Successful Malpractice Lawsuit for Benzodiazepine Injury | Interview with Kathi Donald

[@candaceosullivan-sutherlan1533]

A class action lawsuit is needed.

[@sole__doubt]

Not going to happen, there has been plenty literature about the affects of benzos for decades. The only people who arent aware of the benzos are willfully ignorant. People want to believe the answers to anxiety come in a pill, they dont.

[@katrinamenzies9398]

@@sole__doubtno big pharma are to blame

[@Rollwithit699]

​@@sole__doubt Interesting take you have on this subject. If we question our doctor's judgment or deny his suggestions, we are recorded on the medical record as being noncompliant which follows us around in our records. But if we follow their instruction blindly, take their pills as directed (benzos for 28-1/2 years for sleep in my case) and when I coincidentally learned from a Jordan Peterson video how dangerous these were, I requested to stop! My doctor told me to go ahead and stop, no problem, didn't mention tapering. Now 31 months out following the most horrendous withdrawal, you say I am to blame for the resultant permanent heart arrhythmia, extreme hypersensitivities, continued anxiety, and small fiber neuropathy I now have? You say I AM at fault in this scenario? How much are you being paid?

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

​​@@sole__doubt wrong alot of people who were tapered off in a few weeks or cold turkeyed are so disabled from being yanked off a benzo to fast. That alone qualifies for Class action lawsuit.

[@sole__doubt]

@@GeraltOfRivia99 fair enough if they were cold tukeyed thats malpractice.

[@pl-tq9py]

This is justice!!! Thank you for paving the way... There should be a class action..

[@gailkarrer6041]

Kathi Donald was lucky in the sense that she had come from a medical profession. She had enough money for lawsuits and found the right persons to represent her. What about poor people? There is no chance for them.

[@stacyyoust]

​@@Thatsbannanas-d8care you donating

[@KatieLennox]

exactly like me. plus i can't find lawyer to take case or dr to back me up or even treat me. i got taken off cold turjey of 3-4 mg xanax for 27 years and dismissed from providers/clinic.

[@rerunzgibson915]

You are only worth what you did prior to being prescribed the medication. So unless you are a young kid with a huge life in front of you, or you were successful before this you are not worth it to an attorney because the attorney is going to take 40% and if you make × in a year just say 10,000, or you make 1,000,000 it's a big difference.

[@SuperReznative]

​@@KatieLennoxYeh, ruined my, potential Engineering career/ university ,marriage,/custody family four lovely children, My children lost the deeply loving ,creative, husband & father ,they deserved,and I used to be "God hates divorce" , every aspect of my life and relationships. 20 years, my caring decent , hardworking journeyman, son, with the pandemic which added to the confounded life he endured. isolation, mandates took his life ! The plandemic & jabs, proves a whole other level of evil.We are now being censored in Canada now please share:Commissioners Report released in Ottawa #nationalcitizensinquiry

[@SuperReznative]

​@@KatieLennoxOh my ,Ivan identify 27 years later, complicated, destroyed personality destroyed life,and now my hardworking, successful intelligent, son's life ( took his own)

[@custommade4463]

We need to begin using the term “drug injured”. Too many doctors prescribe these drugs than call / put on their medical records “drug abusers.”

[@pattilynnwahlsimmons]

I believe that’s what BIND is supposed to address that. Benzo Induced Neurological Disorder.

[@freedomwarrior5087]

But they forget the fact that they are the drug dealers and worse than the street dealers by far.

[@SuperReznative]

My life and my aging windowed, mother,who has been a life saver to all ,was ruined. I had inadvertantly dropped out , of society for quite some time to heal withdrawal symptoms. dealing with ., long story..,25 years of . life in this ( evil)world,The god of this world is satan ,with his legions of demons.The Bible is true, What is unfolding world wide,and in our personal lives has been ( God inspired) written in those,pages. There is power in the name of Jesus over the adversary, the Lord Jesus is returning for His bride ( born again of the Holy Spirit, believers). Shalom to all who seek and need the peace and joy return to their lives. Shalom

[@mr.giggles4995]

I made the mistake of going to rehab after bupropion withdrawal led to opiate addiction and got like 15 diagnosis and multiple psychiatric drugs prescribed... they are quick to tell you drugs aren't the answer then turn around and stick you on 4 powerful psychoactive drugs...

