Patricia Halligan, MD: 5-10 Benzo Calls Per Week & Addiction Psychiatry

[@WandaJ21]

Been on Xanax for 20 years. Being forced off. Took a doctor my taper plan from Ashton Manuel and I was told that it was hogwash. Told me to stop listening to people on internet. Refuses to help me taper off in 3 months . I went into tolerance 2 times and had actual suicidal thoughts .it’s horrible when you feel like you had rather be dead due to these horrific withdrawal symptoms. No sleep, and bad leg arm movements / Akathisia, brain humming. Burning skin all over body.

[@freddumee]

How are you now? Legs and arms?Shaking?

[@yes55504]

43:00 "neurotoxicity that may or may not repair itself" That gives me a whole lot of hope.... Seriously, wtf did these drs do to us?

[@allencollins6031]

They have no Idea

[@patglennon9671]

Ruined lives

[@hiya1399]

Killed us

[@2005rosebud]

This is the most truthful eye view of the Benzo problem

[@pamnieblas6125]

Short term user for sleep only (from starting to tapering total 6 months). 6 years later post benzo still suffering. I am currently in a 5 month setback of pure tortuous mental hell with deep gut wrenching crying jags and grieving alone in the world feelings, extreme weakness, shakiness inside, constant nausea, extreme fatigue especially in arms and legs (feel like laden with cement) and hypersensitive to smells and taste and sounds and the absolute worst...haven't felt joy or pleasure all these months. Anhedonia...never even knew the word existed until benzo withdrawal. My last setback lasted 11 months. I have had 5 over the last 6 years. Hellish! I don't know how I survived this far. Everyday I feel like I cannot go on. I am almost 67, eat a pure, organic diet, no gluten, no caffeine, and no sugar and still cannot heal!!! I feel like I am permanently damaged and that scares me to death!!!

[@MedicatingNormal]

Can you share what caused your setbacks or were they just intense waves?

[@pamnieblas6125]

@@MedicatingNormal My severe, hellish mental torture setbacks definitely were NOT intense waves. I have daily documentation and tapings of the pure, tortuous hell I am still currently going through that seem to be worst than my initial tapering. I believe my 11 month setback was caused by Naturethroid medication. I thought my remaining weakness was my thyroid and I wanted to try what I thought was a "natural" medication. Didn't help at all and I stopped the med once the setback came on. My current setback (which I am now in my 7th month) possibly was caused by supplementing Vitamin D with K, a fluoride treatment on my teeth and severe stress with COVID isolation and living alone. I, also, used an internal antibiotic nose cream for dry nose.

[@pamnieblas6125]

I am still in this hellish setback...10 months now. I seriously don't know how I have made it this far. Since my last benzo crumb June 2015, I have had more severe setbacks than being well in between the setbacks and my setbacks have even been acute and almost worse than when I tapered. I only took a total of 85 pills from starting prescription to the end of taper. Being a short term user of 6 months from start to taper, my life has been taken from me for over 6 1/2 years!! This poison should not be on the market!!!

[@mgray3130]

Oh my God a Dr. who comes on and says it like it is. I would tell my story and ask, but my ability to spell and explain what I'm going through right now and almost crying listening to this. I'm just so tired of no one I can find to help me. If I could I'd move just so she could treat me.

[@robinelliott5561]

Thank you for this! I wanted to add that patients who become physically dependent on benzos do not take them to get high or to mood alter. I’m a recovering alcoholic and there a huge difference. Also, i grew up in the 70’s and we often took 1 Valium to get high/mood alter. at a party. Big difference between becoming dependent from inappropriately prescribed benzos and taking a benzoto get high.

[@MedicatingNormal]

I think she discussed this if you listen to the whole thing. It's in there!

[@amydavidson7166]

I would like to start a village of benzo recovery groups in my city. I will DM you to find out how I can help with this effort. Helping others to get through this together is my mission at this point. I admire and respect your efforts! You are saving lives.

[@patglennon9671]

I know they have a group in chicago

[@piruz87]

What are you taking? Dosage? And how long have you been taking it?

[@roper31589]

@@patglennon9671 Do you know the name of it? Thank you!

[@kieran1738]

Currently watched Mad In America's Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal Webinar where Nicole Lamberson is one of the panelists. I will have to watch this afterwards!! :)

[@lovewenwin]

Akathisia and anxiety are not the same thing. If you are coming off of a psychiatric drug, anti-nausea drug, anti-seizure drug and you are suffering through akathisia it is not the same thing as anxiety.

[@amydavidson7166]

A Village. I absolutely love it! Thank you Dr. Halligan - We all need a tribe to help each other get through Benzo W/D!

[@Eric-tj3tg]

I keep listening to these panels, hoping for ways to help myself. It is continually disheartening.

[@MedicatingNormal]

Is there anything we can do to help?

