wow.
I only wish Drs told patients of these potential risks when starting these types of drugs and how long these symptoms can last for. I'd never of taken them, the anxiety I was suffering from initially was easier to deal with than the symptoms coming off.
I feel like my body is super sensitive to everything and my nerves endings are raw.
Some symptoms passing but others persisting.
So sorry you got this from only using doses a couple of times a week over a period of time. I'm pleased your over the worst now. This is so encouraging for me and others. When would you say the really nasty side effects left?
Hi
I do believe valium / benzos are a useful drug...only used for very short periods ie 2weeks.
They should never be used for longer than this or tolerance/addiction WILL build up.
The benzo buddie forum has some very useful info.
But
There are a lot of scare stories on it, and that hasn't been my experience.
You have to keep focusing on the fact that it is a process of normalising your body to the reduction/withdrawal of valium. Your body will re-adjust. The time taken and withdrawal side effects will vary for each person.
I was very worried at the beginning that I would never heal, and that my symptoms would never abate, but they do and did.
I would say, it was two months of severe symptoms, then another 4 before I realised my symptoms were easing. it was a very gradual process. But everyone does heal. You will too.
Thanks daily xx
It's just over 6mths since my last diazepam tablet. Having more good days lately and sleep is much better. Still have rubbish days but that's to be expected after about 7 years of taking this type of medication,
https://www.drlam.com/blog/challenges-and-best-practices-for-overcoming-benzo-withdrawal/32416/ Found this article useful today (worth a read if your going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines)
Why on earth did your GP sanction diazepam on a repeat prescription basis?
How is your h.pylori infection? That can't be helping matters..
I'm sorry that things got so bad but well done for carrying on through withdrawal. It will be so worth it.
I've been getting mine on repeat for 11 yrs now
100 5mg tabs at a time
I take 2 a day - no probs.
Have no desire at all to go off em
I suspect you would have problems if your doctor suddenly stopped prescribing them though.
My GP is happy to prescribe them long term for my daughter too but we use them sparingly.
This sounds like there can be withdrawal even under sparing use. :ohmy: I have Klonopin and use .5 mg maybe twice a week to help with sleep (usually about every 3 or 4 days). I've been on it for about 6 years. I thought as I was using it only intermittently and at a very low single dose, that I would be okay if I stop. I've gone as long as 2 weeks not taking it. Insomnia was all I noticed. Is it possible I will have a horrible withdrawal if I stop taking it? Again it's been only .5mg (single dose only) maybe 2 times a week. You are all incredibly brave and i am awed by your ability to push through and stay off of these drugs!
I suspect you would have problems if your doctor suddenly stopped prescribing them though.
My GP is happy to prescribe them long term for my daughter too but we use them sparingly.
I'll worry about that if and when it happens.
Until then I'm happy. :yesyes:
So would I be!!:D Just don't change your doctor!
I gave up Lexapro cold turkey so I can do it with Diaz if needed :yesyes:
Rather you than me but hopefully it won't come to that
How are you doing now Michelle?
I was reading over this post and realised 3 things.
1. The tolerance/withdrawal effects very quickly (6-8 weeks) become more of a problem than the original reason for taking benzos.
2. I was sooo scared that I would never heal from the withdrawal.
(And have the major withdrawals plus my original horrendous panic attacks and agoraphobia)
3. There are a few non- benzo meds & herbals that can give anti anxiety relief
(Ie beta blockers and sedating antihistamines)
The vital info to remember is that benzos act on GABA receptors.
Taking benzos replace/switch off our own body's production of gaba.
if/when we reduce/stop taking it, our body has to adjust to producing it again. That process is VERY slow and can take years.
Taking any drug that affects the gaba receptors will lengthen the time of healing.
You HAVE to research meds you take.
How are you doing now Michelle?
I was reading over this post and realised 3 things.
1. The tolerance/withdrawal effects very quickly (6-8 weeks) become more of a problem than the original reason for taking benzos.
