Diazepam Addiction
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Diazepam Addiction
Hi – I’m new here, so I hope I'm posting this in the right section.
I feel like a bit of a fraud because I read about other people who are dealing with far worse addictions than mine, but this is still something that is really worrying me. I am addicted to 5mg of Diazepam, which I take at night for insomnia.
It all started at the beginning of this year when I began to experience menopausal insomnia. I initially started on 10mg Tamazepam, but after reading that it was easier to withdraw using Diazepam, I spoke with my doctor and she agreed to switch me over.
My menopause symptoms seem to be more or less under control now, but I’ve now found that I’m addicted to the Diazepam. My doctor recommended I drop 0.5mg every week, and I have read the Ashton Method where it is recommended you reduce 1mg every 1-2 weeks, but that is far too quick for me. I think I must be particularly sensitive to it. I’ve tried dropping 0.25mg every 5 days, but that still seems to be too fast. I do okay initially, with the first couple of reductions, but after 3 weeks my insomnia always returns, so I’m back to square one and taking 5mg again. I’m guessing it’s got something to do with the half-life of the Diazepam and the levels in my blood reducing over that period of time.
I want to stick with reducing at a rate of 0.25mg, but I obviously need an even more gradual reduction regime, but I’m not sure how many days I should hold that dose for. I’m thinking of dropping 0.25mg every 10 days. Does anyone have any experience with this, and do you think that would be slow enough, or should I maybe make it 0.25mg every 14 days? Even though I’m only on 5mg, at that rate it’s going to take me something like 6-8 months to get off it. I realise that it is better to withdraw too slowly, rather than too quickly, but how slow is slow? My problem is that I just get so impatient and I just want to be off this horrible stuff, but I know that I just have to resign myself to dedicating this period of my life to getting off this drug, so that I will be better in the long run.
I’ve read about some people who split their doses between morning and night, but I gather those people are using the medication mainly for anxiety. I honestly don’t think that would work for me because my only symptom is insomnia, and if I don’t take the full dose at night I won’t sleep. Ironically, being on Diazepam really doesn’t adversely affect my life. I am able to function quite normally every day. The only time I get anxiety is each time my attempt at withdrawing doesn’t work and my insomnia returns.
Fortunately I have a very understanding doctor and she knows how much I hate taking this stuff, and she knows I’m not abusing it. So I know I can get a prescription from her whenever I need it. She gives me both 2mg and 5mg tablets, so it is easy to get the 0.25mg reduction, by cutting the 5mg into quarters. Of course that will get harder once I get down to 1mg, but I’ll worry about that when I get there. I have heard there is a liquid version, so I’m sure my doctor won’t have a problem giving me that if I need it.
I feel like a bit of a fraud because I read about other people who are dealing with far worse addictions than mine, but this is still something that is really worrying me. I am addicted to 5mg of Diazepam, which I take at night for insomnia.
It all started at the beginning of this year when I began to experience menopausal insomnia. I initially started on 10mg Tamazepam, but after reading that it was easier to withdraw using Diazepam, I spoke with my doctor and she agreed to switch me over.
My menopause symptoms seem to be more or less under control now, but I’ve now found that I’m addicted to the Diazepam. My doctor recommended I drop 0.5mg every week, and I have read the Ashton Method where it is recommended you reduce 1mg every 1-2 weeks, but that is far too quick for me. I think I must be particularly sensitive to it. I’ve tried dropping 0.25mg every 5 days, but that still seems to be too fast. I do okay initially, with the first couple of reductions, but after 3 weeks my insomnia always returns, so I’m back to square one and taking 5mg again. I’m guessing it’s got something to do with the half-life of the Diazepam and the levels in my blood reducing over that period of time.
I want to stick with reducing at a rate of 0.25mg, but I obviously need an even more gradual reduction regime, but I’m not sure how many days I should hold that dose for. I’m thinking of dropping 0.25mg every 10 days. Does anyone have any experience with this, and do you think that would be slow enough, or should I maybe make it 0.25mg every 14 days? Even though I’m only on 5mg, at that rate it’s going to take me something like 6-8 months to get off it. I realise that it is better to withdraw too slowly, rather than too quickly, but how slow is slow? My problem is that I just get so impatient and I just want to be off this horrible stuff, but I know that I just have to resign myself to dedicating this period of my life to getting off this drug, so that I will be better in the long run.
