The Ashton Manual Chapter II: How to Withdraw After Long Term Use

[@billashbrook3014]

I'm 75 yrs of age and Jan 20th 2020 I will start my taper from 30mg temazepam for 8 years. I will be crossing over to 15 mg valium. I plan on a 15 month taper if all goes well and I tolerate the withdrawal well. Wish me luck! I think I can do this!

[@barbaranorton2122]

Hey, Bill, I am 61 and will be getting off of Klonipin/Phenibut and gabapentin in January 2020. Been on them off and on for years. Maybe we can be a support. I will check back here, or I am on Facebook at Barbara Norton from Seattle WA. would love to hear how you are doing.

[@billashbrook3014]

Ok, barbara... I'll be in touch. Thank you for the response

[@barbaranorton2122]

@@billashbrook3014 thank you

[@billashbrook3014]

Barbara norton...hi barbara...saw my doctor today...because of my severe copd, she recommended that I stay on my current dose of temazepam and not taper off I kind of agree as the meds still provide me with adequate sleep. The tolerance withdrawal symptoms are not severe only to numbness on both feet, lower neck pain and agitation and aggressiveness. If symptoms get more severe, I will consider a taper. Have you started your taper yet?

[@margaretmanzer2194]

@@barbaranorton2122 Me too, Facebook Peggy Williams Manzer 🌷

[@yvonnedebeer9586]

Your so dedicated to this course, Jocelyn, I admire you and maybe 2 or 3 years from now, I promised my self that when I'm recovered that I will also be able to help someone to understand this problem. Please don't stop you're wonderful work.. You help a lot of us that otherwise had no help. I have up my dose from before and take 4 doses now per day and start feeling better already.. Thanks so so much for your advice. Lots of love.

[@RicanChula7]

Thank you hun. Your videos are the ones that helped me understand this process better. I prayed so much n finally ran into you n got my answers. I tapered by dry cutting but you're videos shed a lot of light my way n also knowledge. I'm going to be cutting to my last piece this week. I am feeling shitty but let me tell you... I'm waiting for that moment I can throw out the rest of these pills FOREVER. ✌🏼 Know that what you're doing is so BIG. You're saving lives n ppl will never forget you. You are a part of a lot of ppl's journey. ❤

[@BenzoBrains]

RicanChula7 thank you ❤

[@BenzoBrains]

Mike L I think she's improved but still dealing with some problems

[@warrenbates2949]

I don't have access to Valium, to substitute for Clonazepam.

[@BenzoBrains]

Warren Bates l have two videos on how to modify this kind of taper to use other benzo such as clonazepam. One is entitled Safely Tapering off Benzodiazelines and the other is Use Water to Taper Your Benzo

[@ItalianaBella333]

RicanChula7 How are you feeling now? I hope and pray for the best. I just started the Ashton Method i desperately need to get off these benzodiazepines

[@becausekittenspaint1946]

My usual cuts were .125 mg which is too big for most but I had to get to a stable dose 3x a day from up to 10 mg a day as prescribed of Lorazepam. I rapidly tapered May of 2016- Sept 2016 then got to a point to dry cut even amounts at the same times of the day. I couldn't do a Valium cross over as it has a moderate gene-drug interaction based on the GeneSight Psychotropic Combinatorial Pharmacogenic Test. Lorazepam also has the same interaction but my personal opinion is that if you have been on a short acting benzo for many years, 13 years in my case, then you are physically and psychologically dependent on the chemical components specific to that benzo. This makes sense because all GABA receptors are used to that specific benzo & Valium may make you have worse withdrawals. Remember that benzos down regulate GABA receptors in the CNS, GI tract, brain, and muscles so slowly taper & don't rush. I knew what wd symptoms to expect from a forced CT in 2012, 2 weeks of seizures & psychosis, a failed Clonazepam cross over then I got down to .25 mg after reinstatement of Lorazepam but updosed by trusting a GP that I needed more Lorazepam to graduate college...I became very kindled...the rest is on my channel. #worldbenzoday I'm 9 months benzo free!

[@av201]

How are you now?

[@analozada9475]

Yup...that’s gonna be my final decision if he doesn’t cooperate. Thank you much for your support and information. It is very helpful to all of us out here suffering. 🙏❤️

[@KrisWolf4]

I'm tapering off Clonazepam. I am down to .87 mg. I am dry cutting cause my doctor won't put me on a cross over benzo. I am being as careful as I can with cutting. Also it has taken me 3.5 to 4 years to get here. I'm going on a incredibly slow rate. It's not a race...and I dont have a lot of support other than my husband!! My highest dose was 4 mg.

[@Rotary12A]

How are you now ?

[@dharmabum2838]

Almost there!!! You got this!!

[@lizwiseman7930]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Bless you.

[@Janet_Price]

Thanks so much for your videos - I wish something like this had been available for me before I started my tapers! 1/29/18 = 40 weeks off Klonopin and 4 weeks off Topamax, Effexor XR to go. My legs feel like jelly and I still haven't gone on any long walks - will try in February or when the weather warms up a bit more. I'm sleeping in 3 hour chunks of time and that is so much more than in the first seven months - I actually feel "rested" at times. My hair is thinner than before, but growing fast and is so shiny - I have someone else's head of hair. I'm much hungrier than before and still don't eat junk or processed foods. I wish I had found a doctor who was willing to help in this process - it would have made all the difference in the world. I hope this gets out to the world - people need to know benzo's can be out of our bodies successfully. Thanks again.