2. I was sooo scared that I would never heal from the withdrawal.
(And have the major withdrawals plus my original horrendous panic attacks and agoraphobia)
3. There are a few non- benzo meds & herbals that can give anti anxiety relief
(Ie beta blockers and sedating antihistamines)
The vital info to remember is that benzos act on GABA receptors.
Taking benzos replace/switch off our own body's production of gaba.
if/when we reduce/stop taking it, our body has to adjust to producing it again. That process is VERY slow and can take years.
Taking any drug that affects the gaba receptors will lengthen the time of healing.
You HAVE to research meds you take.
You'll find that the less research you do the better you'll feel.
Dr Google is your worst enemy.
Phil I have to disagree. I wish I'd research long term diazepam then I would of made sure I'd of either not took the diazepam or come off after short use. I like you was quite happy taking diazepam daily long term. The problems happened when I hit tolerance.
In tolerance I took the pill but still had anxiety and other physical and psychological problems and didn't understand why this was happening.
My psychiatrist told me I had hit tolerance and needed to keep increasing the dose or go through withdrawal. I choose withdrawal even though one dr told me they didn't think I could do it and would now be on them for life, my medical file said I was benzodiazepine dependent. I choose to withdraw. These drugs really shouldn't be taken lightly as they cause a serious withdrawal after long term use, far worse than anti depressant cold turkey.
Phil I have to disagree. I wish I'd research long term diazepam then I would of made sure I'd of either not took the diazepam or come off after short use. I like you was quite happy taking diazepam daily long term. The problems happened when I hit tolerance.
In tolerance I took the pill but still had anxiety and other physical and psychological problems and didn't understand why this was happening.
My psychiatrist told me I had hit tolerance and needed to keep increasing the dose or go through withdrawal. I choose withdrawal even though one dr told me they didn't think I could do it and would now be on them for life, my medical file said I was benzodiazepine dependent. I choose to withdraw. These drugs really shouldn't be taken lightly as they cause a serious withdrawal after long term use, far worse than anti depressant cold turkey.
I don't know what tolerance is defined as.
I've been on the same dose for 14 yrs.
I meant research any anti anxiety drug or herbal med you take AFTER you have hit tolerance/addiction as there are many that act on the gaba receptors and will keep the benzo withdrawal going!
I had many tolerance/withdrawal symptoms whilst taking valium,
Doctors were no help. Didn't relate my symptoms to withdrawal.
After 2-4 weeks of going back and forth to gp with worsening symptoms...
I googled my symptoms....
Hey presto. Diazepam withdrawal came up!
I started tapering from diazepam 2 months ago. I have been on between 4 & 10 mg for the past 12 years. My only reason for reducing is a new doctor getting difficult with my repeat prescription. I reduced to 4mg everyday & haven't taken anymore than that in 8 weeks where usually I would have taken at least 6 to 8 mg. I had some difficulty as I have HA & PTSD however I am now feeling ok with 4mg. I will now taper to 3 for a few weeks as I want to do it really slowly. It is scary when you read all the awful stories about withdrawal !!
It is amazing that there are also many people who just come off & don't get any symptoms at all. I suppose some & I don't mean all of the symptoms could be what we expect to happen. Rather like the placebo affect in reverse. Good luck to you all & any support & advice will be much appreciated.
Good luck autumn keep us informed how you get on.
Slow and steady is my advice.
I'm 7mths free now but anxiety very bad at the moment as stuck in Florida with my daughter and hurricane irma due to hit soon. Waiting to be evacuated back to the uk later tonight.
Thanks for your reply & good luck with getting back to the UK tonight !!
Thanks autumn I made it home in one piece but it certainly tested my anxiety!!!
No flights to england so I flew into Scotland and needed to get 2 trains and 3 taxis to finally get home. Very tiring.
Anyhow how are you feeling on the 3 mg diazepam now? Hope your doing ok xx
Glad you made it back ok despite all the different forms of transport - well done !!
Ive stayed on 4mg still as been feeling very nauseas.
Thank you. Glad to be home.
Yes stay on the 4mg until you feel ready to reduce again. Are you taking 2mg am and 2mg pm?
