Can one wean off valium that's taken?1

Question

Hi
I'm in a dilemma.  I feel like in a corner because I know what the best thing for me to do would be, but I don't want to take 2 years to withdraw from benzos as prescribed.

Currently I am taking suboxone, a very small dose, after addiction to pain pills.  That was my drug of choice.  I don't even really like them, so I've been taking 0.-5 mg per night for many, many years.  He was my Dr back then (a resident) and I did not know about addiction, all I knew was that I had panic attacks and it help it take me away.  In combination with prozac for depression, I felt like a new person.  That was then and many  years have passed.  I have never abused them, always took them at night.  Lately, I have started taking valium on and off because my friend doesn't want them, and me, addict as I am thought ... sure I'll take the.  I don't take valium and klonopin at the same time.  If I take a valium, I don't take the klonopin as I know they are in the same class and believe the valium are stronger.  This has escalated recently.

This is such a long and complicated story because  have dual diagnosis too, and I'd like to get back down to only the scripts that I have been prescribed (klonopin, who my Dr. who has gone on to write books), prozac and more recently Klonopin.  I  have not touched a pill in years and for that am thrilled.

The thing is, I've been reading about the horror and nighmarish symptoms of withdrawal, I'm not a spring chicken, and I don't want to spent the next 2 years withrawing from the Klonopin.  I feel comfortable taking it as prescribed and have had no adverse affects.  But I'm afraid I've started another addiction by starting the valium and I feel horrible for betraying myself, my Dr., and if he found out, he would probably take me off the Suboxone.  Things were going just fine, but I just screwed it up.  So, I'm afraid.  I've even had suicidal thoughts a lot lately because I don't know what the answer is.  I so much want to tell my Dr. everything, but fear he will take the suboxone away and that's the med that has saved my life.

So, now, I'm trying to wean off the valium only,from 10mg, wait a week; reduce by 10%, wait a week, etc. until I can make the transition to klonopin only AND the Dr. I go to is an addictionologist and he trusts.  In a way, I don't n need advice -- I've heard it all, even from Dr. friends, but bottom line is there a way to very gradually wean off the valium and also how long will it  take to not show up in ones urine? I'm going to a partial Hospitalization Program for my Depression.

Thank you.

flmagi · Answer

>>>>>A bit ruff with the words and judgement, Paulmor, don't ya think?<<<<<

Trud: How long exactley have you been takeing the Valium? Are you takeing it every day? Yes, you should get off anything that isn't perscribed by your doctor, especially when takeing Sub. Keep posting.
Magi

ladyboop · Answer

I am sorry to here what you are going through. I know how hard addiction to anything can be.. But like what most everyone is saying, tapper off the one. you shold be able to do it pretty fast. It's a small amount. Then talk to your dr. if you are concerned about the other.

 I think we are all here for the same reasons. and I do not believe that name calling is the right thing to do... We all need support, not to be but down!!! If we can't be nice, then maybe we shuold not post!!

    Good luck.. And keep reading, and posting...

                            Lady

PaulMor909 · Answer

Your just fooling yourself.  You need to quit period!  Valuim was the worst drug I ever detoxed off of because of the amount of time the withdrawl last, so yes I would ve concerned about being addicted to valuim.  But all this going from one drug to another, quitting this, starting that, is a game your playing with yourself.  I went through it for 10 years and it never got me anywhere except sicker.  You have to stop EVERYTHING and that's the only way your going to recover.  if you need to get into a recovery program and they'll give you what you need to bring you down.  And I can assure you it wont be another addicting substance.  You can also start going to NA meetings and get support from other addicts.  But in your case, a long term treatment center would be ideal (like 30 days).  Once your serious about stopping all the junk and really getting help, you will make progress!  But continuing the chemical roulette is useless.  You may feel better taking one thing rather than another, or this amount compared to that amount, but your still addicted and a very sick person.

avisg · Answer

If  you are to a partial Hospitalization Program for  Depression I would discuss this with them .Benzo tapers need to be done with help of a doctor because of the seizure risk .

puranx · Answer

10mg of valium is nothing, is comparable to .50 xanax or 1mg ativan. I dont think you should have any trouble coming of it. Drop it to 5 for a bit then jump off.

confused456 · Answer

WOW, I wish I had an answer, but as you said, you are not even looking for advice, SO, all I can do is wish you all the best of luck and hope that you can get your answer. Best of luck to you.