Using CBD oil to help taper off anxiety & depression meds?

Before discovering the wonders of CBD, tapering from Benzos have been difficult, to say the least. I've experienced almost all of the classical symptoms with the brief exception of nausea. CBD has helped alleviate, irritability, headaches, muscle pain and stiffness let alone the anxiety for which I was taking clonazepam. I was taking 3mg - 4mg at my peak and I'm now down to 0.75mg. I've been taking these drugs since my early 20's and I'm now in my early 40's. For whatever reason, I simply came across some online resources which were spelling out the benefits of quitting these drugs, mostly feeling ALIVE again and not in a constant state of drowsiness and emotional blunting. You don't know how deeply these drugs affect you until you get off of them. I'm also aware that I still have a substantial journey ahead of me but this is an amazing beginning.

I just started the most recent taper (1mg to 0.75mg) 5 days ago and I'm feeling OK. I do have a bit of trouble sleeping, especially after waking in the middle of the night. I should also add that I quit sleeping aids at this time also (Unisom specifically, 5 days ago). Through help from this forum, I've switched Unisom for melatonin. It knocks me out at night but as I mentioned, I'm working through falling back asleep after waking in the middle of the night. The fact that I've been able to maintain such a low dose of clonazepam (for me) along with complete elimination of Unisom is nothing short of remarkable for me and I'm quite proud of that. I've gone from 3mg to 1.5mg without CBD and it was extremely difficult with a very high level of irritability and insomnia. This most recent taper from 1.5mg to 0.75mg (in 0.25mg increments) was done with the help of CBD and there is a tangible difference.

CBD (tinctures/oil, caps and or dry flower (High CBD, negligible THC)) has helped tremendously to help deal Benzodiazepine withdrawal. If I'm having a particularly difficult day, I will use one of the above delivery methods depending on my environment. For example, if I'm at home, I will vape it as it's the quickest delivery method (seconds). If I'm traveling, I will use either the tincture or gelcap. I should also add that I live in Canada so I have access to regulated CBD flower, oils, and gel caps, although at a steep price. For those us actively trying to taper from these difficult drugs, I think we can all agree that it's difficult to put a price on alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

Hope this helps and please note this is my experience only.

@merpreb I tried it once maybe it wasn't the right dose but it didn't do anything for me how do you know what you need and how much I don't have any guidelines on it

@merpreb I tried it once maybe it wasn't the right dose but it didn't do anything for me how do you know what you need and how much I don't have any guidelines on it

That's the problem with CBD. There are no guidelines as to how much to take. I'm not making any claim to its efficacy, it just didn't work for me but everybody is different. If it is found clinically to be effective there should be some guidelines.

Good morning @lioness There are no official guidelines- I think for now it's a crap shoot because it's unregulated. However, due to a lot of the postings here, you can see some of the answers. This is my experience: At my compassion center I was told to start with a full dropper from a 100 ml bottle. That was 10 mgs of CBD oil along with flavoring. If that didn't work to increase it. Taken daily and at the same time it will build up in your system. Here is some help
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treatment-with-medical-cannabis/
https://www.dawsoncreekmirror.ca/opinion/columnists/knowing-the-difference-between-hemp-oil-and-cbd-oil-1.23381063
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php
Hope this helps

@merpreb thanks ,very informative Im starting with a new rheumatologist and will talk to him I,ve tried all the known meds for fibromyalgia known help Im med. sensitive .

@lioness- Here's something for you to read: https://www.namaste.com/blogs/news/what-is-cannabis

@merpreb I have used Hemp oil and the seeds I put in my smoothie also on skin Didn't realize out of 1 little plant there is so much and many uses Thanks