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?

[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