For the nausea try ginger tea, it really helps settle your stomach. I still drink it now.
I take the 4mg in the morning. I'll try ginger tea thanks - is nausea a side affect ?
Yes nausea can be a withdrawal effect, is that the only symptom you have? How long have you just been on the 4mg for? I personally found the last 2mg the hardest to come off. I reduced slowly from 2mg to 1mg held for 2 weeks then 1mg to 0.5mg held for another 2 weeks then tried to break the tablet even smaller into 0.25mg which was messy and probably not accurate and then stopped after 2 weeks. X
snowghost57
13-09-17, 11:04
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a terrible time. Doctors in the states won't even prescribe this drug due to its addictive properties. Stay strong, you will get through this.
I really cannot understand why benzos are prescribed on a regular basis by psychiatrists for anxiety. I feel really sorry for people who continue to take them in blind faith and then end up in such a desperate state when they try to withdraw. I admire you all for going through this torture and coming out the other side.
I really cannot understand why benzos are prescribed on a regular basis by psychiatrists for anxiety. I feel really sorry for people who continue to take them in blind faith and then end up in such a desperate state when they try to withdraw. I admire you all for going through this torture and coming out the other side.
I really don't see the need to stop taking them.
For me they work well and cause no problems.
Of course it's a personal choice, Phill and if your doctor is happy to prescribe them there are no problems. I suppose it's down to getting that regular prescription.
MyNameIsTerry
15-09-17, 08:39
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a terrible time. Doctors in the states won't even prescribe this drug due to its addictive properties. Stay strong, you will get through this.
They have a bizarre stance on benzos since they will prescribe harsher drugs to withdraw from that are in the same class e.g Xanax (the NHS won't prescribe this), Ativan, etc.
Yes I was surprised to hear that US doctors won't prescribe diazepam but are happy to prescribe clonazepam, Xanax etc...Doesn't make sense.
I am still taking 4mg & am just starting to actually feel better than I have for a long time. I actually am getting up earlier without having to drag myself !! I had a tumour on my thyroid removed just under 2 years ago & take Levothyroxine. I also have Hashimoto all of which hasn't helped with anxiety & other symptoms. I am now thinking about reducing to 3mg however its a difficult decision as I feel good now. :unsure:
I am still taking 4mg & am just starting to actually feel better than I have for a long time. I actually am getting up earlier without having to drag myself !! I had a tumour on my thyroid removed just under 2 years ago & take Levothyroxine. I also have Hashimoto all of which hasn't helped with anxiety & other symptoms. I am now thinking about reducing to 3mg however its a difficult decision as I feel good now. :unsure:
IMO if you're feeling good why change?
I don't want to get to rebound on 4 mg so think the only way is gradually tapering.
Chronic911
25-12-17, 21:40
Well done Pulisa on being drug free too xx
To be honest my scary experiences on paroxitine/seroxat, venlafaxine/Effexor and now this bloody poison I've been taking daily for 7 years I'm scared off Meds. It really has made me have a phobia about these sorts of medications. I keep saying to my teenage daughter please promise me you will never take antidepressants/benzos. I really hate to see anyone suffer such soul destroying symptoms when it's time to come off!!! Maybe I'm just one of the unlucky ones who has the genetic disposition to find these drugs harder to come off. I don't know. I think I've had a lot of damage done to my CNS from these drugs and now I just want to feel like me without any drugs. I spoke to my gp about my insomnia since tolerance and subsequent withdrawal and she was going to suggest another drug to counteract this. I said nooooooooooMichelle, I feel for you. I am currently trying to detox valium. I have been on these type meds for 30 years. You are correct. These meds are brain toxins. They should never be prescribed to anyone more than 2 weeks max. I just started on 1.5 mgs valium today. I will take that for 2 weeks and then stop but I know the hell that awaits me. I am having mostly cardiac symptoms and think I am going to drop dead at any moment (tight chest, heart palps, various chest pains, etc). I wish I had never taken these type drugs when my panic and anxiety began 30 years ago. I have been through 3 horrendous benzo withdrawals. I was 1st placed on xanax for almost 10 years, then klonopin for 10 years when I became tolerant to xanax, and then valium for almost 10 years. Now, I am tolerant and have horrible SX's whether I take the drugs or not. I have also been on a few SSRI's but not on any now. I can't sleep and struggle to eat just one meal per day. I don't know if I am going to survive this or not at my age. PM me if you would like. I could use a friend and some support and you probably could also. You are not alone. I am also in the midst of pure mental and physical hell.
