Patient Testimony for Massachusetts Benzodiazepine Bill

Harmed benzodiazepine patients gave their testimony on November 8, 2021 to the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery for Massachusetts Benzodiazepine Bills S.1260 and H.2117: An Act relative to benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics
This video has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This video does not substitute professional medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed through the video. This video is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[@litawest6674]

The moderator allowing the obnoxious timer to bully these volunteers is sick

[@BushyHairedStranger]

The moderator deserves having that alarm implanted deep into his ear drum, set to its highest volume and activates whenever he speaks.

[@benzodiazepineawarenesswit6079]

It’s all set on a timer. It’s not just for our bill but for anyone testifying. We can send written testimony for as long as it takes to tell our stories.

[@tc6070]

their has to be a timer otherwise it could go on for 10 hours, they are talking to a committee , otherwise they could go on for an half hour telling their whole life story that has no relevance to the topic, so yes the timer is vital and nothing to do with bullying. its for them to just tell the relevant info.

[@truthseek3017]

The volunteers are demons, they are liars.

[@mgray3130]

I am at a loss for words for what you say! My life has fallen into hell after over 25 years with one try of withdrawal of 18 months. I can't watch this!

[@hopefulinhell4577]

Thank you to everyone for sharing these stories of benzodiazepine injury, lets hope you brave souls are heard and they do the right thing!

[@basketballfan5763]

so it is a year ago...I am in Ireland...what happened ? did the bill go thru?

[@truthseek3017]

You demons lost! 😂

[@hopefulinhell4577]

I truly hope you never know what us 'demons' have suffered @@truthseek3017 🙏

[@incognito595]

You see, they think you will just take them forever. Mind you, you will suffer A LOT while continuing to take them. It's When you stop them, that"s when you learn this shocking truth.

[@truthseek3017]

I am sorry, i do believe benzos are evil, same with sugar. I have been battling darkness and satan, i figured out that eating brown rice and beans is holy. The combination heals the mind, body and spirit.

[@ldpldp3865]

I am going to share this video FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE 💔

[@iamthefiremanjj]

Benzos also ruined my life and it took years of trial and error to recover from it . Worst tragic experience in my life , panic disorder no sleeping always anxious agoraphobia , muscle pain headaches light sensitivity depression depression dissociation. Joint pain constant flu symptoms intolerance to any exercise , couldn’t focus , anhedonia , akathesia , couldn’t experience any pleasure etc … more and more and more and more it’s endless

[@iamthefiremanjj]

@@truthseek3017 I actually did the opposite more paleo style diet

[@Janet_Price]

Thanks so much for this! Their stories are my story. Klonopin for 33 years (4 mg/15 years, 3 mg/18 years). Effexor XR 18 years and Topamax for 13 years. I'm now 4 1/2 years off Klonopin, and 3 1/2 years off the other two. Horrible insomnia, body aches and burning/tingling throughout my body. I"m very functional in the morning and become worse throughout the day. I"m finally having 2 evenings per week where body aches are minimal. My anxiety can go through the roof. I made the correct decision to get these drugs out of my body, but this has been the longest, hardest struggle. I pray this legislation is passed. Thanks again ~ Janet

[@sangeetalambh6389]

Vote green how r u now my frd

[@brettwilson7680]

It's an evil thing what they have done with people. I hope these people suffer the torments of hell in the next life, for what they.caused us to go through.

[@Janet_Price]

@@brettwilson7680 - I agree! Good luck to you in your journey.

[@Janet_Price]

@@rameshlumb4003 - Hi! in three weeks, I'll be 6 years off Klonopin, 5 1/2 years off Topamax and 5 years off Effexor XR. I still have insomnia, neuropathy and body aches, BUT they are not severe. I can do anything in spite of those symptoms. Thanks for asking ~ Janet

[@truthseek3017]

Brown rice and beans, raw spinach too. Love you all. ☮💞

[@oldsal8648]

Thank you for supporting this cause. The more I see these testimonies, the more angry I become. Pharma needs to be challenged as they put profit before people. Peace

[@tammysims8716]

Follow the money trail. It's a moral failing. Ruining people's lives is an acceptable casualty for some.

[@phillippuckett5552]

Big pharma should be held responsible. They knew the side effects and purposely left that untaught by most doctors. Hope they know now! Or is the money worth peoples lives!!

[@sea_hous]

Thank you for your vulnerability all! 🙏🏻

[@Jannietime1]

This is sure bringing on the grief. No one is caring about us and we suffer alone in silence. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I sure hope the f@#k%^s listen this time that can do something about this.

[@judithriedel4194]

I hope our experiences can be far reached. Started on them by a PhyschIatrist in NE but moved to the Midwest and because of this I have done research and keep finding more and more. I don't think any of us are here because we are desperate to let the public know. This has been I believe the biggest part of the mental health crisis brought on by the pandemic. People are experiencing so many of the side effects it is frightening. Please let other states know what MA is listening to patients. Thank you.

