withdraw while still on the drug (Valium)

[troyxx]

I have been taking valuim for 6 years...started taking only 6mg and now only taking 8mg per day. It was prescribed to me 6 years ago by a neuro because I had a slipped disc in my lower back and was having muscle spasms.

Now I know I am addicted to it, and I have brought the matter up to my PCP and he told me that the dose is low and that I should stay on it because I some musclular-skelatal (spelling) problems in my whole back and neck, BUT if I want to stop taking it, I should slowly wean myself off of it. I have no other know medical problems besides what is stated above.

Now....I get periods of tremors and shakes that last for a few hours and cause me to get into a state of anxiety. They start usually just before I retire...I will be reading a book and I suddenly feel 'off' and can't read anymore and by time I get to bed, I feel like I am about to explode into shakes, yet I do not feel cold and my heart rate is stable and my breathing (though I become very aware of my breathing) is normal. This is not an anxiety attack, because I use to have them when I was young and they are very different. Is this a symptom of withdraw from the valium though I am taking it still?

[g.g.]

Ya!The dry mouth goes with the rest of the wd!!I took my last soma last night so I could sleep!Slept good!Hope I'll do alright today!Its day 3 and still ok.Cant wait till I'm real good feeling!I know the day will come..Glad to here you getting sleep too.Good luck on cleaning.I dont know about you but I have no energy.I've been eating and taking vitimins I guess I need more exercise but the weather is too scary!!!I'll be prating for you too my friend..   Jerri

[med closet mom]

hi jerri, how are you today?  I hope the somos give you relief from the muscle cramps.  The flexeril didn't help at all, so I took the valium 40 mg. before bed (I take the same dose before I get on a plane) I did get some sleep last night! Yesterday was a bit shaky, I turned to my other addiction- Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream (the entire pint) Beating myself up about that too this morning as I struggle to zip my jeans, but it tasted better than the vic, and provided a mild high. I have to clean the entire house today, appraiser is coming tomorrow, wonder how that is gonna happen. Do you have a problem with dry mouth at night?  I wondered if that was WD or a symptom of lupus.  Continuing to pray for you my new found friend who is helping me through a difficult time.  Hang in there I know you can do it!

[g.g.]

The worst is over in about 7 days,then its just a constant fight with the mind!Whatever you do dont take that first one cause it leads you right back to square one!!Flexeril is the same as soma,but it makes me shake to death!!So I cant take em.The Drs.say there non addictive but then they say alot of things are!!And this board is living proof that things they say arent are!!So who knows what to do!I guess if we can we're better off not using anything.But the somas seem to help alot for me.I wont get anymore when I run out though just in case..I know what you mean about freaking out when your down to that last pill,I'd freak out when I was down to my last 20!!I think we make it worse than it realy is by stressing about it sooooooooooo much.And we expect the worst!so a\our minds tell our bodies and bam we feel it!!Take care my friend..   Jerri

[med closet mom]

Hey Jerri, sorry that you are back to square one. I was so naive about WD until I got to this forum.  I thought the diarrea came from a stomach bug and I was wondering why my nose kept running.  You have been so helpful to me.  I was telling Sturgil that now that the last pill is gone, I am in panic.  I have a refill but am trying to be strong.  I am only on day 1 of nothing and read of people clean for months that have a relapse, that scares me.  How long do the major symptoms of WD last?  I know the craving will always be there.  I have to use the computer a lot today and my muscles are already in knots.  Maybe I'll try a flexaril, are they addicting?????  lol. Trying to keep a sense of humor.  I'm praying for you today.

[med closet mom]

Thanks for the advice.  I guess I should just stick with the valium since I don't have a problem taking it or leaving it alone.  Don't need any more addictions!  I felt like I was doing really well yesterday, but now that the last vic is gone I am in a panic, but I don't want to be where I was a week ago either.   Sleep is my major problem now, would give anything to fall into a deep sleep for several hours.  I have such bizarre dreams when I do sleep (especially with melatonin) that when morning comes I feel as though I haven't been asleep at all. It's good to know that this is part of WD.  Thanks for not sending me running to the doc for another prescrip.  I have been trying 5 HTP (a synthetic Tryptophan) which is supposed to build seratonin levels which with fibromyalgia sleep is crucial. It will probably take some time for it to work. Thanks for the info on the valium & somas- most helpful.

[g.g.]

################

[Sturgil]

Take it from me, stay away from Soams. They are very addictive and just might push you towards relapse. I was on Valium, Lortab 10/500 18 per day and 12 Somas per day. I am 90 days clean and just know really sleeping good. I do take melatonin 3mg or liquid benedryl.

As far as I am concerned I can not take anything that might trigger my addiction. Be careful

FYI - Soma has a half life of 2 to 3 hours. Lortab is the same. But Valium has a 36 hours half life. The reason you are waking up at 2 am is because of the WD. Time will heal this and nothing else. I did not get a full nights sleep until day 40. Today I can sleep well and even take naps.

God's Speed

Sturgil

[g.g.]