maccknight
19-01-18, 15:20
I am having the exact same problems. Was on them for 10 months and tapered down. I stopped four months ago and am struggling with the hell of the withdrawel and the continuing change in symptoms. The panic and anxiety has been hell for the last two months and this week got a lot worse. My symptoms are mainly cardio too and constantly feeling like I am dying. I wish I had never taken them and had not believed when I was told it was only a small dose - equivalent of 20mgs of diazepam!! Crossed over to diazepam for my taper. The withdrawals are far worse than the reason i was put on them in the first place
Chronic911
21-01-18, 15:21
I am having the exact same problems. Was on them for 10 months and tapered down. I stopped four months ago and am struggling with the hell of the withdrawel and the continuing change in symptoms. The panic and anxiety has been hell for the last two months and this week got a lot worse. My symptoms are mainly cardio too and constantly feeling like I am dying. I wish I had never taken them and had not believed when I was told it was only a small dose - equivalent of 20mgs of diazepam!! Crossed over to diazepam for my taper. The withdrawals are far worse than the reason i was put on them in the first place Hi maccknight, what are some of your worse symptoms? I am sorry you are struggling. I am having one hell of a time also. What benzo did you crossover to valium from?
---------- Post added at 10:21 ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 ----------
Yes I was surprised to hear that US doctors won't prescribe diazepam but are happy to prescribe clonazepam, Xanax etc...Doesn't make sense.
Yep, it is true and makes no sense to me either--
Time to confess. I've been on diazepam since March 1992. I had been suffering with anxiety for 7 years and kept having to take time off work, especially in 1989 when I had a complete breakdown. I returned to work later that year but was off again the following year.
Our family GP eventually persuaded me to start taking prozac and a 2mg per day dose of diazepam. Returning to work I did well initially but through fear of being off work again when anxiety hit I upped the dose until I was eventually taking 10mg per day. Cue another breakdown in 1995 and I was off work again. I then met Mrs F at the local Mind group, I took on two children and since then I've been a carer for her while her health problems mounted.
I'm still on 10mg a day, taken on getting up in the morning. I do wish I'd never been prescribed it but am frightened of coming off them after so long. I need to be there for Mrs F as well as my daughter and 88 year old Dad. Our current GP realises the commitments I have regarding Mrs F and can appreciate that coming off the diazepam will be challenging and I can't afford not be there for her. I'm addicted to diazepam.
maccknight
23-01-18, 13:34
Crossed over from lorazepam. Worst symptoms are brain shocks like my brain suddenly feels like it is moving in my head, chest tightness and palpitations and the feeling i am dieing - like right now
Hi all, just checking in and updating my thread. I am presently just over 11 months since taking my last diazepam tablet.
Still having ups and downs but some decent days, I’ve joined a gym recently and also started some courses. Trying to be more social and push myself more. Still have bad days where I just need to rest but never once been tempted to reinstate.
I’m under a psychiatrist who has been a great support and she has suggested promethazine on the really bad days (antihistamine) I sometimes take this around the time of my period when my symptoms are at their worst.
Things that have improved:-
Sleep
Mood
Energy
Things still troubling me:-
Nerve pain
Muscle twitches
Muscle spasms
Was diagnosed with NFD and Fibromyalgia so not too sure if all these symptoms are still related to the withdrawal from diazepam. I’m definitely in a better place than where I was in the first 6mths.
From what I’ve read healing usually happens between 12-18mths.... still some way to go.....
How are you doing Autumn? Did you manage to reduce to 3mg?
