Multiple benzo withdrawal and tapering

[Elkyfab]

Over last 6 months started taking zopiclone but progressed to xanax diazepam Ativan zolpidem Pregabalin and mirtazipane. It's all very chaotic which drugs and the amounts I take. Been trying to come off them and getting anxiety and panic attacks and insomnia. I have no idea which drugs to stop first and how to taper. Any help gratefully received

 

[elvis_wears_nikes]

Have a read of the Ashton Manual. It has excellent information on withdrawing from benzos with the principal that longer acting benzos are usually easier to taper... if you can switch to an adequate dose of Diazepam (its half-life is up to 100 hours) instead of taking the Xanax, Ativan and Zolpidem (which are much shorter acting) then gradually reduce the dosage. Usually 1 to 2mg every two weeks. Usually the higher the dose the more dose decrement is tolerable. But yeah have a ready of the manual... it also gives examples of withdrawal schedules. I wish you all the best!

 

[Elkyfab]

That's incredibly helpful. Thank you

 

[Danazapam]

Hi, New to this but can relate to your situation and medication. Been prescribed benzodiazepines for 16 years now and I have no intention of even trying to reduce my 30 mg a day, I just can't do it, but I did find mirtazapine awful to take but by far the easiest to taper and stop. Just taking that out of the mix could be helpful. Personally I now just take, Lyrica, Valium, and Morphine. Yes I'm an addict but I manage that combo and find it helpful. I think you said your only six months in to dependence, if you can get out now, and drop the meds you feel you don't help, good luck to you. Personally I find Lyrica the most helpful med for me, but the dependence is crazy. Hope this helps somehow, just know your not on your own. Peace

 

[elvis_wears_nikes]

Yeah I agree. The mirtazipine and pregabalin you should find easier to withdraw from but personally I would leave them last and come off the benzos first. Mirtazipine has a sedative effect and you might find that helpful when you are withdrawing and it also has a good effect on depression and some effect on anxiety. The pregab also helps to reduce anxiety so both of those drugs will make your withdrawal hopefully less painful and more manageable

 

[Elkyfab]

Thanks everyone. I finished my xanax yesterday. Then going to taper off ambien then diazepam. Then if/when I get that far see how I feel about sticking with Pregabalin and mirtazipaneim going to taper over one month for ambien and then one month diazepam. Sound about right.

cheers really appreciate your help

mike