[@judithriedel4194]

I so agree with your statement

[@judithriedel4194]

I was in grief over the losses of 2 sister's my husband and diagnosed with breast cancer all within a 3 year period. I am not blaming my doctor but I had no idea that this would be harder to survive than what I sought help for. Depression Anxiety and Panic episodes

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

Yeah no one’s listened to me in 6 years. What’s worked for me is medicinal mushrooms like lions mane and reishi etc .

[@kevk741]

As painful as it is to know others suffer akathisia like me, it’s also music to my ears to finally hear it mentioned over and over. Medical professionals please take notice. I’ve lost 6 friends to akathisia from benzodiazepines and other polydrugging since March 2021. I’m 18mths med free and suffer torturous debilitating symptoms. Chronic akathisia, Dystonia, and TD in face and tongue. 70+ other symptoms as well. Life is different now and it eats me alive I allowed myself to get hurt. If only someone had told me. Like a doctor.

[@gulledfarah3973]

How you feeling brother?

[@Sears111]

You did not get TD from a benzodiazepine.

[@brettwilson7680]

It's an evil thing, beyond . I suffered the torments of hell for 6 months straight from acute Xanax withdrawal. Forced off by evil doc. Still not healed completely 13 months later, but I'm glad I endured because I didn't want to die and held on with everything I had, every moment felt like an hour, every hour a day. It was hell beyond comprehension. Did your friends take there life from the unbearable symptoms.. honestly, I would have but I was protected against myself for many months.

[@kalaiselviramaiah3854]

@@brettwilson7680 pls do research on lion mane heard positive results

[@kheatherNYNJ]

What i dont get is (Im an addict myself) I finally found out about the horrific withdrawls after a few times of having it & not knowing what it was. My take on this is- if "established" (patients taking it over 10 yrs) are tapering & say they still 20 yrs after have problems everyday,,,why live that way? Why not just keep taking them if ur at an old age? Atleast they will be comfortable. Why have no good quality of life? Iy indeed ruined my entire life, but I choosz to stay on it cause I have severe anxiety, it runs in my family, my grandma commited suicide fron anxiety, so my Mom became a PHD, & she tells me to make sure I take it evzey day. (Xanax)

[@walsh5238]

Thank you to this state for considering this bill!! I do want to shed awareness on.. the drug companies. WHEN will we hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable for this? They KNOW what they’ve made.

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

Yes! The pharmaceutical companies are barely mentioned. They profited and continue to profit. As one drug is battled they are scheming on something new.

[@brendamalone3880]

First I want to thank all of you for sharing your story. After I tapered I thought I was fine. After 4 weeks it all downloaded on me. Symptoms of horror. I had no idea what was happening to me until I found an article about all this. Now I know what is happening. Protracted withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there every. ❤️

[@truthseek3017]

You are a liar.

[@johnfromflorida9441]

Thank you for this effort andt this information, this is much appreciated and more people need to hear it 🙏

[@rainej7013]

FDA DOESN’T GAF!!!!!!Sorry for my language.

[@allencollins6031]

So true

[@Cheesygarlicccc]

This video really makes me think nobody heals.

[@bic-sonja9140]

Several of us, including me, who testified that day have gotten to place where life is livable and can be enjoyable. It takes time.

[@Cheesygarlicccc]

@@bic-sonja9140 Did you CT? How long did it take? I am 5 months out feeling hopeless. Seems like everywhere I look people are just not getting better. The SI might win unfortunately. I wish I could have spoke as I am a Massachusetts resident.

[@emilybarnes5654]

Hi Brian, I only took Valium for around 40 days straight, 1mg a day. I then stopped and had a 5 month living hell. In that time were two serious suicide attempts and a psych ward admission. I am medication free for the last three months. They had me on maximum dose Orlanzapine and Sertraline. I weaned myself off both over about three months. I have made 100% recovery, I think... I do need more sleep than before what amounted to 11 months of psych drugs, that all started from valium. I hope that my concentration is normal. I think it is, I am just starting back my masters that i had put on hold. So whilst my benzo stint was shorter, I still had withdrawral and went through the greatest hell. There is hope.

[@Cheesygarlicccc]

@@idesigncutethings2196 the protracted boards say otherwise

[@kencabeen7786]

@@Cheesygarlicccc Seriously, look into microdosing psilocybin (magic) mushrooms. It’s miraculous.

[@TheAjmos]

I don’t understand this. We want informed consent, but how can this happen if Big pharma won’t admit what the drugs can do?

[@Q1776Q]

The problem is.... Even if doctors inform their patients of the dangers of Benzodiazepines.... People will largely ignore them thinking 'it really can't be that bad'... They have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA of how EXTREMELY severe the damage these drugs can cause. ONLY someone that has gong through it has ANY idea of how bad it can be.

