Coming off Benzo's After 35 Years Janice's Story and Regrets

[@amytmnc]

11 years daily on a moderate dosage and a new dr at Duke went on vacation, nobody would prescribe, went through severe withdrawals (delirium, DT, etc) for months with no medical help at home. Not my choice. Extended withdrawals for almost 2 years. 3 years later I’m still not myself but getting close to who I was before psychiatrist. I have zero trust in the medical profession now and am using multiple alternative therapies to function and heal. It’s horrible what this lady is going through and you do not understand unless you’ve been there.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Oh my… that is truly horrific. That being said, I’m glad to hear you are getting better! Best wishes moving forward.🙂

[@mitch5222]

How can we not hate life what happened to us? It is inhumane and they ruined our life.

[@mims503]

​@@ChrisfromGeorgia Best wishes for your continued healing! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@mims503 Hey thanks! It is nice seeing a kind comment to start the day. I can definitely use as much positive support as I can possibly get. Take care and I want to wish you all the best as well! 😎✌🏻💛💫

[@lishik7712]

That could've so easily been me. I tapered myself off of Ambien, it was awful. After 17 years my primary cut my prescription in half. I'm so grateful to be off. I took low dose Xanax. Even on .025/day the anxiety of stopping was terrible. I'm glad I'm hearing these experiences to keep me away from ever going back.

[@jakejones6056]

Quitting benzos is the hardest and the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. TERRIFYING.

[@HuntsvilleFreshClothingCo]

It feels to me like living in a haunted house, always feeling like something BAD is about to happen and I’m always overstimulated by everything, especially my 2 kids. 🤦‍♂️ Hardest thing I’ve ever done and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

[@sharipurdee]

What type were you on ,how long were you on it and how did you come off ? Looking for some help myself

[@jbwetzstein]

Same, jake. Worst experience of my life by a million times, and it’s still not over now at nine months off a symptoms-based taper.

[@sandymitchell1606]

@@jbwetzsteinyou got this hero❤

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

​@@HuntsvilleFreshClothingCoIKR? That's exactly how it feels for me too! A lady I met who's also tapering made up the perfect word to describe it - the "Dreeps..." as in "Dreadfully Creepy." I laughed so hard that for a few minutes, I forgot how awful I felt.

[@LisaHandley-l9t]

It is absolutely horrific coming off of benzos

[@SuperReznative]

bin ,there, done that. and Yes it was but of an ordeal ( but I only stayed on them, couple years few years)it's what u can't put into words..

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

I’m 46 and I’ve been on them more than half of my life. Personally, quitting Methadone was easy compared to trying to quit Benzos (which I have yet to make it past day 4.) Take care and I want to wish y’all all the best!

[@stevietalk1]

Please don’t speak for everyone .. it has not been horrific for me. Best to say it has been horrific for you.. we all have our own experiences p. I do agree it’s horrific, even criminal in what is happening w/ Drs. Prescribing & many not knowing how to allow people to taper

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@stevietalk1 What was your experience like? I’d definitely like to hear your story regarding this. That being said, I’m glad you made it through.👍🏻 Take care

[@paulettelamontagne6992]

been on 30 yrs

[@sunnyday6465]

I was on benzos for about 18 years and got off a little over two years ago. I had no help and did not know much of what I was doing. I am 68 now and doing well. Did I have problems? Yes I did, but it was worth it to get off.

[@stevietalk1]

Good for you ❣️ I’m working my plan. On last .25mg of klon. Happy for you AND for me 😉

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Bravo

[@larquinn1090]

Delighted to hear mate

[@danielgoudge8465]

So happy for you

[@stratelyze2095]

How did you do it.

[@recynd77]

My husband (61) is in a similar position as your guest. He hasn’t been on benzos quite as long as she has, but we’ve got him tapered from -7mg/daily of Klonopin to 14mg/daily of Valium (and now holding). We’ve been working on this taper for about five years now. It’s a nightmare: we worry endlessly about supply chain issues, governmental edicts (like opioids), brain damage, and doctor cooperation. What happens when there’s a natural disaster or new pandemic, and dependent people can’t get their necessary meds? 25% of the population in the US will all be withdrawing…AT THE SAME TIME. I’m so glad your guest brought up the spiritual toll these drugs take, too: we can see/measure the physical toll-spiritual, not so much. 💚

[@nwicconsultants6640]

Thank you so much for your comment. All the best on your husbands' taper and hold for all long as he feels he needs to. You and him have come a long way. question: did you say he originally was on 7mg? seems extremely high. All the best to you both. God bless!

[@recynd77]

@@nwicconsultants6640 Yes: a VERY high dose. He was prescribed it to treat dystonia (in that case, the doses are often much higher to get the therapeutic effect); he took the 7mg in divided doses (3.5mg in AM and again in PM). Unfortunately, he required that dose to get benefit-now he’s stuck at a subclinical dose that does nothing but stave off withdrawal. Thank you so much for sharing, and good luck to you. 💚

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

There's currently a shortage of Klonopin across the US: I checked the FDA Orange Book & almost had a panic attack! I never know if or when my scripts will be ready when I need them. Half the time they're out of stock for several days, and I've gotten very sick with interdose withdrawal because of it. We also live in hurricane country, so that just adds to the anxiety. My doctor is the one who first suggested that I begin tapering last year because of the logistics alone. I've got a very long way to go before I'm done & the worry is nerve wracking. I wish I'd never even filled that first Rx, but hindsight's always 20/20. 🥺

[@nwicconsultants6640]

@@drunkensquirrel7545 Good for you that you actually are fortunate enough to have a doctor that suggested tapering. Most doctors don't ever even think of tapering unless the patient brings the subject up. Sorry that you have to worry about the supply issue especially during a time that you need your stress levels to be at a minimum. Note: It is for the very reasons (logistically and otherwise) that "my friend" began tapering a full year in advance of letting his physician know of his intents to taper in order to have a reasonable backup supply. To hell with being in a position of having to rely on big pharma when they're the reason you're in this position in the first place. Stay strong and best wishes for a successful taper to the day you are free of these chains of oppression. It's a difficult journey but one that many have traveled with no regrets. God bless!