I’ve read about some people who split their doses between morning and night, but I gather those people are using the medication mainly for anxiety. I honestly don’t think that would work for me because my only symptom is insomnia, and if I don’t take the full dose at night I won’t sleep. Ironically, being on Diazepam really doesn’t adversely affect my life. I am able to function quite normally every day. The only time I get anxiety is each time my attempt at withdrawing doesn’t work and my insomnia returns.
Fortunately I have a very understanding doctor and she knows how much I hate taking this stuff, and she knows I’m not abusing it. So I know I can get a prescription from her whenever I need it. She gives me both 2mg and 5mg tablets, so it is easy to get the 0.25mg reduction, by cutting the 5mg into quarters. Of course that will get harder once I get down to 1mg, but I’ll worry about that when I get there. I have heard there is a liquid version, so I’m sure my doctor won’t have a problem giving me that if I need it.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 775
I'm sorry this is happening to you. We cant give you medical info on this sight but maybe you could try natrual sleep aid as there are many. Go to the health food store and ask there. When you have enough posts you can pm me and I will tell you what I use. You could also talk to your Dr. about something different I have used different anti-depressants over the years that are not as addictive but you still need to taper them.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
((Foxy)) - Welcome to SR! I suffer from insomnia (PTSD) and seem to be stuck in peri-menopausal forever. I take prescription meds, my dr. is well aware of my recovering addict status and I don't abuse them. However, there are times I still don't sleep. I've cut back on my meds, use OTC melatonin but even with all that...sometimes I don't sleep.
I'm glad you have a good dr. and she is working with you on this. I know that it takes the body a while to produce the natural chemicals that make us sleepy/awake as they've sort of taken a vacation while on meds. It's like "hey, I don't have to work - the med is doing it FOR me" and they don't get the "time to get back to work" notice nearly fast enough for me.
I've been dealing with this for a couple of years, and as much as I don't like the times I don't sleep, I've learned that it doesn't last forever (just feels like it).
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
I'm glad you have a good dr. and she is working with you on this. I know that it takes the body a while to produce the natural chemicals that make us sleepy/awake as they've sort of taken a vacation while on meds. It's like "hey, I don't have to work - the med is doing it FOR me" and they don't get the "time to get back to work" notice nearly fast enough for me.
I've been dealing with this for a couple of years, and as much as I don't like the times I don't sleep, I've learned that it doesn't last forever (just feels like it).
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Anywhere USA
Posts: 21
I just want to point out to you that you should be proud of yourself that you are not abusing your meds! I know you are worried about taking the Diazepam and rightfully so... any addictive medicine is scary. However, some people can actually take these meds and be dependent, but not addicted. They are very different.
I hope you find a taper that works for you!
I've tried some natural sleep aids like melatonin, which helps to reset your natural clock too. Like another poster, I've taken antidepressants that have helped tremendously with sleep, also.
Best of luck to you!!!
I hope you find a taper that works for you!
I've tried some natural sleep aids like melatonin, which helps to reset your natural clock too. Like another poster, I've taken antidepressants that have helped tremendously with sleep, also.
Best of luck to you!!!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 594
Iwas on the eqiv of 260 mg valium each day. Took me one year to get off the stuff.
I went off way too much at first ...maybe 25 mg per month but ...I could withdrawal at 10mg per month fairly painlessly. Everyones differant though.
I went off way too much at first ...maybe 25 mg per month but ...I could withdrawal at 10mg per month fairly painlessly. Everyones differant though.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Thank you all for your replies, but I wasn’t really asking for any medical advice. I had noticed there were some older posts about Diazepam dependency, and people were talking about their tapering methods, so I was really only asking for other people’s experiences.
Of course everyone is different, and what works for some may not work for others. I was merely just wanting to perhaps “compare notes”, if you like, but I do understand that in comparison to other addictions and dependencies mine must seem very minor.
I have used ADs, but I will never use them again. At least Diazepam doesn’t give me any adverse effects during the day, but ADs certainly do. I personally would steer totally clear of ADs unless you really need to use them for what they are actually intended for (ie depression/anxiety).