[@xy-qy2yg]

I did say I didn't want anything addicitve and the doc lied. I would have for sure been saved by proper informed consent.

[@Q1776Q]

@@xy-qy2yg I'm sorry to hear that.... I have told many people about the dangers of Benzos, and SSRI's ...they just don't seem to care at all.

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

Yes that’s me

[@mik569]

My Great Grandmother took a Valium (Diazepam) every single evening. She was a functional, kind, sociable woman who raised 6 kids. She lived to 96. Her health went downhill when she entered a nursing home and the physician decided to take away the Valium and give her morphine instead. She hated it. Taking it away harmed her My Grandmother (her daughter) took a Valium at night often. She was also an alcoholic, it runs in the family on both sides. She had her own home business and was a single mother. Benzodiapines are safer than alcohol long term. Not ideal, Honestly everyone needs something. Whether it's food, stimulants, alcohol, sex, shopping, or opiates. I am a functional student, wife and mother of one boy. I've survived an IV hard drug addiction. I've been clean 9 years but like the other women in my family, i take a Klonopin (Clonazepam) every night. I feel for everyone who goes through Benzodiapine withdrawal. I've quit multiple times. Perhaps i should quit, but i know it's better if i don't.

[@Samantha-wu5vn]

34 year Klonopin user. I am from 2mg to 1mg to .5 mg daily now.Trying hard to wean off, but gosh, I am 70 and the suffering many years is agony.😢

[@Iliketurtlezz]

just stay on it on your age and enjoy the time you have

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

@@IliketurtlezzI almost would say the same thing

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

My heart really goes out to you. Just keep your thoughts with Jesus

[@TE-7302-]

What don’t you understand about tolerance?

[@TE-7302-]

That was for the person who suggested a 70 yr old stay on this poison.

[@brettwilson7680]

The pain and suffering and loss of life this drug has caused is beyond comprehension. They just prescribed this stuff so recklessly, to people that don't need it, at least not daily.

[@incognito595]

IT'S ABOUT MONEY, $$$$, OF COURSE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 65 YEARS!! PASS THE WORD. START BY FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE MASS. BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN MEDICINE. GO FROM THERE(DEA, FDA, LAWYER, ETC.). HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

[@freedom4all61701]

Omgosh my testimony also. 4 years ago was my last step down off benzodiazepines I was taking as suggested and treated for ptsd for over 30 years. A genetics dna test ordered by my psychiatrist proved also that I was allergic to many pharmaceuticals. Hence the great need for alternative natural organic medicine.

[@hearme4581]

My heart breaks for everyone that has been injured on this medication. I only took it for 9 days and decided to read up about it. Once I seen all the many side effects and withdrawals. I stopped it. It has been 12 days off the medication and I have very mild symptoms compared to what I’m seeing. I’m a hypochondriac so I’m constantly looking up things especially medications. I’m here for informed consent. I was able to decide not to continue to take is only because of my anxiety that lead to look up everything. How ironic.

[@leafyveins4985]

Hopefully you continue to not take them. This makes me breathe a sigh of relief that someone is educated about this and so avoids this very real, very painful, and very scary situation.

[@brettwilson7680]

Smartest thing you ever did. Problem was they didn't have any of the negative stuff in here twenty ago really. People just didn't know, and doctors either didn't know about it either or were culpable in the cover up like the creator of the drug was.

[@hearme4581]

@@brettwilson7680 I understand that, that’s why i don’t take medicine now. Unless it’s natural I don’t want it. I don’t want to be apart of the people that are injured and they are still gathering the information.

[@brettwilson7680]

@@hearme4581 i don't want to ever be one of those people again. It took eight months of exquisite pain, every moment of everyday cold turkey Xanax withdrawal. I have PTSD from the trauma if it, but I mostly healed. I still have some episodes of paws, but they are getting further and further between.

[@marleneholik-ls9wr]

I AM JUST ABOUT IN HYSTERICAL TEARS!!!! I took prescribed Xanax for FORTY YEARS! I am a veteran and they gave me a PhD pharmacist instead of an MD. He promptly started weaning me off and instructed the pharmacy to never fill another Xanax prescription for me again. He didn’t follow me, in fact NOBODY FOLLOWED ME - I was completely on my own. It was hell on earth, as many of you know. I dove into research online but could not get all the answers that I was seeking. The clinic made me feel like I was a big bother, said their patient load was too large, and I felt that I was just ignored and stifled. The only ones willing to help me were in the NEUROLOGY office in the community. They patiently listened to my history of abuse and neglect from the womb, to adulthood then a 42 year marriage of constant abuse in every form. I am so thankful that I found this group! I have been Benzo free for a little more than 2 months but still have horrible symptoms. Today I am quite upset about my left leg, which is numb and tingly. I have read about this but need to hear from others here - please!!!!! Thank you all in advance!!!