[@mazymonroe8749]

Whilst the doctors get away with being 'Drug pushers' 😢

[@suhubu1]

I have so little faith in our medical system these days!! Dr. Josef thank you for what you are doing!

[@gracegrace1896]

Been on benzodiazepines for 26 years and feel no hope of a normal life. When I complained of problems, they added antidepressants and over the years they tried over 25 other psych drugs and finally said I had “treatment resistant depression” and needed ECT. That’s when I started trying to taper and learn more. Now I’m really messed up and have been trying to get off Klonopin and lexapro since 2017. I’m suffering. All those years they told me I had a problem, I was actually suffering withdrawals because they would stop and start new drugs whenever I complained of issues. My body is alive. Nothing else about me is alive. They have destroyed me.

[@allencollins6031]

You're not alone.

[@aliciameeks]

Same here!

[@DShaw1776]

Me too!! 😢 It’s heart wrenching & could use some medical legal assistance.

[@catherinepearce4462]

Contact Point of Return! They have a tapering program and support network that works. They are awesome; No one needs to suffer

[@gracegrace1896]

@@catherinepearce4462 so many programs and so many promises. Most tapering programs go way too fast. I literally have buckets full of supplements sold me with more false hope. It looks like on point of return I have to chat Mon-Fri. And what is the cost? Most programs are cost prohibitive

[@tammyhavlik1015]

I hope she changes her career path into helping others avoid these injuries.

[@Waves353]

Finally I’m so grateful Kathi had the strength to fight for herself and for us all. The strength to alone, handle the gaslighting , invalidation, the secondary trauma, which is almost as unbearable as the symptoms. Thank you

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Yes that is exactly right; I ran into this after the HELL my poor Veteran pal went through and hard on myself as well; dangerous... and then people treating me dismissively .... not believed; blaming the patient... I am grateful for those who understand.

[@graceislove3]

A lot of people get put in psych hospitals forced cold turkey and then forced more pills more labels and the Drs and Big Pharma make more money How many people are hurt labeled and deceived. The psych hospitals are places that Drs put people they have abused by pills to try to cover up their negligence

[@Lonhro]

Hi Josef.....recently in Australia the government changed the laws around prescribing Alazopram. They did this without consideration or consultation with my doctor or myself. I was cut from Alazopram that was prescribed to me officially by my GP 13 years ago at the beginning of January 2023. I received no support from Government or my GP.....they left me hanging and I ended up in hospital.

[@Le_coq_sportiff]

Thats insane mate ,the total disregard for ur health is disgracefull n needs to be called out

[@hallieadams4225]

You are lucky to be alive. Xanax saved my life.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

😭 I ended up in the same position.. The hospital treated me like 💩. I'm just alive and that's about it. No help.. and treated like it's my fault. Like I did this. Like I wrote the prescription. For nine years.

[@susansheppard9614]

I'm in Australia too. I was prescribed diazepam 8yrs ago for a spinal stroke. After a year I couldn't get off it. Thrown to the wolf's treated like a druggie. 7yrs I've tried to get off only 2.5mg! Fellow Aussies your only hope here is a psychiatrist doing a very slow compounding taper. 0.25mg reduction every 3 months seems to help. Good luck! Our system is toast and gps just don't care.

[@janemarbach2549]

Unreal the way the government handles a nightmare like this. F..k big pharma. They need to be held accountable!!!!

[@Scull578]

A lawsuit is needed. I will support this cause.

[@micuzzu]

This upsets me so much!!! I've seen this happen to my own father. It ruined him!!!

[@jackiegerspachhas4237]

The brain is your life!!!!!! You don’t mess with it!!!!!!

