What do in God's name do I do?

[SantasLittleHelper]

I've been on valium for about 12 years now, but lately my doctor is getting very strict and keeps on lowering my dosage, which I was fine with as I don't want to be on the drug.

I'm down to 3mg a day (1mg morning, afternoon, night) which is the lowest I've ever been on since start taking it. I've been on this dosage for about 3 weeks now, wasn't too bad the first 2 weeks, but now I'm in an awful state I can't function I'm in bed most of the day. It's doing me head in, I'm getting severe anxiety symptoms just walking to the toilet.

I've just taken 5mg just there cause I can't take this anymore, I need a bit of relief.

The problem is I'm going to go back to the doctor next week and I know she's not going to help me at all she's just going to say she's not giving me anymore.

[SantasLittleHelper]

I'm on Lexapro as well and stillnocht at night, trust me I've tried everything you could think of to help, acupuncture, hypnosis, meditation, group therapy, CBT,  I'm getting counselling at the moment.

I have been lowering my dosages very slowly as well, must be over the last 6 months, going from 10mg down to 3mg. Every time I get down to a low dosage I get a rebound effect.

[nursegirl6572]

You need to be honest with your doctor that you are not tolerating the taper.  It may be as simple as slowing it down!  How fast is she tapering you, what doses has she dropped you to and in what timeframe?  With benzo tapers, the slower the better.  If you are honest with her that you agree with the taper but cannot tolerate the symptoms, maybe she will adjust the taper for you.  If not, I would suggest looking for a new doctor.

Are you on any other meds?  Have you tried any other medications?  Has your doctor ever spoke to you about trying either an SSRI type antidepressant, or even a longer acting benzo, like Klonopin?  There are definitely options out there.  How about therapy, are you doing that?

Let us know how your talk with the doc goes, best of luck!