[@Q1776Q]

The lady at about 51:00 was prescribed Ambian and 6MG of Ativan...THAT IS PURE INSANITY.... That doctor should be in PRISON.

[@smilemor-phony5964]

@Q76, they should all be in PRISON. And I'd love to be one to hand out the sentences.

[@manicmurph]

I was on Klonopin for 6 years at 1.5 mg a day. I've been off them and it was hell but most of these people who have these symptoms were on extremely high doses for many years at a time. I still have some bad anxiety and when I would go back to the doctors it emergency room they'd just give me vistaril which doesn't help at all. Or tell me to raise my my Zoloft. I jumped off at .05mg and was sick for a month. It was like being on acid and having the worst anxiety, insomnia, and nausea for a month. The doctors don't know shit. They think they're so smart but they really don't know about any of this shit.

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

Thank you yes I agree

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

@@manicmurphare you taking anything now ? I can only tell you what has helped me which is lions mane reishi etc that’s all I can’t say what to do but only what has worked for me . I am no where near healed but still here dealing with this

[@MeghenFarley]

Yes pure evil and they prescribed way more than that

[@markpatrick5246]

But what do people with severe severe anxiety and panic disorder do where excercise diets meditation etc doesn’t help

[@timothyayers8596]

You asked an inconvenient question. But a good one. Benzodiazepines have a place because living in a horrible state of anxiety is not tolerable when we have an FDA approved class of drugs that can treat it. These people are going to ruin it for the rest of us. Beware of crusaders

[@caivail4614]

A common thread in many of these stories is fascinating - so many of these people suffered a trauma/loss in their life and then were prescribed these toxic benzos. Anxiety/stress after the death of a loved one or a traumatic event is a normal and even healthy response. Imagine if as a society we could adequately support people in grief and trauma as opposed to dosing them with chemicals that have a high potential for dependence and life-altering or even life-threatening side effects.

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

I agree

[@incognito595]

They know what suffering is in store for us. Don't fall for the story that "they don't know." Also, when they pretend they don't recognize the symptoms of The Horrors patients endure.

[@dizzyspinner648]

I was given valium as a muscle relaxant after an injury. I only took one because it wiped me out so badly I couldn't function. That you would have anxiety after building up tolerance makes total sense.

[@jrjacobsil]

Took 40mg Valium per day from 1975 to 2015. Tapered off in two months in 2015. If benzodiazepines had not been invented I would have needed to be prescribed barbiturates. Please do not prevent psychiatrists from prescribing benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety disorder.

[@andersbunemann7169]

Did you do ok? Fast taper!

[@jrjacobsil]

@@2shortshorty436 Yes way. Valium is a slowly metabolized benzodiazepine and it pretty much tapers down within a month. I took two with professional guidance. Millions use benzodiazepines without incident and we only hear about the bad experiences some people have.

[@LyndaLand]

@@jrjacobsil May I ask about what does you were on all that time? Did you need to keep increasing it to still feel like it was helping you? I took klonopin for thirty years without the dosage increasing much at all, but the last 8 years I wasn't getting any better, and developed even more anxiety and many health issues tied to the med. Should have known, but i didn't have a clue that what had once helped me live a pretty normal life had turned on me.

[@madelynhernandez7453]

​@@jrjacobsilThen the people with good experiences and fantastic outcomes on long term benzos need to rally and speak up to defend a drug that is clearly horrific, has killed millions and many others will die because of it. The hell of them can only be understood by those who live through it. You must either be a troll or extremely lucky.

[@jrjacobsil]

@@madelynhernandez7453 not horrific at all. Millions have used benzodiazepines in the past 60 years without any problems. Many people have had problems and those are the ones we hear about. Thankfully in the USA doctors can prescribe long term benzodiazepines. I believe this cannot be done in the UK and many other countries.

[@randydavis4896]

The committee does not seem very interested. Not a single question

[@manicmurph]

Yeah I thought that was bullshit too.

[@michellevokey9327]

@@manicmurph Crickets!

[@HARMREDUCER]

The alarm going off every couple minutes made this basically unwatchable. I am sure it did not help anyone involved's anxiety.

[@naomimara3340]

35:49 Dear Cheryl St John, thank you! I wish everybody going tough this had a sister like you, fighting in our name. Yor fight, this testimony will prevent others from suffering.👍 (my sister does try, but she doesn't understand entirely, and is getting tired of me being sick for so long) I have no words for your loss, only remainder of the promise we will see again our loved ones when the time comes. I hope you find peace and comfort.❤🙋

[@ryankeefe1394]

A gentle gong is a great tool for ending presentation times. The choice to use that loud and anxiety inducing alarm for folks who have had to deal with hell and are here speaking from the heart is a clear sign of low eq by the moderator. Shame that happened.

Thank you for uploading!