Anyone thinking of starting Diazepam for anxiety, please don’t. Let my story be a warning and if you do take it, keep it to only 2 weeks use.
Hope this update has helped others going through benzo withdrawal
Chronic911
24-01-18, 15:36
Michelle, ty for the update. What is NFD?
Well it’s been over 12mths almost 13 and I’m still off diazepam.......
WiseMonkey
03-03-18, 23:40
Well done Pulisa on being drug free too xx
To be honest my scary experiences on paroxitine/seroxat, venlafaxine/Effexor and now this bloody poison I've been taking daily for 7 years I'm scared off Meds. It really has made me have a phobia about these sorts of medications. I keep saying to my teenage daughter please promise me you will never take antidepressants/benzos. I really hate to see anyone suffer such soul destroying symptoms when it's time to come off!!! Maybe I'm just one of the unlucky ones who has the genetic disposition to find these drugs harder to come off. I don't know. I think I've had a lot of damage done to my CNS from these drugs and now I just want to feel like me without any drugs. I spoke to my gp about my insomnia since tolerance and subsequent withdrawal and she was going to suggest another drug to counteract this. I said noooooooooo
Hi,
Antidepressants are different to benzo's. If you were taking both at the same time it would be extra difficult. Both meds have their place, benzo's for short term anxiety (10 days max) and antidepressants for longer term depression.
I know many people who have suffered from depression who have found antidepressants to be life savers plus they are not addictive or habit forming. An example of this would be post natal depression.
Many people with autoimmune conditions need to take antidepressants at a low dose for their symptoms(not depression) for long periods of time. Taken like this they are very safe.
When you're in the throws of withdrawal, it would be easy to vilify all meds but taken responsibly they can be of huge benefit.
In saying this I'm not casting aspersions on you, I believe you are doing the right, getting off the benzo's.
My partner had an ex-girlfriend (many years ago) who'd been on them for 15 years at a high dose. She'd been off the them totally for 12 years when they met. Unfortunately, she still had the same psychological problems that she had before starting the benzo's so the relationship ended. I was told she also had a huge fear of meds and medical intervention, right down to vaccinations for childhood diseases! :(
Just a quick update, 2 years off the diazepam. Things are much better.....
Sandra1980
26-02-19, 00:39
I have been on diazepam for 6 years and haven't had any problems with it I couldn't do without it in some situations,it only causes problems if you take it all the time.
Chronic911
26-02-19, 03:08
I have been on diazepam for 6 years and haven't had any problems with it I couldn't do without it in some situations,it only causes problems if you take it all the time.How much valium do you take and how frequently?
I have been on diazepam for 6 years and haven't had any problems with it I couldn't do without it in some situations,it only causes problems if you take it all the time.
I've been on 5mg twice daily for 16 yrs with no probs.
Sandra1980
26-02-19, 07:43
How much valium do you take and how frequently?
As less as I can even when my anxiety is really bad I won't take it I only take 2x2mg if it's really really bad like a month ago I had to take it every day for a week just to take the edge off i could have did with taking it for longer but I stopped myself and the next time and last I took it was last Thursday to go to the doctor.
I have had SA and panic attacks since I've been 4 I'm now 52 so I am used to my anxiety being really bad without taking it I just wait until it stops by itself I just take the diazepam when I really can't cope,I'm on esa so don't need to do anything that really stresses me out on a regular basis.
Sandra1980
26-02-19, 07:55
I've been on 5mg twice daily for 16 yrs with no probs.
If that works for you then that's good I just hear of a lot of people who take it every day having problems so I just keep it for when I really can't cope.
Chronic911
26-02-19, 08:27
Just pray you never become tolerant to benzos. The withdrawal is an unimaginable hell. I wish I never laid eyes on these type drugs 30 years ago. :mad:
Sandra1980
26-02-19, 08:56
I won't become addicted to them as I said in my answer to your question having SA and panic attacks for around 42 years before it finally got the better of me I am just used to it.
I really don't think the dose I'm on is doing anything after so long.
It's probably more psychological than anything.
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