[@justjoy7194]

Been on them for thirty years. Rushed into hospital after watching youtube videos. Not joking. Why should I quit at 65 too much hell at that age. Than I just go back to panic attacks. The same with people with diabetics they need their insulin. The same for those in chronic pain. If I were your age or even fourty I would do it.

[@BenzoBrains]

Joy Vradenburg I am fourty hah, but I understand where you're coming from and no one should be forced to get off their benzodiazepine if they don't feel they can do it. The pain I experienced had me convinced that if I could have stayed on it forever I would have. I'm glad now though that I'm off, but it's still rough at times, I still deal with insomnia and sensitivities from what the benzos did to my body. I disagree with the analogy that we're like like diabetics who need insulin. There's no benzodiazepine deficiency that requires benzodiazepines. That's an analogy usually perpetuated by misinformed or dishonest physicians

[@justjoy7194]

I'm sorry, you just look way younger. I like your Videos, you don't make it sound so scary. You make it sound, even Possible. I wish you the best! I'll try my best

[@BenzoBrains]

Joy Vradenburg best wishes

[@errorASMR]

Older people can atleast lower their dosage till they cant any longer

[@justjoy7194]

Hi error ASMR I am now off, My New Doctor put me on zoloft I still have benzos I just don't take them. I can not believe what Zoloft does, It's been a miracle to me! And I only take the lowest dose 25mg a day. Wishing you the very Best! Plus. Forgot. Completely off Opiods never had withdraws from them as I did with Benzos. Just the same pain.

[@tomn4rs57]

I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I've been on Benzos since the mid 1990's. I'm concerned with the long term use and lately very frustrated with the medical industry screwing around with my refills. All of this has driven me to reduce my dosage over several weeks. I found out I hit the brick wall when I get to the end of a detox session. I have severe anxiety problems. What will take the place of the Benzos if I quit? I will be 80 in a few months. Wonder if I should just tough it out until the end. I have zero confidence in the medical industry. I have found over the years the best medicine is to stay away from doctors!!

[@bwinkle2915]

I agree. Have same deal with Xanax a GP Put me on back in the 80s. They say they didn’t know it was addictive back then. Still on them but now it seems it’s my fault and I don’t feel I’m treated fairly by the medical profession especially now my doctor has finished up. I understand the powers that be have ruled them to be a dangerous drug but I don’t feel it’s fair to be rushed off them when the anxiety problem still exists and withdrawing from them creates double the anxiety

[@dibujoliquido]

I totally agree with you. My mother is 81 and has been taking the drug for nearly 20 years. No doctor recommends her quitting it. I am here looking for a way to help her leave it. Were you able to quit it or at least reduce it?

[@goose9756]

How are you?

[@cshb8641]

Try homeopathy

[@tomn4rs57]

I quit last of June 2021. Been having long term side effects. No one knows anything about this. I hope with time I will be rid of this. The effects are becoming less and less. Maybe two to three years will work. Also why did I start this stuff and what am I going to do as the conditions return? Zero help in my area.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Thank you also for the hope!!! ♥️🌹

[@TAYGETAnguyen]

I’m currently on 5mg diazepam stable after 40mg and a two year taper to 2mg, cue in divorce and covid and I was taking 2mg xanax daily in no time, went back to 5-10mg diazepam and have been in constant hell. Got an appointment in 7 days wish me luck. I definitely needed to hear that sometimes starting over your taper is necessary, this is a long journey that is teaching me many lessons in life.

[@BenzoBrains]

Best of luck i hope you find your path toward healing through the pain

[@morningwithgracie7870]

How r u?

[@wildmansamurai3663]

@matchpoint 😆😆😆

[@vickyaguilar7201]

Thank you joslinn!!! Felling great$!! Three months later!!!

[@accidentalanarchist3304]

Lovely video The only thing I was a might surprised by, was your likening alcohol to another benzo. To all those out there who don't know, alcohol is a depressant. So taking a benzo with booze can be deadly. It depresses your breathing, and can lead to death. Not only is booze or other over the counter sleep aides not like Valium, it's not the same as double dosing at all. Never mix a benzo with anything, other than what your doctor advises you too. and even then, ask your local pharmacist if it's safe.

[@alistairenglish8447]

Please keep this video KZbin

[@nokomismn9685]

Yes, this video is very valuable.

[@lindasante7622]

Thank you so much, this video is the most informative and I feel comfortable tackling this problem.😉

[@doridragoi198]

What worked for me :no alcohol no coffee no artificial sweeteners.

[@vickyaguilar7201]

Hey guys and girls your teeth will not fall out!!! Your just feeling things your not used too! I promise!!!

[@countrygirl4422]

I have suffered with chronic pain for 20+ year's. I was prescribed 2 mg. of clonazepam due to anxiety and insomnia. I've been on pain medication and 2 mg. of clonazepam for 20 + yrs. I don't drink alcohol and don't abuse the medications. Now due to this "epidemic" I'm being forced off of the benzodiazepine. The reason being I could stop breathing in my sleep and not wake up. Which by the way obviously hasn't happened. I'm being forced by a resident DO to taper off in three months. May I add I'm not happy about and am feeling very helpless along with hopeless. They just want me off and don't care how they do it. In a perfect world this is how it would be done. Unfortunately we live in a world that is in mass hysteria over herion.

