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r/benzodiazepines•
cloud-25

Withdrawal Question(s)

Withdrawal

Hey guys, I'll try to keep this short.

So, I have been using Diazepam(Valium) at a dose of 20-30mg daily for about 6 weeks now. Mainly for Anxiety. Sometimes 20, but mostly 30.

I am planning on stopping my use and I have some questions on that.

First of: I have the option to taper down with a huge stack of lorazepam(Tavor/Ativan), which I most likely will do,

BUT if I was to quit cold turkey what intensity of withdrawal can I expect?

I am thinking rebound anxiety, restlessness, agressiveness, depression, sleeplessness.

The thing I am worried about the most is the possibilty of having seizures if I quit cold turkey, is that possible at the dose I am taking?

I aprreciate all incoming answers, have a good one guys.

Posted May 17, 2021, 12:43 AM UTC · edited

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lvcrc•

diazepam is one of the weakest benzos. you should be fine withdrawing from such small amounts

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cloud-25OP•

Have you done it yourself?

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lvcrc•

oh yeah. way harder benzos at way higher doses. it really is difficult

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cloud-25OP•

And you did quit cold turkey?

I mean Ive been through some major withdrawals starting from amphetamines and ending with strong opiates but none of these have the risk to kill you when quitting cold turkey.

So I shouldn't have to worry? Thats really good to hear. I'll most likely taper down but still good to hear that I could do it ct.

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Ipeteverydogisee•

Why would you do it cold Turkey? There is a risk of withdrawal including, as you’ve mentioned, seizures and death.

Outpatient detox under a doctor’s care. It’s a beautiful thing.

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Ipeteverydogisee•

Re: seizures. Some people are physically dependent after two weeks or more of daily benzo use.

Keeping yourself from a seizure is important not only due to the injury you could sustain during the seizure, and the possibility of death, but because once you’ve had one seizure, you are more likely to have another.

I hear you on your experience with going through various withdrawals on your own. I agree you have plenty of experience.

I would still very much suggest that you have medical supervision as in an outpatient detox. Then, IOP. You have an actual medical and psychological dangerous condition: Substance Use Disorder.

Which dangerous physical disorders go you typically treat on your own? Asthma? Diabetes? Appendicitis? Think if this condition like those. There is medical help. Let it help.

But my best to you regardless of which path you take forward. Addicted is no way to really “live.”

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cloud-25OP•

Does outpatient detox mean that I get the diazepam prescribed for take home? I can not afford to quit my job for a detox in a clinic.

Yes I have Multiple substance use disorder, also schizophrenia which scares me the most since one possible side effect of withdrawal actually is psychosis and I really dont want to go through that shit again, especially because I don't take any antipsychotic medication anymore.

I think I got this tho. If I experienc major distress from quitting on my own I will consult my psychiatrist for sure tho.

Thank you

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Ipeteverydogisee•

Yes, outpatient detox means you are seen daily at the clinic (longer on day one, shorter times however many days after).

Let’s say it’s a 5 day detox. Days 2-4 you come in, get your vitals checked, discuss how your night went, etc.

I don’t see a downside. Help is always a plus.

Some IOP based treatment programs have psychiatrists as the medical providers; some have more primary care based.

In my state, Medicaid provides great coverage. Private insurance is not bad.

IOP can be by zoom (or similar platform) if you’d rather not go in-person. Can be nights, mornings, or afternoons. Another thing to consider

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cloud-25OP•

Maybe I can do that in july since a have the whole month free. Well see maybe doing it on my own works out just fine

I am not in the states btw, im from germany

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cloud-25OP•

Yo man little update:

I am now down to 10mg diazepam a day with no problems or side effects but occasional racing thoughts which is absolutely fine and managable.

My psychiatrist upped my dose of pregabalin from 75mg a day to 150mg a day which is pretty much the equivalent dose to 10mg of diazepam which helps a fuckton.

Going to drop the last 10mg in 3-4 days and switching to .5mg of lorazepam 2 times a day and going down from there.

Thanks again for your help!! everything worked out just fine till now doing the wd on my own and I am confident I can go completely clean in a couple weeks only using as needed and not daily.

Man I was so fucking scared I am so glad it worked out so well.

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Ipeteverydogisee•

Well, I’m glad you haven’t had a seizure, and I’m glad your psychiatrist is managing this taper with you. It’s absolutely not overkill to get medical help with this.

I think abstinence from benzo meds will give you the best results, but in any event, I’m so glad to hear your update.

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