Valium Tapering

[MrKlown]

Hello everyone! Back in February I was on 5mg attempting to go down to 2.5mg of valium per day. I am happy to say that I am now down to 2.5mg every other day. Now my question is, what are my chances of getting a major withdrawal from stopping completely now? I know my anxiety is sky high right now but you know I need to do something. I am in therapy right now and we are working on cognitive behavorial therapy for my panic disorder.  I do not wish to even tell the doctor about me even being on the valium. I've come a long way so far. I just don't want to have seizures as that is one of my fears and especially don't want to die. If my anxiety goes up more then that is fine, I can deal with it somehow but the seizures or obviously death I can not handle. I am not going to a rehab place because frankly I do not trust them. Any advice?

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

No - I dont know your personal details myself.... But I wish you all the best whatever they may be.  People that dont wish to be labeled as druggies generally have good positions and a lot to potentially lose.  I hope that is the case with you - -  You are going to do just * fine *.... Were you doing the zanax before historically or something?  Doesnt make much difference - but zanax is a much more rapid onset and decline than valium...... Best of luck to you in everything - - -

[Ella789]

I understand,  I have lived that "label" and it is unchangable.

E

[MrKlown]

As much as I want off of these I am not involving my psychiatrist. Soon as I label myself as a druggie it will hurt me and I don't want that to happen.  I doubt anyone understands where I am coming from on this point.

[GA Guy]

You've tapered down to 2.5mg every other day. Valium has a very long half life..so try doing the Valium every 3rd day if your doctor agrees. That's a pretty small dose, so I'd guess the withdrawals would be minimal.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

The intentions with which you took them make absolutely no difference now.  This is a different inning of the same ball game. I dont know about the final dose..... to be safe I would think that you should taper as far as you can go .... but with the benzo's it may be a different case.  They just act differently than some other drugs.  You might want to post this on the Expert Addiction Forum and get Dr Jeffs professional opinion..... I am reading that you started to reduce in February from 5mg and got the dose to 2.5 mg recently?   How long have you been taking them - and what was your average max dose previously?  Possibility that you might want to change to clonazepam or librium for a couple days before you stop the valium entirely - but I would do a lot of reading or get a Pro opinion if I were you....  The Docs opinion on the Expert Forum is free.....

[MrKlown]

Actually my new doctor put me on Zoloft and I am supposed to start that tomorrow.

[Ella789]

A slow tapper is a good plan.  I know you will be okay if you can just tapper slowly.  

I know you prob. don't want an antidepressant,  I am currently on them and I just do not want to go off them.  I know I am and have always had a prob. with depression and anxiety(panic) attacks.  

I wish you well and take care.

Ella

[avisg]

If your are considered about having seizures the only one that can tell you the risk is a doctor .There is no one on the forum that would know that .

you could call you pharmacist and get there opinion

[MrKlown]

Also, my idea is to cut the 2.5mg down to 1.25mg for about a week or week and a half which will give my body time to adjust since the half life of valium is around 100 hours.  I want to go on record here and say that I never have abused them granted I have been self medicating. However, I never once used them for recreation or for a cheap thrill.

[MrKlown]

No, I am not doing this with a doctor and will not be.

[avisg]

.I hope you are doing this with a doctor he should be able to tell you whether you are low enough to jump off or should you go down a little more good luck sounds like you are doing great with your taper I am glad you are working with a therapist that will really help