[@madelynhernandez7453]

What has been done to us horrific then only to not be believed, to be gaslighted and told that it is our mental illness that has gotten worse and we need higher dosages of pills. I know no one thinks of this but as an animal lover it horrifies me that these drugs are tested on poor animals, even.if they are rats..imagine what they feel from the drugs and they cant even speak or make it stop either or even kill themselves..How horrific

[@BzInfoCoalition]

Well done! Very interesting how her therapist and psychiatrist adjusted their initial opinions to protect the original prescribing doctor.

[@xy-qy2yg]

Same happened to me. Even the neurologists against benzos don't understand the damagebm they cause. I had doctors tell me they never prescribe and that I had iatrogenic injury and then retract that when I filed a complaint against the initial doctor.

[@taperclinic]

Thank you all for watching and commenting on the video. In a week I'll have Kathi's lawyer on. Please ask any questions in a reply to this thread and I'll try get him to answer them in the interview

[@5ylv1a]

Please ask the attorney what those of us out side the “time frame” get help filing a lawsuit? Is it possible? I like many have been ill for years and went to doctor after doctor for years (around 10 years) looking for answers and finally I made a last ditch effort and made one last appointment with a kinesiologist and his father who is also a kinesiologist. The father said that he thought the problem was the benzodiazepine I was on at that time I was also onto anti-depressants and Ambien. He said I needed to find out and start tapering. That was in September 2019 I was already very ill and bedbound or homebound most of my days. I officially started my taper February 20 20 and I am still incredibly ill. I am 19 months off the benzodiazepine and I am in shock at how ill I still am.

[@Chauncey89898]

Even though it’s been 10 yrs since first being prescribed alprazolam, and my Dr continues to prescribe to me, 2020 I had a fall, which resulted in a TBI, then started having grand mal seizures the day after fall, had frequent seizures, hospitalized, diagnosed with MCI secondary to TBI, I am epileptic, am on disability I will always take Keppra until I die. I have lost my life.

[@helenaquin1797]

​@Chauncey89898 I'm so very sorry that this happened to you~!

[@Sublight77]

Im much worse than this woman. im 7 years off, im in absolute hell. Its like treading water in the middle of the pacific in a horrible storm. This has been so impossibly hard and theres NO help. Noone believes. I can literally barely walk to the mailbox most days. Words do not do justice to what its like living like this, and most people are just mad at you

[@jeankeil4989]

@@taperclinic What is the criteria for a successful lawsuit with a payout to cover future health care and lost wages?

[@Lisa-r8y]

I can hear my heart pumping...it's worse than just a heartbeat 😢

[@lallymcghie9312]

Thank you so much Kathie!! I am almost 3 year off Klonopin which was also prescribed to me for sleep after my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer! Took for 18 months. Withdrawal took away my life, my will to live, my occupation. It even robbed me of the grieving process after losing my husband to the cancer. We all deserve to file a class action lawsuit!! I have spent a fortune trying to recover and am still suffering!

[@KatieLennox]

how does one go about filing class action lawsuit?? it is definitely needed! too much damage has and continues to happen.

[@paulbillington8290]

Your work in helping people with benzos is commendable my friemd!!

[@Debra555]

Me too, the 6 year taper was horror. 9 yrs and still very fragile and limited on what I can do. God help us all!! I know many of us Want a lawsuit.

[@afol4016]

They have made that virtually IMPOSSIBLE, UNLESS YOU ARE A CELEBRITY, OR WEALTHY!

[@hallieadams4225]

I have been on for 40 years. I withdrew myself from 4 a day to 2 a day. I have some permanent neuro issues. I did it because I saw what the government was doing. I can't and have no intention of going further. I am 62 years old and was told and experienced the withdraw will kill me. I wasn't warned until 15 years into iy. I have never abused it. I am completely normal on what I take. I started watching these videos am more than pissed off at doctors not warning and the government not wanting to allow doctors to write a prescription needed. I would love to sue everyone involved in this. I am thankful that my primarily doctor writing while I search for another psychiatrist. The doctors keep retiring or quitting. I am so tired of the bull crap. I can't live through withdrawal.

