Hi
Just over 2 weeks ago my doc prescribed me 2mg diazepam to help with my chronic anxiety symptoms. For the first day I took 3 as prescribed but felt very deflated and emotionless, I called my GP and he said I could just take as I needed, so for the next 2 weeks I just took 1 a day when I reached my peak and couldn't cope. On the odd day I took 2 and for a couple of days I didn't take any at all. Now iv stopped them totally (doc said it was ok) I feel as though my anxiety has increased since stopping them even though I was only on them for a short time and only took a small dose. It seems to increase every day I haven't taken them.
I was on them (same dose) about 4 years ago and took them for longer than I should (9 weeks) and it was really hard to come off them and they lost there effect. Is it possible to have such severe withdrawal or even any withdrawal at all after only taking for such a short time?
Yes, Claire, it is possible to have withdrawal symptoms after such a short period of time, which is why GPs are advised not to prescribe benzos at all now.
You've been unlucky. Most people wouldn't get withdrawals after such a small dose for such a short time, but you have.
Go back to your doctor aand explain how you feel. Ask him/her to help you taper off gently from the diazepam. You also need some help in the form of therapy and other medications (non-addictive) for your chronic anxiety.
Let us know how you get on.
Hi
It's been 4 days now without 1 and I feel a bit better today. The doc said I could just come off them because of the little amount I had taken over the 2 weeks.
Also she thinks my citalopram could have lost its affectiveness as iv been on them for 4 years so has prescribed sertraline instead. I have to taper off my citalopram and have one 20mg every other day for 10 days and 1/2 a 50mg sertraline in between and then after 10 days take the full 50mg sertraline. Just hope it works. I'm also having CBT iv only had 2 sessions but iv been allocated 15 so hope that helps too as it has in the past. Thank you for your reply x
Well, my respect for your doctor knows no bounds!
It'll work, Claire. And the CBT is a great idea.
Excellent.
love Chrissie