[@Horroroscope]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I feel a little bit better now that it makes sense.

[@denisestepaniak8753]

Thank you for sharing your stories!

[@CharlesSilver-ew3ju]

On it for 20 yrs. Don't think I can get off lorazepam ever. I'm ashamed of it.

[@Elizabethselby]

My mom was on it for 25 and it made her life better.

[@Elizabethselby]

@@2shortshorty436 I take 2 mgs of clonazepam, and I don't want to stop it. The relief from ptsd and panic disorder is immeasurable. I wouldn't want to go on without the relief it gives me. My panic is too intense to function. It literally gave me my life back. For me, the benefits far outweigh the risks. It actually is very beneficial to me.

[@maritadenil6774]

For me it's a lifesaver...

[@michaeldecamp3017]

It should be mandatory that patience hear these testimonies before being prescribed benzodiazepines. I guess it's like how tobacco has its warnings but benzos are way worse for you and should be advertised as such. It scares me that I'm still convinced I can fit them into my life somehow and it will make my life easier. It's not even about getting high I know after taking it for a few days to a week I'll need them just to feel normal. I'm now so hypersensitive I can't have high amounts of B vitamins or caffeine. I can't enjoy an energy drink here and there or a couple cups of coffee like I used to and I'm only 28.i cant have sugar or enjoy alcohol whatsoever it makes me uncomfortably dizzy. I been like this since 24 or 25 years old. I have recovered quite a bit and was never on benzos prescribed that have tooken hundreds and hundreds of them especially mixed with alcohol and other benzos and downers. I used to feel invincible and eventually it all caught up with me.

[@basketballfan5763]

I cannot believe the alarm keeps beeping with people recounting this type of withdrawal which includes sensory hyper agitation....as someone who knows I have a problem and have only started on my own to reduce and cut out Diazepam 3 times in the past 6 months to a year(2 mg which i cut in half and do not take daily) that noise would set off a nerve pain in my ears that would set off my eyes to pain then my neck and the whole spine would start paining then.....

[@indochinapatriot435]

Turn that bloody alarm off.

[@grstett]

Yes, we do need prescription withdrawal protection! We need a national law!

[@brendamalone3880]

57:06 I’am going through all these symptoms after tampering Kolonipin. It’s been almost years. I’m still having horrific symptoms. So glad to finally know I’am not the only one. 😢

[@DeniseHurd-qm7id]

​@2shortshorty436 the bill didn't pass?

[@SuperBowser87]

What about the people it does help and has no bad effects ? This medicine you are putting a bad light on saved my life. It doesn’t hurt everyone.

[@BzInfoCoalition]

What about them? The medical field is set up to serve those who benefit from a medication. We care deeply about the people harmed and that they are disabled, sometimes killed, and discarded without any help. We would hope anyone would care about this. www.benzoinfo.com/2019/11/11/yes-benzos-help-some-that-doesnt-justify-ignoring-patient-safety/

[@mardishores4016]

This is not about people who were helped. If you were helped. Good. You have no business commenting here. Thousands of lives, jobs,friendships, have been destroyed. STFU. People like YOU are part of the problem. Big pharma loves you. You're ignorant. And they're RICH.

[@toddlavigne6441]

I don't understand. The drug is not meant for long term use. Why do doctors keep giving patients re-fills? The withdrawals are horrible and can last for months. Patients need to be tapered off benzo's very, very slowly. Seem's many doctors don't know this.

[@Elizabethselby]

I take 2 mgs of clonazepam for ptsd. If they stopped my rx, I wouldn't want to be alive. It helps that much

[@cjw8817]

I disagree with the online support groups not helping. You've got to find the right group as they are very highly supportive. Doctors have no clue how to taper off these horrific evil drugs.

[@worstchannelever5232]

Dr Robert Young amazing ly intelligent man your lucky to have had a conversation with him.

[@nomics88]

16 days in cold turkeyed my prescription of 4mg a day 13 years and this is brutal!! Lost my job, now idk what to do.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

If you’re 28 days in with no other drugs used to assist your detox you’re doing GREAT!! A full month on this Saturday!! Good Job!! Don’t give up! Hopefully you are in a detox facility being medically withdrawn(?) I ask because Benzo withdrawal can be deadly. People die every year trying to kick benzos at home. Your blood pressure will spike & suddenly drop which enough times & steep enough can cause stroke & death. Benadryl really helps. Most of the old Antihistamines(Promethazine etc..) really assist with detox symptoms from many depressant, hypnotic, & opiate drugs. Just be careful of the dosage. The measurement is based on Mg to Kg of bodyweight so research dosage prior to taking any. Just stick with the plan that you’re finished using benzos & you’re golden.

[@nomics88]

@@BushyHairedStranger yeah man,I'm at the house. It was and still is hard but feeling better everyday bud. I appreciate your reply!