[@brendabrett4919]

Kathi you are a true warrior and self advocate . You should be so proud of yourself . I am also a fellow nurse and I'm so proud of your " bullheadedness "and fortitude in the mist of this intense long term struggle . I hope you will heal and be able to work again one day . CONGRATS on your settlement and setting a precedence

[@ariastaria2415]

My situation is very different from hers yet incredibly similar. I wouldn't want to be part of a lawsuit, it seems like it would be traumatizing, but so glad she got through it! I love her strength & hope she heals ❤

[@dawnmarie700]

Thank you so much for sharing. 💜 I was on Klonopin for 23 years. Thursday I will be 64 years old. I've been free of that poison for almost 3 years and I'm still struggling, still healing. I'm thankful for the groups. But it's just so sad because it's like the blind leading the blind. There doesn't seem to be an easy answer to get complete healing, although people do heal and I hope I do, too and all of us. ❤️ Everyday is truly a struggle as you know. I heard you mention the pain where you had injuries. That happened to me. It was horrific. the pain was out of this world. I can't believe I survived that pain. It was awful, out of this world. During my years in the groups there were those who did take their own lives ☹️ I certainly could relate to everything you said. I think it would be awesome if you became a coach but that's totally up to you lol I would have a coach but hey I'm a poor woman lol Thanks once again ♥️

[@sole__doubt]

Sweaty palms for life, I was on them for about 4 years and havent taken any pins since september 2019. Benzos are the worst to quit, I had an easier time quitting oxys.

[@gracegrace1896]

I need a coach too. I was in Xanax 16 years as prescribed which caused depression so they tried every drug possible until I wised up about these drugs. But not until they switched me from Xanax to Klonopin inn2013. Ten times worse. It’s a nightmare. I’ve been trying to taper off on my own since 2017 unsuccessfully. I need a friend. I have no support friends or family.

[@gracegrace1896]

I also understand wanting to die. Praying to die every night

[@Le_coq_sportiff]

​@@gracegrace1896hope ur doin ok grace

[@jtzoltan]

Have you looked into extended fasting as a means to "reset" your system? Dr. Witt-Doerring has an interview with a guy who had success with it.

[@MK-pl4fr]

I tore many tendons and ligaments due to muscle weakness induced by benzodiazepines. I’m mostly bedridden now.

[@aashish551]

Same here I got spinal cord damage. Life is over

[@x9x1x6x]

I think that what is happening to my body. What do I do?

[@melissajackson5333]

Melissa Jackson 0 seconds ago Thank God you were able to find a lawyer, and win your case! You have definitely paved the way for all of those who are suffering and who are within the time limit to do something about it. Unfortunately I’m out of that timeline. Everything that you said I feel like you are speaking for myself as I am a dental hygienist and I love my job and I worked hard to get my degree and this doctor stole it from me. She stole my entire life! Not one doctor could honestly figure out what was wrong with me even after all the testing with results that were normal, yet psychiatrist would keep labeling me with all kinds of disorders that I’ve never had in my life! You talking about being hyper sensitive with your nervous system and the lights and sounds and even the news and that is a real issue! Trying to get through a grocery store and having to look down at the ground while pushing a basket and a half the time just leaving your basket there because you just can’t do it. Not watching the news because the stress is too much and it’s embarrassing for people like my father to say seriously you don’t watch the news that I just have to tell him no I have told you I can’t handle it and they just don’t get it If they haven’t been through it, …they may try to compare something they have been through, but it is nothing at all compared to the hell that we have suffered!! I sit here and cry, as I listen to everything you say, and just wanted to scream! I always wonder what would my life be like if I would have never gone for a check up because my blood pressure was slightly high and my primary care physician put me on Xanax twice a day because she said she felt I was stressed from dental school and having three children which one has spina bifida & is a paraplegic. My primary care physician told me Xanax was safe. Said Her husband takes it and her grandmother takes it and as long as I don’t abuse it I’m fine.. this all started in 1998. I have waited so long for the day to hear that someone has actually won and that lawyers have actually taken a case of benzodiazepine induced neurological damage as a real thing and that you won!! There definitely needs to be a class action lawsuit! Thank you for sharing. I know it is so hard.. I shared before one time on a local news interview that I wasn’t even prepared for, and I look like a babbling idiot. The labeling has to stop. This has to be recognized as a diagnosis. Again, I am so incredibly happy to hear that somebody won and I hope there will be many more!

