Man Discovers His BENZO Protracted Withdrawal... After 7 Years

[@kmjansen]

I’ve commented before that I believe there’s a LARGE proportion of patients who have had protracted withdrawal but were convinced they were just going a little nuts by their doctors. This story is a perfect example of that.

[@elizabethAbbott-q6m]

My pal had an awful time; I had Dr Breggins book at hand It helped me to help my pal; he was suicidal; police were very good in the emergency but his doctor seemed to have no clue ; whereas my doctor was aghast to hear my pal was on benzos; What is up with the docs, dont they know how bad the Bzs are?

[@elizabethAbbott-q6m]

as to Tolerance withdrawal there are books; articles

[@marleneholik-ls9wr]

Grrrrrrr 😡

[@marleneholik-ls9wr]

@@elizabethAbbott-q6m A BIG NOPE

[@Cheesygarlicccc]

I wonder how many have taken matters into their own hands thinking they’ve gone crazy not realizing what was happening to them.

[@Q1776Q]

Hundreds of thousands if not millions

[@lisasmith814]

​@@Q1776QI agree !!!

[@trueblue450]

Think about it daily. 4 years off.

[@staceymccray2020]

A lot of people cannot endure the suffering and end their lives. Truly sad!

[@Q1776Q]

@@staceymccray2020 And on top of the terrible suffering ...no one believes them.

[@mollyram2997]

THIS CHANNEL IS SO IMPORTANT

[@prague7706]

It truly is.

[@michele21auntiem]

How many have ended their life never knowing what was really happening to them?

[@jetjet642]

It’s a shame that we have to go through this. 🤷‍♀️ How does this happen when these were so easily prescribed for so long

[@staceymccray2020]

I’m so grateful for this channel. It validates my horrific experience with protracted withdrawal. 10 months of use followed by 3 years of horrific symptoms and the symptoms slowly started to taper off. I’m just over 6 years into my healing and doing MUCH better.

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

Long may it continue ❤️🙏❤️ Sincerest regards to you x You are a warrior ❤️

[@davidestabrook5367]

I'm glad you're feeling better. I met people who've gone through it, and while it's difficult to mess up your gaba system, coming off benzos is said to be more difficult than coming off heroin. So well done you for sticking with it.

[@BananaRama1312]

​@@davidestabrook5367Heroin withdrawal doesnt even Come close its litteral hell that lasts forever

[@jalelee8910]

May I ask what your symptoms were? Having the weirdest and most horrendous symptoms, it's unbearable.

[@butterflyaxeshield8893]

Healing because you’re body is healing on its own for the 6 years? Or that you had to go through a tapering plan and then now you are feeling better during 6 year taper taking the meds but smaller and smaller dosages ?

[@liferseventy-eight8328]

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging comments. I am glad to hear that this video might help somebody. I have not reached the end of my recovery but it gets better every day. Hang in there everyone ❤️

[@jarmenkell1991]

Bist du Igor? Ich brauche Hilfe bitte

[@liferseventy-eight8328]

@@jarmenkell1991 Hallo, was kann ich tun?

[@jarmenkell1991]

@@liferseventy-eight8328 ich komme auch aus Deutschland und diese Ärzte haben mich zerstört mit ihren Drogen. Wie kann ich Kontakt zu dir aufnehmen

[@carolmorehead5507]

Amazing that he even survived so many years of suffering. A testament to his courage

[@dellwendybrown2713]

WOW . The suffering Igor has gone through is tragic. 8 years is a very long time to be tormented by symptoms. I am in year 4. I really relate to his comment that he is not the same person he was before. This experience does change you. I am sorry that no one was able to help . I also know what it is like not wanting to burden those around you with your feelings of dispare. Our loved ones do get burned out. They don't know what to say sometimes. Igor is really articulate and a wise man. I think he could go on to be a great asset to the drug withdrawal community if he had the desire. Please have him on again. All the best to you Igor. This was a really good interview. You explained your situation so well 👍.

[@nargiza181]

Hi . How can I contact you?

[@mollyram2997]

One of the best interviews, period. Wow

[@maryoconnor2596]

Heartbreaking 💔. Awful, I can't imagine going that length of time without knowing what was actually happening . I myself didn't know that it was protracted withdrawal for a few months I literally thought I had lost my mind. I'm feeling alot better than I was . I really hope you only continue to get better.

[@annstar2793]

How did you feel better if I may ask ?? Thank you!!!