[@BenzoBrains]

Country Girl I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Nobody should be forced off like that. 3 months after 20 years seems insane but you could very likely be one of those people who can handle it very well. I hope this is the case. Otherwise perhaps you can find a new prescriber?

[@countrygirl4422]

Benzo Brains. Thank you for your help and kind word's. I'm really struggling with the anticipation of being at the end of my taper. I had tried once to take myself off and had a seizure. I'm so afraid of that happening again. I'm trying to seek out some therapy and pray it all works out. You have no idea how much your thouhtfulness is appreciated. Again thank you and it's so nice to know someone cares.

[@BenzoBrains]

Country Girl please also consider a ketogenic diet and or CBD oil (if you have access to it) to help reduce the risk of seizure. A keto diet did wonders for me post withdrawal..wish I'd done it during my taper

[@countrygirl4422]

@@BenzoBrains You were so right about getting my medical record's. I did and found out some thing's that were very upseting to me. I was sent for a drug assessment by the "resident D.O." who is in charge of my care. I ended up seeing a Behavioural Health Therapist twice. She found no prblem and had to release me. In my record's the resident D.O.s notes said this that I went but (denied) issues of mood or addiction so she did not meet criteria for substance abuse disorder after their assessment. It was the way she worded it that sounded so bad to me. Like I was supposed to go in and say I'm addicted to the drug's and the mood thing I just don't get. Everything this therapist asked me I answered honestly and openly. There are some other thing's like patient resources called me and stated " I had slurred speech and abruptly and tne phone call". This is how it was put in the M.R.s. When I answered the phone I had been sleeping which may be the reason I sounded off a bit. As for the rest I asked if I could call back. Again the wording just sounds so bad. I'm just so upset it's like she is trying very hard to make me sound as though I have addiction problems. Talk about having anxiety and with the taper it just makes it worse. I'm going to try to do something about those record's. I know you had recommended a keto diet. The problem is I'm barely eating at this point and having problems with going to the restroom as soon as I do eat. After watching many of your video's I understand that you're married to may I say sounds like a wonderful man and have children. So I just wanted to say thank you for responding to me. I understand you must be a very busy lady. I don't have a lot of support and this has been a nightmare. It's hard to see a light at the end and sometimes I feel like I just want to give up. Thank you again and excuse my rambling. God Bless you and your family.

[@sherryhartin2055]

@@countrygirl4422 ,how are you now ?

[@milocruz3024]

Thank you so much for posting these video's

[@vickyaguilar7201]

Listen too this bros!!!!

[@Mercury1955]

Thank You for your time and efforts in this!

[@jimelliott7199]

These videos are great! I’m trying to get a doc on board with the Ashton Manual to taper me from 1mg of Xanax that I’ve been on for 15 years. At 40 years old I just want to be done and off. Trying to find some taper schedule for 1mg Xanax. I know it’s equal to 10, 15 or 20 mg of diazepam? Conversion charts are giving me different calculations. And I don’t know if I should just jump right over to the Valium. All the Ashton charts are high doses of Xanax. Trying to figure out my dose. But thank you for making these videos.

[@jakubveselka361]

Hi Jim, since xanax is very potent benzo, most of the long time xanax addicts (including me back in the day) in fact take only 1mg/day so you´re no exception. It´s equal of 20mg of valium. I strongly advise to cross over to valium and during last 10mg valium withdrawal add pregabalin (at least 150mg/day). This will give you priceless ease during the most difficult time. Pregabalin (or lamotrigin and gabapentin) are very safe drugs to come of, they influence the same GABA structures as benzo and therefore are very effective in benzo withdrawal. Good luck!

[@billashbrook3014]

Thank you for the response!

[@cynthiaennis3107]

BTW...THANK YOU...THIS IS VERY WELL DONE...I NEED TO DOWNLOAD THE MANUAL.

[@errorASMR]

You're way to excited for a benzo video lol but thank you yes this is muchly needed

[@SAMEntalhealth]

The benzo world nowadays is so frustrating and very very very very very fragile, there's people that join these groups when they're 5 years off of their benzo and are told that they are still suffering so the person gets worse and worse from being involved with the groups, I like your videos they're very straightforward, the way I would do it is just let myself get us sick or as far into it as in the withdrawal as I possibly could, and then I would take the lowest dose so if it was Alprazolam let's say I was taking 3 mg at night I would get into the withdrawal as far as I could and just take 0.5 until that started to work and then I would either jump off from there or go down a little lower if I had to

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support Group on FB... May be found in search by using just Benzo Withdrawal Support Group... best wishes for your best health. ❤️

[@CC-hc1gg]

thank you for these vids

[@lawngjawn9094]

🙏 For Me

[@MrDepinto]

I think my bad reaction and terrible nausea is coming from Ativan that I’m switching off of. Benzos can increase drugs effects so I will try CBC when the nausea lets up. Damn this hard

[@vickyaguilar7201]

Thank you joss!!!

[@MrDepinto]

I highly recommend checking out CBD oil. Not hemp oil. I use the concentration gel makes taper easier and super strong against nausea. Jumping off in 3 weeks let u know.

