Kind,

If your doctor is reluctant about switching you to Valium then you need to refer her to the Ashton Manual where Dr. Ashton recommends the switch. Also, know that if you you are adamant with her about wanting the switch she will likely just do it. Any opposition she will have to it would be rooted in her not fully understanding why. Since both are benzodiazepines, if you are already on one there is no rational reason against switching to other. As human beings though we are always curious critters about sometimes having to know why about things before feeling ok with it. Just stand your ground and she will likely just do it. If you make it easy for her to say no, well.....

Kind, I must tell ya that mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines is a huge NONO; very serious interaction risks. The most notable among cases was that of Karen Ann Quinlan in the 70s. She was in a comatose vegetative state for over a decade before she died. She was in her early 20s, no other health problems, no alcohol or drug problems....she just mixed alcohol and a benzodiazepine one night and the chemistry cocktail blew up. Not preaching...just making sure you know your risks.

I have been through Xanax WDs so I definitely know the feeling of needing something to help cope. The Valerian helped me a lot, along with B-Complex and L-Tyrosine and HTP5..made a big difference...and HOT baths...lots of em. Benadryl helps too, but I probably wouldn't use the Benadryl if you are still on the benzodiazepine since some studies are showing it may increase risks of benzodiazepine withdrawal seizure. But, you have tapered low enough now that you are not likely to have risks of seizure. Those risks are associated with abruptly stopping from higher dose level. You might ask your doctor when she calls if you are considering it. More than anything else however, 20-30 min of walking a day will make a major difference....gets your body's own natural endorphins and dopamine factory working for you.

hi gals, as the saying goes "I feel your pain"...I truly do.......been there/done that:( .......benzodiazepine WDs are the worst among the RX list:(

Donna I agree with you on wondering WHY doctors prescribe long term when the history of this drug is so well known. Baffling. They either don't know or don't care. Either way, there is a message in it for all of us---we must take charge of our own body. Just because a doctor prescribes something...assume NOTHING....ASK...RESEARCH. All you have to do is type into your search engine the name of the drug and the word withdrawal---then stand back for eye opening information that you didn't know was out there.

Anyway, regarding sleep problems....what happens w/WDs is this.....long term drug use depletes the body of magnesium....magnesium impacts serotonin.....serotinin impacts the REM4 (deep stage) sleep cycle. People who have chronic pain, long term drug use, or are menopausal are at risk for deficient magnesium levels. If you are having difficulty sleeping it can be a sign that your magnesium level is shot. You can improve your magnesium levels by adding green leafy vegetables to diet, particularly spinach is very high (Popeye was right!!! lol). Also, almonds, cashews, peanuts, potatoes, beans, and bananas are also high sources. And, you will LOVE this...MILK CHOCOLATE has a higher level than whole milk or raisins!!!! So, this means Snickers are finally in a valuable food group with both Milk Chocolate and Peanuts......Yeahhhhh!!!!!! ;)

However, beyond dietary sources you need to add supplements. L-Tyrosine, HTP5, St. John's Wort all directly impact serotonin levels. SSRI rx-depression drugs directly impact serotonin so do not add OTC serotonin impact to your SSRI without first consulting your doctor because imbalances can occur with potentially substantial side effects.