[@cryptokamz8308]

I didnt know this is what i was going thru either for the last 3 years cause i kept ending up in the er and the gave me ativan one day to calm me down cause my heart rate was above 200 bpm and it basically restated everything know im really fucked idk if im going to make it thru this

[@maryoconnor2596]

Directed at both commenters. My original injury was caused by 10 weeks of valium, I came off abruptly because I thought I could. That led to psychosis . So I was given an anti psychotic to combat it. Well it got rid of the psychosis but led to extreme Akathesia. Long story short. I was poli drugged if you will. I'm on a combination 4 different medications , which isn't ideal, but I was willing to take anything to get rid of my Akathesia.

[@masonguritz6758]

I really hope the guy reads this that you’re interviewing. I’ve had the same kind of stomach problems for quite a number of years. Probably one of the worst symptoms. But I start drinking celery and cabbage juice on a regular basis and went gluten free. That’s helped me tremendously with it

[@suesjoy]

Hi! Do you mix the cabbage and celery or do you drink them separately? Thanks for sharing!

[@masonguritz6758]

@@suesjoy I drink them separately, some days I might do cabbage, some I might do celery

[@estelled389]

Yessss 🙌🙏 celery juice is a life saver in detoxification. I follow Meduim Meduim protocols for detoxification. Please look him up.on KZbin I promise his the real deal ,I've been doing his detoxification for last 4 years along with tapering and it's been the difference between life and death in my recovery. I say to everyone here we have nothing to lose ..please give it a go. Love and prayers to all you soldiers don't Give up 🙏❤

[@sandrajohnson2491]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a great interview.! This man coming forward will help so many people that are suffering.

[@shelleywoolf9693]

Igor, THANK YOU for this COURAGEOUS interview with Dr. Josef!!! I think this interview will help many CT & PW (cold turkey & protracted withdrawal) sufferers! 🥶🦃

[@steph7960]

Igor I am so sorry for the suffering you have endured. Thankyou for sharing your story.

[@mariarooney6262]

For me going through it, it’s even made worse when we don’t have a diet without sugar and unhealthy foods. When I eat sugar and unhealthy, there is a major difference. I’ve proved it many times to myself. I also take supplements. I know some “professionals “, who have never been through it say that diet and supplements don’t help. That is a lie for me. We are all individual. Eating well will help in any situation of unhealthy, I.e., diabetes, heart, every area of the body and mind. It’s all connected. I wish the very best of health to everyone listening. ❤️

[@Threadbow]

What supplements do you take?

[@sunnyday6465]

I agree, I eat a lot animal fat and protein. Almost a stick of butter daily and plain kefir. Plenty of vit D as well.

[@Threadbow]

@@sunnyday6465 good for vit b12 beaf, animal fat and butter much better than alternatives.

[@mariarooney6262]

@@Threadbow definitely Magnesium, love it, been using it for over 40 years, MethylPro L-Methylfolate 7.5, vitamins C, D3, omega 3, zinc in winter months, Krill oil if I don’t have omega 3, ashuaganda, quercitin, multivitamin occasionally, and others occasionally, resveratol, I use quality vitamins. There is a difference in the cheaper ones. Dr mercola, Restorelife formula. Others as well. 1x week fiber, I’ve experimented for years knowing what is good for my body plus a good diet for my body. I’m on the other side with a high metabolism, so I have to maintain keeping weight in, not losing. I wish you a healthy journey.❤️

[@sawtoothiandi]

@@Threadbow possibly try n-acetyl cysteine bacopa monnieri for memory issues valerian can help with anxiety just some suggestions research them for yourself be well

[@carolinecroft7029]

What an excellent interview. The suffering is inhumane. I also identify with the chest pain that is so hard to find words to describe though mine is from SSRIs. I hope the setback fades soon and healing continues ❤

[@estelled389]

Yes me also effexor is heinous 😢😢

[@jasonsenator6144]

This is what happened to me I was abruptly took off the medication and thought it was just the opiates. After the first month, I knew it was something else. I lost my ability to sleep, constantly tremoring, panic attacks. No doctor would help they say they won't prescribe it because they deemed me to be at risk which isn't true and I prove it

[@brendamalone3880]

Jason I went through the same situation with high risk Just so much suffering now. Could have been prevented.

[@davidestabrook5367]

Stopping people's medications is so dangerous, it leads to suicides and overdoses on non-prescribed substances. There is so much suffering right now, as the pendulum has swung back to the overly restrictive side. I wish that doctor's would understand these drugs more, know that stopping scripts is dangerous and unethical, and that some people just do better if they're able to take benzos or opioids at a reasonable high amount long term. Drug addiction rates has been consistently around the 2% of the population, for the past hundred years, and people who struggle with it, should be helped. But doctors allowing people to suffer, doesn't prevent addiction, it just causes suffering. Just let people taper if they want to, at a very slow rate, and if it doesn't help, let them increase it again.