I do use a little bit of melatonin (1-2mg) with my Diazepam. I’m not sure how much it helps though. I have never found anything “over the counter” or “natural” that will help with hormonal/menopausal insomnia. It is a totally different kind of insomnia to other kinds of insomnia, because your hormones control everything in your body. The only thing that will work is to replenish the hormones that are depleted, ie using hormone therapy.
All those people who tell you that you can treat menopause “naturally” have totally got the wrong idea about what “natural” really means. Menopause symptoms are brought about usually by a lack of oestrogen, and actually the only real “natural” way of addressing that is to replenish the oestrogen. All the vitamins, mineral, herbs, pills and potions in the world won’t do that.
Of course everyone is different, and what works for some may not work for others. I was merely just wanting to perhaps “compare notes”, if you like, but I do understand that in comparison to other addictions and dependencies mine must seem very minor.
I have used ADs, but I will never use them again. At least Diazepam doesn’t give me any adverse effects during the day, but ADs certainly do. I personally would steer totally clear of ADs unless you really need to use them for what they are actually intended for (ie depression/anxiety).
I do use a little bit of melatonin (1-2mg) with my Diazepam. I’m not sure how much it helps though. I have never found anything “over the counter” or “natural” that will help with hormonal/menopausal insomnia. It is a totally different kind of insomnia to other kinds of insomnia, because your hormones control everything in your body. The only thing that will work is to replenish the hormones that are depleted, ie using hormone therapy.
All those people who tell you that you can treat menopause “naturally” have totally got the wrong idea about what “natural” really means. Menopause symptoms are brought about usually by a lack of oestrogen, and actually the only real “natural” way of addressing that is to replenish the oestrogen. All the vitamins, mineral, herbs, pills and potions in the world won’t do that.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 775
I will never know about menopause being male but I feel for you my wife suffers but insomnia isnt part of it for her. I really cant compare detox from benzos with you because as much as I abused them for some reason I never got addicted to them opiates are a whole nother story. Good luck to you I'm sure you will be fine I hope you get peaseful sleep tonight
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Hi again
Thanks to the poster who sent me a PM. Unfortunately it would seem I can’t reply because I don’t have enough posts yet.
Menopause treatment can be complicated. Insomnia in menopause is usually caused by a lack of oestrogen and now that my oestrogen levels have increased, my insomnia should be under control. I haven’t had any hot flushes for months, but they are usually the easiest thing to sort out with HRT. However, I won’t know that for sure if my insomnia is better until I can reduce the diazepam, because being dependant on diazepam, and trying to reduce it too quickly, will ironically cause insomnia as a withdrawal symptom, and that is the problem I have been having. I’ve been too impatient and I need to take my withdrawal from it much slower.
I have been on a much lower dose of diazepam (down to about 2mg), but through various issues that are a bit too complicated to go into, I have had to change my hormone medications a number of times and so my insomnia has gotten worse again. However, I seem to have all that sorted out now, so I need to reduce the diazepam to make sure that the insomnia is now under control.
Last year I was on a lower dose of HRT and for 9 months I didn’t have any insomnia at all, so the HRT will definitely fix the problem, but like I said, it’s a bit complicated and you can’t always stay on the same dose of HRT. When I needed to change it to a higher dose that was when my insomnia problems resurfaced.
There is a possibility that I may need to continue to take a small dose of diazepam to help me sleep, but I don’t want to take more than I need to take because I have a very “anti-dependency” personality. I have never even smoked or been an alcohol drinker because I have never wanted to allow something to have control of me. That is why I want to try to get down to either the lowest dose possible or not take it at all, because I feel I don’t want to take any kind of drug if it’s not absolutely necessary.
I also have an issue with the fact that diazepam is one of those drugs that quite often you have to increase over time, because your body gets used to the dose you are taking, and you need to take more to get the same effect. That then becomes a very slippery slope and I honestly don’t want to go there at all.
Thanks to the poster who sent me a PM. Unfortunately it would seem I can’t reply because I don’t have enough posts yet.
