Diazapam.

I was a prescribing nurse so know something of this drug and its effects. Diazepam is a very useful drug used in the short term. Most GPs will want to use it in this way according to the latest guidelines and it sounds as though your GP is monitoring you. I cant relate the stomach upsets or shaky knees to withdrawal of the drug and the nightmares may be related to anxiety. Have you thought of some other non medical support such as relaxation or yoga for example? I think you have done very well to stop taking this drug and hopefully any ill effects you are experiencing will soon depart.

Congratulations Falconbird, it's very addictive though of course, very helpful at times like those you've been experiencing.

I don't know how much exercise you can take, but if you can walk, do some gardening and so enjoy fresh air, that should help. As Teetime says, relaxation techniques (you can buy cd's) and yoga are helpful. I first went to yoga classes in my mid 20's after a serious accident to my spine left me feeling ill and anxious. The relaxation and breathing techniques have been helpful during tough times since then. I started classes again last year because retirement has given me so much more free time - loving it. Good luck Falconbird

Falconbird, I had an addiction to that drug , didn't know it, there were no warnings then , in fact it was hailed as a miracle cure

The withdrawal symptoms will get less and less , keep strong, it will pass ,
Good luck x

I've been wondering how long the withdrawal lasts.

It's been like a roller coaster and sometimes I get a glimpse of normality at other times it's very tough.

Because I had managed to limit the dose to 2mg every other day the doc thinks it should be "not too bad."

I'm going back next week to check on things.

Replying to my own thread because no-one seems to know about Diazapam withdrawal. I went to my new doc who is really great and he said the worst withdrawal is probably over now - two months.

He was really helpful and explained that there would be down times, partly withdrawal and partly events but to remember they would pass and the better times would become more frequent.

Certainly that seems to be the case - so onward and upward.

Keep strong falcon. I know how difficult your new life is. I'm rooting for you.

Yes, Falconbird, you have been through such a lot. Be kind to yourself.

I do hope that the effects wear off very quickly for you - keep strong - you are doing well.

This has certainly been a difficult process for you Falconbird.

Like everybody else I wish you good luck and acknowledge how it takes strength of will to stop taking it. You are obviously proving you can do it and accepting how hard it will be is part of the battle. Chin up.

Oh - thanks all - Gransnet has helped me such a lot. I think luck is now on my side with this new understanding doctor.

The good days are now definitely more frequent than the downtimes.

Falconbird, it would be wrong for anyone to speak of their experiences of withdrawal from this drug in detail, you are over the worse and will now have more good days than wobbly days and the wobbly days will get less and less, I am so pleased you have a doctor who has taken the time to talk through this with you. I was told I had a virus ! thankfully a young doctor sitting in with my GP was aware of the many side effects of withdrawal from this drug and was a great support for me . I wish you well and promise you it will pass x