[@afol4016]

You know, I hope, that THEY KNEW ALL ALONG WHAT WAS WRONG, DON'T YOU?

[@corvettedm1]

I was in bed for three years due to a cold turkey withdrawal from Klonopin. It weakened my heart and my liver was damaged. I couldn’t do anything at all. It was terrible and it ruined my life.

[@MsCarmel55]

Class action suit needed for all psych drugs!

[@therealdeal3672]

So important to stop stigmatizing people who are doing their best to cope with their mental health challenges and who are taking medications and following doctors orders. Dependency is a consequence of treatment, not of being a druggie.

[@Beverly-e4z]

There was a book called, "I'm dancing as fast as I can" published 20-30 years ago. It was about a woman's withdrawal from Valium. She almost died.

[@susansheppard9614]

They made a movie from it too

[@afol4016]

I believe that was Also A Movie. Yes. Look it up on KZbin.

[@christosrisen]

Congratulations Kathi ~ I believe this is the way forward for change. It's been a long story for me and now to late for any chance of compensation as far as I know. 20 years of Prescribed Benzo prescribing, including 4 years of horrific Inter-dose Withdrawal and now after a five and a half year slow taper, I am 3 and a half years off and still the waves and windows. Thank you DrJosef for having the courage to take up this cause and get the message out to the masses on Social Media.

[@debbiesz48]

The docs do NOT want to admit of symptoms of withdraw

[@grv91vr23]

Its not even withdrawal. Time to change that word

[@triceps1961]

They like to use the term: Discontinuation Syndrome I know how it goes. Boy! Do I ever!

[@latishaharris834]

@@grv91vr23 Right it's an injury from poison called medication

[@madelynhernandez7453]

​@@grv91vr23what word would you suggest. I agree with you but I dont know what to call it

[@allencollins6031]

​@@grv91vr23Yep, it's damage.

[@annwynn4827]

Thank you so much for sharing. After almost five years, I still have trouble with a restaurant bill when there are two or more persons on the bill…adding a proper tip is still problematic. Sharing your story has helped me because I traveled from doctor to doctor hoping to learn what was causing my empty frontal lobe and inabilities to function properly. God bless you. I thank God every day for getting me through the holocaust of ativan.

[@mikemiller1884]

There needs to be a class action suit that recognizes the permanent damage caused by long term benzodiazepine usage. I was on the front line of the push to promote widespread prescribing of benzodiazepines. We were assured that they were safe.

[@grv91vr23]

U were a pharma rep?

[@mikemiller1884]

@@grv91vr23 I was a prescriber and in charge of our continuing medical education.

[@grv91vr23]

@@mikemiller1884 ok thanks! It’s a crime that you were not informed.

[@sole__doubt]

If you were ignorant about the drugs you are putting in your body, thats all on you! All the literature about benzos has been around for decades, you WANTED to believe that the drug was safe. No drug that alters your mind like that is safe, i cant beleive I even have to say that!

[@sole__doubt]

@@mikemiller1884 "I was a prescriber and in charge of our continuing medical education." Hold up, you had that job and you really thought taking benzos for an extended period of time was safe? With all due respect but you are terrible at your job. Its almost as ridiculous as the people who really thought oxys werent addictive.

