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.]

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.