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Petebob: My Valium taper failed.I had to reinstate. I need help


petebob

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I am on multiple drugs that I am going to Taper off of. I am on 300mg gabapentin. 20mg of valium and take 50 to 75mg of Trazodone at night. I had started to taper off the valium  using the Ashton Taper schedule. But at 16mg I had major symptoms of burningsensations in my eyes,face, throat mouth and chest. I also had Tinnitus. My doctor told me to go back to my starting dose of 20mg Valium. I think the gabapentin may be messing up my taper plans. I have been on 300mg of gabapentin for 4 months. I need some members experience with tapering off of gabapentin. I don't think it is a high dose and I don't think 4 months has been that long a time. Has anyone tapered off of such an amount?. I plan on resuming my valium taper once I am off of gabapentin

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Are those all your drugs? You want to keep them all in mind when you start a taper--I learned the hard way.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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Yes. I do take meds for BP and chloresterol. But for psych and anxiety these are the ones I take. I just need to be guided to the forums dealing with gabapentin tapering. Since this is the first one I think I should taper off of. The trazodone helps me to sleep.

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Don't laugh....I don't know how to post a link. But if you go to the tapering forum and search for it, it's there. And I think you're right that it would be your logical first choice. Good luck!

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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Hello members. I am trying to Taper off of gabapentin. I think it has messed up the taper I had been doing of Valium. I am back at 20mg Valium and have been taking 300mg of gabapentin for 4 months. I don't know for this dosage and for this time that I have been taking it how I should taper off of it. I also take 50 to 75mg of Trazodone a night to help me sleep. I have a precision scale to weigh the capsules and I have empty gelatin capsules to pour the gabapentin powder into. I jus need to know how someone tapered off of 300mg after taking this same dose over 4 months time?

 

If anyone has had experience withdrawing from gabapentin Please let me know what worked for you or did not work. Thanks  Pete

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Tapering Zoloft, Dec 2014

Started Lamictal

Re-started Zoloft mid-Oct 2014, 25-50mg

Stopped Zoloft end of Sept 2014

Started Zoloft July 2014, 50mg

Stopped Prozac from 3mg May 2014

Stopped Effexor Dec '13 Started 10mg Prozac

Reinstated Effexor 15mg on Nov 2013

Stopped from 21mg on Oct 2013
Effexor 112.5mg, since Dec 2012

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Finn, No I will be using a precision scale to weigh the gabapentin capsule then open the capsule and pour it into an empty gelatin capsule. If I weigh the capsule of gabapentin I can calculate how much a 10% cut should weigh. I dont want to use liquid titration. The scale is accurate enough and I can pour the powder into the empty gelatin capsule easy enough without spilling it. I just need to know about people who have been on the lowere dosages like 300mg for 4 months Taper . Like do they do it in a month or do they taper by a per cent over a week etc?

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

*** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***





http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/
Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007.
Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. 

A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido.

 

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  • Administrator

Welcome, petebob.

 

Since you had that bad reaction to the benzo taper, you may wish to try a very gradual approach first. See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I want to first taper off the gabapentin. I have a miligram scale that goes down to .001gm

I have 400mg and 300mg capsules of gabapentin. The weight of the 400mg capsule is  .624gms

I can open the capsule and pour out powder into an empty gelatin capsule. So by doing math I can figure out how much powder can be removed to give me a certain mg. For example If I want 200mg capsule I would pour out enough powder to get a weight of .312mg. So now I would have the original capsule at 200mg and the other capsule at 200mg also.So my plan is to reduce by 10 or 20% every week until I am done with the gabapentin. Then I will start my taper off the Valium. I am only on 50mg of Trazodone so I don't know if this has to be tapered also? Anyone have an opinion? Does my method of weighing the gabapentin seem like it would work?

