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Suggest Treatment For Addiction To Cough Syrups And Valium

Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015

Question: I am addicted to cough syrups and valium. I tried quitting many times. But my body rejects my efforts. Please Help me. Due to this I am afraid of my life when ever I try to quit. It's been 5 years.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
need some details.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

I can understand you concerns.

First, I would like to assure you that your identity is fully protected.

I understand that quitting from cough syrup and valium addiction can be quite difficult.
But I am here to help you in all the possible ways.

Kindly reply to some questions so that I can guide you accordingly:
1. Since when are you taking the cough syrups and valium?
2. What dose of valium and cough syrup do you routinely take?
3. What withdrawal symptoms do you commonly experience when you try to quit these?
4. Do you have any other medical problems like diabetes, asthma, hypertension etc.?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (14 hours later)

1. I have been taking Cough Syrups for last 5 years and valium for last 2 years.

2. I take cough syrups 2 bottles a day and valium 2 times a day of 5 mg each.

3. Common symptoms include flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, sweating), sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares, constant sleepiness), sensory/movement disturbances (imbalance, tremors, vertigo, dizziness, electric-shock-like experiences - "brain zaps"), mood disturbances (dysphoria, anxiety, agitation) and cognitive disturbances. My whole body pains.

4. I have sugar for which I have attached my repro. I have also attached report of my lipid profile. My blood pressure is 120/100. The medicines I am taking right now is Gluconoma PG 2 , ecoasprin 75 , Sibolex.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
a stepwise de-addiction plan is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the details.

Dear,
The management strategy of drug dependence varies from doctor to doctor and patient to patient.

If I were to treat you, I would have adopted the following strategy:
I would go for detoxification of cough-syrup dependence first.
For this, I prefer to use tramadol (prescription drug) in divided doses of 50-100mg given every six hours, maximum dose being 600mg. This takes care of almost all the withdrawal symptoms.

The dose of tramadol can then be gradually reduced depending upon the response.

Then I would go for diazepam detoxification.
As you take diazepam 5mg twice a day, the best way to quit diazepam is to taper the dose gradually. In your case, reduction of dose by 2.5 mg after every week would be my strategy.

Along with this, I would also suggest you to practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation.
Linking de-addiction with spiritual practices can help a lot in quitting.

Do keep taking your other tablets (gluconorm, sibolex, ecosprin).

Kindly consult your local psychiatrist and discuss above mentioned de-addiction plan. Do not try to follow this on your own.

The treatment might appear to be a bit cumbersome but this will help you to quit drugs once and for all. A strong motivation to quit cough syrup and diazepam is what is required for a successful treatment.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to discuss further.

Always available to help you.
I wish you good health and speedy recovery.

Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, MD

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar