accidental addict - valium

[fanboy]

Hi

I've been taking 5mg of diazepam about three times a week for eight months. I was using it to mitigate the effects of going on to Pristiq, and then again to come off Pristiq when that didn't bloody work! With the low dose and limited daily use I thought I would be ok to come off the diazepam cold turkey. A week after doing so however I started getting shocking withdrawal symptoms - waves of intense anxiety, moodiness, head pressure, brain fog, sore muscles, clenched teeth and stomach pains. Now back on diazepam with the intention of tapering off (same regularity only half the tablet as a first step).

Is it odd to have such intense withdrawal symptoms from the dose i was on? Also, will tapering off prove to be difficult? i had no idea i was getting myself addicted to valium and am upset and pissed off about it. Work this week was a nightmare.

I know everyone is different and reactions will vary but would appreciate people's thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

ps - still on 150mg of Pristiq and not going to taper that anymore until i feel i've stabilised with the valium.