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Has anyone used a scale for tapering capsules containing beads or powder. I have a Gemini scale that measures down to.001 gm. I have 400mg capsules of Neurontin. I also bought 500 empty gelatin capsules from Amazon. Each capsule weighs .091gms. What I want to do is open up the neurontin capsule and remove powder from it to the empty gelatin capsule. For example I weighed the 400mg Neurontin capsule and it weighs .624gms. So if I want to get a 200mg capsule I would pour or transfer .312mg of the neurontin into the empty capsule. So the original Neurontin would be 200mg and the gelatin capsule would be 200mg. By using math I should be able to get any dosage in mg I want by setting up a proportion 400/.624 = 270gm/x weightSo If I want 270gms  so .624*270 =400*Xweight  So 168.48=400* Xgms   So 168.48/400=.421 gms So .421 gms would give me a capsule of 270mg Neurontin and the gelatin capsule I poured the neurontin powder would be 400-270=130mg. I think I am doing this the right way but I just wanted an opinion if anyone had tried this or thinks there is a better way. All I have are 400mg and 300mg capsules of Neurontin. I have never done Titration or used anything other than a scale to taper

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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I wanted to ask about anyones experience with Trazodone. I try to take no more than 50mg a night as a sleep aid. Is this a dose I would have to taper off of and does anyone know how it may interact with the Valium and gabapentin?

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

I would think it's easier to weigh the powder without the capsule, and figure by percentages how much to take and how much to remove to get to a particular dosage.

 

I suggest you consider tapering by 10% per month to see how that reduction works for you. Do this for 2 months, if all goes well, try 10% every 3 weeks, then 10% every 2 weeks. Don't go any faster than 10% every 2 weeks -- you'll be tapering faster than withdrawal symptoms might emerge.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I started to taper off of 20mg valium. Other medications I am on 300mg gabapentin and 50mg trazodone. I was following the Ashton taper. I cut 1mg and held for 14 days or extended my hold if symptoms got bad. At my starting dose of 20mg I had no symptoms. At 19mg the Tinnitus started. At 18mg the tinnitus got worse and I extended my hold to 18 days. But when I got down to 16mg Valium. I had some bad symptoms. I had these burning sensations in my eyes and face, mouth and throat. also on the skin of my chest. I called my Doctor and he told me to go back to my starting dose of 20mg and stay there. It has been 5 days now at 20mg and I still have these symptoms but not as frequently. I don't know if I need to go on a higher dose than 20 mg to feel like I did when I started my Taper at 20mg. Or maybe I will satbilize with more time. I hope someone can offer some opinion what has gone wrong and what I can do to get stable and symptom free again. I don't know if the 1mg cuts were too much for me or if I should have held for 3 to 4 weeks between cuts. I want to get as stable and symptom free before I attempt any taper. This time I need to do it right

 

Thanks Petebob

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Altostrata, The reason why I am not taking the powder out of the capsule is. The powder would probably stick  to the tray or paper or what ever. I have these empty gelatin capsules and I can either pour the powder directly into the capsule or use a small spoon to transfer the powder . No mess this way and I dont lose any powder. Then I can weigh the capsule to make sure I have cut by 10 %

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

Okay, sounds like you have a plan.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Ashton is too fast for many.. 1 mg is 5% off 20mgs.  Sounds like you should not go faster than 5% a month, and sometimes people need to go even more slowly.. But you are right, you need to stabilize first.  Just hold at 20 mgs., the tinnitus will slow and then stop.  But this is for the future.. As you want to taper off gabapentin, you will need to wait, I would think... at least a couple of months after the tinnitus stops before tackling that drug. 

 

Be aware, one of the WD symptoms of gabapentin is tinnitus, so you need to extra take care on that taper.  I got stuck in a tinnitus cross fire between Lyrica, which is a cousin of gabapentin, and the tail end of a diazepam taper.  Don't rush it... tinnitus is a sticky wicket. Many drugs have tinnitus as a side effect and cross sensitization can occur.  You really do need to be cautious.

 

Skyler

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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I take Trazadone and Gabapentin{Neurontin} and see no interaction.We are not all the same though as I've learned here. I do know when the generics are changed the gabapentin seems to work differently for me.I am trying to settle in on a new one Greenstone.Do you mind if I ask what brand of neurontin you are on ? I hope your taper works for you. There are 100mg capsules of neurontin. And there is a liquid. Just a thought. You'll get the best advice here.  Flower

 

 

C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014
Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th
Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later.
Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize.
Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day..

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Altostrata, The reason why I am not taking the powder out of the capsule is. The powder would probably stick  to the tray or paper or what ever. I have these empty gelatin capsules and I can either pour the powder directly into the capsule or use a small spoon to transfer the powder . No mess this way and I dont lose any powder. Then I can weigh the capsule to make sure I have cut by 10 %

Petebob which scale did you buy? That seems to be the way to go..

C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014
Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th
Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later.
Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize.
Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day..

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2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Thank you I wondered if it worked well enough. I will watch your gabapentin travels..I'm afraid I too will have to do this...

C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014
Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th
Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later.
Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize.
Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day..

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Thank you I wondered if it worked well enough. I will watch your gabapentin travels..I'm afraid I too will have to do this...

Welcome,another Pa friend..

C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014
Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th
Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later.
Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize.
Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day..

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Flower, I will not taper Neurontin until I am stable on valium. The thing I don't know is if the active ingredient in the Neurontin capsule is evenly distributed throughout the capsulse. This would make a big difference.

If anyone knows the asnswer to this please reply.

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

Unless you have a lab, all you can do is go under the assumption it is evenly distributed.

 

You may wish to consider having it compounded into a liquid by a specialty pharmacy.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

This post has been moved from the 'Tapering' discussion area.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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I saw my Doctor who prescribed the Valium for me. He wants me to stop the Neurontin immediately. Then after that he wants me to cut my dose of Trazodone from 50mg to 25mg and stop it also. I told him I was worried about withdrawal and he said I would have none. I told him I had insomnia and he said after a few days I would sleep without medications. He is supposed to have much knowledge about benzos. but I am afraid to abruptly stop both 300mg Neurontin and Trazodone. He says I would not be able to taper successfully off the Valium as long as I am on the Neurontin and trazodone. Has anyone else gotten this kind of advice

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

Is he knowledgeable about benzo tapering? What kind of advice has he given to you about that?

 

I don't like his being so cavalier about going off trazodone and gabapentin. If I were you I would taper the trazodone and gabapentin, separately.

 

Why are you taking trazodone, have you had any adverse reactions to it? I might taper that first, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2883-tips-for-tapering-off-trazodone-desyrel/

 

What time of day do you take each of your drugs? Any can be conflicting, including your BP and cholesterol drugs. Put all of them into the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html , please post the link to your results here.

 

PS See our list of doctors here http://tinyurl.com/7cp8l8v

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Altostrata, He  follows the Ashton schedule My taper started at 20mg Valium and he told me to cut 1mg and hold for 2 weeks and if  I had symptoms to hold longer until my symptoms let up. He first wants me to stop the gabapentin immediately. Next he wants me to cut my dose of Trazodone from 50mg to 25mg and then stop taking this. The trazodone was prescribed by my PM doctor. It was for insomnia. I did not want any more benzos for insomnia and trazodone is a pretty sedating AD often used off label for insomnia. I have had no bad reactions to it. But previously he had suggested Zoloft or Paxil for insomnia. I have tried these years ago and they did not help me to sleep but he thought I should give them another chance and they may work now.

I take the gabapentin, trazodone and valium at bedtime and then take  the valium in the early morning and around 2 pm

 

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

Good that he's aware of Ashton, but not so good that he has no insight into other psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes. The other drugs need tapering, too. You may need to educate him.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Altostrata, He is arrogant and does not listen. It is impossible to educate him. He does not want to hear input from patients. He has the attitude that he knows everything. I could not even talk about liquid valium for Taper. For him it is just cut 1mg all the way to the end of the taper. He will not even let me bring up the topic of tapering off either Neurontin or Trazodone. He even wanted to put me on either Zolft or Paxil. The Trazodone at least is sedating and helps me to sleep. I don't know where to find a Doctor who is benzo wise and also knows that other meds like Neurontin and Trazodone need to be tapered. All I have is the list of Doctors in my insurance network. I have no friends and relatives for referrals. So it is just call  a doctor and trial and error. Do you think any addiction specialists are up to date on the need to taper. It is not easy to find a Doctor who can help me. I live in the woods far away from a major city. I had to drive 100 miles just to see the Doctor I saw.

