Posted by shelley on January 9, 1999, at 11:09:21
In reply to , posted by alan on January 9, 1999, at 3:40:50
> > > >I have the help of a good doc who is helping me to taper off over a period of months. She said "success" is more important than "time"...
> > > I agree, be patient. The other thing is, sometimes it's easier to taper a longer-acting medication, so sometimes it can help first to switch to an equivalent dose of something similar, but longer-acting, and then to taper that one.
> > > Good luck,
> > > Bob
> > Thanks Bob! I think that is the route we are taking. I'm using Restoril now for sleep and taking a little less Halcion about once a week. The nights I cut the Halcion are hell. But, my doc is very encouraging that we will "succeed." The withdrawal is frighhtening. I wish more people would share their tips on how to get through the weaning process alive!!
> I think you are now on two benzos, both of which are short acting. No wonder cuts in Halcion are disturbing. Maybe you can discuss Dr, Bob's suggestion with your doc. Maybe take one looong acting benzo, and if your cuts in dosage are terible, then I think you might cut less. I've like going off benzos using Valium, because the pills come in dosages that make small cuts easier. (I assume there are others with that advantage.) Don't be afraid to back track sometimes, as long as you keep going down in dosage, just not necessarily in a sraight line. I think unecessary pain is silly. (I also think, but would not assert, that anxiety teaches the brain how to be anxiuos.)
Thanks Alan. Yes, Restoril is another short acting benzo, but not as short as Halcion. At least I sleep. If I don't sleep hypomania sets in and nothing gets done. I understand Klonopin is longer acting and have permission to use as much as I need to settle the day after effects of cutting, for now. Tonight's my night to cut back again. We'll see if it's a success this week. Maybe, anxiety breeds anxietys, maybe exponentially here. I'm well rested and ready if tonight is hard. Thanks, Shell
poster:shelley
thread:1995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990101/msgs/2214.html