5th Day Benzo Free

[bBarry]

I never asked for any drug, my family Doctor said I needed to take it and prescribed me 30mg a day. I still can't understand how a Doctor could prescribe something like valium knowing it's a life changer if you try to get off it. They get you on it and can't or won't help you to discontinue. Took last dose Monday. It hasn't been as bad as I was anticipating. All in all I feel a lot better now than during my nearly 6 month taper, especially the 2nd half of the taper. It has pretty much been a non-event after 12 to 15 years on it. There is some anxiety and rapid HR. One blessing is I have not had night sweats since stopping, had them while on the drug and while tapering. Listening to all the horror stories I was prepared for the worst but the worst never happened.

Does everybody coming off valium get a wave during the 2nd week? Seems like once I get to 8 or so days it should start fading away, the 6 days at 0.5mg or even the last 2 days of tapering when I went backwards up to 0.83mg should be gone soon if not already. I would like to have a benzo free drug screen when I go to the Dr on the 5th but it's not really that important.

[bBarry]

sorry had a typo refills. lol  meant to say went back up to 0.8333mg.  Not 8.3!!!

[bBarry]

Thanks for responding guys! Yep Karen it was a long ordeal. So glad it's over. I am healing. Congrats on your 81+ days!!

Refills, I got down to 0.5mg but was having a hard time after 6 days and on some advice from 2 different people I went back up to splitting a 5mg tablet into 6 pieces, or 8.3333mg for the last 2 days of my taper. After 6 months I was so ashamed of myself for going back up a tad like a baby that I just decided enough was enough. I felt better within 24 hours of stopping. Looks to me like you have to stop taking the poison for it to clear up. My mind never associated the valium with the way I was feeling, if that makes any sense. I felt rough the whole time tapering. If I knew what I know now I would have stopped at 1mg. But that's just me.

[bBarry]

Hi Livingsfree, I have to say I am pretty much at peace and content. I am anxious to see Spring Time in Michigan, sick of cold and snow. I just took what was left of my valium off my desk and put it in the drawer. It's been sitting here the whole time I tapered. I like to leave it sitting right here so I can stick my chest out at it. I never had a desire to reach across my desk to grab them, all I wanted was to get off it. These people you see here helped a lot, Jesus Christ is with me at all times (even when I don't show it or feel it), without him I don't know where I would be. If you aren't content it sounds like you need some peace in your life and in your mind. I can't give it to you but know someone that can. You can accomplish anything. You could read the Bible. If you have never read it I suggest instead of starting from page 1, that you start with Matthew. It's good reading even if you don't believe in it. They are just people that lived 2000 years ago. If you have trouble with the Old English in the KJV you might start with a different version that's easier to read like the NIV. Then you can always reread it later in the KJV to compare. There are some differences. An uplifting Non-Denominational Church might be good for you, one with happy people that love to sing and Praise the Lord. It might sound silly but trust me, you wouldn't be sorry. They will help keep your mind occupied. There are a lot of people in Church that have been right where you are now. I really feel like you would benefit from it. They have classes,, new friends and all kinds of stuff to keep you from being bored.

I hope you feel better real soon!

[refills]

Congratulations Barry. A 6 month taper is fairly slow so you might just be over the worst of it. What was your dose towards the end? Not a lot of people can go on a longer taper like that and stick to it. Sounds like you are on your way to a long and successful recovery. Good Luck

[Cricketk92]

I dont have an answer for you either Barry....but wanted to say Congrats on Day 5!!!  It has been such a long process for you and you have done an awesome job!!!!  XO Karen

[Livingsfree]

I don't have answers for you since i never took thay med. But i do have a question for you,  hows your mind right now?  Are you contempt with life in general? Are you emotional? Do you feel boredom like crazy sometimes?  I'm wondering. ..