[@icedcoffee8561]

And just imagine, if we were rich we could fly to Mexico and purchase it over the counter. Western medicine is a joke.

[@Lotan718]

Can you sleep now ?

[@brendamalone3880]

WOW! Fabulous person. Wonderful interview, he really nailed every symptom perfectly. This has helped me knowing I’am not alone in all the symptoms. Thank you both this is one of best videos I’ve watched.

[@taralynnmc981]

Great interview! I only found out about withdrawal a year ago and I have been on these drugs for 24 years with trials of coming off and I just thought I was so crazy because of what would happen when I tapered. It is so sad how prevalent this is! Only now, knowing about what to expect with withdrawal, can I move forward with healing! Thanks for getting the word out!

[@powermove101]

💯

[@powermove101]

@@atomicblonde2180 yep I know the feeling

[@powermove101]

@@atomicblonde2180 I know it's rough

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

This channel is so helpful to me. Thank you

[@estelled389]

It the difference between life and death. 😢

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

@@estelled389 ❤️❤️❤️

[@Tru-j5u]

This is so sad and terrifying. I'm looking for help but hard to find knowledgeable dr. Thank you for your work Dr. Witt!! Hope giver.

[@Joan11ify]

Thank you, Igor, for sharing your story!

[@garretthartshorn5473]

Never take or stop taking a medication without looking it up (don't refuse medicine but please look into something when you have a chance, always). More specifically, the mechanism of action, drug class, and how these mechanisms of action act in concert with your brain to produce said medical effect. Remember, information in context is key. Take it easy.

[@kathbates9878]

thank you. I have many similarities in my story also. It affirms my healing and the things I have learned. so much I was not aware of. Family did not help.

[@DS-fi4hf]

The doom and gloom surrounding benzos has gotten old. We need more positivity and success stories like this! Well done!

[@davidkruse4030]

The vast majority of patients get off without issues. There are adjunctive treatments that can be used that this doctor rarely highlights. For example have watched videos of people who used LDN to lessen their symptoms. Ketamine post withdrawal can also be used

[@lisasmith814]

@@davidkruse4030 but then you'd have to withdraw from those drugs !!

[@prague7706]

@@davidkruse4030what’s LDN?

[@estelled389]

Ketamine 🤔

[@elizabethabbott2982]

I am glad there are some successes but if we do not speak out about the horrors of it, more people will get suckered in and take them not realizing how dangerous they are. We also need a forum for people to speak of their sufferings; because at least here someone is listening to them and believing them whereas regarding my friend who was suffering so much I would tell people and they had no sympathy because they thought he was exaggerating.

[@Jen-c6u]

If this condition would be recognized, I could get some of the help I need, for example, a caregiver, as I'm absolutely non-functional. Dishes, vacuuming, changing the sheets. It's been insane.

[@estelled389]

😢 I understand

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

A spinal tap may be able to help with detecting whats going on with you. Benzos can potentially cause nueroinflamattion an encephalitis. Spinal tap would be able to detect that. I'm not a doctor but just a suggestion.

[@jonathangolden9299]

I’m dealing with the same thing! I can’t work! My emotions ( crying) are all over the place. I have internal tremors that make me so weak.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

@@jonathangolden9299 I Also heard that prednisone steriods could potentially help the symptoms. BUt they come with risk. An you'd havecto get a diagnoses first wich I'd the hard part bid thee

[@Jen-c6u]

@@jonathangolden9299 hang in there. It is truly very difficult w no reward. Take care of yourself, you are not alone.

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

They have a class A lawsuit against oxycontin going on now because of the damage it caused people. us benzo people are waiting for our class A lawsuit for benzos !!!

[@mollyram2997]

For real, how is there NO media coverage or attention on this. Ppl are taking their own lives and losing years to suffering

[@GMHG777]

pretty certain there is one initiated, Benzos now black boxed but it takes and will take a minimum of a decade or more for a class action suit to see any kind of forward momentum … Big Pharma has billions at their disposal to fight us !

[@davidkruse4030]

@@mollyram2997there is media coverage. In fact there is a significant amount. Opioids have taken front and center because of the rising death rate

[@SuperReznative]

​Read the Bible, repent and know Know Jesus everyone . I am the way,and the truth and the light, No one comes unto the father but by me. He is the resurrected God in the flesh & the Holy Spirit . With everything going on in the world, is Biblical prophecy unfolding.Gid help us all

[@GMHG777]

Pretty certain there is a Class Action suit going on but I never sought out joining it because I felt I didn’t have the energy or headspace to have to follow what was going on with it .