Menopause treatment can be complicated. Insomnia in menopause is usually caused by a lack of oestrogen and now that my oestrogen levels have increased, my insomnia should be under control. I haven’t had any hot flushes for months, but they are usually the easiest thing to sort out with HRT. However, I won’t know that for sure if my insomnia is better until I can reduce the diazepam, because being dependant on diazepam, and trying to reduce it too quickly, will ironically cause insomnia as a withdrawal symptom, and that is the problem I have been having. I’ve been too impatient and I need to take my withdrawal from it much slower.
I have been on a much lower dose of diazepam (down to about 2mg), but through various issues that are a bit too complicated to go into, I have had to change my hormone medications a number of times and so my insomnia has gotten worse again. However, I seem to have all that sorted out now, so I need to reduce the diazepam to make sure that the insomnia is now under control.
Last year I was on a lower dose of HRT and for 9 months I didn’t have any insomnia at all, so the HRT will definitely fix the problem, but like I said, it’s a bit complicated and you can’t always stay on the same dose of HRT. When I needed to change it to a higher dose that was when my insomnia problems resurfaced.
There is a possibility that I may need to continue to take a small dose of diazepam to help me sleep, but I don’t want to take more than I need to take because I have a very “anti-dependency” personality. I have never even smoked or been an alcohol drinker because I have never wanted to allow something to have control of me. That is why I want to try to get down to either the lowest dose possible or not take it at all, because I feel I don’t want to take any kind of drug if it’s not absolutely necessary.
I also have an issue with the fact that diazepam is one of those drugs that quite often you have to increase over time, because your body gets used to the dose you are taking, and you need to take more to get the same effect. That then becomes a very slippery slope and I honestly don’t want to go there at all.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,126
I'm a guy, so not experience to share on menopause here. I did cold turkey from 20 milligrams of Klonopin a day, prescribed by a reputable shrink for panic and anxiety.
It wasn't pretty. That dosage is equivalent to 400 milligrams of Valium. It was the most brutal, insane, long-lasting withdrawal I've ever read about, topping the charts from the Ashton forum.
But here's the hope -- A year out, I could function. Two years out, I am recovered. During that first year I was pretty sure I was dying.
I don't mean to minimize what you are going through at all. I have read horror stories from people having life-threatening withdrawals from 1 milligram of Klonopin, or the equivalent of 5 milligrams of Valium.
If you are suffering on your tapering plan, maybe you could look into the water tapering plan which reduces your weekly or monthly intake by very small doses.
And no offense, and I am glad you have an understanding doctor, but because of my medically prescribed elephantine dosage, I question the validity of any doctor keeping you on Valium longer than a few weeks.
It wasn't pretty. That dosage is equivalent to 400 milligrams of Valium. It was the most brutal, insane, long-lasting withdrawal I've ever read about, topping the charts from the Ashton forum.
But here's the hope -- A year out, I could function. Two years out, I am recovered. During that first year I was pretty sure I was dying.
I don't mean to minimize what you are going through at all. I have read horror stories from people having life-threatening withdrawals from 1 milligram of Klonopin, or the equivalent of 5 milligrams of Valium.
If you are suffering on your tapering plan, maybe you could look into the water tapering plan which reduces your weekly or monthly intake by very small doses.
And no offense, and I am glad you have an understanding doctor, but because of my medically prescribed elephantine dosage, I question the validity of any doctor keeping you on Valium longer than a few weeks.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Unfortunately I haven’t had much choice but to stay on diazepam long term, because hormonal insomnia isn’t like any other kind of insomnia, and I have also had problems getting on the right dose of HRT. Menopause symptoms aren't something that are easily fixed in just a couple of weeks I'm afraid. It can take quite a long time to get everything working right.
With insomnia you would think that after a couple of days your body would just sleep through sheer exhaustion, even if it’s only just for a couple of hours, but in menopause it's completely different. I’ve gone for as long as four days without any sleep at all - not a wink. So my doctor’s attitude is that she would rather I take a small dose of diazepam than not sleep at all, because the anxiety and depression of not sleeping was making me suicidal.
I would never do cold turkey because (a) it would totally send me over the edge and I would be suicidal and (b) the effects of going cold turkey can in themselves be life threatening, even at a low dose.
