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Post by pepper59 on May 26, 2015 23:21:48 GMT
A little background. Back in March I started a thread about a horrible storm of muscle cramps, one so severe it tore a muscle and the ongoing saga. Its a super long thread but basically they're still not sure what caused it all, I'm seeing a neurologist and being referred to a big teaching hospital's neuro muscular clinic. Both appointments first week of June.
After tons of tests and 2 trips to ER and an inconclusive MRI, I am still having some cramps but its much better. I am now on Gabapentin and valium for a muscle relaxer. I was prescribed 5 mg valium 1 or 2 times daily. I have been taking them for 5 weeks. Most days 1 or 1 and 1/2 tablets. A few days none. A couple of days 2.
So what I need to know is, can I stop? My doc said they can be very addictive and I would have to taper off. After 5 weeks, am I dependent? She isn't sure and doesn't seem to know what tapering off looks like exactly. I don't feel like I need them. I don't crave them or miss them if I don't take at a certain time. Everything I see online is people taking them for years in huge amounts. But then I see that they stay in your system and kind of build up so you might stop and think your fine then a few days later have severe withdrawals.
So just shooting in the dark here. Any input or experience, professional or personal? Thanks in advance!i |
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Post by Basket1lady on May 26, 2015 23:25:31 GMT
I'd have a chat with your pharmacist. I've found that doctors often don't know a lot about the drugs they are prescribing, but the pharmacist knows all.
I'm glad you are feeling better!
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Post by mirabelleswalker on May 26, 2015 23:27:01 GMT
Stop taking it and see. That's the only way you'll know. Nothing terrible will happen and you can start taking it again if you feel you need it.
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Post by pepper59 on May 26, 2015 23:37:58 GMT
Well actually you can have seizures and some other really nasty withdrawal effects, so it does concern me. I did call the pharmacist and he wasn't sure either. I figure the more informed or experienced info I can get the better. Thanks!
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Post by dazeepetals on May 26, 2015 23:57:46 GMT
Pharmacist here
I don't think you are addicted. It would take consistent, mainly everyday use for your body to become chemically dependent on it requiring slow withdraw. Occasional use won't typically cause withdraw symptoms.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on May 26, 2015 23:58:17 GMT
Not from the dose you're on. The worst that will probably happen is sleep disruption.
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Post by Katie on May 27, 2015 0:13:44 GMT
You are at a low dose so no tapering should be needed. You can stop and I'd be surprised if you notice any change.
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Post by smokey2471 on May 27, 2015 0:48:23 GMT
I take Valium and have for 3 years. It was about 6 months of taking 6 5 mg pills every day to really get to the point I had to take them. I'm switching to something new soon.
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Post by jcm28 on May 27, 2015 1:11:12 GMT
I had to taper off medication once and I did it systematically and S-L-O-W-L-Y. I was taking a 20 mg tablet once a day. I got a calendar and the first week I took 20 mg one day and 10 mg the next. Then I took 10 mg a day for one week. Then I took 5 mg one day and 10 the next for a week. Then 5 mg a day for a week. Then 5 mg one day and none the next for a week. Then I took the plunge and stopped all together. Some sleep issues the first week drug free but within a week, I felt fine.
I remember your story about the leg and feet cramps. Actually, I think I was the first one to reply to you. I still have my cramps in my thighs when I work a stretch (3 12 hour night shifts in a row). I try to remember to take my Magnesium and my B-12 and it seems to help.
I am glad you are going to see a specialist. Hope they get to the bottom of your long struggle and you are soon on the road to recovery!
Janet
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Post by rst on May 27, 2015 2:04:07 GMT
My son was on valium, same dose you note, except he was about 15-25 pounds at the time. We did have to taper him off, and the withdrawl was absolute hell for a tiny 4 year old body. But he had been on it for 3 years, multiple doses a day, and his underlying problem was ongoing. It took about 3 months to taper him down and then off. It was a long and hard summer.
However, you're an adult with a larger body, have been taking it a relatively short time, so probably won't have adverse affects at all. Or if you notice any difference, it would likely be mild. I was told that headaches, itchy sensations, and auditory hallucinations or irritating buzzing sounds were likely some of the things that were making my son so miserable. If you do, take a half pill every day, then half pill every other day for a couple of days.
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Post by freecharlie on May 27, 2015 3:10:46 GMT
If you are coming off of them, there is no reason you can't taper. If you were taking 10 mg every day, then you drop to 7.5, then 5, then 2.5, then none.
But I don't think you really need to taper at this point. Have you gone more than two days without taking one? What happened then?
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Post by scrappychick on May 27, 2015 3:21:34 GMT
There's no harm in tapering off. Take 1 every other day for a week, then 1/2, etc.
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