Posted by darkhorse on January 11, 2005, at 4:49:59
In reply to Re: Tapering off a benzodiazepine........, posted by ed_uk on January 8, 2005, at 16:12:50
Hello Ed (remember me?)
Let me tell you that I took Xanax,Ativan and Lexotanil long- term.All other benzos I took were no more than days-2 weeks of use.
I could not taper from Xanax.Withdrawal was harsh and immediate.My dr. at the time switched me to bromazepam 3mg 3 times instead of 0.5 3times of Xanax...no problem at all.
Then he let me reduce it according to how I felt,and I think within 15-20 days I was able to stop with no major problems except intense,tolerable anxiety for few days.
The last time,not so long ago I took lorazepam for a couple of months and again made the switch.
For some reason I can not tolerate tiny doses of benzos when withdrawing or as single dose (e.g. Valium 2mg,Lexotanil 1.5mg,tranxene 5mg,..etc).
They make a very unpleasant sedation,total lack of concentration and a depressed feeling,so every time I taper from long- term use I abruptly stop at these doses and prepare myself mentally for few days-2 weeks of increase of anxiety,insomnia,repetitve thoughts,fluctuations of mood,so when I feel uncomfortable I always remind myself that it will soon be over and that all those symptoms are not real and will go away ,and that it is better to experience bad effects for a few days than to be horribaly depressed and sedated with tiny doses for longer time.
I hope my experience with benzo taper will add more info to your already great knowledge about psychotropic medication.Oh! I'm not in any way saying that my method is good for everyone...some people can stay for long with tiny doses of benzos but not me.
Best wishes and regards,
Dark Horse.
poster:darkhorse
thread:439476
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050108/msgs/440539.html