[@valeriefromoregon]

@@drunkensquirrel7545no shortage here in Oregon .

[@margehernandez9220]

I totally understand what she’s feeling and going through. I feel like I’m playing beat the clock too trying to taper by myself at my age of 69. I worry if I go to a hospital for whatever reason, will they NOT give me my benzo and wind up getting a seizure or something etc. Thinking and worrying every day has no good quality of life. You want to get off but you’re afraid of the affects, you worry about the psychiatrist stopping me cold turkey etc. Again, this is no way to spend our senior years. 😢

[@DavidJones-ib3zy]

Always take some with you can or have a trusted family member have med's for you . I 95% believe when my Late Mom was in the hospital in 2001 , them stopping her Xanax during cancer treatment caused her to have a Seizure. & Get this she had taken Xanax 2mg a day since 1984 / had terminal Cancer & were WORRIED ! ABOUT ADDICTION ! . WOW , where was common sense ??

[@ChristinaChrisR]

Agreed! I’m a bit younger, 52, but I think of the same things you do. I absolutely do not wanna end up in hospital for any reason, and no matter how bad I feel - like right now I’ve fallen into a bad depression - I DEFINITELY do not wanna go to the psych emergency room. Because unless I would have the rare fortune of bumping into a really good dr, I can tell with great certainty what they’ll do. Give me antidepressants (which I’m trying to come off of) and/or antipsychotics. That, and the chances that I can’t continue tapering benzos by myself, is my nightmare. Good luck to you - to us both - friend!

[@luciebrisson2636]

Im 69 soon 35 yrs of klonopin and last leg of tapering..sfraid to take the leap..same feelings about Dr's and Hospitals...Godd Bless and sustain us all...✝️🔥Lucie Quebec Canada 🇨🇦

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

Us old people got troubles, we do not "heal" once we come off this due to so many variables. The brain is not young and cannot "bounce back". this drug rots the brain- causes brain atrophy and dementia

[@mastersamurai7683]

What your doing is commendable. May I ask how much your tying to kick?

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

This is a great interview, many thanks to you and Janice! She addressed something that I've also been struggling with - spirituality. I'm also Catholic & haven't been able to attend church regularly for a few years because of agoraphobia & hypersensitivity. I was in tolerance withdrawal before recently starting to taper off Klonopin. It's a vicious cycle & I don't know when or if I'll ever break free of it. It was easy to think that I was the only one dealing with this. All I have left for now is faith & prayer. I won't let benzos steal that from me too. Janice, please keep up the good fight. And know that I will be remembering you in my prayers.

[@elizabethabbott2982]

something of a small miracle and I want to mention it on the off chance it might help you... my veteran b.f. was hooked on benzos; I happened to get dr peter breggins book and it helped me to help him..,. he accidentally was in sudden withdrawal from all meds as the doc gave him two anti depressants that got him over excited. one of the ones he stopped abruptly was a benzo and the symptoms were terrible... very dangerous to come off it abruptly. BUT oddly enough a few months later he went to see my doctor (rather than his own) and my doctor said You have been on these meds too long - some 25 years... and got him to go off everything and miraculously he got off all with no trouble... very quickly too and it crossed my mind that the kind of fatherly and competent personality of my doctor gave him confidence; really cannot explain it as from Dr Heather Ashtons brilliant coverage of meds it is normally extremely hard to get off.

[@robertbaker9377]

I just happened to run across this video at 4 o’clock in the morning. I felt like I was watching myself. I am 70 years old I have been, taking Ativan for 35 years. I was so surprised to see this because sometimes I think my computer reads my mind, because that’s all I’ve been thinking about is how to get off of these. Thank you for the video I will be subscribing. Robin Baker.

[@beh4846]

You might be interested in Angie Peacock's channel. She's been through withdrawal from lots of meds, and she has guests that lead to more resources that are helpful. I wish you the best.

[@1littleway]

I’m sorry you are in this situation. I started tapering in 2019 after 35 yrs as I said in the video. It has been a nightmare. I wish you the best of luck. As I said please have a plan and know what your tapering schedule will be. Don’t be discouraged by what I said. You might have less problems than I did. Incidentally I did cross back to Klonopin. Crossing over to Valium after 35 yrs was not easier. All I did was lose time. Wishing you the best.

[@rigas333]

The Ashton manual

[@RosyLife79]

I would have stayed on my anti-anxiety medications if I hadn’t developed bad side effects from the anti-anxiety medications and if I hadn’t found out how badly they can actually HURT YOU. No one tells you they can potentially hurt you and even permanently!:(( THAT IS WHAT IS BROKEN WITH THIS SYSTEM.

[@cristleheart4266]

This world instills fear ! Then you start feeling anxiety that u can’t cope with. So you go on a medication that your stuck on!! DrS get paid to get you on drugs!! Never mind the fact our water is poisoning us!! There’s all kinds of things in our water!!🤷‍♀️

[@My_Alchemical_Romance]

Can you speak some more as to what you mean by permanent damage? I’ve been on 10 bars of Xanax per month for over a decade; I’m prescribed 30 but usually don’t take them. Looking for info before making the leap. Thanks!

[@jayc9179]

Tramadol has turned on me... I'm an Ortho case, 2 knee replacement, 2 shoulder surgeries, back fusion w/cage..too many others to list. I was born w/ a congenital birth defect in both knees. The Tramadol withdrawals are so similar... Sleep Apnea is terrible also.