[@xavieraleman1629]

Truth is in order to avoid these withdrawl symptoms, you just have to keep taking them.The manufacturers and or prescribers should have to pay for these meds lifelong. But life will never be the same. A very hard painful life if you try and quit over and over year after year. Not a way to live. These Dr,s should have compassion for these poor patients. So Sad

[@lisaware9697]

Note that both of these men said that the meds worked “as expected” when they began taking them- but the effects soon reversed, worsening the issues that made them take these in the first place. Maybe not considered withdrawals, but the effects were bad enough that they wanted to get off the meds.

[@notanotherfuckingnikki]

Drs are severely lacking compassion. They don't teach them how to treat pain in medical school and the drug companies only publish positive studies for peer review so the doctors ignorantly believe whatever they are told by drug companies. They're aggressively marketed to as well just like the gen pop is which leaves everyone believing that there's a magic bullet in pill form.

[@ShawnRKA]

Not true. I was on the same dose when I started to experience debilitating symptoms like, memory loss, confusion, inner vibrations, body temp fluctuations, anxiety, depression etc etc. These drugs are straight up poison

[@kristeandreatujague7016]

God bless you one and all. ❤

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

I'm 5 years off of Xanax and still suffer digestive issues and anxiety. I use CBD for sleep, and it works for me.

[@ErinAllen-qe7fy]

Can I ask - did you get digestive issues from the med or from the cessation of the med?

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

@@ErinAllen-qe7fy lt actually started a couple of months after l ween myself off.

[@deberebor]

I was medicated with several antidepressants, anti-anxiety, narcotic painkillers and amphetamines ... for MIGRAINE. I had none of the mental health issues that usually elicit the use of those drugs. I was told that my mental health was great. And yet. I got myself off all of them after eight years, but 20 years later, I think I still have damage. I acquired the emotional/mental health issues later, probably as a result of the medication.

[@kelogd6012]

I relate is so many ways to this story and this man! Thank you for this video.

[@stevenmcbride9773]

Just because you had bouts of sobriety or abstinence doesn’t mean you’re not an alcoholic!! I would say that if you struggled with alcohol and benzodiazepines then you probably have addiction tendencies and should definitely try to avoid anything that might cause issues in your life. I have a fairly similar experience except with me I know I’m an alcoholic and an addict. I’m in recovery now and have been sober for over 4 years. I know in my experience alcohol had a huge impact on my mental health and anxiety

[@sonomafred]

Dr. Josef, thank you for doing these interviews! No doubt you are helping more folks than you know. Question: can you please interview someone who had milder Benzo withdrawals after only short time and low dose usage? I personally had terrible symptoms after less than 3 weeks of .5 mg. daily Ativan. May be of interest to many. Best!

[@Azzizz8888]

Thank you Dr Yosef,🙏and to all who are brave enough to share their stories.

[@djdanzy]

Sorry igor. Im 6yrs off myself and still gravely sick.

[@allencollins6031]

It's awful.

[@icedcoffee8561]

Did you taper?

[@djdanzy]

@@icedcoffee8561 yep for 2years slowly

[@djdanzy]

@@icedcoffee8561 yes for 2 whole years slowly.

[@djdanzy]

@@icedcoffee8561 yep slowly.

[@juliehorsley48]

Thank you for this conversation. So deeply insightful and inspiring. Sometimes, these painful and often unfathomable experiences offer an opportunity for a life review... perhaps similar to a NDE but more drawn out, that lead to a profound shift in awareness.

[@Sublight77]

Im 7 years out as of last may, and Im STILL in hell. NO ONE believes me. No dr, only my old folks. This hell is beyond anything on planet earth and theres seemingly no end in sight. This has ruined me. I lost my home, my bands, my gf. Its hard to endure every moment. My symptoms would fill up this whole page. It took me 9 months on my own to realize what was happening to me

[@Snowflake1374]

Benzo or SSRI?

[@Lotan718]

I went through hell U have to cut everything out and eat clean caffeine out everything

[@frusia123]

Please look into the diet, Dr Josef has an interview about it, but there's more information out there on the connection between the gut and mental health. It can make a massive difference.

[@fitprotunes]

18:48 Promethazine isn't only a nausea medication...it's most commonly used in the UK to treat insomnia and allergies

[@frublomkvist]

In Sweden too… its a horribel meditation. No medication helps if you suffer benzodiazepine withdrawal. Except benzodiazepines. That’s the bitter truth.