[@JustME-ft4di]

I was on diazepam for 20 years for spasm after spinal injury and surgery. Withdrawal is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. It caused psychotic terror of the whole of reality with all five senses, whole body contracture, dementia-like cognitive issues and frantic compulsive hyperphagia. 2 years later I am still very ill, withdrawal has also caused Mast Cell Activation syndrome which has left me having severe reactions to all food, household chemicals, soaps etc. I still have the hyperphagia. It has destroyed my body, all my muscles wasted within weeks of first tapering. At one point I made an exit bag the symptoms were so bad. I have lost all internal sensation from my body. I had 160 horrific symptoms. 6 ppl I knew in WD killed themselves so far.

[@paulbillington8290]

That sounds a horrible experience i,m sorry to hear that, how much diazepam were you taking, did you try taper?

[@PatrickA1]

EDTA and water fasting can heal this up. Might have to do it a few times.

[@Sublight77]

I believe you. Im 7 years out and im destroyed. NO ONE believes me, no one. My life turned into absolute hell

[@maireadfenlon8374]

Excellent! Well done for speaking out.

[@hiya1399]

Kathi is clearly very wealthy making 6 figures a year and had the means to get a lawyer and sue. What about those of us who were put on benzos as kids and harmed before we could earn a living or start our life? Many benzo harmed patients live below poverty level and will never have the money to sue or get justice. Many of us never got to even build a life because of what this drug did to us. Where is our justice? Who will fight for us?

[@royharper2003]

if you have a good case a lawyer will take your case for free and get paid from any settlement

[@sea_hous]

@@royharper2003 Many people are past the statute of limitations. I’ve contacted 25 + lawyers in CA. No one would take my case. I’m also years off the medication.

[@royharper2003]

@@sea_hous That's too bad. I've been on anidepressants for 23 years. Tried a few tiomes to come off them slowly but everytime it ended very badly and I had to go back on them to stay sane.

[@hiya1399]

@@royharper2003 how I wish that were true.

[@hiya1399]

@@sea_hous exactly. Same here.

[@lauriegamler9147]

Help! Lawyer desperately needed! I've been on X half my life! 30 yrs! Prescribed by one practice in those years. I was forced to change doctors due to a move. The med was no longer prescribed by my new doctor, I always took as prescribed. No educated professional to help me. This is criminal! I'm tapering myself and my life has been stolen from me. An array of debilitating symptoms including heart issues and neurological issues, no underlying illness. I don't leave my house, in bed most of the time for months! Suicidal thoughts? Yes!!!! I need a lawyer. I'm in NC if anyone out there can help me receive justice.

[@stevietalk1]

fYI .. benzo’s hijack our Central Nervous System…AND our GABA receptors. Your heart issues are probably from GABA & neurological would be nervous system. I’ve been on .5mg of Klon for 35 yrs….. did a SLOW taper over a yr. To .25mg - not a lot of issues, just some exacerbation of existing issues (tinnitus, dry eyes, nervous ticks, muscle & nerve pain.. etc) am now tapering SLOWLY off of the last .25mg pill, will take another year. Taper needs to be slow (& preferably diazepam or Klon n/c. They are the longest acting benzo’s) The GABA receptors are hijacker’s & need a LONG time to get back to normal…. You’re experiencing tolerance/BIND (Benzo Indiced Neurological Dysfunction) …. It’s the body’s way of saying g NNOOOO .. we need to be kind to our body & go ever so slow in the taper process allowing our body to adjust. This will allow us to eventually get off AND eventually heal ❤️‍🩹 to 💝 all the best

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

​@@stevietalk1alot of people don't have the choice to taper .

[@mindmagicsteph]

Way to go kathi! Thank you for fighting for us

[@digginwithd_p]

Thanks for this video. I have so much hope. I myself have a neurological injury from benzos. But watching people like this brings tears to my eyes. We will get through this. Hope and Jesus ❤❤❤

[@madelynhernandez7453]

There are so many of us. Its impossible to get anything, even be heard.

[@jaguarpaw4632]

I took myself off of Ativan then they tried to drug test me for years. Not sorry to disappoint them. They no longer had anything to hold over my head. They sure did know what they were doing to people.

