20/10/2024
For those tapering off your benzo and anti depressant - Tapering in summary
Based on my experience, you can taper off both your benzo and AD at the same time slowly and safely in accordance with the Ashton Manuel, i.e. a recommended 6 months taper.
The benzo or sedative or low will provide a buffer against the AD (a stimulant or high) so you can taper off the AD much faster. Always follow how you feel.
Unless you are prescribed va**um to take, first you have to cross over from your benzo to an equivalent dose of va**um. The Ashton Manual will guide you on how to cross over to va**um.
You have to inform your GP or psychiatrist that you want to taper off your medicines to recover and regain your life and request for va**um prescription to support your taper.
First of all, go on the recommended healthy diet for at least a month to prepare your body for tapering. Taking zinc will prevent anxiety. Taking a probiotics like sauerkraut or kimchi will replenish the gut with good bacteria which will produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter that make us happy, calm and confident. It will prevent depression. Sunlight will boost serotonin production. Light to moderate exercise will provide feel good chemicals.
Do a proper crossover from your current benzo to va**um in 3 to 4 weeks without kicking off any withdrawal symptoms. First week, take 3/4 of your current benzo and 1/4 of equivalent va**um dose. Second week, take 1/2 of your current benzo and 1/2 of equivalent va**um dose. Third week, 1/4 of your current benzo and 3/4 of equivalent va**um dose. Fourth week, 0 of your current benzo and 1 or full dose of equivalent va**um.
AD must be taken in the morning at breakfast so that by evening, there will be no more stimulating effect. So you can sleep at night. If your psychiatrist prescribes AD as night or before bed dose,
you have to switch to morning dose slowly and safely without kicking up any withdrawal symptoms in 4 weeks. First week, take 3/4 as night dose. Next morning, take 1/4 dose. So that in 24 hours, you take 1 full dose. Second week, take 2/4 as night dose/ Next morning, take 2/4 dose. Third week, take 1/4 night dose. Next morning, take 3/4 dose. Fourth week, take zero night dose. Next morning, take 1 full dose. You have successfully switched from night to morning dose.
After successful crossover, then you can start tapering off the va**um at the recommended rate of 10% reduction per week. Use a pen knife to cut the tablet into halves, then quarters and finally 1/8 or 10%. Approximate 10% reduction per week. Prepare the dosage for a week in pill dispenser. At half way, reduce or slow down the tapering by half or to 5 %. A total of 2minimum 4 weeks or 6 months taper is recommended.
Follow the Ashton Manual on "HOW TO WITHDRAW FROM BENZODIAZEPINES AFTER LONG-TERM USE" and "Why should you come off benzodiazepines?"
Always follow how you feel. If you feel you have unbearable withdrawal symptoms after you make a taper reduction, either maintain that dosage for a few weeks until the withdrawal symptoms subside or go back up to the last dosage where you dont have any withdrawal symptoms. Once you feel you dont have anymore withdrawal symptoms,, then resume taper again.
Please be reminded that your taper can take longer than 6 months. Always taper slowly and safely. No rush or short cut. The weekly taper rate is to allow your brain to heal for 10% during first half of taper or 5% during second half of taper, before the next reduction. If your brain hasnt healed in that 1 week, you will still have withdrawal symptoms. That is when you should maintain the dosage for 2 or more weeks or go back up to the last dosage where you feel fine. Resume the taper when your brain has healed or you fell better.
Too fast a taper will result in protracted withdrawal symptoms as the brain hasnt healed completely yet or relapse. In such a case, when you have unbearable withdrawal symptoms that interfere with your life, you may have to go back up to the last dosage where you feel fine or go back up to the original dosage to provide you with a buffer. You may NOT need to go back up on your dosage with AD as va**um will give you a buffer or protection.
It is not easy but doable. I wish you SUCCESS in your taper to recover and regain your life to live a normal, happy, joyful and enjoyable life instead of anxiety, depression, misery, insomniac, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, no motivation or feeling like a zombie.
You may also join the forum, Benzobuddies, which will help you in your taper journey.