[@afol4016]

YOUR ONLY HOPE IS TO STOP. NEVER GO BACK. EVEN ONCE. THAT WILL CAUSE MORE BRAIN DAMAGE. I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE.

[@nyx3967]

Promethazine is an anti-psychotic.

[@dinahsoar6982]

The problem, too, is that the awful tapering period is stressful which exacerbates stress, both physical and mental. As that spirals, everything is amplified. I know b/c I'm living with vestibular migraine, have done for years, and have as well tapered off of Xanax and in the process of tapering off sertraline. I'm now into my 5th year of the latest misery of VM. And the fact that most docs, not even neurologists, have a clue about the patient's misery. They hand out xanax and zoloft ignorant of the fact that these drugs work until they don't. They are clueless about interdose withdrawal,and other things they should know if they're going to prescribe these. They think a low dose poses little risk..And then the worst offense of all is that they decide in the end that the only thing wrong with the patient is anxiety.

[@ikingjoker3386]

I've been taking Alprazolam 2.0 MG daily for 7 years and im 29. I'm on day 7 of not taking the medicine and thank god for this channel, i thought i was crazy but a doctor told me there was no such thing, Just mistreating. But i do look forward on leaving it. Not financially ready but mentally ready and i will be financially ready. Thank you guys for speaking up on this, it gives me hope.

[@frusia123]

I hope you're doing well

[@anndeboeck179]

Good morning dr Josef 😊. I just found your fascinating channel and the people suffering from the horrible effects of 'benzo' meds. About 15 years ago I had a blocked neck muscle. Very painfull. Just a week before going on holiday. Typical.🙄 So my gp gave me Myolastan to relax the muscles. So the next week I went on holiday, to the south of France. My favorite place. I love it there. 🏝️🌅Always feel free and happy there. The air, the sun, the food,...❤ And that wasn't the feeling I got that summer. The entire 2 weeks I was scared, panic attacks, tremblings, couldn't enjoy the simple things I usely enjoy....at was a terrible feeling!!!!! Like I was in a frightning bubble I was stuck in. I couldn't connect with people around my 🤪 I am normaly a happy, chatty person. Always seeing the positive....SO WHAT WAS THIS AND WHY DO I FEEL THIS WEIRD FEELINGS?????? I never felt like ending my life, but something made me feel so bad...that I wanted to die in one of my beloved places. I returned home earlier because of my weird emotional state. At home I started researching this muscle relaxing meds (took it just 3 weeks)...and I was disgusted that I was prescribed such a damaging and dangerous medication, so quickly after my neckpain started. Without explaining possible side effects. All the pieces of the puzzle fell togheter...And after a couple of weeks I became myself again.❤ This med ruined my holiday and almost killed me! Never ever do I want to experience this again. And I want to warn people about it!! And gp's...stop giving this so easily...you could kill be being ignorant or by not being schooled to give other solutions. Be safe people and read yourself about everything you take first!!! 🌸🤗🎉

[@TruthSeeker-kg2yx]

The implications of this interview is SCARY! How many other people can’t put two and two together regarding the cause of their withdrawal??? If there are a lot more people out there like this guest, who knows the true number of people being gaslit and not realizing it

[@elizabethabbott2982]

for sure; when i told some people about what my pal was going through they flat out did not believe me and were insulting to him as if he was faking it.

[@afol4016]

MILLIONS. MANY MILLIONS. THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY INVOLVED. THAT IS A VERY POTENT REASON TO CONTINUE THIS APPALLING NEGLIGENCE.

[@viktoria8299]

Thank u so much for ur videos. I went through benzo withdrawal and now have protracted withdrawal symptoms like nerve pain, terrible insomnia, burning sensations on the skin, headaches, a feeling as if my spine was stretched and is about to break. My anxiety has gotten better though. My physical symptoms sometimes are so bad, that i get claustrophobia in my own body, because i have so much pain. I sometimes have trouble breathing, i breathe out, but my body just would forget to breath in again. Digestive problems occur on a regular basis. Although i dont want anyone to suffer, im so glad im not alone. Greets from austria

[@frusia123]

Please look into the gut and brain connection. Diet can make a big difference, even Dr Josef has a video about it, but there's more information out there.

[@DEFCON400]

Why the fuck does your program cost 55,000 dollars?

[@TerrieJohnson731]

It's not forever. That burning goes away.. there's hope ❤❤❤ believe for BETTER things!