[@5ylv1a]

We need that time frame changed. I had no idea what was wrong for years despite seeing doctor after doctor begging for help.

[@aethylwulfeiii6502]

The worst doctors have hubris, the best will tell you when they don’t know things.

[@cjw8817]

Congratulations on your win! I gave a question. I'm going through benzo withdrawal and tapering. How did you go to doctor appointments and testing etc. I cannot go anywhere. I have fear and panic. I can't stand in line, I can't carry on a conversation without panicking. It's horrible. I cannot sleep either. Pure misery. I'm a year into tapering this poison medication. Thank you for listening to me.

[@sherrimayne]

Following

[@nancyguzman4685]

Gosh. I would love to talk to her. I was an RN in California as well. Given benzos and antidepressant during covid. I have so much nerve pain. Had to leave the career I love and my babies are yearning for the old me to come back. Financially ruined and in so much pain. I want my old life back.

[@victoriagrahm3915]

Oh that’s terrible. I feel so awful for you. God bless you. I hope you will eat VERY CLEAN, supplement, pray, meditate, fast for as long as you can and get better

[@mysticmardi]

my kids said that to me this year; WE WANT THE OLD MOM BACK

[@KatiePeeler23]

I’m going through this with Valium 😢I was off then had paws they placed me back on now I have to re taper but my nervous system is so sensitive it’s been 2 years since the first attempt I really can’t function

[@aliciameeks]

In addition to all the symptoms she talks about, I had auditory hallucinations, total insomnia, and suicidal ideation. I ended up right back on Klonopin and am still trying to get off them. 20 years now. 😭

[@x9x1x6x]

Psychiatry ruined my life and now I'm suffering and need help

[@hiya1399]

welcome to the club. No one can help you here since we're all on disability and unable to function because of these drugs. Life is over now.

[@SanDGran]

I understand; me too!!

[@capresti3537]

They destroyed mine too. Crippled by a pseudoscience.

[@Saracollins1985]

Klonopin ruined my life. I’ll never be the same.

[@davenelson4334]

Me too. Was prescribed K for over 15 years. Doc told me he had no problem keeping me on for the rest of my life. Took several tries to come off, but I'll never be the same and it ruined my life too...

[@mollyriley9199]

Me too.

[@IceLynne]

same here 😞

[@Debra555]

Me too, the 6 year taper was horror. 9 yrs and still very fragile and limited on what I can do. God help us all!!

[@ikedorsey]

Me too.

[@jino2786]

I was prescribed benzos years ago and it completely ruined my life. My memory is far gone and so many other things. I've stopped taking them a few years ago and i will never the same. Yeah it was my choice to take them but I was also not informed about the horrors that came along with taking them and when you stop. Between the doctors I've had giving me Rx after Rx bo questions asked and Big pharma i like many others didn't stand a chance

[@KStone47424]

How can we get ahold of Kathi to discuss support in creating a lawsuit?

[@Saracollins1985]

Exactly

[@sea_hous]

Following

[@estelled389]

Congratulations that's amazing thing you done . More and more people in the future are going to come forward. Im blown away coming back on internet and seeing how fast this movement is going. Peter Breggins would be so happy 😊

[@GaryManning-m3n]

I did 15 days, same story. Same ignorance in medical field and emergency benzo withdrawal. I want to sue for malpractice. I am having seizures. Cancer, Emphysema from Long haul Covid. I'm actively dying from insomnia and withdrawl as I type this. No one takes me seriously. I have benzo injury.

[@lovelv1278]

I believe you ❤

[@Sublight77]

I feel horrible for you and on top of all the horrid symptoms, extremely strong insomnia is annihilating me as well. Its hell

[@lam7402]

My life is totally ruined from klonopin from decades of taking it as prescribed …..I can no longer function ….I’ve had akathesia for over 6 years off the med ……

[@grv91vr23]

I’m sorry. What are you doing all day to come through the days. It’s such a difficult symtom.

