Valium Withdrawal

[needguidance49]

I am currently on 15mg (5mg 3x) of Valium a day coming of a 9 month Xanax taper from the Ashton manuals protocol. Does anyone know if I just flushed the rest right now will I be OK or will I have some bad adverse effects?

[Ryan7591]

15 milligrams of Valium is a moderate dosage for mild-to-moderate anxiety states. The therapeutic range varies from 15 mg - 40 mg, depending on the severity of the anxiety.

From a potency standpoint, it would be the equivalent of 1.5 milligrams of Xanax. 0.5 mg of Xanax is equal in potency to 5 mg of Valium, according to American guidelines. Ashton claims 0.5 mg/10mg, but that isn't correct.
How one actually perceives the potency between the two is another story, which is precisely why equivalency charts are of no value. Ultimately, the drug should be titrated to the needs of the patient.

Ideally, you wouldn't want to flush your tablets down the john just yet! As stated, 15 mg is a moderate dosage, and there are risks involved with the abrupt discontinuation of Benzodiazepines. Valium, for instance, possesses powerful anticonvulsant properties, and abrupt withdrawal may precipitate seizure.

The Valium should be reduced slowly, as to avoid withdrawal-related effects, or more serious effects, such as seizure. The active metabolite of Valium - Desmethyldiazepam, carries an exceptionally long half-life ranging from 30-200 hours. Thus, the drug can be withdrawn fairly easily provided that it is done correctly.

Here's an example of how to taper off of Valium 5 mg, t.i.d...

Weeks 1-2: Take 5 mg of Valium in the morning, 2.5 mg of Valium in the afternoon, and 5 mg of Valium nightly.

Weeks 2-4: Take 2.5 mg of Valium in the morning and afternoon, and 5 mg of Valium nightly.

Weeks 4-6: Take 2.5 mg of Valium in the morning, afternoon, and nightly.

Weeks 8-10: Take 2.5 mg of Valium in the morning, 1.25 mg of Valium in the afternoon, and 2.5 mg of Valium nightly.

Weeks 10-12: Take 1.25 mg of Valium in the morning, 1.25 mg of Valium in the afternoon, and 2.5 mg of Valium nightly.

Weeks 12-14: Take 1.25 mg of Valium in the morning, afternoon, and nightly.

Weeks 14-16: Take 1.25 mg of Valium in the morning and nightly.

Weeks 16-18: Take 1.25 mg of Valium nightly.

Week 18: The Valium is discontinued.

This can be extended to every four weeks if necessary. 2 mg tablets are available if you need to make smaller reductions. As with any discontinuation schedule, it should be performed under the supervision of a medical doctor.

Ryan

[needguidance49]

Thanks for the info my friend!