[@michelebergman4336]

@@My_Alchemical_Romance if ur ok then just keep taking them … otherwise u can slowly take a little less each time & see 4 yourself how it feels 4 u!

[@My_Alchemical_Romance]

@@michelebergman4336 ok, great! I only snap off a .5 (quarter bar) every few days; and have had no seizures for years that way. When I was taking 1.0 to 2mg as prescribed; I was having violent grand maul seizures; so you’re giving good advice out here! Keep up the Great Work!

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Hello Everyone Like Janice, I can say that Klonopin also made my depression worse. Long story short, I’m 46. At 13, I was in an accident that resulted in a TBI. Shortly after graduating High School, I started having extreme panic attacks to the point I didn’t want to leave the house. My doctor at the time prescribed Paxil and Xanax to try and help this. It worked great, until it didn’t anymore. Eventually I switched from Xanax to Klonopin (Btw, I no longer take SSRI’s.) Currently I’m on Valium and it has actually smoothed out my mood, unlike Janice. I understand that the way medications work can vary widely from person to person. That being said, I want to thank Janice for sharing her story and I wish her all the best!

[@1littleway]

Thank you.

[@paulettelamontagne6992]

Wow your story is a lot like mine I was in a boat wreck in Fort Bragg Mendocino at 13 with my great-grandmother Uncle and Cousin I was trapped under the boat for 2 and a half hours with sharks circling my uncle perished I had no heartbeat when removed it made me withdrawn and sullen and then years later when I was Dental Assisting I started having the horrible panic attacks to the point of passing out was told I have a chemical imbalance I've been on benzos 30 years I too do not take any anti-depressants they tried me on a few and they freaked me out they said I have serotonin syndrome but when I lived in a bad area in California I was taking the higher dosage and I've done nothing but go lower I don't know if I could function without them I've never had any bad side effects except for when I lost a doctor and had to find a new one

[@Maxmaxmax63]

I quit klonipin after being on 2mg daily for 12 years. Been off it for like 4 years or so now. Best decision I ever made I feel so much less anxious than I ever did while on it.

[@dianemorrell9638]

You are my hero

[@patriciaaudin4334]

Hi how did you do it hope you are well

[@jrman413]

Did you have withdrawal?

[@sheraria]

I can take 2-4mg at night for sleep walking. I am going to taper myself off. I have been on it for 22 years. I know I have to slowly taper it.

[@elizabethabbott2982]

When I told my own doc that my then b.f. was on Clonazepam the doc gasped in horror My God that is a Benzodiazepine!!!

[@deadairconversion]

Stay the course. Jumping around from Benzo to Benzo just makes things more difficult on the nervous system.

[@rudyferrell]

Please Google benfotiamine, it repairs the nervous system. Ttfd is good stuff too, it crosses the blood brain barrier.

[@carolmorehead5507]

Thanks for sharing your story ❤ wishing you healing & peace

[@jbwetzstein]

Thank you, Josef and Janice for getting this story out there. We need more people telling their stories just like this so doctors will start believing BIND is real, benzos can be very dangerous, and they have the potential to turn lives upside down for years, for both the prescribed and their families. I also struggled with my faith, not what I believed, but feeling like there was a physical block between God and me. That all but disappeared after finishing my clonazepam taper and was gone within a few months of being off. Keep your head up, Janice! It can be a unthinkably long and difficult road, but it gets better.

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

Well yah. but , do you actually think the doctors are even bothering watching these? I doubt it

[@1littleway]

Thanks. I hope so.

[@stevietalk1]

Love this ❣️

[@incognito595]

They All Already Know. Why don't you understand that? This has been going on for almost 60 years. They All Already Know.

[@TomArto-rg3cr]

Thank you for making this content! More outreach is 100% necessary. The public deserve to know what they're putting in their bodies!

[@TheCandaceH]

My doctor just stopped prescribing after six years at a high dose. I don’t know how I survived it. It took about four years to feel somewhat ok. But I took apigens to try and balance my neurotransmitters. I never went back to any doctor after that. I decided I can take care of my health better than any uncaring so called doctor.

[@KoalaBeer.]

So wrong if your on meds well they docs need to transfer you simple

[@HeartAliveToday]

Totally agree! Doctors and meds ruined our family. They take hard, real-life situations and make them so much worse, AND they profit handsomely for doing so.

[@kukusenka]

Thank you for the info

[@Mysticmandyland]

I tapered myself off after 30 years. I followed Ashton manual and did a slow taper.. I went through similar to this story - was told I’d be in diazepam for life. I had a psychiatrist go strange on me too!! Then at age 48 I was in a flood. My town got wiped out no phone no net no dr. No Valium. I went cold turkey for 3 weeks. When I did get to a dr- all I cared about was getting off this medication on a taper because the withdrawals that could kill me even after surviving an apocalyptic flood. I’m into the power of positive thinking and the taper was relatively easy - scary at times, lots of discomfort but perspective can change withdrawal. I was so glad to get the drug out of my system that the withdrawal felt almost good at times.

[@1littleway]

This one good reason to get off! Sorry you had to go through that.

[@stevietalk1]

Exactly - power of positive thinking .. what I focus on expands ❣️ I have had good experience b/c of perspective #grateful

[@patriciaaudin4334]

So glad you got through this nightmare how did you tapet

[@1littleway]

@@patriciaaudin4334 I did dry cut and hold. In the beginning I cut by a half mg when it’s easier, from 3 mg to 2.50. From then I did 5% cuts. In retrospect I wish I had made at least one larger cut because the lower you go it gets more difficult. At one point I updosed for three days and I stupidly tapered from that point when I could have gone back to the dose I was on. I would be off by now. This is why it’s important to have a plan and be educated about your tapering. I didn’t have as much support back then. It’s best to not ever updose unless it’s to stabilize. To stabilize the best thing to do is just hold at the dose you are on until the CNS settles down. Hard lesson learned. I am not off yet 😞

[@Freddybender123]

Yes please tell how u tapered?

