Does anyone know of a way to discontinue valium use comfortably at home. Please help.?

Question

I have been on Valium since a recent death, almost a year. My physician continues to prescribe it in a small dose for maintaince, but I have difficulty taking such a small amount due to dependence. I have discussed it with him, do not have medical insurance and need to know if there is a comfortable way to detox at home, or anything that can help easy the symptoms.

Answer 1

Not my specialty - but I do know that withdrawal from benzos needs medical monitoring due to side effects which include abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, sweating, tremors, vomiting. The most concerning obviously is the convulsions or seizures. I'd consult with your doc and let him know you need a detox program. It's very difficult to detox at home when you are addicted to something, and in this case, dangerous.

Answer 2

I suggest that you slowly decrease the amount of valium you are taking every few days until you no longer need it. You can do this by cutting your pills into smaller sections until your body no longer is dependent. If you are taking a full pill now, start taking a 3/4 pill for the next couple of days and then 1/2 pill and so on.

Drink more water and try exercising when you feel stressed or anxious or sad.

I am sorry for your loss. Maybe you could also try a grief support group in your area or even a chat room online.

The best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I took valium so I feel I am qualified to answer this question. If you are already on a low dose and ar still feeling dependence, keep in mind that part of that feeling is all in your head. Start by spacing your doese out, gradually further and further apart. Then you can start to cut the pills in half, or just take less per day. In order to deal with the detox (which can take a few months) I suggest trying glasses of beer or wine when you are feeling icky. Also, get lots and lots of sleep. Nap when you can. If you have extreme feelings of panic or bodily discomfort, call your doctor.

Answer 4

I would start on something like Zoloft. After 2 weeks on Zoloft, you should be able to halve the Valium for a week or two. Then, you could taper on off.
Here is a reliable place to order generic Zoloft that you should be able to afford:
http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/anti-depressants/generic_zoloft.html
There are no shipping charges. Zoloft does just about the same thing for anxiety that Valium does. It is just not hard to get and not addictive. I have used the pharmacy when I don't want to get a prescription.

Answer 5

Your doctor needs to be weaning you off Valium a little at a time. It can be done at home, but he needs to be giving you enough that the doseage that works can be very gradually reduced--just a little bit less each week.

In the meantime you can light lavender candles or incense, and use lavender soaps and shampoos. These are relaxing, and may help you to sleep. You can drink Chamomile Tea, or Sleepy Time tea, which also help a bit. You should take out a book on how to meditate, and keep it as a regular habit.

Answer 6

Whatever you do, don't stop it cold. You could have a grand mal seizure from coming off Valium after that long. The general rule is to decrease the dosage by 1 miligram each couple of weeks until you're off completely. If that's too dificult, try decreasing it by 1/2 a miligram instead.
You could also ask the doctor to help you taper it down safely. Good luck!

Answer 7

Just keep cutting the pill into smaller pieces and cutting your dose every day. If you are really taking alot you HAVE TO confess to your doc. for safety reasons. But if you're only take like 5-15 mgs. a day you can get off on your own I would think. If you feel uncomfortable from withdrawal you can use tylenol p.m. even in the day or melatonin vitamins to take the edge off. Also, clear your schedule and plan a few days of pampering yourself if you can. Good Luck.