[@Eric-tj3tg]

@@MedicatingNormal Thanks for responding. I suppose I'm venting. 53 year of age, 10-years at same dose Clonazepam. I assumed my "symptoms" were the natural unfolding of implicit trauma from developmental trauma. Vipassana meditation and mindfulness "helped" me to watch the passing clouds. Tried a 25% taper, every two -weeks from 3 mgs. in approximately 4 months. No discernable decline, as I've become disabled; fight/flight/freeze and didn't notice much of a change. Until I dropped the final nightly dose, 30 hours after I became paranoid @ Walmart. Went home and believed this was trouble. Reinstated, bc I figured only option is, if I lose my sht, my father, (shame-his house) though I've tried to be clear, would kick me out, assuming "the observer/witness" was capable incapable of merely witnessing. Then off to hospital where they, minimally reinstate. When this doctor today discussed the transfer off, as she ends with "us" as going "not great", I realize that I'm another casualty. I've left behind what might have been support; I think not though, but maybe that's the Clonazepam. I saw a therapist 3x's weekly for 10 months in 2019; a Bioenergetic Psychotherapist who was good, I believe, but my $'s had run out. My doctor retired in a quite questionable manner, but since he had me rx'd at 6 mgs. /day, if I stay put I've got 520 days of it left. Could be a taper, which, at this point is years, and likely lead to a post-withdrawal shitstorm. Meanwhile, my anxiety is definitely hitting the body hard now; dis-ease without diagnosed disease, hair loss, dry skin, intensifying head-pressure, And stomach tension. Depression, anhedonia, akathisia or kind of catatonia (I can move, but why- Freeze?). Doc diagnosed Trigeminal neuralgia, and tried to have me take vicodin 3x's daily. Knew better there, but the pain is tremendous. I don't know what's what anymore, nor can I just be with it because I'm watching myself kill myself with this shit. 55 finish wean, start ru t withdrawal, the post wd in order to get to work on developmental trauma. If you've read this far, thanks. I'm afraid it's about all you can do. If I'm wrong, I'd be, well, glad? I'm in Clonazepam depence!

[@MedicatingNormal]

@@Eric-tj3tg I am so sorry for all you've been through. You tapered really fast which is what could have caused your extreme symptoms. Please read this article and look on this website for more discussion about safe and responsible tapering. withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/learn/psychiatric-drug-taper-rates-review-and-discussion

[@Eric-tj3tg]

@@MedicatingNormal Thanks for the information.

[@kiwitraveller6451]

@@MedicatingNormal Thanking you for this as it is a long haul for my son coming off of clonazepam and haldol not both at once though...seeing/watching him with the withdrawals...hard so hard...:-(

[@annabanana7752]

Nicole - Thank you for this great discussion. I appreciate all that you do and finding very knowledgeable professionals that provide current and accurate information. Great job!

[@robinelliott5561]

Have you looked into neural retraining? The theory is the limbic system has been impaired either by chemical trauma, environmental toxin trauma, psychological trauma, or physical trauma. Then over time the brain’s limbic system gets stuck in a “pain loop” of sorts and it then becomes chronic, even when the original “trauma” is gone. The amygdala is like a loyal body guard still trying to keep you safe. And being in a chronic state of fight/flight can start to break down every system in the body. There are a few successful programs for people with chronic “syndromes” such as CFS, Adrenal fatigue POTS & other ANS disorders, endocrine disorders, digestive disorders, chemical and food sensitivities, histamine & food intolerance, etc. All of these health issues are also on the benzo wd list. And now, the neural retraining programs are successfully healing Long Haul Covid. Makes me think that PAWS might be a limbic system impairment and perhaps neural retraining would be helpful for PAWS??

[@MonacoRocha]

1mg of Klonopin= 2 year Taper.....2mg =4 year taper......At Least..... S. L. O. W. T. A. P. E. R. IS A MUST !!!!!!

[@davidkruse4030]

how about we keep it to the doctors. thanks man

[@MonacoRocha]

I was on Clonazepam ( Klonopin) 0.5 for 20 years.... I tapered for 19 Months...."CRAZY CANUCK" on KZbin...Milk 120ML of 3% Milk.... I am now 52 days Off & Not Bad... The taper was Not That Bad.... I'm OFF THANK GOD... Hope I Don't get PAWS !!!

[@matthewatwood8641]

The rehabs are exploiting the addicts.

[@margehernandez9220]

Just ran across this video. I’m trying my best to taper off clonazepam. I had to really have a heart to heart talk with my psychiatrist bcz she kept telling me that I had to get off this bcz seniors are getting dementia. I expressed how difficult this was for me to do this quickly and my blood pressure went off the roof that I got a small stroke! She was lowering my dose too quickly too. I pray I can do this without getting another stroke bcz my blood pressure goes sky high. Thank you for being so understanding and giving us a little hope.

[@TheNytBlade]

Benzos really messed me up, its been almost 4 months since I quit and honestly I have never felt the same. I still feel like taking them but I know myself all to well, there no such thing as a "one off".

[@SAMEntalhealth]

I wonder if hypnosis can work with opiate withdrawal?

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Btw you're absolutely gorgeous ❤

[@jamesbartosh9295]

Thank you so much. Finally someone understands this. Been dealing with it for 6 years now. My family doesn't believe me.