[@richman1822]

For 31 years I have been in a relative low dose of .25 mg of Klonopin and 5 mg of Prozac per day. Whether due to a terrible trauma 10 years ago or the meds, I realized I had mostly stopped feeling not only the bad but the good as well. I decided 6 months ago to get off my meds to feel life again. I am down to .125 of K and 1 mg of Prozac. Even at these low doses the taper has been difficult with agitation, some sleep disturbances, brain fog, headaches, and itchy skin. I have noticed I am feeling things again and my balance is better. Posted this just to say even at low doses I have had difficulty stepping away from these meds.

[@michelebergman4336]

Maybe do just the Klonopin by itself 1st or maybe just the Prozac alone first! I DONOT Recommend doing both at same time!!!

[@icedcoffee8561]

Prozac is an ssri, this same channel has loads of videos on PSSD, that's what you're experiencing, caused by the Prozac. I only take benzos and refuse any ssri

[@hannahmitchell87]

Janice is very intelligent, articulate & glamorous. Thank you for sharing your ordeal. Wish you nothing but the best for the future X

[@drannamd]

These "experts" are terrifying.

[@Florence3121]

What's even more terrifying is that people trust them.

[@jilldeangelo8078]

im in my 3rd year of a taper after 30 years of use. this really is torture.

[@1littleway]

😢

[@michelebergman4336]

Why are u cont to taper? Do u ever feel stabilized in between tapers?

[@icedcoffee8561]

Is this your choice? Or your doctors? Seems like they're doing more harm than good, pulling people off.

[@rudyferrell]

Please Google benfotiamine, it's supposed to heal the nervous system. TTFD will help too.

[@david-y4x5b]

getting support is really hard when no one understands the problem

[@dreamernator]

You're absolutely right. If you aren't any good at being an army of one, it can be pretty soul crushing. .... So I've heard. 😉

[@TheNasu7777]

Yes some women do need a pill for PMS. PMS can be terrible.

[@Clem62]

I tried to get help but once I told my doctor I couldn't stop he cut me off. The addiction center was supposed to help but never came through and I found myself running out. I went cold turkey and convulsed alone on my bedroom floor a week. I had been on benzos for about 8 years. Tapering didn't work for me. Even though it was dangerous, cold turkey was the best way. I'm off it for over 20 years now.

[@jeffreywegener8841]

Thanks to the brave woman for sharing & standing above the stigma & discrimination. One can only wonder if short term treatment & other modalities would have changed her life & not be in this terrible dilemma.

[@Joy-Marie369]

I'm so beyond thankful for finding this channel. After covid I started to do research on big pharma and came to my own personal conclusions. I've been on Klonapin .5mg 2x's a day for 23 years. My diagnosis is SAD, PTSD, ADHD and depression. I'm on other meds but this benzo is the medicine I've been on the longest and I'm terrified of what's going to happen when I begin to taper. I hope to keep educating myself on this channel. So I can come off it successfully without any brain damage. I know that I went cold turkey before and it was an absolute disaster. I think that experience caused my brain a lot of harm. I was perscribed Xanax at first and it worked because I felt it kick in but I didn't like the way it made me feel like I was under the influence.

[@icedcoffee8561]

Just take smaller and smaller amounts, until you get to such a small dose you can't feel it, then keep taking that small dose for a while. Also, I find waiting to take the first dose of the day helps to limit intake, since I'm usually relaxed for a couple hours after waking up anyway.

[@vivianelle.6084]

These type of videos help a lot. We're not alone!

[@Ignas2fly]

This woman is such a warrior. Just incredible. A real warrior..

[@stevietalk1]

36:00 - your life hasn’t been wasted .. this is part of our life lessons .. you are working through, learning & growing 💝

[@mitch5222]

For me it is. Now stuck with so much trauma and partially disabled with 24/7 pain. Future scares me. I cannot sleep alone cos i am shaking. Cant remember what is like to be normal more than 10 years.

[@shan4145]

Can you have her back on to see how’s she’s doing? This was a gem video thank you both! 🇨🇦🙋🏻‍♀️

[@planetnone24]

Thank you for sharing this I can 100% relate to everything she said minus Klonopin, I've always been on Valium for 10 years now and when I asked about therapy the Dr just brushed me off. Today I'm at 3mg on a 16 month taper, month 14 and started at 40 mg last Jan 2023. But because of my EMDR therapy I've been doing for 3 years my only anxiety is chemically induced from withdrawals. You got this!!! You're so strong, I love you and hope you're doing well now🎉😁🆓🤕💙💪❤️

[@bwinkle2915]

This is great.. well done!! It’s such a shame this wasn’t offered instead of meds in the first place.

[@bwinkle2915]

I’ve been doing EMDR a little over the last few years for past trauma ., more likely from going on a medication journey for anxiety and panic attacks. New therapist, so going to try tackling the fear of panic attacks. Any recommendations?

[@planetnone24]

@@bwinkle2915 nice! I can only recommend my therapist in Grand Rapids, MI but my biggest suggestion is if you aren't feeling the therapist then switch ASAP to another one until you just know. I have low standards though, however most people blame the therapist for not working but I feel you can do work with any certified therapists even if you don't feel them. It's all about being ready to change and then go into each session determined to do real work. Good luck, you are doing great though. EMDR is a life saver for me at least!

