Weaning off benzodiazepines

[Marion11]

Hello there-I have been on various medications over the years to treat my bipolar and bpd-now half year ago been told that I will have to come off diazepam in order to get long term psychotherapy course.Ive been doing quite well for some time and managed to reduce from 10mg a day to basically 2.But now it’s coming to the end I’m not so sure I can do it..Every day is a constant battle with myself,I don’t seem to find anything to do with myself except of thinking about taking 10mg as before. Seems like I’m not being able to talk to people anymore or do simple tasks at all.Would anyone be kind and give any input on this...Will I ever be free of this madness

[Stilltrying_]

Hello there, I can relate to the benzo thing as I am pretty hooked myself and trying to reduce. I take lorazepam which is the same as diazepam though it's a faster release into the blood stream, and I'm trying to cut down and eventually cut it out. It's very difficult as I take it mainly to sleep and I can't sleep without it so i'm having a lot of extra time awake.

I can completely relate to wanting to revert back to what you were taking before. It is so tempting as it gives relief of symptoms doesn't it but I do think benzo's in the longterm are extremely bad for us.

You have done really well to reduce from the 10mg of diazepam down to 2mg. That's a pretty low dose, so you are nearly there!! I'm not quite at that point yet but I am going to keep on trying as over the years I believe the benzo's have really messed with my brain.

Just to say I know how hard it is but you can do it ! Stick with it and think of how clear your brain will be when ultimately that stuff is out of your system for good. That's what I keep telling myself. If I go back to a higher dose I am ruining all the work I have done so far in reducing.

All the best and that is great you are going to have psychotherapy and hopefully that will help you with your moods in the longterm.

Gemma x

[lin62-65ze]

Hello Marion, I am also bi polar however I have been on Lithium for years and 75g of Pregablin to help me sleep. I do not fully understand the medicine you describe. I always thought people with bi polar were given medication and if it does the job stay on it! I personally had a job, 3 sons husband, lots of anxiety and without Lithium I would never have coped. My suggestion to you is try CBT lots of exercise and read up on your symptoms. As far as I am aware bi polar needs to be kept stable. Feel free to contact me again, Helen x

[Marion11 in reply to lin62-65ze]

Hello Lin-thanks for taking your time to reply! Thing is I’m on mood stabilisers and antipsychotic as well-I’m not sure they work but been on it for more than 7 years now and still go on the trot as my mother would say once a year still.Now diazepam seemed to smooth things out for me -especially when it comes to socialising.Thats why I don’t understand why I’ve been asked to come off it,and find it very difficult without them..I’ve gone through cbt number of times but to be honest it only makes sense while I’m sitting there but not on the outside world.

[lin62-65ze in reply to Marion11]

Hello again Marion, after reading your reply I too do not understand why they want you to come off your various medicines. If you are getting better then yes otherwise I would question this with your GP. It's no fun having bi polar, some are worse than others. I am convinced there should be more support, also greater understanding as we all have different symptoms. My 39 year old son has it too, it's got him into terrible debt, he's always on eBay, hopefully his new meds will help. Take care Marion I'm here to help xx