[@anthonydiaz8288]

7 years is forever 🤷🏻

[@Marcus-1211]

Im protracted 47 months from .50mg as needed. I have to deal with my anxiety with natural coping skills. My main symptoms are gut issues, nausea, stomach diaphragm spasms, shortness of breath. I feel that my cns symptoms is very sensitive to anything. Going out to family parties, gatherings, anything social events with crowds is hard. Even if I push through, the next day i would pay for it with bad physical symptoms that I would be disabled/ like bed riden. I still deal with alot waves & windows that keeps cycling. I have to be careful what I do with physical activities is very limiting for me. Fear is in part of my existence. Fear of triggering any of my symptoms of setbacks. I got covid 19 during this past Christmas, it put me in a very bad set back & with my belly issues worst now. 😢

[@shelleywoolf9693]

I'm over six years out and I'm STILL in the "supplement stage" for insomnia.😕

[@ChelyLara-b1g]

HBOT therapy but it is quite expensive tho

[@LanceJones-mh7tz]

8 years and still not sleeping! I guess it never comes back. The damage these drugs do is incredible. I guess I’ll just have to somehow learn to live like a zombie.

[@prayforthejewishpeople]

Me either

[@nicolelambic]

7-8 years was only the *beginning* of me getting improvements. I sleep way better now, even years past that.

[@LanceJones-mh7tz]

@@nicolelambic you’re a stronger person than I am. I am close to ending this after only 26 months. I doubt I even have one more day. I envy your fighting spirit. I hope you make a full recovery.

[@matthewrobinson2242]

@@LanceJones-mh7tzman I relate to this and it’s so tragic. I’m so sorry brother. Right here with you

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Hi Lance; my late b.f. (we are both elderly) went through hell too; I would say that when he finally quit the Benzos after twenty years or more he actually was relieved of some of the symptoms which is a good sign; I hope for you that your awful symptoms will at least become less severe. There is also the possibility that some scientist will come up with some remedies; there are so many thousands in this boat. Agree it is incredible; how did this monstrosity have been approved - ever; I hope people can sue; might be an idea to keep a notebook or a tape of what you are undergoing so if that day ever comes for compensation and I hope it will, you will have the documentation. Also get a witness or two and be ready to have all the proof; also prescriptions. Has anyone tried to sue the government or the pharmaceutical companies?

[@afol4016]

MANY MILLIONS OF PATIENTS!

[@Snowflake1374]

Yes. Same with SSRI.

[@terjepedosk]

Thank you!

[@davidestabrook5367]

I wish people would be able to try ultra low dose benzo antagonists. There's a clinic in Italy that uses them for people to help benzo dependance. They'd be dangerous if you're currently benzo dependant, as benzo withdrawals can cause seizures. But for helping the brain recover from benzo dependance, if the dose only blocks a small enough proportion of the gaba sites, it wouldn't make you feel bad, but it would help your brain heal the gaba system faster. Low and ultra low dose opioid antagonists help flip opioid receptors back to their default opioid naive state, and help people recover from high opioid use. So gaba antagonists should work similarly.

[@EC-yd9yv]

Yes. These meds short term magic..long term tragic🤯

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Short term can be bad too

[@TheMansfieldlad]

The health service in Germany is WAY better than the UK. Nobody helped me at all with this. Maybe it wouldn't of mattered but it would be nice to be heard

[@marleneholik-ls9wr]

Please tell me what to say when a doctor tells me I should have been through with withdrawal after a week (after 40 years of rx) and hurries me out of the office ? Yes it happened recently.

[@Snowflake1374]

I dont way Withdrawal. Neurological dysfunction/injury, brain injury. People loose their lives. They have to believe us 2024.

[@Uma921]

I had Covid in December. Viruses definitely cause setbacks, but they’re temporary ❤

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

Interesting. I have had covid twice, and both times, my mental state was awful.

[@prague7706]

@@DancingmylifeawayBeing ill is going to have mental effects.

[@estelled389]

Oh yess 100% absolutely without a doubt.

[@Uma921]

@@Dancingmylifeawayyeah, I had profound depression/dysphoria with covid. It passed along with the illness.

[@annstar2793]

How do people work or drive when they are going through this ? Thank you !!!

[@lilapensativa9904]

Thank you Dr. Josef from Spain. Is very important this information for the people who we are in this proccess of pill' s reduction. In Spain not are this information and more of people take benzodiazepines is like an epidemic absolutely out of control. Sorry for my bad english.

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Awful my late b.f. had a dreadful time with a Benzo; my own doctor was shocked that he was on this. He was in Tolerance Withdrawal and I was able to help him a bit as I had just read Dr. Ashton and Dr. Breggin so I had some idea of what was going on. But for both of us it was a nightmare.

