OldBroad replied: "20 mg is a pretty high dose. If you're taking Valium for anxiety, 5 mg (or even less) should do the job. If you feel fuzzy headed or "high", the dose is too high.
On the other hand, if you're taking 20 mg to deliberately get that euphoric feeling, you already have a drug problem, whether you're physically dependent on it or not. (Yes, even if you limit it to once per week.) Taking more of any med than the smallest dose needed is considered "addictive behavior", since you're using it for euphoria rather than just to alleviate anxiety.
You say your "temptation to hit my supply of diazepam is very strong..." That should be a big red flag if you're worried about dependency, since you're already exhibiting the main symptom of psychological addiction, which is a craving for the drug. That's a far tougher addiction to beat than physical dependence.
If you can take a very small dose to relieve anxiety without feeling the need to get high on Valium, then a couple times a week isn't gonna be a problem. But if you're craving 20 mg and nothing less than 20 mg will do, you need to think really hard about your relationship to this drug and what you want to do about it."
ramesh vishvas replied: "meditation will better help u even during exams instead of diazepam,experience this"
Any Advice for Diazepam withdrawal? I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms: moderate to severe muscle spasms, insomnia, auditory hypersensitivity (Hyperacusis & Tinnitus) and ringing in the ears. I do not want to take any more medications in the benzodiazopine family. Even tried Ambien, with poor results. I normally sleep well, but with the muscle spasm firing off randomly, it is almost impossible to fall asleep naturally or to stay asleep.
One of the most difficult symptoms is the Hyperacusis, because whenever a dog barks, or someone is hammering, or even the refrigerator motor popping when it starts or stops causes a painful nervous reaction, like a shot to the head. This has me most concerned, because it may be longer term than the withdrawal itself.
Anyway, I am seeking some advice that may help me lessen the severity of these symptoms. I am so jumpy and nervous, which is not my normal state. But unfortunately, I have been on this medication for some years, and who knows what long term affects may occur?
Amy D replied: "Did you completely stop this drug at once? I've been on Paxil for years and went off it before. I found the only time I went off without withdrawal symptoms was when I weaned very slowly off it. That meant 40mg-30mg for a few months, 30-20 for a few, 20-10, 10-5 for a few months, 5-2.5 and finally no more. Stopping abruptly never worked for me, no matter how long I went off withdrawal got worse and worse. I know someone who had not been on it long, it took three weeks of the excruciating pain of withdrawal to work. Once you are finally off, I would suggest earplugs to ease the noises if they bother you or a fan running etc when you can to ease the transition, maybe mediation to help make your body more relaxed. I know someone who uses Gravol to help her fall asleep but I am not a physican, I would suggest easing off the drug slowly, they are powerful things. If you can write a diary or self counsel or get really good counselling or talk to friends that could help depending on if you are someone who can see yourself doing that, because support may help in these trialling times for you. Good luck."
I hve been on 10mg diazepam 4 six months-but none for last 7 days. How long will it take to detox? I have been on 10mg of diazepam almost daily for six months. Decided to stop ( didn't like the side effects ). It has been 7 days w/out any use. How long before it is out of my system? And, how soon before I start to feel the withdrawal symptoms?
daddyrx replied: "DO NOT attempt to stop your Valium (diazepam) cold turkey. The withdrawls can be severe and in some instances deadly. Diazepam has a very long elimination half life, 100 hours, so you will probably start feeling symptoms soon. Speak to your prescribing Physician as soon as possible to wean yourself off."
Tara J replied: "You have been on a relatively high dose of diazepam for too long for you to quit so abruptly. You need to speak with your doctor to establish a tapering schedule. Diazepam is a long-acting benzo so withdrawal effects are not felt as quickly as they would be when quitting other benzos but you will still feel them. Call your doctor at once for advice. The worst withdrawal symptom is seizures so this is not something to take lightly. Rebound anxiety is another withdrawal symptom. Withdrawal symptoms can last for months or even a year. You really need to taper gradually. Read the Ashton Manual (free resource) for more information. Link below."
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