[@janeymorris1273]

Great interview ❤so important to keep interviewing those in the Benzo community ❤ love Janice ❤

[@sharonshea3261]

Omg I love this lady. Lady, I hug you. Bravo for standing up for what you know, not what you are told by professionals who don't have complete (or any) understanding or have other motivations such as whatever they get for prescribing drugs. I have been right where you are for so many years. I actually believed the chemical imbalance thing, and that "you'll need to take these meds forever." They destroyed years of my life and family relationships. Bravo you found good resources that help. Mostly I congratulate you for your courage and standing your ground. You're inspirational

[@helensadeik400]

This was great so real. It’s hell you lose your marriage, your job, yourself. Many years of memory loss blocks due to benzodiazepines and ptsd. You become another person. God bless 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Noemi-u2m]

She suffered from the lonely unsupported mother syndrome. Thank you for giving these voices a platform. It is always women who are harmed the most by medical abuse.

[@shellylavigne5913]

Clearly you believe psych meds are questionable… got it

[@ashdukesbear9700]

@@shellylavigne5913Uh, yeah- it’s what all these interviews are about on this channel…Clearly.

[@SofaKingShit]

This was a pleasant change I'm so tired of going to videos for inspiration for tackling some personal problem and the person interviewed inevitably ends up saying something like :"l don't know what l would do without my support, probably wouldn't have made it". Sucks being lonely.

[@jaktag]

I came off diazepam 35 year ago after been on them for about 10 years It was hell on earth,i tapered off them very slowly but it was still very hard,i remember taking the last tiny bit and it took me months to get over that,i was having hallucinations,panic attacks for months,i think it took me about 9 month to start to feel even slightly better. I really feel for anyone trying to come off of them it really is a very hard thing to do.

[@julieadams5389]

I can relate to this interview so much. I’m 71, was also on Klo for around 35 years. Came off cold turkey 3 1/2 years ago. Still struggling . The age thing is a huge factor for me too. I am a Christian and I feel so cut off from my faith. I cannot seem to access it anymore and this is so very hard for me. But, we must keep going , believing that light and freedom is ahead. Family support is key. And a close a Benzo community is also so important. This could be me speaking instead of Janice. This is a great interview. Thank you both.

[@amyb2646]

I came off my benzo as well, after 23 years, definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

[@mitch5222]

How can we love life after what happened to us? Evil world we live.

[@amyb2646]

@@mitch5222 Yes, for sure!

[@jeankeil4989]

This is the most relatable interview yet! Thank you 🙏

[@shirleypeterson-rp3tq]

I’m a month into my liquid Taper from Ativan after being prescribed for 10 years 1 mg for years then dropping down to 0.5mg.Its a nightmare.

[@graftedinsavedbygrace9319]

Exellent you are doing your own research. It's such a brutal thing to go through. Doctors have no idea the horrific horrific ordeal we all go through. If I may suggest, try passion flower, it's natural and it helps with the agoraphobia/anxiety you feel. I went through this more than once, and it will get better. Keep on breathing and making each day count.

[@louisscd]

Hello Janice, You're a warrior, you may not feel like it, but you are winning. I have just finished my 3 and a half year taper, I was severely injured, at one point, I could not walk, I was wearing a diaper and basically disabled. I drank alcohol with my benzo use, so that made it 100 times worse. But I am, with great difficulty, walking around again, sometimes I can get in the gym, Ive been travelling again, flights... I have some what of a Life or though it's bitterly difficult. I will say, I think healing or some sort of assemblance of normal thinking and feeling has started to connect more effectively now I'm off the benzos... It's been 4 weeks off, jumped from 0.5 Valium, I tapered down from 40mg a day of this crap. Here we are, still battling life, and things will get better... they will, you're very brace for doing this interview, kudos to you

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

You are lying.

[@liloelinde8960]

I would love to see an interview with someone who was injured after a short use of SSRI. Do you have many patients dealing with severe symptoms for a long time after a short use is psychiatric drugs?

[@maureens100]

just saw this....I love you..and care..and understand about anxiety and depression and aging...hugs

[@jeffreywegener8841]

Sorry for second point but the fear of being caught with the meds , drs retiring , specialists refusing to write or discuss tapering I feel is contributing to another level of anxiety for people in the whole sorry messy mix .

[@donnabittner69]

I understand that completely. At 68 I certainly had my share of doctors retiring. Then, because I had other doctors I was accused of Dr shopping.

[@krbaran3]

I appreciate her story. Tapering Xanax after being in it 26 years and I’m 61. Same reasons- doctor getting ready to retire and the thought of dementia as I age. It’s so horrible.

[@jerryjanusz1410]

You should interview Jordan Peterson. Probably the most famous benzo injured person in the world

[@Real_talk919]

Yes please...but he's currently fighting with the Canadian Psychiatric Association to keep his license

[@lisasmith814]

I agree !!! Jordan Peterson has been through this and made it out the other side. I would love to see him use his platform, to bring this serious medical issue to light ❤

[@christinabalas3218]

@@lisasmith814 I wonder the same.... he did an interview with his daughter shortly after the ordeal and said if asked "gun or benzos he would he choose the gun"". What is really sad is that he has basically gone "silent" about it when he COULD have done so much MORE! Why? Money?

[@lisasmith814]

@@christinabalas3218 yes I agree !!! I saw the KZbin video of his daughter interviewing him. He was no different than any of us. Went through the exact same thing !!! I agree that he has gone silent. He would have been the PERFECT person to bring this shocking medical disaster to the fore front !!!

[@truthseek3017]

He is filth

[@scarlettspear7447]

It is so good she has so much support. I hope she feels better soon. Sending love from London UK. Xx

[@afol4016]

Many patients can't endure the Suffering. They take their own lives. A lot of people do. Truth.

