Valium (diazepam) Taper

Hi I know this is an old thread, but wondered how @hopeful123 is getting on, as I am coming off Valium. Now at 2.3mgs and am struggling with anxiety agoraphobia brought on by the Valium, and now depression. I have seriously been considering celexa/citalopram to lift my mood and control the taper induced anxiety, and would love to know if it has helped you.

Hello, @chinchuck - I'm sorry to hear about all you are going through with weaning off your medication. I'm also hoping that in addition to @hopeful123, @pankaj @parus @ainsleigh and @hopeful33250 might return to offer their support to you as you taper off of diazepam (Valium) and are dealing with some anxiety and agoraphobia, as well as depression. They may have some thoughts on whether citalopram (Celexa) has been helpful, for those who have gone through this taper.

Did your doctor suggest the citalopram (Celexa) or another medication to ease the symptoms, @chinchuck, or what did he or she suggest might help you through the rough patches with this taper?

Good morning @chinchuck. I took valium for 17 plus years. I was put on valium back when every woman who complained about any emotional problem was. It was their excuse for not dealing with problems of anxiety and depression. But it really doesn't matter why anyone was put on it as the symptoms of withdrawal are basically terrible. Back then there was a very mild tranquilizer called 'Librium (chlordiazepoxide). It took me a month to wean off of Valium. There isn't a symptom on this thread that I didn't have. I remember not being able to sleep and then as someone said, "I sleep like a cat". It was a huge relief when a month finally arrived and I was off of it. I told my then boyfriend, and now my husband that if I ever went back on them not to ever ask me to wean off of it again. That never happened. I know that you can do this. Be strong and keep going!

@chinchuck Tapering is best. I was on different benzodiazepines for 15 years. Went off of those as well as antidepressants and antipsychotics cold turkey and did so alone. Not an easy time. I have learned the hard way about medications that are prescribed and the powerful hold they can have. As @merpreb stated, you can do this. I have found I enjoy life more out from under the benzo fog.

Hi . I am so trapped in the Valium nightmare. I think there was a trigger that sent me on the path of anxiety and then the Drs tried a bit of sertraline, then a week of Lyrica, then a week on two occasions of mirtazapine at 15mgs and 7.5mg respectively, as well as the Valium which at first was haphazard dosing from maybe the middle of las April. I was not on anything long just a few day on each, except the Valium which I have been trying desperately to wean off, going really slowly over months, but the anxiety is crippling me and my weight loss and muscle loss is frightening, I have lost 30lbs and I am small as it is. I do try to eat as best I can even though I have no appetite, I have cut out sugars except in fruit, and caffeine. I am also concerned about dairy and wheat if I have started reacting to them as my CNS is shot. I am trying CBT with a home visit due to the agoraphobia caused by the medication, but am told I am not receptive to it at the moment, hence I would love to find a way to bring the anxiety down which I think is a combination of the underlying condition and the chemical anxiety of withdrawal. I just need a break from it as at my age 73, it is too much strain on me. I had thought an antidepressant might help, but perhaps it would make things worse at this stage, maybe even a tiny doze of mirtazapine for sleep I don't know. Any suggestions really I would be so grateful. The psychiatrist has said I don't react well the AD's and it might be so now I am in the withdrawal state, they might be too stimulating to my system. except perhaps the Mirtazapine which I think at very low doses is sedating. I feel so lost

@chinchuck It is good you are working towards eating differently. Could you maybe try to not do everything at once? Your anxiety has you in such a confused state it is hard to be focused. You need to eat. I realize trying to wean off Valium is your goal. You may have already shared why this is your goal. I know if I try to change many things at once I can accomplish nothing. I become frightened that I am doing everything wrong. Not eating can increase your anxiety. Is there a food you really enjoy? I can almost see you running in circles trying to change many things at once. Try doing something you enjoy. Your mind and body need some time off. Many of us have been in this place. It is hard.

@chinchuck- Right now it sounds as if you are in a vicious circle, which is really making your anxiety worse. These cycles are the pits, right? You say that your CNS is shot. Did something happen, or did you have a disease that made it so? I hadn't realized that Valium made someone agoraphobic until you mentioned it. And boy was I! What stage are you in weaning off of valium? How long have you been at this? I need you to calm down first a foremost. I know that what you are feeling is horrible. Please make a list about how you can calm your anxiety down if it isn't the valium and how you will deal with it if it is. There are just some withdrawal symptoms that we have to put up with. What are AD's?
If you can walk please just push yourself to get out of the house and bring someone with you who you trust and feel safe with. The feeling of agoraphobia will lessen as the valium leaves your system.

Thank you Merry. I am trying to get off Valium now at 2.25mmgs from 4mgs as it has never worked for me and once I realised it is dangerous and addictive taken longer than a couple of weeks or so. I knew I had to get off it, but the battle to do so has been awful. It is the worst thing I have ever gone through in my life, even though I am tapering so slowly. I fear what the result will be as already I have anxiety far far in excess of my original condition, It gave me agoraphobia, massively increased tinnitus, internal shivers , huge weight loss, lack of appetite, sleep gone. I am so very scared and wish I had not taken even one. I never had a problem with food till the Valium, now I am so sensitive to any sugars and carbs. I am at a loss, what to do to get my life back. I had thought maybe something like mirtazapine at a very low dose may help me, but am scared to take anything. I just want me back. Desperate to survive

@chinchuck- You will survive! I know that this seems discouraging but I think that your anxiety needs to quiet down so you will start to feel better. First off have you talked with your doctor about some help as you wean off of Valium? Have you tried CBD oil? It has really helped calm me down!

@chinchuck I understand your regrets of having ever taken this medication. It is understandable. I have been in this place and it is not easy. I can recall believing the hellacious place I was in was going to be what my life would always be and that it would not get better. The place you are in is scary and anyone telling you to get over it and that what you are feeling is in your imagination is wrong!!
I was on 5 mg. 3 times a day for 5 years.
It feels like you will lose your mind on the journey of weaning. Do your best and try to not beat yourself up.
We all do not experience this the same.
I know I am cheering you on!