I am going to begin Week 7 of a ten week taper off of 10 mg. of Diazepam, which I was prescribed 25 years ago for muscle spasticity, after developing tolerance that began last year with the onset of anxiety. Unfortunately, the connection between my long use of Diazepam and the anxiety was not made until I had a discussion with my therapist about the anxiety that was becoming so crippling and my pharmaceuticals came up. Armed with this new information, I contacted my physician and a taper was begun. To say the last year has been hell would be to put it lightly! Now, as I go through this taper with the finish line in sight, I contend with increased anxiety, shakiness, tachycardia, depression, lack of interest in life and, at times, vivid, disturbing dreams. My question is, does this nightmare end? If so, how long after I stop taking the Diazepam will it take for me to feel better and what is better going to feel like after having been on this drug for nearly half my life? I'm not sure what to expect. Right now, it's all I can do to get through the day and I hate being alone.I feel very alone as nobody in my family has gone through this before. My sisters are wonderful support, but, I really need some reassurance that this is going to get better. I just would like to hear from those who have been down this rocky road before. Thank you.

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