The withdrawals from the benzo's (Xanax, Klonopin, Lorazepam) are finally over

[NightWatcher]

This is my first post in this forum. I was on prescribed benzodiazepenes (sp) for the better part of three years. I was first prescribed Xanax as part of a regime of medicines to treat my depression and anxiety. Everything seemed to be working. I was even gradually coming off of the other meds and at the advice of my doctor (legal pusher), I saved the Klonopin and Lorazepam for last. This was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. I fell off the wagon, as it were, several times before I finally ran out of the medication which I had been rationing out as a gradual step down program.
The next few months were hell. I suffered from shakes, ringing in the ears, paranoia, and increased anxiety. This week was the first week that I can remember not hearing a nauseating ringing. I can hear all of the parts in a piece of music. It is great.
I am not a total t-totaler, I still drink alcohol with moderation and it is not a problem, but I will never take another pill if I can help it for as long as I live.

Be careful and do not let a doctor prescribe you anything that is a benzodiazepene (xanax, clonazepam, seroquel, lorazepam..... without first exploring the possible side effects and the severe addictive qualities of the drug.

Thanks for the outlet.

[KitchenWitch]

1. I have heard that getting off the benzos is more difficult than kicking alcohol.

Glad to have you here.

[idgiehkt]

2. I am sorry you have had to go through that.

I always think of my friend C. whenever anyone mentions Xanax. She was suffering terrible panic attacks daily and her doctor insisted that she go on Xanax, even though she was a recovering addict with three years clean. It was either that or he was going to commit her. As far as I know she has not been clean since. Her original drug of choice was IV cocaine and soon after she was put on the Xanax she got hooked on crack. It makes my blood boil, honestly, thinking about it; she was one of the first people I met in recovery, and friends say that when they see her around she is just in a daze and always asking for money. All the addicts around her at the time were freaking out about that prescription because of her being an addict...I hope someday she will be clean again.

[FloridaJudy]

3. Benzo detox is hell.

Congratulations! I've been told that aside from alcohol, benzos are the only other drug from which withdrawal can be fatal if mismanaged (opiate addicts only wish that they would die).

Please be careful with the alcohol. Our lizard brains are only too eager to embrace another "feel good" substance when deprived of our drug of choice. I'm not saying you're an alcoholic as well, but only that you could get there faster than a Muggle (my term for those who've never had to struggle with addiction). My dad had to kick an addiction to pain meds as the result of an accident as a young man. It took him over twenty years, but eventually he wound up with a booze problem. He finally gave that up as well, but who wants to have to go through that twice? Once was more than enough for me!

[lins the liberal]

4. Another benzo survivor

I can't believe I found this thread today of all days, because today is my one year anniversary of being benzo free.

Getting off of benzos has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through in my life. I was originally put on Ativan for anxiety. Believe me, the anxiety and panic I have had while coming off of benzos and post benzos has been about 100 times worse than what I was experiencing when they were originally prescribed. Panic and anxiety have been my worst symptoms but I have also had nausea, dizziness, horrible fearful thoughts, chest pain, ears ringing, stomach cramping, muscle aches, headaches and jaw aches.

And I only had to taper a small amount...5 mg. of valium which is equal to 1/2 mg of ativan.
If I had known the hell I would go through I would NEVER have taken the first one. At one year off my symptoms are better, but are still bad enough that some days are pretty darn rough.

[NMDemDist2]

5. welcome to DU and A/R and congrats on one year!!!!

[FloridaJudy]

6. Welcome to DU, lins!

Jump on in, the water's fine!

Congratulations on the year. I'll throw you a root-beer party:

[Kajsa]

7. Congratulations, Lins.

One year benzo free is fantastic!



Hmmm-- rootbeer!