I am going to look into Valerian in the meantime... I appreciate the suggestion.
Good, as in the abscence of anything else it should be able to give you significant relief, if used right.
I must say, although I've been experimenting with natural supplements during benzo withdrawal with some success (and have found a combination of Magnesium, L-theanine, and a sedating herb like Hops can cut my symptomps in half at more moderate doses), I was suprised by how Valerian was able to relieve all the physical symptomps so well on its own. Though I've always thought it seemed like on of the few options that showed hope, as Valium was originally based on the same chemical structure. And as you know, the way benzos work in the body is very unique and there are few drugs that can do the same thing, even other Gaba-agonists.
The problem with natural drugs is of course that there is no accurate literature available on how they should be taken, so it's very hit and miss whether you get it right. The directions that come with the product are usually FAR too small to have any effect on something as serious as benzo withdrawal, and if you don't take enough to help in your situation it won't be effective. The main thing is to take a quality product, in the right form, and enough for your needs. Don't buy the cheapest you can find, get a well-known high-quality brand, or the one the pharmacy stocks (sometimes called "standarized extract"). It also needs to be taken all at once so it will all hit you at the same time, and not stretched out over hours. I wouldn't bother with any less than 2 grams if you're anywhere in withdrawal (normally 500 mgs can help put me to sleep, but in benzo WD, forget about it).
It also start working pretty much immediately so if it works you should start feeling relief very soon. It only takes 15-30 minutes for most of the effects to to show up, and 30-60 minutes for it to work completely. For the first hour or so you will be feeling occasional spasms and other symptomps to remind you that you're still in withdrawal. It's like the withdrawal is fighting with the sedative effect of the herb and your body is still freaking out underneath. But eventually it gives up and to calm down and forget about it.
All you're left with is a faster heartbeat than usual and some of the benzo WD moodiness. But this is nothing compared to being in acute benzo withrawal and a MASSIVE improvement. I think it could be described best as being in post-acute benzo withdrawal, or in the most final stages of a withdrawal where you know it's all over and you've come out safe on the ther side, even if you can feel a bit shitty, have problems finding pleasure in anything, and problems sleeping. But that is it.
But the way it takes away the usual physical symptomps, i.e. high pulse, strong, fast, irregular heart beat, muscle spasms, cramping/seizures, hyper metabolism, etc. is nothing short of miraculous and can literally be a life-saver. You never know how bad a withdrawal s going to get or how bad the outcome of a seizure will be. It also does a great job at keeping you from getting into that psychotic state with the accompanying panick and paranoia. The mild feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression are very bearable in comparison. Another saving grace is that it can spare you from having to go through something you'd rather not, like going to the ER, or begging from help from your family. As this is something we all hate having to do and is really a last resort that should be kept down to as few times as possible (not to mention there will only be so many times you will be given any help).
So all I can say is good luck and I hope it works out for you. If you're really hurting I would start out with 2 grams/2000 mgs and see how that works out. I'm thinking the easiest might be to get hold of some high-quality tincture/liquid extract and dose as needed. This will also hit you faster than the capsules with dried extract which needs to be broken down, and I'm thinking there must be a limit to how much you can absorb at the same time of the solid form, so after a certain amount taking more becomes pointless.
