Posted by SLS on May 29, 2006, at 11:01:23
In reply to Is this Valium WD schedule OK, or too fast?, posted by qbsbrown on May 29, 2006, at 0:00:07
> I've had a tough time WDing from benzos. This is my 3-4 attempt, althoug im finally on an ssri which is helping incredibly (celexa).
>
> For valium taper Doc says;
> 15mg 2days
> 12.5 2 days
> 10mg 2 days
> 7.5 2 days
> 5 week
> 2.5 week
> 1.25 week
> 1.25 ever other day if needed
>
>
> Does this seem too abrupt, the 2 day part, or does this sound reasonable?
Hi Brian.That does seem to be a rather aggressive and rapid taper schedule. You can try it and see what happens. I don't want to second guess your doctor. He might have a great deal of experience in this area. If you do have difficulties, you might be able to work with your doctor to slow things down. Hopefully, he will remain flexible and tailor a taper schedule around your responses to dosage reductions.
What dosage of Valium have you been taking and for how long? Are you crossing over from another benzodiazepine? Your doctor might be taking these things into consideration when suggesting a taper schedule.
How have you tried discontinuing Valium in the past? Is there a deadline for you to complete the withdrawal process?
There is no need to put yourself through hell. Let your body help determine your rate of taper. Pay attention to withdrawal symptoms. I don't think it serves any purpose to conform to a rigid schedule if it is not right for you. Everyone is different. The 2 day adjustment period might be too short for me, but might be exactly right for you.
Personally, I use a flexible-dosing strategy that allows me to take small amounts of medication whenever withdrawal symptoms appear. This is particularly helpful at the end of the taper process. I don't know if this works for everyone, but I have used it to get off of Ativan and various antidepressants.
I guess if I were you, I would give the doctor the benefit of the doubt and try his taper schedule first. If it becomes obvious that you are experiencing unacceptable withdrawal symptoms, try to work with your doctor to extend the 2 day period to a week. I have seen it suggested that one should reduce the dosage of Valium by 1mg per week, so you can see how variable the recommendations are for tapering strategies.
I'm sorry that I couldn't be more definitive in giving you a recommendation. Let's put it this way: I am dubious that a 2 day adjustment period will be long enough for the initial dosage reductions.
Please let us know how things go and what you've learned.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:649979
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060505/msgs/650077.html