[@frusia123]

I think that even with recovering from anything else, it's not always easy to distinguish when it's best to follow your need for rest or it's best to push yourself a little to speed up the recovery. I have had this experience myself.

[@virginiajames9735]

Thank you

[@ClaudiaStocker-c7j]

Ich habe ein entzug hinter mir von Olanzapin😢 Langzeitschäden bleiben. Ich vergesse alles😢😢😢😢😢

[@jrman413]

Please help me.. I have only days left if someone does not help me.

[@bsusie1]

@jrman413, please reach out to someone that can help. You didn’t give specifics of what help you need.

[@jrman413]

@@bsusie1 There is no one that want to help

[@bsusie1]

@@jrman413 you still haven’t explained what help you need.

[@bsusie1]

@@jrman413 you need to understand Dr Josef doesn’t read these comments. If you need help with recovery it would be best to contact a rehab or some place that helps people through this. Asking for help on these videos isn’t the answer. That’s not the way to get help since the comments are not read by the doctor.

[@trishchandler7501]

I am now at 15 days cold turkey with prayer 🙏 and Holy Spirit healing Me.

[@Heartbrokenforever1978]

Please interview people with extreme injury and not just wd.

[@barbarahunsaker5634]

This is actually an injury, withdrawal is the wrong word to use

[@germainedenon311]

yes they seem to have just normal.physical symptoms

[@afol4016]

LISTEN. THEY ALL KNOW. THEY HAVE KNOWN FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS. DON'T KID YOURSELF. BRAIN DAMAGE. NOT "PROTRACTED WITHDRAWAL." BRAIN DAMAGE.

[@danielmurphy4411]

Before I thought I knew anxiety and panic attacks but these were truly just the warm-up act. I do not have the vocabulary to adequately explain the terror that I felt. All the time being unable to sleep, eat, exercise, live. It is the closest thing to hell on earth.

[@HS-1828]

Very sweet man.

[@kadambarichowdhary7337]

How to come to terms and be accepting when someone very close ( family) prescribed

[@claireh.7605]

After stopping Lexapro, I took it regally sadly, I started having irritability short fuse and obsessive thoughts too!

[@susanentwisle4727]

I've been on xanax for years,I ran out,had a seizure. My son came in from work after he couldn't reach me on phone. He said my face was gray,I looked like i was foaming from mouth.Called ambulance ,I heard i had seizures in ambulance. Spent a week in hospital, psych doctor was going to taper me but didnt know how. I lost a lot of memory, at least a couple years. Very little memory came back.

[@Snowflake1374]

Horrible WD after 13 year zoloft use fast taper and adverse reaction. Ruined my life for years.

[@estelled389]

So sorry 😢. Also it took my youthful look away . I was quite attractive before this hell. No smoking and non drinker. Ate healthy. This monster will age you quickly. It takes everything from us.

[@Snowflake1374]

@@estelled389 Same. Youthful look. Always sunprotector. Its gone. Aged tremendously. Wanted to get feelings back but now completely numb anyway. Plus ugly, non-functional and no work.

[@Snowflake1374]

@@estelled389 May I ask if you mean that it took your youthful look away on SSRI or in WD when you quit?

[@wendylarman7204]

Are there any theories about how the brain can function well at times and not at others - why such protracted ups and downs?

[@davidkruse4030]

Yes. It it’s complex but its basically similar to what happens in fibromyalgia and centralized pain syndromes. There are several possible explanations including activated microglial cells. The up regulated glutamate causes disruptions in the production of ATP

[@wendylarman7204]

Thanks, but what would activate the microglial cells just sometimes, and why the upregulated glutamate just sometimes?@@davidkruse4030

[@Lotan718]

The scary reality is the doctors didnt tell me it was due to the drugs they say its not from the drugs . So bad ! It is scary !

[@wendylarman7204]

How about any theories as to why the healing process can take SO LONG? I was cut off cold turkey in one day at Detox, but I read of others who are tapering over 2 years who are having it very rough.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Bensoe can potentially cause nueroinflamattion ot encephalitis. It can take years to heal ftom in some cases. Theres hardly no studies on this. But it does happen research it.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Bensoe can potentially cause nueroinflamattion ot encephalitis. It can take years to heal ftom in some cases. Theres hardly no studies on this. But it does happen research it.

[@marthasisco9678]

​@@dustygatrell-ru7tg?