[@BenzoBrains]

Jerry DePinto I'm a big fan of CBD. Like everything else, people need to be cautious as we all have different sensitivities and are prone to unusual reactions

[@errorASMR]

Jerry DePinto C FULL PLANT Cannabis OIL works wonders & CBD IS great if THC IS TOO MUCH

[@errorASMR]

Benzo Brains cbd should never cause any reaction...unless it has coconut oil and your allergic to that idk...when I hear this I just wonder what can even cause that....cbd would help with homeostasis but full plant would be better because cbd can be crap depending on where you bought it

[@casperskitzo9920]

CBD is great but it does affect the absorption rate of benzos alot so if tapering use with that knowledge . Good luck friends .

[@Sheisintomalakasdino]

CBD oil and flower did Nothing for me and A friend, actually I would say it made things worse

[@julietteSoul]

I am on klon and being taken off with no direction at all. My dr. Is on a computer for 15 min. Every 3 mo. Now. She just clicks off with no answers

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks

[@BenzoBrains]

You're welcome

[@ChrisMartinez-x9q]

Hello. I’m curious as to what to expect in the tapering process with the Ashton Manual method. Are you getting withdrawals in the process? Is the Cross over to Diazepam brutal? Just asking since I start my taper next week from 1mg Klonopin. It’s a 15 month process due to me being on it for 20 years.

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi. If you start off right it's possible to have little upset from your taper. That said, the Ashton method was developed before we understood how to help people taper using shorter acting benzos via micro tapering. Heather Ashton was very much in favor of this method. If you haven't watched my tapering playlist please consider it. You may not even need to use Valium

[@ChrisMartinez-x9q]

@@BenzoBrains🤔 I downloaded the manual and it says the cross over from 1.5 Clonazepam which I’m currently to Diazepam is 3 months. The taper I will be doing is about 14 months. It just seems difficult to withdrawal from Clonazepam because the lowest dosage is at 0.25. Also forgot yo mention that I’m on Wellbutrin 150mg. Doc said to keep on that until the taper is successful and then come off that. I was unsuccessful the first try because there is know table or timeline dosage for Clonazepam. Any insight would be so grateful. Once again thank you for what you do.

[@learningtoletgo5147]

I love that you are still giving back! My question is it took me almost 6 months to switch to Valium from 2mg of K and ended up at 50mg of V. It was hard! I have also been on a benzo (prescribed) for @ 30 years, so what does that say, just I am different then most? I also find right now at @ 33mg of V that I still can only come down at @ 4% a month..... so it dives me crazy ( I guess I don't have far to go :) ) that I can not come down as quickly as others.... any opinions on your part would be greatly appreciated! Love and Light to you!

[@BenzoBrains]

Learning to Let Go I think you may not hear as much from people who have been on benzos so long because many of them are afraid to taper off. I know many people who have taken 3 years or more to withdraw and it's worked well for them. It's not easy of course, but if you've already been on for 30 years, it's not really going to make all that much of a difference taking a bit longer to get completely off. Listen to your body, do what's right for you. I wish you a full recovery ❤

[@Janet_Price]

Learning to Let Go - I was on 4mg of Klonopin for 15 years and 3mg of Klonopin for 15 years (30 years total), so it's possible to come off. I didn't have the help of any doctor - I had to do this alone. Tomorrow will be 40 weeks off Klonopin and 4 weeks off Topamax, with Effexor XR to go. Many of us who have been on these drugs long term don't think it's possible for a successful taper or won't come forward. Good luck to you.

[@learningtoletgo5147]

Thanks for the comment, and for your honesty about your journey! This helps we very much! As I do feel like I can and will do it, but there are no stories out there like mine, time wise, so thank you sooo much! I need to hear from someone like yourself!

[@learningtoletgo5147]

Thank you! Please keep doing what you are doing, as I intend to pay it forward as I get there! Much Love!

[@madney0410]

Hi I've already tapered valium but still on zoplicone, I don't want to go back to valium to now taper the zoplicone Any advise xx

[@stayz79]

But what to do if you cannot get your dr to agree with you? Or find one?

[@BenzoBrains]

Stacey Sabot you can also taper using your current medication or find an understanding gp, pa, nurse, obgyn etc who will work with you on your plan

[@austingode]

Jocelyn …. After how much time is it considered long term use ? Your work is invaluable thank you 🙏

[@BenzoBrains]

I believe the guidelines now at benzoreform.org put that at anything longer than 2 weeks. Of course I've seen people become physically dependent after just a few days and others can rapid taper after months or years so it's highly variable

[@austingode]

@@BenzoBrains thank you 🙏

[@kirstiehaysman]

What about if u have been using it for prn for 9months. 1-2 tablets a week? Thanks

[@v.keithjonesmediagroup9637]

As always, thank you so very much for this.- Vernon 🙏🏽☝🏽🌹

[@michaelmcgregor9751]

Does this advice also apply to other non benzodiazepine meds such as neuroleptics? (so "zyprexa" for instance).

