Benzo Withdrawal

[sarah12345]

Hello. So I'm just going to cut to the chase here. I've been self-medicating with Xanax and Valium for about 3-4 months. I started out with 1-1.5mg a day of Xanax. On a regular week day, the most I would take would be 2-3mg's. On weekends, I would indulge more and sometimes take more. Not always, though. After about 2 through 2 1/2 months I got some 5mg Valium. I planned on getting off the Xanax with valium, but slowly lowering my dosage didn't go as I planned. I would take about 2-3 Valium a day, mostly during the night before I went to sleep. Sometimes I would skip a day and be fine. The last time I took Valium was Sunday night and I took my last 15mg's. I have not felt withdrawal symptoms till this morning.

There are not really any psychological symptoms. I got in trouble with the law and it was a real eye opener so I am actually very happy and motivated to be staying sober and working on that. I do not feel any more anxious/paranoid than I already have been before self-medicating. There is a little bit of irritability. Most of my withdrawal symptoms are physical, and I am in moderate pain right not but it varies. This morning I was in severe pain.

I've been working out so I thought my muscle tension and soreness was from that, which is very likely, but now I think that these tensions are withdrawal symptoms. I also am having hot and cold flashes. I feel like I will have a fever. My skin will be very hot but I will be extremely cold and have the chills, and then start sweating. I am having very flu-like symptoms. I am also not hungry or have no desire for food at all, but my stomach has some very nasty cramps. From time to time I also get nauseous.

I know this is the consequence for my abuse, and I am willing to stick it out if my situation is not life threatening. My main concern is the whole hype on seizures. I know every person is different, but I would really like people's opinions on whether or not they think I will have any seizures? Should I check myself into detox or do you personally think I will be O.K. after some time? And how much time do you think that would be?

I really need some advice. Any advice or personal experiences would help..

Thank you very much

 

[Dark Side]

Why not just go to the doctor and get put on a taper script. You cant miss a day if tapering it dont work like that. The muscle tenseness part of the Wd's my muscles felt shite when i was with drawing for valium totally exhausted and cramped

 

[nuttynutskin]

Another one where it's really impossible to say because some people are more prone to seizures than others. Best advice like Dark Side said is to taper. You're not supposed to cold turkey benzos unless you use them infrequently.

 

[sarah12345]

Well first of all I have been self-medicating, so what do I do? Just go to my doctor and tell him I have been abusing drugs on my own time and need a taper? Does it really work like that? Secondly I wouldn't want to get my parent's involved at all. I'm 18 and I live with them. Would everything I tell my doc stay confidential?

 

[Dark Side]

Yep pretty much, he has no choice but to give you a taper. I did pretty much as you described but with 48 hours of no sleep and muscles spasms, so you are better off getting a taper before you hit peak wd's tbh i wish i had

 

[Stevenski]

If you are on 15mg a day I think it is best to cold turkey. Mainly because you have only been on them for a few months. That is if you are only taking the diaz. If you are also on 1+mg of xanax a day as well a quick taper would be advisable.

Talking to your parents may not be the worst thing you can do but I don't know your family history. I am assuming your parents love you & care about you & will only want to help you.

The other advice I would give is get out now while you can. Benzos are no joke & it is the slipperiest slope on earth because it is just too easy to re dose over & over. That builds tolerance & severe physical dependence quickly. Good luck Sarah.

 

[Vaya]

Certainly, none of use can really issue you advice that substitutes for that of a professional. And if the symptoms you describe continue to intensify, I advise you to get some professional help.

That being said, in my experience with benzos and benzo withdrawal, you likely are not at risk for seizures. The fact that it was diazepam, not alprazolam, that you last took definitely helps you in this situation.

The symptoms you describe are fairly common symptoms of benzo withdrawal. Now, of course every body is different, but your timeline of use is not terribly predictive of a massive withdrawal experience. It is very good that you are being so self-aware; continue to monitor your bodily symptoms, communicate with others (including us!), and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it. I have had many withdrawal seizures, and let me tell you, you'd do well to avoid them. Even when the means by which you get help aren't ideal for you.

Continue to update. Be well