Somas are a strong muscle relaxer that make me feel like I have taken a shot of whiskey!!So you might want to ask your Dr. to try them.They work real well on letting you get sleeep too.As for the alcohol been down that road too.The only differance I found is its legal and you cant hide it.Plus you can have seizures trying to get off of it. So get that one out of your mind!!I do have a bad lower back and degenitive discs in my neck.Thats how I got started. But when I've been clean before I found ibuprofin works fine,but always think one painpill wont hurt and end up back at square one again!!I cant get off the pot today!Need to go to drug store and dream of all the pills they have behind that counter!!NO just to get some imodium!!Take care and will post later.   Jerri

[med closet mom]

Hi Jerri,  I was just checking e-mail and was glad to hear from you.  I am praying for strength for you to get through today. Can you tell me what somos are?  I have an appt with doctor, earlist I could get is mid april.  I wanted to talk with him about meds, I need something different for sleeping.  He prescribed valium, but that is too short acting.  It puts me to sleep, but I am wide awake at 2 a.m. I also want to try a new muscle relaxer.  Was using valium for that also, but doesn't seem to work. Sometimes I think if I could have a shot of whiskey I might get some relief.  (But we are Baptists and don't drink.... I would have more trouble buying liquor and getting away with it in our town, than I would drugs! lol. plus a bottle of pills is easier to conceal from the family than a bottle of alcohol.) I would probably abuse that too with my addictive nature.  Do you have a chronic condition that causes pain which got you started on meds?  It is almost time for my 1/2 pill!  Day 7 of tapering.  Tomorrow I go cold turkey!  Be Strong! Mary

[g.g.]

I kinda thought you just didnt post on the weekends!I know what you mean about some people can and some cant use as directed!You sound like your doing good on the tappering!I cant do that even!If I know I have em I pop em!I'm back on day one again.This time I have some somas to help with the body aches but I feel like I'm drunk!!I'll post more later.Take care my friend..  Jerri

[sharonver]

I just wanted to congratulate you on the adoption of your new baby!!! You and your family must be very excited.  If anything can help get you through this addiction hell a beautiful baby can do it!!!  Good luck to you all we have faith in you...


Sharon

[med closet mom]

Hi Jerri,  I have trouble getting to the computer on the weekends with the kids and husband at home.  I am actually doing really well tapering off.  1/2 a pill today.  Muscle aches are much better, cravings not as bad.  Still know I am not out of the woods as far as dependency, nor will I ever be as long as I have a refill left. Wouldn't you like to know why some people can take narcotics for a specific purpose and then never want to use them again unless necessary?  I would really like to know why some people are easily addicted and others can leave it alone.  How are you doing?  Thanks for checking on me, I have so appreciated your support and will continue to look forward hearing from you.  Mary

[g.g.]

Whered you go?Havent heard from you in a couple of days. Hope your doing ok.Please post and let me know your alright..    Jerri

[g.g.]

Go to drugabuse.com/boards and go to general there are alot of good people over there. And usaly someones there.I've got to go to work now!So I'll see you over there later..       Jerri

[med closet mom]

Thanks for the encouragement, Jerri.  I have found that hot baths do work. (Wish I had a hot tub!) I saw the Thomas recipe, but I am afraid even though I have the valium, I might replace one addiction with another, even though going off valium doesn't seem to bother me, I don't take it in very high doses. I do plan to use the natural stuff he prescribed.  I see some improvement today, not as many chills, still a lot of muscle aches, I couldn't even squeeze a bottle of catsup without pain earlier today.  Are you aware of any chat rooms?  It seems sometimes I need hourly help to stay out of the medicine cabinet. Thanks again for your help.  Mary

[g.g.]

Yes lots of water,a good multivitaman,eat as much as posible,and mild exercise too.Hot bathes for the aches helps tremendusly!Theres a thing called the Thomas recipe somewhere on one of these threads too alot of people swear by it!Maybe you can post up higher and ask someone to post it,it might help you.I couldnt do some of it cause the l'thorasine made me shakie.Hell I cant even drink coffee without the shakes!I took my last vic ES the smorning and I'm already starting to feel like ****!I started taking prozac this time though so hopefully that will help with the depression!!Hope you keep up the good work.        Jerri

[med closet mom]

gg I can totally identify with you.  When my bottle gets low I begin counting them out how I can make them last until I can get a refill. (insurance company rules) I have one refill left of 120 (doctor must not realize my problem)  He usually gives me 120 with 2 refills.  I was not going to refill last month, but our family took a trip to Disney World and I knew I had to keep up with a lot of walking and long days so I took a lot that week.  I am determined not to refill this month and I may talk to doctor about alternatives.  I took one yesterday and have not had any today, and I don't feel too bad.  I live in the mountains of VA and we have had snow after snow after snow and I think not being able to get out and think of other things is making it worse. Do you think drinking lots of water would help detoxify quicker? Thanks for listening!  Hope your day goes well.

[g.g.]