[@BenzoBrains]

Gaia Mancer since there's literally no research on tapering other psych meds, the Ashton Manual is used as a general guideline for all psych med withdrawal. You can find additional info at theinnercompass.org and survivingantidepressants.org

[@kobyslife2449]

Can you please give me advise how to safely slowly taper off clonazepam. So I've been taking 0.5 mg 10 am and 0.5 at 5pm. I have anxiety and that's the reason my psychiatrist put me on clonazepam. It's been 4 months now. Thank you

[@smom25]

Your videos are amazing. I'm thinking about coming off of 6 mgs of Xanax and 10 mgs of Ambien. I've been on them both, for 25 years and they're basically just be keeping me from getting sick. My question is, can I use melatonin while tapering off my meds, if I am forced off of them? Thank you very much. You are such a positive person and to be honest, I don't think I would even be considering coming off of them, if not for your videos. Every blessing to you and your family. I was reading through some of the comments, and I was shocked to find out your age. I seriously would have guessed 22. Whatever you are doing, keep it up!!!

[@BenzoBrains]

Hah thanks. Yes you can take melatonin but that's not to say it will work for you as expected. It may or it may not depending on how your body reacts to the withdrawal.

[@fonzarellyplay370]

How are things going now?

[@analozada9475]

Question: All my doctors say that mixing different benzos is dangerous, and shouldn’t be done, so I’m confused on the last part where you explain on how to crossover. Right now I’m trying to crossover from Ativan to klonopin but the first dose he prescribed me was way too strong for me that sent me into this big panic attack, so now I’m scared to death to try it again. Although this time I cut the 1mg of Klonopin in half, and then I cut the half in halves to try again and see how my body reacts cuz 1mg of Ativan definitely doesn’t feel not even like a 0.5mg of klonopin. Klonopin is waaay stronger than Ativan for sure. At least for my body. I’m a very sensitive to medication. I haven’t been taking benzos for that long (a month and half only) and I’m already dependent. I used to go two three days without taking them, and now I can’t even go half a day without having bad panic attacks and severe shaking, elevated heart rate, and profuse cold sweats from my hands and feet. It is horrible! I wish I’ve never had these panic attacks back. 🙈😭

[@BenzoBrains]

Ana Lozada it sounds like you were prescribed 1 mg of Klonopin for 1 mg of Ativan which would be double the strength of your Ativan prescription. I can see why it affected you so severely as it was an incorrect dose. I'm actually glad to hear you're still figuring out how much you can and can't tolerate as that's very much the point of doing a crossover. I would caution against cutting your pill unless it's a long a score line provided by the manufacturers. Cutting a pill in half or in quarters doesn't necessarily mean that's the dose you're getting as pills can be very unevenly distributed. If you need to reduce the amount try asking for a smaller dose of pill or a liquid compound or you can create your own suspension by following my instructional video entitled "use water to taper your Benzo ". There's no research that says taking two benzos at once is dangerous that I'm aware of. Many doctors actually prescribe multiple benzos and z drugs simultaneously which I personally think is a bad idea, but the point being, it's a matter of conjecture.

[@analozada9475]

Benzo Brains I understand what you mean. I’m just in desperate position because my doctor literally told me that if I don’t take klonopin he won’t prescribe anything else, specially when I’ve been taking Ativan since the return of my panic attacks, so now I’m totally screwed cuz I’m not taking klonopin anymore due to the terrible side effects, and he’s pretty much forcing me to take something that makes me sicker. Supposedly he’s trying to get my insurance to approve a crisis outpatient place, but I don’t know how long does that is going to take, or if is gonna be approved at all. The only thing my insurance approves right away is a inpatient place, but I refuse to sleep in a place when my issue is fixable as an outpatient. I’m not suicidal, or want to harm anyone, so accepting to stay in a place like that would just only make my anxiety and panic attacks worst. I wouldn’t have the support of my loving fiancé and family next to me. I don’t know why he’s been so rigid. He used to not be like that. I don’t know what do. I’m beyond frustrated and desperate. I’m at my ends wits! 🙈😩

[@BenzoBrains]

Ana Lozada that's not an uncommon response from a physician unfortunately. They get very defensive because the don't understand and they don't want to get into trouble with the DEA or get sued. Is there any way he would continue to prescribe Ativan and you could use that but breaking it into 4 or 5 smaller doses that you take throughout the day? Perhaps develop a taper plan that shows an end date (even if you don't rigidly stick to that schedule) take your husband with you to the next appointment, show it to your DR and assure him that you are willing to shoulder the responsibility for your own withdrawal program and that you only expect him to play a supportive role.

[@analozada9475]

Benzo Brains I’ll try tomorrow again, but last time he was very adamant about not prescribing Ativan, and told me to either take the klonopin plan, or nothing. So, I accepted to try cuz I didn’t wanna seem difficult or that I’m not open to changes for the better, but he doesn’t seem to understand my suffering. He’s either looking at me like as an addict, or he’s just covering his butt and doesn’t wanna help me to not raise red flags to the DEA. But he’s breaking his moral and ethical duty to help a suffering patient. Also, he wants me to crossover with klonopin, and I tried but my body doesn’t respond well and is just giving me more panic attacks than even before. And now I’m just not suffering from panic attacks, but now I’m getting depressed and agoraphobic. And a week ago I wasn’t even that bad. I think he’s making the process harder for me instead of trying to relieve me from suffering. 😞

[@BenzoBrains]

Ana Lozada I'm sorry, yeah tell him you're having an adverse reaction, there's actually a diagnosis code for that he can use to justify a different prescription. If he's not reasonable you may need to seek out a new physician or nurse practitioner

[@fayweeekes7360]

I am presently on 20mg of Valium.How much liquid do I need to start my taper?