[@rozee2133]

Yes so so sad 😢

[@basketballfan5763]

My beautiful father's life was destroyed by being left on valium for definitely 25 years.. then in the hospital as he was dying of heart failure they decided that a living corpse did not deserve pills in his last few days so they ripped him cold turkey off of it and then he proceeded to scream at everybody as he was dying..my last conversation with My Father would have been an abuse session where he was screaming at me but my mother luckily snuck him up one tablet that she had put away as she had been tapering him off them for 10 years or more but she did not know what she was doing and she couldn't get him off them.. and then he calmed down and I remember one last beautiful conversation 😭.. his personality was destroyed on them, I do believe.. I definitely witnessed a man that was suffering from depression and it seemed to be going up and down.. it was being put down to his artistic temperament as he was an artist

[@jeam1]

Also people must address the things “IN” their body. Breast implants, body devices and even dental amalgams and root canals can cause confusion and depression..

[@EdithBrown-v2d]

I was put on Ativan in 1989 1 ml. 4 × a day.. I stayed on it it was increased to 2 ml. 4 × a day. In 2019 i told my Psychiatrist that i wanted to be weaned off of it.. He said No. I would be on it the rest of my life. I told him No i would not. I weaned my self off it it. It took a year But i did it. I have PTSD and Mood problems. I also weaned myself off of Invega. I was told time after time i could not fo this. Well i have.. For over 9 months i am free of mind Contoling meds.. I live a different life also.. I feel like i am ALIVE now.. I pray now instead of taking a pill. 🙏

[@HeckleCat]

that took alot of discipline. I tapered myself off too after a 10 yr habit, took the better part of a year too. Here's to you :)🌞

[@EVOLr]

You are free, it’s just going to take time adjusting to reality.

[@thefuzzfactor2989]

Thank you both for this interview. Doctors, particularly at the primary care level need to learn about SLOW tapering. In some cases a doctor will decide, "this surgery will not prescribe benzos anymore".

[@brightwithspirit]

what do you mean this surgery? xo

[@lisasmith814]

Thankyou for another great video Dr Josef. Like Janice, my depression completely disappeared once I jumped from Valium. I'm now 15 weeks off. 26 years ago I was feeling overwhelmed with 4 little sons under the age of 6. My Dr gave me Xanax. This was the start of polydrugging and chronic illness. I still take 40mg paroxetine. I don't think I can go through this whole withdrawal process again 🙈

[@onehornlarrysgarage5156]

I’m the same way, never had depression until I was on gabapenton, when they took me off gabapenton I had bad withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and insomnia so they put me on Klonopin, now that I have tapered off klonopin the depression is getting better. I could feel it lift with each drop in dose of the Klonopin

[@Rockymtnbloom]

I had terrible depression when taking gabapentin for nerve pain.

[@lindavezina6224]

I completely believe her.once your trapped into the medication. You need it to feel normal.And then it causes triggers that never happen in a life time..I really believe in her

[@tiffanyowens8266]

Great interview. I had a stellate ganglion block to help me taper off Xanax. Helped TREMENDOUSLY.

[@brightwithspirit]

Do you know if it would help with seizures? That's my only major issue is that I will have a seizure if I stop the xanax. xo

[@tiffanyowens8266]

@@brightwithspirit I don’t know, but you should be able to find a list of doctors in your area familiar with the procedure.

[@craftygirl17]

What is stellate ganglion block please elaborate.

[@bentonlee316]

The big cut offf!!!very interesting!!!I had no problems except being cut off...THE DOCTORS ARE COVERING THEIR ASSES!!!

[@alaynawilson719]

I totally understand her. Coming off Klonopin was the hardest thing I have ever done. Now 10 months later I am seeing some good progress. The muscle pain and neurological symptoms were horrible. Now 10 months later I am starting to notice my most awful symptoms are going away one by one.

[@ljsc1265]

Thank you for sharing your story. We have much in commom.

[@jimferrill1790]

I was on val for 15+ years. I had the experience that the less I took the better I felt. I needed to stop this madness and did. I am 9months into it. I am suffering greatly right now.

[@joelbuzbee1750]

I never hear about exercise- walking daily for two or three miles helps mentally- prayer helps- anxiety is crippling and people who have never had it don’t really understand. The best therapist is a solid Christian friend who will listen and pray with you. We are all a work in progress. Life is constant throwing us curve balls. Doctors and we both want a quick fix and that’s only a short term solution.

[@NadineAnderson-z1f]

Exercise is impossible for many of us during Akathesia waves. I work out in my windows but it's impossible in the waves. The are sunnamies

[@trishchandler7501]

After a bad car accident and TBI I was put on Paxil, to ? (can't remember) to Clonazepam. Extreme anxiety and depression. So much fear to leave the house. It's been since 2005, and today is 2024. Every time I would try to wean off it, I would get literal electrical waves throughout my body. So many years of this stuff. I have literally just found this video. I have just quit cold turkey from 20 mg (from 40 mg) of Clonazepam. I prayed about it, because I knew something wasn't right in my body and mind. Zero side affects after 13 days. I know that Holy Spirit has removed the chemicals and poisons from my system.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Hello there I’m a TBI survivor as well. The accident happened in my early teens and was initially prescribed Paxil and Xanax. I’m 46 now and on Valium. Hopefully I can start a taper one of these days. Take care and I wish you all the best!

[@trishchandler7501]

@@ChrisfromGeorgia thank you. I'm 65 years old. I've tried so hard to get off the poisons .. I truly believe that Holy Spirit has given me this chance after all these years. I know He will also remove the short term Memory as well.