Hi I'm back.These pills I swear are demons!They do help the pain but then when the pains gone were left with these pills we have to have to function!Even when you know your going to run out you start to freak out!You dont even have to be out!My kids are all grown so I dont have to function enough to take care of them at least!I dont think I could handle it.I cant even stand myself when I'm trying to quit!You sound like you might be able to tapper. Myself if I have them I take them thus I cant tapper.I'll be totaly out tomarrow so I'll deal with it then.I was 30 plus days clean then about 2 weeks ago thought I could just take a few what a mistake that was. So here I am starting all over again!!This time around I only took 4 to5 vics 7.5 a day so I'm hoping it wont be as bad!Keep on posting and reading all the posts it helps alot.There are alot of caring people here and we can do this!!   g.g.

[med closet mom]

Thanks for your response.  I probably should be in the Vicodan forum instead of this one but did not realize how the forums work, I just began reading stories like mine.  Spent most of today under an electric blanket trying to get rid of the chills. Husband had to bring home carry out, again....I don't know how much longer he is going to buy this "I feel like I'm coming down with the flu." thng.  The irony is when I began Vicoprofen last year it was the first time after living with 9 years of lupus/fibro that I had no pain. It was like a miracle drug. Can something that improved the quality of my life that much be so bad? I guess the guilt comes from not being able to stop when I want.  And to top it all off I have had three dental procedures in the last 4 months and everytime they send me home with a prescription for a narcotic. I am waiting for my insurance company to send me a letter about my drug habits.  I will look forward to talking with you more and thanks again for responding.

med closet mom

[g.g.]

It does get better in time!Thats the key word TIME!I know what you mean about not letting people know!But if you can find just one person it helps alot!I have to go to work now but will respond more when I come home at 4:00pm.Just wanted to welcome you!!           g.g.

[med closet mom]

Hi I am a 40 something Mom with a wonderful life.  Loving husband who is an engineer and also holds public office in our small county,  I have 4 great children and am also blessed to be a stay at home mom.  I live productive life in a small town busy volunteering in schools and church and have struggled with lupus and fibromyalgia for 10 years.  I now fear I am addicted to vicoprofen given to me by neurologist for headaches stemming from fibro.  I also take valium 15 mg. nightly for help sleeping and muscle spasams.  I have not had problems if I don't take valium for days.  But vicoprofen is another problem.  I have been taking 200 mg. w/7.5 mg of vicodin 2-3 x a day for about a year.  Now I need to take two at a time 2-3x a day to receive relief from pain and miss the euphoric feeling I used to have at just taking one.  I have decided to quit on my own by tapering off.  I can't talk to anyone or seek professional help because my friends and family would be shocked to find out about my addiction and I am afraid I would lose their love and trust.  I am on day two of cutting pills in half-Taking one half in the morning and the other at night and supplementing with 800 mg of motrin for the incessent aching of muscles and joints.  I feel like I want to sleep all the time and have trouble just doing dishes and laundry much less being a great mom and wife.  I used to enjoy going to the gym, playing the piano, reading and now I feel so hopeless.  I guess it is depression. Will this feeling pass?  I am NOT suicidal, just wish I could enjoy life.  I would appreciated your help.

[dancinginthedark]

Hey Thomas,

Well, I can speak English! And rite it reel good two.  :)  One grandfather was the last immigrant from the big isle, everyone else came ageneration before, or sooner.  Lots of British, and a hodgepogdgemishmash of Scottish, Irish, French & Norwegian.  Oh, and American of course.  My grandfather was from Georgia, came up to Montreal to get away from the family & married my gradmother.  So, am I English?  You tell me!  Oh, my passport indicates I'm Canadian.

Whilst residing  in the great ol; U.S. of A, I was in Silicon Valley (Ca) for 8 yrs. During that time, my work enabled me to tvl all over the U.S. & spend enormous amts. of time in all the popular convention cities, like Boston (my absolute fave #1 choice) NY, Chicago, New Orleans, everywhere in Fla., Calif., etc. etc.  Spent 2 yrs. in the San Juan Islands of Washington State playing Henry David Thoreau.  Wee country cottage, 2 cats, a houseful of books and a heart full of pain.

No wonder I was chowing down Fiorinal!  

I'd intended to get my Green Card & attorney said I was a "shoo in" but a bad car accident & home on the other side of the border was the only option.  I could probably still go back but methinks the INS has bigger fish to fry than me!

We've all jumped ship to ****.  Its' great, you should try it!  You can write me at ***@**** & tell me *your* lineage, suh!

Ciao for now,

Dancing in the Dark

[Thomas03]

Restoril is a benzodiazepine sleeping pill. Your doc might see Sonata as an improvement over using a benzo, but you may need to wean off the Restoril because it's a benzo and you've been using it for so many years. I have no direct experience with sleeper benzos. I always used benzos for detox or just getting ****** up (usually the latter purpose). Good luck. Feel better.

Thomas

[cannedheels]

What about restoril? I've been taking it since 1985. It doesn't really work anymore for me.Do you think Sonata would be better for me?
Thanks,
cannedheels