My benzo withdrawal taper timeline

[Chip (OP)]

(see https://benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm and https://benzo.org.uk/manual)

I have been using Clonazepam (mainly but a little Temazepam prior) and Pregabalin off and on for about 2 years and now am tapering using Diazepam.

I want to stop using benzodiazepines permanently and have recently completed my second and final alcohol detox.

My use has been all over the place but I have found that 10 mg Diazepam (or approx. Clonazepam 0.8 - 1.2 mg and even a range of 0.5 - 4 mg) a comfortable dosage to start at as I have been recently taking 1 mg Clonazepam approx. every 1.5 days.

I plan to taper at 1 mg per week under the guidance of my mental health psychiatrist (who usually does not prescribe benzos)

I started on the September 30, 2021 and plan to document my progress here.
 

[Chip (OP)]

Down to 7 mg and apart from some insomnia, all is well.

Dropping to 6 mg on Thursday.

[Chip (OP)]

On 4 mg and dropping to 3 mg tomorrow.

Sleep has slightly improved actually.

[ROSCOENSLICK]

I was taking benzos for around 10 yrs when I stopped cold turkey and boy was that a mistake. handfuls of xanax and valuim washed down with vodka upon waking up everyday. I had to quit for probation. after the third day benzo free I started having seizures broke my arm and collar bone from a fall the drs. said I have a permanent seizure disorder.that was 30 trs ago still have them occasionally.

[Chip (OP)]

OMG ! Yes, with GABAergics, you have to be really careful.

I am down to 1 mg and not sleeping very well at all. Have been using some alcohol to help with that (I know, bad idea).

[Chip (OP)]

Taper now finished. Went to 0.5 mg for a week then to 0.

So far, so good.

[limerence]

Congrats! That seems sorta fast for me but if you have minimal long term side effects then awesome!! Benzos are insidious.
Taking 5mg diazepam. Quit cold turkey 4mg clonaz years ago from dumbass psych who put me on it and pulled me off c/t. Had terrible neuro problems from it, after over 5 years, I did not recover. Asked Dr for 5mg diazepam and that reversed the weirdness. Enjoying the diaz but might one day taper. Benzo c/t should be illegal or require something like informed consent.

[Chip (OP)]

<snip> Benzo c/t should be illegal or require something like informed consent.

Totally agree with you @limerence !
Post Merged: December 25, 2022, 03:12:16 PMIt's now been over a year since I used benzos and don't miss them at all.

All I need to do now is to get rid of my alcoholism.

Wish me luck with that.