Tortuous weaning off valium

Posted by historyguy @historyguy, Apr 11 10:56am

Is there anyone out there who have had years long struggle getting off benzos? I’m a 77-year-old retired teacher who began taking benzos of various kinds for 24 years. I’ve only taken them due to severe insomnia. After seeing numerous doc, therapists (including my wife) I began seeing an addiction doc. Began a year ago and have dropped from 20 mg. Valium to 5. It has been hellish and at times I’ve fudged a bit and temporarily raised my dosage. The point is my sleep is terrible, at no matter what dosage. I average 3-4 hours a night. Need sleep badly.

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sharbern | @sharbern | Apr 23 9:29am

Hi. I knew another Teacher that had the same issue. I can only suggest perhaps taking a walk before going to bed, prayer before sleep, also there are vitamins, which I trust you take, also herbs, early in sobriety I took VALERIAN, an herbal, not every night, just maybe once a year. B-Complex is also suppose to be good for the nervous system. You can do some research. I sure do wish you the very Best.

historyguy | @historyguy | Apr 23 11:39am

Thank you. Appreciate your comments and suggestions.

con123 | @con123 | Apr 24 5:33am

I would suggest going to a sleep specialist neurologist. They can evaluate the best option for your insomnia. Don't suffer.

historyguy | @historyguy | Apr 24 10:54am

Thank you. Did that. No avail. Also suggested the Ashton method which I’ve been doing. On top of that he wanted to introduce complementary medication which only exacerbates the process. I’ve done my homework. Suffering truly is the best option in my book. It really does boil down to that. There is no shortcut. Appreciate your input though.