[@1littleway]

I’m glad you were able to come off and not have side effects.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Hang on.. I didn't start the withdrawal till almost a year later . Then again 2 years after that because I was prescribed hydrocodone. Knocked me right back into the ER. Of course in my record is a big red word.. ANXIETY

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@trishchandler7501 Thank you Trish. I really appreciate your kind words. Take care

[@dalialovesdoggies4361]

❤❤❤I AM TAKING 0.25 MG ATIVAN. 1/4 OF 1 MG. IT SOOOOO HELPS ME TO SLEEP GOOD. I AM 73

[@dinahsoar6982]

A recurring theme in this lady's story is she's done a lot of things she did not want to do...that in itself is revealing. Makes me think she's had a lot of people in her life who were controlling and she never felt she had the liberty to 'be' what SHE wanted to 'be. That would be depressing. Decades on a benzo is horrific. I was on benzo's for 4 months, a very low dose it was and I did a slow taper...my neuro thought I didn't need to go that slow...I knew the neuro was ill informed. I'd been put on sertraline/Zoloft which worked for a few months, then it didn't...the dose was increased and it made things worse...so I've been tapering off of it...a slow cut and hold taper..it's been hellish. I'm down to 20 mg a day and I'd like to just rip the bandaid off but fear it could do some serious damage...playing safe seems better to me. I've been on these drugs for vestibular migraine btw.

[@maryorseske9954]

I am so blown away that any doctor would not look at the inserts of these drugs!! I have been working on getting my disabled daughter off her drugs. She has Spastic Diplejia Cerbral Palsy, she has been on Valium and Colonapin. Now the drugs she is on now are just as bad and i watch her suffer every second of every day, I cry for all of the men and woman suffering through this. ❤❤

[@chelseakronewitter]

Dr. Josef-I wish you would offer telehealth services to someone in Indiana

[@lisasmith814]

Dr Mark Horowitz does and he's also a tapering specialist ❤

[@cher1292]

@@lisasmith814what city is he located in? I need to start tapering off of 1.5 Klonopin that I’ve taken the last 10 years.

[@stevietalk1]

I went through 3 decades of intense stress - mom, husband, work job changes … but I did it all working through stuff pretty much on my own. Growing - seeking different/alternative modalities Goldie overcoming obstacles/adversity .. 8 worked through it all - I paid lots of money over the years .. i found the funds to help me grow, learn, heal .. LIFE ❣️

[@mesel7105]

I was on lorazepam for 15 years, and would not recommend it to anyone. While it might seem to make you feel better at first, it is a nightmare waiting to happen. I had to taper entirely on my own and couldn't find a rehab or anything that could help me taper. They all tried to put me though a 7-day detox, which would probably have killed me. I eventually figured it out and quit, but it took about a year. Do not take benzos for more than a week. I wouldn't touch anything ending in -pam, even the cooking spray after all of this.

[@brighidclaire]

Benzos - Klon for 20+ years .... recovery is hair-raising and life-threatening. I am healing now. When my son went to work in Germany his doctor told him not to take benzos because "Benzodiazepines will kill you." I wrote a piece about my recovery from this med.

[@briliante767]

Dr Joseph! I would like to have a interview with you to share my experience 🙏

[@csimms1968]

You're a strong woman, and you really sound positive ❤

[@305Alligator]

Everyone is different, I found that after 30 yrs on Xanax and Paxil, that Paxil withdrawal was so much worse than getting off Xanax. It never bothered me tapering off xanax

[@shirleypeterson-rp3tq]

Im doing a compound liquid taper from Ativan.Its horrible I never want to experience this again.

[@jamesscherbenske3584]

I've been on 2 mg for 20years

[@samplesavantinstrumentals2849]

How many mgs are u on

[@samplesavantinstrumentals2849]

and for how long

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

I am off now. I can say this: the brain does not go back to how it was prior to the use of benzos. This drug causes irreversible damage.

[@VRO911]

@@Pattycakes-hc4pmIn what ways and how much & how long were you taking them and how long have you been off them

[@Noemi-u2m]

6 months is a very short time. In the recent interview with the psychiatrist who came off antidepressants and benzos, he took over 6 YEARS to taper.

[@crystalkeara8868]

I was on the for over twenty years. I was also told i needed to be in it for life. I was first prescribed in mid 90’s. Also told I had a chemical imbalance

[@EVOLr]

Just keep reminding yourself that you are perfect in GoDs eyes and was made perfect when you were born.

[@mitch5222]

What if God is evil? It looks like more than everything else and we cannot escape reality of torture in every existence we go.

[@icedcoffee8561]

That sounds like a mental illness in itself. Lie to ourselves? That's the solution for most people

[@kristenbezek5375]

I was on Xanax and Lunesta for 34 years and had to come off it and no-one helped me , they took me off cold turkey and it lasted 4 months and went back on til aug 2022 and I was once again taken off cold turkey , it has been difficult. I definitely have a story to tell. My life will never be the same

[@EVOLr]

I’ve been in the throws of withdrawl also. Almost 10 years, but I kept sticking with the people, places and things that have helped me stick to my guns. Whether it be staying off of drugs, or staying on a drug. Only you know in your heart what is good for you. It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright. God Loves ypu so much. Just keep GOD first in all you d0. Thank you for sharing your experience on Dr. Josephs show. You are helping so many right now and the Lord sees everything.

[@gaylecheung3087]

Been taking at alprazolam for 30+ years, start on 3 mg to 6mg. Switched doctors,max up 8/10 mg and then finally weaning off since 2019, now 1mg to .75/.5mg

[@levinfilms3048]

Thank you for what you do.

[@moobrien1747]

I'm too old andy mental.state is so shattered by this evil drug (stopping taking it is when the horror that my brain has been reduced to has just deteriorated into mush. I can't live what little time I have left.in this World without.