[@erinreese3849]

Please help me find a Dr in Texas!! I have been on my benzo for half my life daily . My Dr has retired and only have two more refills. I am desperate!!

[@jamescarew2976]

I think most people would want to stay on for the the rest of there life than go through the horror of withdrawl.

[@BradleyJames66]

Been on up to 4mg of ativan for 15 yrs now in Ontario Canada. I can't see ever getting off this insidious drug.

[@aaronmalcolm4704]

You can I’m in Manitoba I was prescribed 10mg of Ativan per day and with a slow Valium taper I am happy and healthy it’s been over 5 years. Now I’m a Mental Health/Addiction Counsellor. So you can do it it’s very tough though.

[@lauranelson1119]

adjuvant medication for severe insomnia during klonopin taper?

[@shawnconnolly5296]

I wish I had you as my DR. When I was crawling through the gates of hell.

[@allencollins6031]

Freakin horror show

[@lauradevlin1637]

Thank you Dr. Halligan 🙏🏼

[@Janet_Price]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a phenomenal discussion...........

[@aimlessintopeka]

Interesting observation about tapering Klonopin and slowing the taper at 1 mg. I took my doctor and pharmacist what I learned online about making a water solution at home from tablets and they both endorsed that method of tapering and it worked well for me. I could taper as slowly as necessary, was able to get off without significant suffering but it took 5 years.

[@mikecheckmike]

Will Power, I’m currently debating doing the water solution on my own or using Dr Halligan as I’m in SC. Been on 1mg Klonopin for 6-7 years now and really wanting to get off. Is the water solution really as easy as I have seen? Can you expand on your method and how your taper went? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@jpmoneydollars]

Thank you Nicole!

[@jacquelinemarquis6782]

I have Akasthisia and trying to taper kl 1.0 !!! Help !

[@shannonmichael74]

I cannot get help anywhere in California. I'm dependant on klonopin and been trying to taper myself since November of last year and have gotten nowhere. Can you help me?

[@juliannewman8720]

Nicole, can you tell us more about your story and where you're at today & why you aren't able to work? You don't tell us much about you?

[@janabush1215]

How do you do live chat? What about people who are using street drugs as well? Meth is all over in my area how does this effect a withdrawal process?

[@MedicatingNormal]

Live chat doesn't work after the video was recorded. Meth has a withdrawal period also.

[@mikeskel45]

To me SSRI’s have a much more devastating effect than benzodiazepines. I came off of 6 mg of klonopin a day and came off 200 mg of zoloft. I feel like psychiatrists ruined my brain permanently. I had to go back on an SSRI after being off benzos for 2 years and SSRIs for a year because of the extreme anxiety and depression. Wish I could get off everything.

[@MedicatingNormal]

One can't know where the damage actually came from since you were on both at the same time. It could be that the SSRI is masking the benzo withdrawal.

[@gailcarey3597]

Thank you.

[@riseagain9677]

I am an APN and have many clients that I inherited who are not interested in reducing their benzodiazepines at all!!Some actually become verbally abusive when you suggest a rehab or a slightly lower dose. How do you handle the many people who don’t want to come off a benzodiazepine?

[@MedicatingNormal]

Some clients should not be pushed off, especially if on long-term, or those who have complicated medical histories. Taking them off could truly be deadly. The US Dept of VA has some clinic guidance about that if you look in the recommendations of the OIG report: www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-16-03576-53.pdf Also, discussing deprescribing with clients should be done gently, over time, and tapers should be patient-centered, at their OWN pace. More info about how to set up patients for success IF they are good candidates for deprescribing: www.pbm.va.gov/PBM/AcademicDetailingService/Documents/Academic_Detailing_Educational_Material_Catalog/59_PTSD_NCPTSD_Provider_Helping_Patients_Taper_BZD.pdf

[@riseagain9677]

@@MedicatingNormal thank you so much for the information and links🙏

[@annedodgson8677]

We all pick our poison…

[@ethancowart6765]

can anyone pls tell me how gabapentin works with benzo withdrawl and the risk that come with gabapentin.????

[@angelikask7721]

From what I hear some can have problem getting off gabapentin. Almost as bad as benzos.

[@ethancowart6765]

@@angelikask7721 yea ive heard that it can be habit forming, not even close to benzos but it can still have its issues i imagine

[@ethancowart6765]

@@angelikask7721 have you ever taken gabapentin ?

[@angelikask7721]

@@ethancowart6765 I have never taken it myself. I have listen to Becca B. Video on KZbin about how she got of benzos and about 5 months ago stopped gabapentin and it’s going through hell again. I don’t think I would take it. I prefer supplements like l-Theanine or magnesium glycinate or even kava kava. I don’t want to take more drugs.

[@ethancowart6765]

@@angelikask7721 yea ive been taking supplements like l-theanine and alpha gpc and a few other supps, but i still have to take 100 mg of gabapentin every one and a while when i start over thinking about stuff.. how long was becca b. on gabapentin for?