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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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cindisue | @cindisue | Aug 7 6:26pm
In reply to @historyguy "I think whenever I watch a video of someone who overcame benzo withdrawal are are enjoying..." + (show)
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I think whenever I watch a video of someone who overcame benzo withdrawal are are enjoying a renewed, clean cycle of sleep I become envious. I know it can be done. My doc says I’m the longest sleep resistant patient he’s ever seen and he agrees it’s possible to begin anew if I can pull this off. By being a slave to the benzo I only mean I hate having a pill controlling my life, other than heart medication, etc. what happens when you develop a tolerance to the medication you’re on? Do you just continue to go from pill to pill? So you see, I’ve done this for so damn long I finally had to draw the line. I’m only talking about myself, not being critical of others. To get an idea of where I’m suddenly getting the nerve to do this, YouTube sleep and insomnia by Angela peacock. Hope you have a great day.

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Hello, I don't feel like taking an anxiety/sleep med daily is controlling my life. Just the opposite in fact. It's helping my life. If one day the strength I take is not enough, I can up the Amitriptyline dose and possibly the lorazepam a tad, if need be. My doctor agrees I have to take this for the rest of my life and will adjust dosage if need be. I've only taken them both for 2 years now and I'm 64 years old. So I don't have to worry about benzo withdrawal unless they quit making it. And then my doctor would give me another benzo to replace it. Your situation/body is different and I pray you have success in your withdrawal process and finding another solution to get some sleep.

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