[@mbhike]

No judgment, but no idea of amount used, name of med, getting from a friend, and using for a year? Still, the cold turkey “medically supervised” approach to taking someone off a benzo is horrifying, along with the acute withdrawal and now protracted withdrawal. Destroyed lives and people left to pick up the pieces with virtually no help. Tragic. So impressed by recovery and truly hopeful for more good days. You are a survivor!!

[@anthonydiaz8288]

Ok he has 8 years I have 2 years of the drug means I have to wait 6 more years to get better wow that make me feel so much relieved

[@shan4145]

💎👩🏻🇨🇦 Drug withdrawals from venlafaxine 225mg taking out two tiny micro beads out(not to consume), and swallow the others . These severe symptoms are very alike to my endometriosis chronic pain disease (enigmatic)

[@estelled389]

Oh darling I'm about to go to a compound pharmacy as I'm on the same ..those dam beads make it torture to taper . I hope Dr Josef does a video on the beads and how to go about that. I'm hoping a compounding pharmacy here in Australia won't charge to much. Apparently it's a tedious job even for the pharmacy to do the beads .

[@thefuzzfactor2989]

How can we educate our family doctors? Especially when they suddenly decide that it is against their policy to prescribe benzos?

[@mariannelabanane2589]

I would like to know which benzo he took exaclty ... "volume Valium"? Xanax? I take Restoril (temazepam). I don't have much symptoms, but maybe short fuze yes ...

[@MrCyberShow]

This might be bad to say, but at least it was Valium, which is the right stuff you used to taper off of Benzo with. I thought he was gonna say he was on Xanax or Ativan. I would still would like to know what his dose was because without that context, it’s hard to tell.

[@javlynblue2024]

My friend said, When the very people who sell they know how to "Help" you, destroy you, there is no where to go. You must educate yourself, experiment with other options, and discipline yourself. Physically pushing yourself is good. It is the Forcing of intellectual processes that is extremely difficult. The intermittent reasoning capacity coupled with all the Metabolic and other systemic issues brought on by Pharma, Food, and industry can be overwhelming.

[@gailmealworm456]

The worst thing to say to this man is to " discipline yourself". Before saying that, you said "there's nowhere to go". I can't believe people like you just don't keep your mouth shut and allow this doctor to help. I hope you did not damage him further.

[@javlynblue2024]

@@gailmealworm456 Wow, what makes you think HE didn't say that? These were the things He did to improve His life, after the Doctors screwed up His life with Meds.

[@TheAjmos]

I suspect that the alcohol was a big factor is not healing. having a beer caused me a big setback.

[@camluong2289]

Bro i get the worst leg hip back pain when im trying to taper

[@davidfurino2987]

These doctors need to wake up to this problem of benzos,hello,

[@marsenarichmond2208]

The benzoyl are most prescribed drug, in america.

[@davidkruse4030]

False

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

One of the most prescribed. Not number 1 tho.

[@jetjet642]

With benzo w/drawals you may get the air hunger pain or benzo belly. Drink a glass of milk. It was only thing that gave me a lil relief

[@Waves353]

Promethazine can be sedating and used for anxiety But it’s an antipsychotic also They tried to replace my benzo and z drug with this and I went crazier and further labelled and polydrugged

[@edithwright6357]

A honest German. I knew he was German right away. I’m German. He speaks very well with little accent

[@HS-1828]

Is he better after the Covid? I’ve heard that viruses and severe stress cause set backs, which could be considered fairly normal.

[@Jamesdtrepanier]

If you ever need new podcast guests......I am open to expressing my story.

[@gailvanvalkenburgh5260]

I don't know what I'd do without you ❤

[@david-y4x5b]

Wireless devices set me off in a very negative way and worsen the withdrawal symptoms.

[@Lotan718]

I had this experience coming of ecitalopram phre hell on earth insomnia so severe for months on end a year of no sleep never again will i ever trust medication . This is the sad reality now

[@cindyjo9093]

How on earth did people get through the stressors of life (barring alcohol) before benzos? What has happened to us?

[@icedcoffee8561]

I'm sure they would have loved some modern medicine. Most people didn't survive past birth.

[@cindyjo9093]

@@icedcoffee8561 ....you're too funny!

[@jenniferbryn]

I wonder how many sadists work in psych wards... for real

[@yalna3140]

Promethazine is used for sedation in hospitals.

[@moobrien1747]

HORROR.

[@moobrien1747]

DIDN'T WE ALL?

[@MsErik69]

I am also 8 years in benzo shit in Holland.

[@AvAv-x8f]

I discover 10 years later

[@DebbieDwyer-cd5lh]

❤❤❤