[@jasonsenator6144]

It's happened to me for the last 5 years. I wouldn't have believed this until I went through it!

[@suzie9404]

Uh can someone please shut that damn phone ringer off?

[@suckermofo1]

"Great" but unfortunate to see you guys speaking out. Listened to some of you guys before around the place, raising awareness. I think benzos can be the worst of the worst to come off. I came off something else and it was hell but i think your hell is at least a level up from effexor.

[@roosterselfiessjesus5979]

I came off effexor cold turkey, horrid symptoms but no risk of death! Im on klonapin past 6 years and now know i will have to do a very slow wean or risk heart attack/ seizure. Which only adds to anxiety. ☹️

[@brendamalone3880]

Can’t find anyone in Nv to help me. Suffering alone, my syciatrist refuses to help me. I’am 70 yrs old I have hellish post withdrawal symptoms. Any help would be appreciated.

[@gareth3857]

I would not be here if it wasn't for benzodiazepines god help us all when people like this get them taken of us

[@timothyayers8596]

God bless you. These clowns had a bad experience now they want to get the drugs banned for everyone. Perfect example of a small group ruining it for everyone

[@claesyoungberg1695]

​@timothyayers8596 They're not asking for a ban at all. They want doctors to provide Real Informed Consent!!

[@timothyayers8596]

I support informed consent completely

[@maryweddle4150]

The moderator is rude. Time limits are important but maybe more programs should be produced. This is a huge problem and people need time without a rude bell going off. I would like a more compassionate moderator.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Certain Committee members here are in dire need of Empathy training, that or they should seek another career.

[@madelynhernandez7453]

Yes, sadly it is the case with many doctors, nurses, caretakers, etc...This world is lacking in empathy.

[@judyrandall9756]

Thank you, Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! These drugs are poison!

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Omg I've noticed that driving im good when I'm moving.. when I slow down and stop I'm miserable. My Dr is telling me that withdrawal symptoms are over.. only seen him twice. Other Drs think I'm crazy and a drug or attention seeker. I'm taking this video to my Dr.

[@judithriedel4194]

Yes I have been through the moving. Fell down on concrete and knocked out many teeth. Just had them removed after panic attacks stopped me from getting it done. But the scare of infection turning to possibly being fatal. I. found a very understanding oral surgeon who took care of me. So all health care and emergency response need to understand and get educated. Please if you want to save lives please get educated.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

​@@judithriedel4194 OMG I broke my tooth also and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital because I was having a reaction to being drugged with novacaine. Don't take any pian meds.. they will mess you up. Just stopped talking Tylenol 3 because I was miserable. I was talking it because I have a cyst in my spine. But anyway an oral surgeon gave me general anesthesia and got my tooth fixed. We are very sensitive to any drugs right now. Good luck with your recovery. 👍

[@gqmonster976]

whats the annoying phone calls constantly in the background

[@warrenraffensberger2466]

Been through it. Have to face it again. These stories fire me up. 😡

[@seth4035]

I am so FUCKED when I finally taper off this 6 year klonopin prescription

[@allencollins6031]

You ain't alone.

[@brettwilson7680]

How are you? We do heal.

[@jameslee5520]

Why? Not everyone suffers long term effects . In fact , only a small percentage of people do.

[@seth4035]

@@jameslee5520 I had terrible anxiety before I even started taking klonopin though, would that make a difference?

[@donna6165]

@@jameslee5520 Untrue. Not a “small percentage.”

[@bigdaddymerks420]

That alarm that keeps going off is annoying...made me turn the video off

[@Jean-ni6of]

Will attorneys represent people harmed by Benzodiazepine?

[@cjw8817]

Did the bill pass?

[@ivywoods5926]

I'm 3yrs off valium and still have symptoms,

[@rameshlumb4003]

@ivywoods how are you now

[@lindahuseyin4210]

The same symptoms over and over ..this us horrendous !!

[@bettybelcher3336]

So, are these committee members on, or have ever received money from drug manufacturers? I believe that would make them ineligible as it may be a conflict of interest.

[@barbaravaters4989]

Why no questions from the committee members?

[@madelynhernandez7453]

People care more about their damn jobs than peoples lives. Poor animals are now also being prescribed antidepressants and benzos. Wtf is happening.

[@goldilockz6517]

I live in MA, how can I help support the Mass Benzo Bill?

[@BzInfoCoalition]

Sign up here: www.benzoinfo.com/informedconsentpolicy/

[@Pocketpowerplant]

Did this pass?

[@Q1776Q]

Long Term is now...anything over 2 weeks use.

[@allencollins6031]

Wish I knew that. Fkn poison.

[@timothyayers8596]

@@2shortshorty436 why don’t YOU stop taking benzos and stop making judgments for everyone else. Millions come on and off these drugs with out much trouble. They taper a month and are fine. Benzodiazepines help get them through horrible bouts of panic and anxiety. Stop projecting onto everyone

[@lisamoag6548]

any class action suits I can join?