[@shirleypeterson-rp3tq]

Why don’t doctors tell you about withdrawls Symptoms while tapering.

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

Good question.....

[@Greencloud8]

I’m assuming they don’t know any better until they witness it

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

@@Greencloud8 I think most of them know exactly what happens with regards to benzos. But who takes responsibility for it? Not the Dr , they probably don't care

[@staceymccray2020]

A lot of doctors don’t believe in withdrawal symptoms or will state that they should only last a few weeks. Mine lasted over 5 years.

[@1summerflower]

They only care about themselves

[@janelifestolen6916]

the best thing for anxiety is to run or walk fast and change your diet -no sugar

[@RationalNon-conformist]

Carnivore.

[@colettejaques2559]

Yes

[@blairlazarus772]

I want to share my story. Have been on these drugs for 19 years. Was started at the age of 19. I’m completely bed bound homebound at the age of 35

[@mydnytmover]

It is not the drugs.

[@royharper2003]

I've tried to come of SSRIs twice over a 24 year period. Both times ended in disaster and had to go back on them.

[@mydnytmover]

SSRIs are not benzos

[@royharper2003]

@@mydnytmover You don't think I know that? This video is produced by a place that offers drug tapering programs and I was just commenting that benzos aren't the only prescription medication that is diffcult to stop taking.

[@lauraoliver525]

​@@royharper2003yes definitely. I've been on desvenlafaxine for 10 years and have tried twice to stop taking it. The dizziness and heart palpitations are awful!

[@Greencloud8]

I am very hesistant to watch this video because I’ve been on lamictal for 17 years

[@pjjmsn]

I agree that benzos can cause depression, especially klonapin and valium, but also the other ones.

[@michele21auntiem]

Janice if you read this i understand.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Hello Michele! It’s great to see you. This is “Big Dummy.” I changed my channels profile name and picture for 2024. Janice did wonderful getting through this interview. Like yourself, I understand as well. I hope you are doing the best you possibly can. Definitely reach out if you ever need anything. You’ve always been so nice to me and I greatly appreciate that. Take care my friend. Sending positivity your way. 🙂✨💛💫

[@michele21auntiem]

@@ChrisfromGeorgia Thx so much Chris. Like your new name. Yeah we can relate on these dang drugs.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@michele21auntiem Thank you so much! I thought it was time for a change. That being said, we sure do know a thing or two about these drugs. It would be nice if the doctors who prescribe them knew half as much as we did! It is hard to find doctors who are as compassionate and understanding these days. If they walked a mile in our shoes, maybe things would be different.

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

Is Janice off all meds now? Or?

[@michele21auntiem]

@@Pattycakes-hc4pm i believe she has switched to a different benzo from klonipin and is still reducing on that one. It is a struggle even when done slowly.

[@ravenfeather1467]

I'm coming off of forty years of lorazepam. Pure torture! 19 months into a taper.

[@Pattycakes-hc4pm]

That stuff is brain-damaging. This is irreversible CNS. I came off loraz, too. I am not any better. This is permanent. And dr Josef needs to be honest about this.

[@THXx1138]

@@Pattycakes-hc4pm I have been off Ativan for 5 years and noticing improvements. Please hold onto hope. It can take many years.

[@donnabittner69]

I am at the exact same place at 68.

[@ravenfeather1467]

@@donnabittner69 Hi Donna! We're very close in age! We can do this!

[@ronica2623]

Wondering what dosages you are tapering off from? I’m at .75mg for 30+ yrs and thinking about tapering off. Is it too late?

[@shirleypeterson-rp3tq]

I had 12 rounds of ECT memory is a big issue.

[@dianehartnett1945]

I'm scared of the post acute withdrawal after I'm off benzos. My psychiatrist prescribed me 18 mg per day (yes 18 mg, not a typo) for years, a decade at most) he died and had no back up provider. I am now (after 3 seizures) and a stay in hospital, I am now (since February 2024) on a valium taper. I'm getting more anxious with each taper. Ugh! I went off of opiates on my own. Not easy but benzos withdrawal is worse!!

[@icedcoffee8561]

Wonder if she would have been better staying on kpin only. 3mg daily seems too high of course.

[@barbmoody4892]

I came off prescribed opiates after 20 years and I thought that was bad. Interesting,u I was on them for chronic pain and after coming off my pain was great,y reduced. But from everything I know benzos are worse. Kudos to this woman.

[@nataliemiles4430]

9 months of 1 mg klonopin made me “stupid”. And more depressed. I couldn’t function at work. I love the gym and exercise intolerance happened quickly. I’ve went from the best shape of my life to a bag of bones. I’m tapering, at .37 now. Plan to be done by June 1. I feel my body and mind adjusting as I go down. I am so grateful I didn’t take it longer.

[@JaniceOstrow]

Off of Klonopin for 1.5 years. Still fatigued and during my wean I developed a peripheral neuropathy in both legs. I'm through the worst of it, but still not what I consider "normal". I don't know if I will ever be energetic again. Very frustrating!

[@kheatherNYNJ]

You seem calm, wow, id be shaking.

[@rosesRred2400]

Sadly, my story is so similar to this lady's story. I'm in my early 50's and suffering so badly while tapering a benzo and ssri after 25 years on them. I am disabled by taking these poisons and from tapering. There seems no way out.

[@connieclanton9802]

I went into rehab and they switched me from Xanax to Valium for about a week or so and lowered the dose each day. Then switched me to paxel.... I haven't had any terrible issues. Just paws days occasionally. But I believe you have to use a longer acting benzos to come off Xanax. You should never try to quit cold turkey , Prayers up for all of us ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@sharose451-zu4er]

Dr. Josef, we need an exploration of antipsychotics and withdrawing from them.