Benzo withdrawal: Weaning as per the Ashton Method, anyone done this?

Posted by imomtojdkt @imomtojdkt, Sep 4 8:31am

My psych is changing me over to Valium from Ativan to then slowly wean me as per the Ashton method. Haas anyone done this and did Valium make you more tired?

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imomtojdkt | @imomtojdkt | Sep 4 8:32am

I meant “benzo”

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 4 12:31pm

Hi @imomtojdkt, I corrected the spelling in your title and expanded it to reflect your question. You may also be interested in these related discussions found using search for the phrase
- Benzo withdrawal https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Benzo%20withdrawal
- Ashton method https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=Ashton+method
- Valium https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Valium

I'm bringing in a few members like @paromita87 @sears @scruffy1 @clutch @pamee @birdie67 who are familiar with the Ashton method and/or tapering off Valium or Ativan.

Are you finding it difficult to function during the day as you switch from Ativan to Valium? How are you doing?

imomtojdkt | @imomtojdkt | Sep 4 12:40pm

Thanks so much for commenting. I was on .5 Klonopin in the morning and then .5 Ativan 3x a day and changed over the Klonopin slowly to Ativan. That made me way less tired. As of yesterday I changed to Valium for two of the doses and I’m anxious and exhausted. I wonder if the Valium ids going to be like the Klonopin and make me tired. I can’t deal with that again. I know it’s better to titrate from Valium but it will ruin my life if I’m exhausted and anxious all the time from it.

sears | @sears | Sep 4 2:26pm

Make sure your doctor is prescribing the correct equivalency of Ativan to Valium. 1 mg. Ativan = 10 mgs. Valium. This is extremely important so that you have a smooth taper. Too many doctors want to under-dose when making the switch. I didn’t find that Valium made me sleepy. I did find that it relaxed my muscles too much. Please google the Ashton Manual. You will find a step by step guide. Hopefully your doctor will pay attention. Most do not. Do not under any circumstances let your doctor rush your taper!!!!!!!!