[@omgthatsrita]

Please help with advice

[@alwaysthebadguy_2020]

Is been about five months I slept about 1 hour a night for 4 months

[@lifebeginsat5052]

How do we do this in the United Kingdom

[@roosterselfiessjesus5979]

I spent 3 months in Scotland and my fiancee at the time was on baby doses of lorazapam. And he went nuts after being without his meds for 1 day! Actually accused me of taking them, but I take Klonapin which is so much stronger, he did not believe me, so I dont know if its available there?

[@Pocketpowerplant]

😢

[@missusbigs]

So weird. Yesterday I offered a viable healing modality in the form of neuroplastic retrainging and this morning I see that it's been removed. You'd think that the people involved would welcome information that would help those who are plainly suffering but maybe it's more important to just keep focused on the problem instead of a solution? Anyone?

[@roosterselfiessjesus5979]

Please explain. I need info.

[@Samantha-wu5vn]

I welcome a solution. Sometimes in the state, we are in, it's hard to find ways out. I am only focused on tapering and my mind limits me on helping myself. When you are suffering PTSD, anxiety panic attacks and nerve damage and now dementia, you just welcome hope. What is neuroplastic retraining? Thank you.

[@jasonsenator6144]

Hippy guy is cool I have tons of questions

[@incognito595]

"They" don't care. It's hard to accept, certainly. You see, IT'S THEIR INCOME!!! All of us feel the same way. Don't fall for the line that "they didn't know." It' BS. THEY HAVE KNOWN FOR 65 YEARS!! Start by reporting them to the Massachusetts Board of Medicine. Then, file a report with The DEA. Then go to their website and write what happened to you. If you are Really lucky, Sue Them All!!

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Difference betwen use and abuse ? It easy to cross the line

[@maryweddle4150]

There he goes again.

[@maryweddle4150]

Who does the moderator represent.....what is his position?

[@matthewjjoss3821]

Benzo's cause Long term effects that are absolutely horrible! I have been Xanax since I was 13 and I'm now 38 and still on em. Never increased the dosage. I have Tourette Syndrom and with these Medicines I can function normally on. I have Never run out, Never abused them, and take is as prescribed. I feel Normal on Benzo medication.

[@ModernSlackers]

Let's go! Utah is up next. I will burn these companies to the ground, currently on a Clonazapam taper from a prescribed 11 MG of Xanax daily. After two attempts to end my life later, I am on a long taper and suing both the prescriber and the manufacture.

[@Pocketpowerplant]

Please tell me more!😢Please, I need to talk

[@TheTurtleTribalNation]

So you are saying it’s impossible for anyone to be held accountable?

[@alwaysthebadguy_2020]

I took it for about five years straight with note to five bars a day I never knew I was risking my life when I went cold turkey and the reason I went cold turkey cuz I was broke

[@cho7707]

So, people are stopping a drug that helps them in order to live a crappy life. 🤔 What am I missing?

[@BzInfoCoalition]

It seems you are missing the part where the medication made them sick.

[@cho7707]

@@BzInfoCoalition my bad. I thought their ailments were from stopping the drugs. Jeez sounds like they had a very hard time. Hope they get well. Stevie Nicks was on Klonopin for 8 years, she said. She also said getting off of it was worse than getting off of cocaine. Worst 8 years of her life, she also said.

[@terrymedley3789]

Yeah that's one of my only questions? I take my medication properly didn't abuse they saved my life

[@timothyayers8596]

@@BzInfoCoalition Crusaders ruin it for everyone else. What about the millions of people who have been helped by this class of drugs ? How about striking a balance. You are a loud and vocal MINORITY. Most people who take benzodiazepines have none of these issues as long as they taper for a few weeks.

[@maryweddle4150]

No wonder, he is a politician!!

[@jenniferjones1821]

This is too little tooo late for me

[@dank6852]

Someone sleeping on a hot mic around @1:02:00. Based on Hollywood Squares @ 1:01:00, I'd say lower left. Not respectful whoever it is.

[@UndeadAaronGames]

From what we know now, This class of medication should simply be restricted to ER and Hospital use only.

[@timothyayers8596]

Great idea. Take away a treatment that works for millions of people because a loud and vocal minority have a bad experience. Benzodiazepines are useful drugs when used properly.

[@Rosina2727]

HOW RUDE IS IS FOR THIS PERSON TO KEEP RINGING THAT BLOODY BELL!! OR WHATEVER IT IS. THESE POOR PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO GET OUT WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY. GOSH HE WAS ON A TINY DOSE HALF A TABLET OR 1MG? I WAS ON 40 MG .BUT THEN LIKE I SAID WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT.

[@rainej7013]

Why did the woman comment on white privilege, unnecessary stupid comment!!!!!!!!!