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Administrator

We are all having trouble finding knowledgeable doctors. We have to do the best we can with them and information we find online.

 

Still, I would taper the trazodone and gabapentin, separately. Personally, I would reduce the trazodone first. Please see the Tapering forum for the topics on this.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Altostrata, The benzo Doctor I saw told me to first stop taking the Neurontin. Then reduce the Trazodone to 25mg and stop taking it also. I hope I can follow the Taper topics. I don't know why he is rushing to take me off the Neurontin. I have a 2 month supply left of valium. If I could taper off the Neurontin in 2 months then I could tell him I am off of Neurontin. I can't start my valium Taper until I am off Neurontin. I don't want to get this doctor angry at me

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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Petebob, can you lie to him about being off of the Neurontin, particularly if you're getting it from another doctor?  Normally, I don't advocate lying but in my opinion, when this guy is essentially holding you hostage and jeapardizing your health, you gotta do whatever it takes to protect yourself.

 

CS

Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010
Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006
Finished taper on June 10, 2010

Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016

Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week

April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia

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Compsports.I think I have to tell him I am off the Neurontin. For a Doctor who knows that it is vital to do a slow taper off of benzos. I was completely shocked when he told me to stop the neurontin and trazodone immediately. I will Tell him I stopped. I don't want to go through more withdrawals from these meds also. I just don't understand how he could know about tapering benzos and not know about tapering other medications.

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Compsports.I think I have to tell him I am off the Neurontin. For a Doctor who knows that it is vital to do a slow taper off of benzos. I was completely shocked when he told me to stop the neurontin and trazodone immediately. I will Tell him I stopped. I don't want to go through more withdrawals from these meds also. I just don't understand how he could know about tapering benzos and not know about tapering other medications.

Petebob, I'm unclear this doc knows much about benzo tapering other than the rudiments Dr. Ashton recommended 20+ years ago, and much of what she recommended then is now dated. True, he follows a step wise taper method, but this approach has evolved significantly.  For example, Dr. Ashton now believes a month hold is better in many instances. A lot is involved and the person you are seeing is dangerously unaware of the interplay between benzos and other psychotropics. 

 

Docs who set themselves up as being benzo wise, but who actually are not are harmful to people like you and me.. beware of them. 

 

Skyler..

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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I showed him that my mail order pharmacy also offer liquid Valium. I could make smaller cuts using this. But He said there is no need to use anything other than 10,5, and 2 mg pills of Valium. I don't think he is flexible or would make any changes. It would be up to me to do small daily cuts or smaller cuts and longer holds. Or Liquid Titration. He did not even bring up how to dose the Valium daily. I guess it is all relative to Doctors and their benzo Tapering knowledge. Some don't believe in any need to Taper. Others are rigid and follow one protocol like Ashton and will not adjust or change if problems come up. I am afraid to go Dr shopping in fears of not finding Doctors who have any knowledge about benzos add psychotropics. They may do me much harm. I am staying on my dose of Neurontin and Valium . I still on occasion have bad symptoms. I am not yet stable enough to start any taper. I don't wish to go for days having insomnia if I cut out the trazodone.

2008 to 2011 3mg Klonopin

June 2011 Detox of klonopin in 7 days at detox place

Aug 2011 to Jan 2013 took supplement phenibut. Covered up klonopin W/D sxs and helped me sleep

March 2013 stopped phenibut no longer worked and Klonopin W/D sxs came back

Took Neurontin 300mg to help with withdrawl

Saw a benzo wise Doctor and was put on 20mg Valium.

End of March 2013 started to taper off of valium using Ashton tapere schedule 1mg cut 2 week hold

June 2013 had major symptoms at 16mg V. Burning sensations eyes,face, mouth, throat and chest also Tinnitus .

Benzo wise Doctor told me to go back to 20mg

Not yet stable or symptom free.

Want to Taper off of 300mg gabapentin before resuming Valium Taper

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