[@BenzoBrains]

Fay Weeekes hi if you're going to do water titration people usually start with 300ml of water which works out to be about a 10% per month reduction .

[@RobertLongM]

Hi.. not sure how to get a hold of you. Can you please Do a video on Insomnia???? I had 2 straight days of No Sleep! The last 2 months have been 2 hrs avg. prior to that 4... I took notes on what Not to do from your prior videos, but that leaves me with nothing to try. Meditation = nope Audible = used to work Music = used to work Exercise daytime = not a yawn at night I’m not functioning now

[@RobertLongM]

Try again? I'm on other groups on FB and i think i'm off too long to every try to go back on. I believe i'm about 15+ weeks off Benzos with 3 cheat days in Dec/Jan .. and it was only .125 of Xanax. However the Dr. only gave me 2 weeks worth of Valium after I complained enough... but I stupidly was feeling COMFORTABLE and stopped it - and then all Withdrawal broke me and it's been Torture ever since... and I've had insomnia for 2 months now severely, where the last year It's been avg 5 hours sleep, to now 2 or nothing. I'm glad I rewatched all your videos as I have been playing with Rag Weeds, Benadryl, Melatonin ... Not sure if you did anything on Herbs/Supplements that helped as you mentioned in one video. I'll have to check. Either way - there is no way I could go back on anyway... the Dr. wouldn't support it.

[@binklebabe4725]

My stepdaughter-in-law is dying. My husband really needs my support, meaning me stable and calm, to help him, my stepson, and his two sons through this horrible time. Should I hold off on my taper from 1 mg daily Klonopin? I don't thing my new doctor is willing to do the Valium crossover, or a slow taper, BUT, he is not talking about stopping the benzos yet! What should I do? Keep in mind, I stopped 30 mg Restoril nightly cold turkey early last year with no symptoms.

[@BenzoBrains]

Binkle Babe you can taken time off to be stable for your family. Also if you need to use Klonopin there are methods to help make it work better for you. Watch my video entitles Use Water to taper your benzo to learn more

[@Amypeters74]

So it’s my understanding that if I am polydrugged - which include AD and ambien- should I taper the ambien FIRST before benzo or at the same time?? I feel like I’m a prisoner to all these medications and don’t know what to do first. I want the safest and healthiest plan for me. I know there are more people in my predicament, that are lost and need help. Especially, when the medical community is not educated enough and I feel I’m having to educate my provider. Help please.

[@BenzoBrains]

Amy Estrada if you look at the Ashton manual you will see a taper plan for zolpidem, which is ambien. Because it's the same principle as a regular benzodiazepine taper, you could crossover to the valium equivalent for both your benzo and ambien and then taper them both at the same time.

[@teresaj7796]

If your body become tolence to medicine you have no choice but to come off. Right or wrong

[@ameymvlogssuperbiker]

How to withdrawal for 2 to 3 months usage as i m already off med from 9 months

[@errorASMR]

You say you & your doctor like doctors are ANY help in this area...Not where I live. Going to tell my Dr tomorrow how dangerous this all is but they won't care they wanted me on EFFEXOR soon as I mentioned I was coming off benzos. These doctors won't get another dime from me

[@BuffaloBarber24]

May I ask how much you tapered per month? What was your taper speed? Especially once you got to 2mgs of Valium. Thank you very much.

[@BenzoBrains]

About 10% per month, a little slower towards the end. I dont remember the exact percentage though

[@Thegutsypuls]

i was on clonazepam 1.5 mg for 2 months , do i need to taper ? bcoz taper is not helping as well. My anxiety is high as hell , depression , and many more.

[@BenzoBrains]

It's never advised to cold turkey. If your taper isn't going well you may want to consider revising your taper plan with the following questions in mind: Do you need to break your dose up into smaller amounts and dose more frequently? Are you in a state of tolerance to the klonopin? Did the klonopin ever help or are you having a paradoxical response to it? Is the anxiety being caused by another physiological/psychological problem you have not addressed? That said, the length of any given taper is (ideally) completely up to the discretion of the patient.

[@richmeet71]

Hey I would like to know how to taper .5mg Etizolam that I have been taking for almost 10 years now

[@BenzoBrains]

According to the Ashton Manual 1-2 mg etizolam is equivalent to 10 mg valium. I can't explain any better than I do in these videos and the other videos on my playlist how to taper. Watch the videos until you understand. The "use water to taper your benzo" video is especially simple to follow . Good luck

[@luavasconcelos1637]

Can I stop the medication at .5 Lorazepam? I’ve only been taking for 5 weeks. Now down from 3.5mg temesta.

[@BenzoBrains]

I would consider a rapid taper over a few weeks. If you do fine with that great. If you find your first cut knocks you off your butt, consider a slower taper over a few months.

[@luavasconcelos1637]

Benzo Brains Thank you so much! I’m also on 10 mg zolpidem, to which I’ll do your liquid tapering method. Your service is invaluable.

