Valium Taper after 47 years of use.

Question

Hello,  I am 65 years old and started on Valium when I was 18 due to panic attacks.  I am currently on 7mg per day and my md is insisting that I need to get off of Valium, due to new DEA ruling and because I am now a senior citizen.  Very dangerous they said and I was trying to explain, I have no issues with it.  I have gone from 2 mgs initially 10 years ago to 7 mg in the last 5 years due to many issues in the family.  I do not want to even be on this med, but the thought of having to wean down is very scary at my age and how long I have been on it.  Also, I use it to control my heart arrythmias instead of beta blockers which make them worse.  My cardio was good with that. I no longer see him now.  I have a couple of major health issues that this med helps and keeps me on the right path.  I have an appointment this Wednesday to discuss options.  Is this even possible to do after being on this med so long.  I have gone off before when pregnant but that was 46 years ago and younger. I would like to hear anyones ideas on how to conquer this, or even if possible.  I told them I would need a treatment plan. Just can't cut me off cold turkey.  Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I am so scared.  Plus I have gone through so much in the last year and just starting to feel normal.  Thanks in advance.

mary567 · Answer

I am sorry I have not got back to all, but we had a medical emergency with my husband and that took some time.  I went to my primary MD and he told me that the DEA is really on all the MDs right now due to so many misuse of pain meds, bentos etc.  So I was getting 2mg tabs #100 four times dailyand that was a red flag . so what my md did was give me 5mg tabs#45 and take 1.5 tabs daily which is about what I was taking as I always had about a week left. So that all worked out as he took off the anxiety part too and used for my pvcs which is true too.  So he said we should be good now.  He really spent a lot of time with me and he said absolutely no way to come off after 47 years and to see a psychiatrist.  So thank God for him.  So that hurdle is over. Thanks for all the help from all and good luck to the rest who are fighting this system.

my_mayberry · Answer

Talking to your primary MD is a very good idea. If you were to discontinue this med, I would imagine most doctors to want a long taper that you are comfortable with. I am not sure I would be quick to dismiss their concerns about age being a factor in the use of the drug, or at least the dosing, but I also would be very vocal about your concerns and remain vocal about them. You have been on this medication an exceptionally long time, so that is a legitimate reason to say easy does it!

mary567 · Answer

Thanks for the kind words .  No I am going down with a fight .  Not right to not give you fair warning .  I have seen this md for 8 years . It was his fill in and np that said this .  I see him tomorrow .  I am looking for a new md anyway .  I am also going to buy online from Canadian pharmacy if I have too.  I hope they are not tainted .  Just hoping that my md will give me a few months to figure this out. I have so much stress going on right now that this was the last thing I needed. I know that the dose I am on is very low too.  So not sure what their problem is .  I will let you know .  Thank you

10356 · Answer

That is exactly what I was thinking.. So sorry about the that is a lot comment on the Valium, it really is not at all. but it is a long time.. I do not know how I got those mixed up as I know a 5 Valium is weak.. I do hope you come back for support as you taper, we are a Great bunch of peps with a lot of compassion.. I wish you well. lesa

Thank you bBarry for the correction !!! lesa

bBarry · Answer

Hey Mary, I'm 63 and a new Doctor took me off Valium after 15 years. I think it's cruel for these Doctors to do this. They do it because (to use nicer words than I'm thinking) they don't understand what it's like to come off a benzo. It is the hardest drug to get off, in my understanding and after going through it, I don't mean to scare you but after 47 years and you said this is due to a new DEA ruling. What a load of crap! You don't abuse it and contrary to what you have been told here, 7mg is of Valium a day is not very much. They must be thinking about Klonapin or xanax where 1 mg is equal to 10 mg of Valium.
Since I'm not a Doctor, I think you should ask your friends and family about good Doctors and get a 2nd opinion. I also think you should find one that's been around for a long time and has seen it all. This new breed of doctor is,,, well,, nevermind but please don't go to one fresh out of school for this. We are talking about a life changing move here.
I would like to see the Government out of my Doctors office, they have no business there. If they want to arrest criminals that sell their pills, thats a whole different story.

God Bless Mary, hang in there. Don't take this too lightly.
Barry

10356 · Answer

Hi Mary Welcome to the forum.. You are right 47 years is a long time and 7mg's is a lot.. As long as your taper is very slow...  We have had members come off benzos Hopefully they will be along and be able to advice you.. slower the better is what I know.. We will be here to support you.. lesa

myfamilyismyheart04 · Answer

Be very careful..let your doctor know ur concerns and needs he should be able to understand at your age it would be very dangerous..what is valium for may I ask?