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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Benzos five days in a row, am I safe to stop?

T

thp

Greenlighter
Joined
Jan 15, 2012
Messages
18
Hi all,

I'm nervous of benzo addiction, and have used them occasionally for years (once a month maybe.) Never had withdrawals.

This week I've experienced a really stressful personal situation. I took 1mg Xanax on Saturday, 1mg Ativan on Sunday, 1mg Ativan on Monday, 2mg Xanax on Tuesday and 30mg Valium yesterday.

I have no benzos left in the house and won't be taking anymore. Even though the last couple of days were high dosage, should I escape any terrible withdrawals, or am I in for trouble?

Thanks so much for any advice.
 
You don't need to worry; I honestly believe you'll be fine. The benzo doses you took were very small, and it can take significantly longer than five days to form a dependence. Through personal experience, I'd say you'll be looking at some mild rebound anxiety at the very most, and I'd be surprised if you get even that.

The amount of benzo you use is relevant to any rebound symptoms. In my alcohol detox, I was given very large doses of librium, starting at 21 pills per day, and reducing by 20% over seven days. For the next two weeks, I experienced some very unpleasant rebound anxiety, I was nervy and on edge, and I felt terrible, to be honest. Of course, I took extremely large doses of that benzo; any negative symptoms I felt will be far greater than what you may possibly experience. In fact I'd be surprised if you felt badly at all.

Of course, if you should feel off-kilter it could be a good idea to use natural supplements to help you; valerian, 5htp, etc, can really help. I'd also advise you to avoid any stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, or "harder" stims-these will only enhance any anxiety you may feel, and could also make you feel jittery and on edge.

Whatever you do, do not convince yourself you'll feel terrible and decide to continue taking benzos! Trust me, it's a trap that's all too easy to fall into; it's happened to me more times than I can count. If you take these drugs for much longer, I can all but guarantee you'll form a dependence, and WD from long-term benzo abuse is fucking nightmarish. (You certainly weren't taking abuse level doses btw). Just get out while you can mate. Stopping now is a very good idea. I honestly believe you'll suffer zero WD, if that helps.
 
Last edited:
You will be fine.....Dang I wish i was you....I have been on klonopin for five years now....UGH....Your so lucky!
 
Yeah, you'll definitely be fine. Any anxiety/restlessness is probably imagined, so try not to focus too much on it. Those are very reasonable doses over a short period.

(Quit etizolam cold turkey after a year of use this week myself. Talk about a shitshow).
 
Can I just say if this seems to be becoming a regular thing (such anxiety) - for HM reasons - are/could you seek a psychologist/-chiatrist/councillor? (just covering all bases! ;) :) ).
 
You worry too much, you can just stop and not have any symptoms at all. Benzo addiction takes a while to develop.
 
You'll be fine. Stay prudent with taking rest periods and extended breaks from using them now and again and if you are sensible you can use them effectively without suffering ill effects. You need to be very careful though as it is easy for a habit to creep up on you.
 
It takes longer than that at first. But as was said, you should stop now.

Benzos are good as a bandaid while you undergo treatment for the root of your anxiety. Not as a coping mechanism. This often leads to addiction.
 
Thanks to everyone for your kind responses. Very much appreciate them. I haven't had any withdrawals as you all suggested.

I do suffer from anxiety, but I hate SSRIs.
 
dopemegently said:
You don't need to worry; I honestly believe you'll be fine. The benzo doses you took were very small, and it can take significantly longer than five days to form a dependence. Through personal experience, I'd say you'll be looking at some mild rebound anxiety at the very most, and I'd be surprised if you get even that.

The amount of benzo you use is relevant to any rebound symptoms. In my alcohol detox, I was given very large doses of librium, starting at 21 pills per day, and reducing by 20% over seven days. For the next two weeks, I experienced some very unpleasant rebound anxiety, I was nervy and on edge, and I felt terrible, to be honest. Of course, I took extremely large doses of that benzo; any negative symptoms I felt will be far greater than what you may possibly experience. In fact I'd be surprised if you felt badly at all.

Of course, if you should feel off-kilter it could be a good idea to use natural supplements to help you; valerian, 5htp, etc, can really help. I'd also advise you to avoid any stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, or "harder" stims-these will only enhance any anxiety you may feel, and could also make you feel jittery and on edge.

Whatever you do, do not convince yourself you'll feel terrible and decide to continue taking benzos! Trust me, it's a trap that's all too easy to fall into; it's happened to me more times than I can count. If you take these drugs for much longer, I can all but guarantee you'll form a dependence, and WD from long-term benzo abuse is fucking nightmarish. (You certainly weren't taking abuse level doses btw). Just get out while you can mate. Stopping now is a very good idea. I honestly believe you'll suffer zero WD, if that helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much for taking the time to be so thorough in your reply. Really helpful.
 
Most bluelighters that use benzos or would like to use benzos are amazing at convincing themselves they have some debilitating anxiety that can only be possibly treated with benzos and that nothing else will work. It's good that the OP wants to come off, at least he/she is not in denial.
 
2 weeks and you are likely to experience a little discomfort for a few days. Longer than 2 weeks is definitely not advised. 5 days is no problem.
 
You're fine but the person above me is right, stop this while your ahead. Benzo withdrawal isn't pretty.
 
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