[@robertmccall4028]

Well. I have a new doc and I am about to start this journey. Ive been pretty nervous thinking about it since she said it's time for me to get off. She sent in a prescription for Effexor but I'm not taking that. I really ain't ready because I have a injured back that we're figuring out and I wanted to have that situated before making the jump. I been on 1 mg of Clonazepam a day for almost 12 years. Any advice?

[@BenzoBrains]

Develop a taper plan and take it into your doctor. Find out ways to manage your back pain during your taper. Good luck

[@robertmccall4028]

@@BenzoBrains thank you. She has a plan and I'm going to find out more when I go. I'm just hoping it's not too fast.

[@BenzoBrains]

@@robertmccall4028 possibly take in a loved one with you to help advocate in case you need to negotiate. Encourage your doctor to go to benzoreform.org. it's a site for doctors by doctors about benzodiazepine best practices which clearly states a successful withdrawal program must be patient led.

[@sleepygaby7110]

Plz i need your help My doctor prescribed me anti epileptic meds because i was recently diagnosed with epilepsy wich was hidden for years and it appeared after my benzo abuse, i finished my benzo taper with severe symptoms and seizures, do the anti epileptic meds interfere with my benzo withdrawl healing and can i heal from??

[@BenzoBrains]

bigshow thetalkingchowchow it depends on the person and the drugs. I'm sorry you're post taper and doing poorly. Have you looked into the ketogenic diet for managing seizures and cbd oil or medical cannabis?

[@sleepygaby7110]

Benzo Brains yess but i can't do a keto diet as i am hypoglycemic wich is the result of excessive vomiting when i started to have ativan tolerence and i didn't knew it, i can't go low on sugar plus in my country we don't have acesse to cdb oil or medical mariguana, i am fucked up :(

[@sleepygaby7110]

I am now on depakote and keppra for my epilepsy and it is not helping with my withdrawl

[@BenzoBrains]

bigshow thetalkingchowchow if they're not working consider keto anyway. I know several people, myself included who were extremely hypoglycemic either from before benzos or due to the benzos and we're able to correct the hypoglycemia with a high fat, moderate protein diet. You blood sugar can remain remarkably stable with the constant protein and fat in your system.

[@sleepygaby7110]

Benzo Brains will give it a try thanks alot dear, btw my withdrawl symptoms are not as bad but i know the struggle of it, keep up your good work

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Thank you for these! I am doing much better & half off! I’m trying to help someone else by sending them your Ashton Manual videos! I’m just looking for video #5 The Ashton Supplement! Is that still on here? Thank you! I really hope you are doing well! Thank you! I think this will be very helpful to this person who was switched over but not to the correct amount of Valium! 🙏🏼☀️🌷🌷🌷💕

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi I believe the supplement is covered in the Introduction video.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Benzo Brains thank you...sorry! I will rewatch it!

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Sending it to Ontario for another! 😉👌🏼

[@manicmurph]

I was on klonopins for 6 years then i jumped off at .05... now 7 months later i still feel shitty and i wanted to go back on them but now the doctors and psychiatrist are giving me a hard time about it... I'm not talking anything major either....05 every once in a while...30 pills a month would be more than enough....all they wanted to give me wad ssri and snri... and those dont work for me. Any advice??

[@BenzoBrains]

downfan1 I'm sorry. If you're feeling terrible it's likely because you're still healing from the benzos. I'm 2 and a half years post taper (tapered for a year and a half) and I still have some issues. Not nearly as bad as before, but definitely related to the benzos. I have a video entitled how do i manage without meds. There are a lot of things in that video that I talk about that have helped me. Unfortunately antidepressants are pretty useless for many of us experiencing the effects of a benzodiazepine injury

[@annaboero8445]

I'm on Z-drug Ambien 9mg (slow tapering) but not going too good (short life issue probably).. and 5mg valium tapering slowly but greatly (switched by xanax and helped me a lot) my doctor said the GABA subtype of Ambien and Valium are different, not sure if crossing Ambien as well.. I talked about Ashton wth my doctor and he is supportive (he also knew about her) but unfortunately there are no informations about tapering Ambien in Ashton Manual.

[@BenzoBrains]

Anna Eugae I'm sorry I didn't see your comment here last week. Benzodiazepines and Z drugs like Ambien both affect GABA a1 receptors. This is why the Ashton manual shows a conversion from Zolpidem (Ambien) to valium in chapter one. Perhaps you can bring this to your doctor's attention and discuss combining your Xanax/ valium taper with and ambien/valium taper.

[@annaboero8445]

Hey! Thank you so much Jocelyn, you are very inspirational. Let's hope. I'm struggling and I suspect my waking up every 3 hours is due to ambien half-life.. I wonder if these dark circles I got will eventually go away.. I'm 25 but I look abviously fatigued and shadowed in my undereye area, kind of aged.. I never had such obvious dark circles they are Def not genetic.. and I never been such fatigued in my life 'till benzos... don't know if it's normal and temporary and if you can relate. Thank you so much for your answer :) I'm going to speak with my doctor and see how to plan :)

[@BenzoBrains]

Anna Eugae yes I understand how it can make you look and it does get better.

[@dharmabum2838]

Strange. When I was like 14. I would get 100 xanax and finish all that Within a month or less! And had no withdrawals.. Wierd..

[@billashbrook3014]

I could do a lot of things at 14 that I can't do anymore!