At the moment I am reducing 0.25mg every 10 days, so I will see how that goes over the next month or so and if I feel it is going okay I will try reducing that to every 7 days. It’s all trial and error really.
With insomnia you would think that after a couple of days your body would just sleep through sheer exhaustion, even if it’s only just for a couple of hours, but in menopause it's completely different. I’ve gone for as long as four days without any sleep at all - not a wink. So my doctor’s attitude is that she would rather I take a small dose of diazepam than not sleep at all, because the anxiety and depression of not sleeping was making me suicidal.
I would never do cold turkey because (a) it would totally send me over the edge and I would be suicidal and (b) the effects of going cold turkey can in themselves be life threatening, even at a low dose.
At the moment I am reducing 0.25mg every 10 days, so I will see how that goes over the next month or so and if I feel it is going okay I will try reducing that to every 7 days. It’s all trial and error really.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 346
Hi Foxy-I just noticed you're in Australia 
I highly recommend having a look at reconnexion's website and giving one of their phone advisors a call.
Reconnexion - Anxiety, panic, depression, benzodiazepine dependancy
ph. 1300 273 266
If you're based in Melbourne, they can set up an appointment time to see one of their counsellors & discuss benzo dependence/alternative strategies to aid your withdrawal and any problems with underlying anxiety and/or depression if you're keen. If you're interstate, they'll be able to recommend services in your area
The reason they're so amazing is that they're the ONLY organisation in the country that specialises in benzos and analgesics.
xx
I highly recommend having a look at reconnexion's website and giving one of their phone advisors a call.
Reconnexion - Anxiety, panic, depression, benzodiazepine dependancy
ph. 1300 273 266
If you're based in Melbourne, they can set up an appointment time to see one of their counsellors & discuss benzo dependence/alternative strategies to aid your withdrawal and any problems with underlying anxiety and/or depression if you're keen. If you're interstate, they'll be able to recommend services in your area
The reason they're so amazing is that they're the ONLY organisation in the country that specialises in benzos and analgesics.
xx
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Thank you that information Quinne. I will look into that.
I’ve had more difficulties this week. I began my reduction to 4.75mg last Sunday night, with the determination that I would do that for 10 days before reducing to 4.5mg. Everything was fine on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but on Thursday I hardly slept at all. I’d had a bit of an upset at work that day, so I just assumed that had caused it, but Friday night was just as bad.
Last night I was still awake after about 2 hours so, even though I said I would never take any more ADs, I did take half of a 50mg Amitrip which my doctor had prescribed for me ages ago, but then I thought damn I’ll take the other half as well because I really needed to sleep last night, and I did. I didn’t wake until about 8.30 this morning…lol…
So maybe that’s going to be my answer. While I’m trying to wean myself off the Diazepam I will have to take the occasional AD as well, if I’m not getting to sleep within a reasonable period of time, even though I really hate the dry mouth feeling that I get from them. Tonight I will try just taking half the AD tablet before going to bed and see what happens.
I really don’t want to start taking ADs regularly though because I’m only replacing one drug for another, but maybe if it makes it easier getting of the damn Diazepam I should just do it and worry about weaning myself off the ADs later on.
I’ve had more difficulties this week. I began my reduction to 4.75mg last Sunday night, with the determination that I would do that for 10 days before reducing to 4.5mg. Everything was fine on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but on Thursday I hardly slept at all. I’d had a bit of an upset at work that day, so I just assumed that had caused it, but Friday night was just as bad.
Last night I was still awake after about 2 hours so, even though I said I would never take any more ADs, I did take half of a 50mg Amitrip which my doctor had prescribed for me ages ago, but then I thought damn I’ll take the other half as well because I really needed to sleep last night, and I did. I didn’t wake until about 8.30 this morning…lol…
So maybe that’s going to be my answer. While I’m trying to wean myself off the Diazepam I will have to take the occasional AD as well, if I’m not getting to sleep within a reasonable period of time, even though I really hate the dry mouth feeling that I get from them. Tonight I will try just taking half the AD tablet before going to bed and see what happens.
I really don’t want to start taking ADs regularly though because I’m only replacing one drug for another, but maybe if it makes it easier getting of the damn Diazepam I should just do it and worry about weaning myself off the ADs later on.
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