[@pyarkaaloo]

Nary a shrapnel of privilege inherent in this shit show-tortured, gaslit, dismissed, involuntarily committed

[@eScential]

So now i know more of what was done to destroy me from birth. And continues to this moment to entertain medical sadists.

[@maryweddle4150]

Rude....how do you think this woman feels. "Thank you" ....I don't think he cares....sounds like a politician.

[@user-bz4bn8dz9u]

I’m guess benzos don’t help no one ever

[@kathrynrealhealthtalk910]

Horrible.

[@gareth3857]

You never say a good word about benzodiazepines thay have helped people you are just a one side story

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Benzodiazepines will likely disappear like Quaaludes did in the early 1980’s. The causal factors are nearly identical.

[@latashamarbury7670]

There’s absolutely NOTHING good to say about Benzodiazepines.. don’t you dare question what others and myself have suffered!!!

[@markpatrick5246]

@@latashamarbury7670 I think there are many w severe anxiety and panic who are able to function due to benzos but others like yourself are injured by them so it seems there are 2 sides ….both not easy

[@mardishores4016]

You need to shut the f**k Up. These poisons don't help anyone. Are you fu**ing DEAF to these testimonies? People have committed suicide because of benzodiazepinesand other psychiatric drugs. The health care system is a dismal failure.🤕

[@mardishores4016]

To Gareth 3857.. Shut the F**k UP. Good for you they 'helped'. They have ruined and/or killed thousands. You know NOTHING!🤕

[@jamesmoore5630]

Not one patient had a positive result??? I have been so much better after taking Xanax, so why did you not call me to give my testimony???🤔 Remember, I am a senior, and I have Aspergers Syndrome, so I am not here to discredit anyone. Many people just have addictive personalities.

[@mysticmardi]

why don't they interview you? that's is curious isn't it? maybe because its a lawsuit and you are not a party in it? It makes sense to me. Then again you are watching this video so you are the addict and don't want to stop the drug. Ignorance is bliss. Selfcenteredness is bliss. So unless you work for the drug companies (most likely) or its lobbies (also an option) or you are jealous that these people stopped and you cannot. Or, you just have to stick your nose in it like a busybody. so which is it? Perhaps you are a 'bot and i am wasting my breath. The blood on the ground is drowning you out.

[@timothyayers8596]

@@mysticmardisounds like you could use some benzodiazepines. They are great drugs. Highly effective and uses successfully by millions of people. I’m sorry you and your benzo buddies used the drugs improperly, didn’t research like you should any med before you start it and failed to have a taper plan in place with your Dr. Now you want to ruin it for everyone else who benefits from these drugs.

[@bjoe74fm]

I actually agree 100%, It is the most horrific addiction that I experienced along side opiate addiction, I was on a huge 300 to 400 mg daily addiction of morphine , which ultimately was a IV dose, not prn or nochte, it was when ever I was coming down, which at the end was every 30 to 50 minutes, the benzo's where up to 5 a day just to help eleviate the anxiety, this was my routine for 10 years, always legally obtained scripts, when I made the decision to stop, the morphine addiction was bad , how ever it was short lived via detox, which I did myself, the how ever was I was sick for around 2, 2.5 weeks, then it was all over, the benzo addiction took me around 2 months where I was able to achieve a rem sleep, after 6 months hyper tension started, pending doom mind set and then it really kicked off vengefully, around 10 months after I stopped, the time the brain start to produce sleep in a normal mental state, my brain would not shut off, hyper tension the restless sleep and the thoughts of impending doom would start, that went of for around 6 months,, this nearly drove me insane, i think in reflection, opioide/opiate withdrawal was a cake walk by comparison to benzo withdrawal, benzo diazepam, valium or what ever of that group is used is so aggressive to detox from, it is almost like a death sentence till the chemicals in the brain re adjust, I now how a bio med degree and am also a degree holder in applied science and organic chemistry, and almost 9 years sober from the chemicals that once dominated my life,, had I of known what phenyl grouped drugs are, I would never had played spin the bottle with my synapse , it really was not a laughing matter in reflection

[@cele2590]

opioide/opiate withdrawal was a cake walk by comparison!!! Four years out from a rapid detox disaster, I'm very close to reinstating a small dose. It's been a hell, I never dreamed it would last this long. I was sure those horror stories were an exaggeration. I was dependent on both though, fortunately not at the same time. Always sensitive to medication, I'm now hardly tolerant of any and struggling to get cns and circulation regulated. Angry, I work so hard at behavioral coping skills just to stay away from suicide. How does one know if its damage is still reversable?

[@krystalship6245]

I started taking Clonazepan in 2015. I am doing this alone but today is my 18th day of no Clonazepan. I feel like I am dying. 😔 😞 🫨

[@DeniseHurd-qm7id]

Did the bill pass?

[@sharondurkan5031]

😢

[@craftygirl17]

Did the bill pass?