[@ivanmares6215]

Dr. Groot tapper strips an easier way to withdrawl

[@BenzoBrains]

ivan mares if you can get a prescription and have the means, Dr Groot's tapering strips are a great option

[@billashbrook3014]

What are dr broots taper strips?

[@sayoyaname6348]

Is .2 of Klonopin still a significant dose?

[@BenzoBrains]

It would be like 4mg valium so, fairly significant yes. It's not a dose I would recommend jumping off of.

[@jennifervogt1327]

I did not see a sample AD taper plan just that she suggested 1-3 month taper off ADs. Did I miss it somewhere?

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi you didn't miss it, there was a table for antidepressants and then a list of guidelines under that. I misspoke in the video. However the guidelines don't suggest a 1-3 month taper. Basically it's the same as for benzodiazepines. Making small reductions every 2 weeks or so. If you need more specific instructions you can go to withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/taper and work on a taper schedule through this site.

[@no80dy50]

Too far down the rabbit hole. Pray for me . 13 years 10mgs of Klonopin a day at least.

[@andersbunemann7169]

❤

[@jdssurf]

Would have liked to hear more on taking xanax in mornings, but having a bad habit of drinking each night

[@martinduffy6422]

You the medical people killed my beloved mother who suffered from years of withdrawl agony and then a horrible death may god forgive you

[@BenzoBrains]

I'm so sorry about your mother.

[@martinduffy6422]

@@BenzoBrains still heartbroken but thanks anyway

[@julietteSoul]

martin duffy and now they want to kill me , thnx you dumbass psych people who put us on this shit and rip us off of it after 20 years.

[@pattilynnwahlsimmons]

Martin, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know all too well what it's like to lose a loved one.

[@kristeandreatujague7016]

I am so sorry as well. 💙

[@bradentonguy50]

Friends and family? I am 71 and live alone. There is not ONE soul on the planet to help me. I live in sheer terror and hell on earth. Do you know of any benzo coaches to help me?

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi here are some resources and you can inquire in the Facebook support groups about some of the other coaches there benzoreform.org/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-syndrome-support/

[@bradentonguy50]

@@BenzoBrains thx. Very helpful.

[@theheart6044]

07:15 Why do you say every 2-4 weeks but Ashtons example which you show clearly says every 1-2 weeks. You are basically doubling the time.

[@BenzoBrains]

Ashton gives different examples of actual taper plans her patients have used. These don't necessarily follow the 5-10% every 2-4 weeks she tentatively recommends in the written portion. Just remember not to get too caught up in rigid guidelines and schedules. The whole point Ashton makes here is that every taper plan will look different and should be based on the patient's needs and not some arbitrary schedule.

[@theheart6044]

Benzo Brains I am not out for an arguement, just a friendly discussion. But everyone ALWAYS keep saying around 5-10% every 2-4 weeks but although Ashton did say a taper should meet a patients needs, all her exampled plans and in her writing she always said 1/10 of dose every 1-2 weeks were does she ever say 5-10% every 2-4 weeks?? .Cutting 5 or even 10% a MONTH is dragging a taper on much longer and maybe that is necessary for some, I think to recommend everyone should be cutting no faster then 2-4 weeks is prolonging the suffering un necessary for some and scaring people who could and would like to go a bit faster. Being caught up with tapering is mentally very hard and can be very depressing. Rushing is not good too I get that but my opinion is to get off as soon as safely possible.

[@BenzoBrains]

@@theheart6044 I agree sometimes the advice people give can be rigid. You'd have to read the Ashton Manual carefully to find the 5-10% every 2-4 weeks as it's not worded exactly this way or so succinctly but it's in there. Again, she purposely gives a broad guideline. This suggested rate means you could go as slow as 5% every 4 weeks or as fast as 10% every 2 weeks. One would be a 20 month taper and one would be a 5 month taper. So she tries to give a lot of leeway.

[@theheart6044]

So could you PLEASE point me in the direction were she says or hints to the 2-4 weeks? I have read the whole Ashton manual many many times and I never came across this. Again I really like your channel and am not out to argue but I just really want to know this. All her schedules and other parts of her manual(that I have read) say up to 1/10 every 1-2 weeks.

[@BenzoBrains]

@@theheart6044 first of all, remember that in chapter 2 Ashton says not to worry about "prolonging the suffering" . This chapter also says : As a very rough guide, a person taking 40mg diazepam a day (or its equivalent) might be able to reduce the daily dosage by 2mg every 1-2 weeks until a dose of 20mg diazepam a day is reached. This would take 10-20 weeks. From 20mg diazepam a day, reductions of 1 mg in daily dosage every week or two might be preferable. This would take a further 20-40 weeks, so the total withdrawal might last 30-60 weeks. You have to do the math. Coming off 40 mg of valium in 30-60 weeks comes out to 210-420 days. This is roughly a reduction of 5-10% per month.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Too late. I was cold turkey 'd in 2020 😵‍💫

[@BenzoBrains]

😪

[@vickyaguilar7201]

And you doant have a real frog in your voice box. It just feels that way. Doant be mad I took years to get here so its gonna take a bit to get out of here!!!! Just just think about it!!!

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Number one bit of advice, stay out of those so-called support groups as they are way more damaging than the benzo itself😅😅 if you know you know