[@Sublight77]

I believe you. Im annihilated. Im shaking from the inside out, i can barely talk to people. Ive got dozens of symptoms at once

[@HappyQuailsLC]

I have never understood how punitive judgements are not distributed to the overall group of adversely effected people with the same complaints, rather than disproportionately awarding a single person, or place the punitive judgements into a fund for future equitable distribution upon proving one"s case.

[@brendamalone3880]

Thank you so very much ❤️ I’ve been thinking of doing this for past year. Hard to begin.

[@yvonnetaylor2038]

I would def want to take part in a class action lawsuit.

[@roberta9833]

Thank you very much Kathy 🤗 big hug!

[@jewel1953]

Oh how I can relate to her story. Thank you for sharing.

[@stephenbailey7652]

Was told by freeth & cartwright in 1990, it would Do me no good. I kept fighting and becoming massively worse. Nothing. I've lost my life, friends and careers. Tried many times elsewhere for help. Nothing. Now over 34 years, with 28 years off Benzos, And polly everything. I have Neuro Anatomical Brain Damage. It's a daily living hell. My CNS is in a bad way, I often shout, scream etc in absolute torture. There is no help. A very painful lonely life. Evil Dr's and Pharma.

[@sea_hous]

It looks like a lot of people are asking for specifics. If you provide them can you please let us know? If someone manages to get a class action can they please alert those in the comment’s section. Thank you. 🌿

[@sole__doubt]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@danasarokon887]

This is amazing because benzos RUINED my life 😢i lost my mind, have a seziure disorder now, i totally relate plus some...How would i go about a lawsuit????

[@TheAjmos]

Benzos destroyed me in 2018 lolololololololo. I called a few lawyers early on but I dint keep searching because it seemed pointless. heart palps, chest pain, head tightness, gut problems, akathisia, panic, breathlessness, brain fog, ear problems, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, insomnia, and more. I was a fit as a fiddle 28 year old when I when I stopped taking benzos, iv had big set backs that made me worse and am still very sick.

[@craftygirl17]

We’re you tapered off or did you just stop.

[@Thatsbannanas-d8c]

Lord, that so wrong.

[@MoonWishes-r2s]

Much Appreciation for this important video !!! I'm finding my way out of benzo withdrawal hell, 40 years of prescriptions ! Titrated myself not knowing I would suffer from Major neurological Crash ! I'm 5' 3" was 120 lbs & benzo's stopped working for sleep, one dr. suggested I just take more ! That didn't set right with me & I tried titrating myself best I knew how. I ended up Unaware that I plummeted 40 lbs & my memory was totally messed up ! Insomnia was a constant curse as well. I lost my Wonderful career as a Dental hygienist for pets. Im still struggling to get sleep & heal my brain.

[@GoodVibez4Life]

Im terrified my doctor just stopped prescribing my Kolonopin today. I was told to go to the ER if i had withdrawal symptoms.

[@cathycoryell2351]

Her list of symptoms were very similar to to those of my family: attempting stop th Rx, cold turkey, or down dosing in too large of increments (withdrawal aka tolerance) 1) tingling or electrical zap in legs. 2) leg weakness. 3) stumble or falling , balance. 4) tinnitus 5) brain zaps, electric zings. 6) vacant gaps sensation in brain, pumkin head sensations 7) memory loss, recent convos need repeating, difficulty holding even short convo 8) severe fatigue, inertia, lack of movement, laying still to svoid symptoms flaring 9) new or severe sensitivity to light, normal household sound. 10) inability to tolerate computer or device screens (light?) 11) sleep disruption, varies, cant fall asleep, cant stay asleep for 4 hours or more, night wakings, interrupted sleep. 12) gorcery stores, gstherings become overwhelming, cant tolerate, sensory overload at former. Normal tasks, avoid groups, loud or normal sounds, etc. 13) difficulty doing normal work tasks, need time off, weeks, not a day or two. 14) time zone difference, basic math challenges 15) cognitive changes, general and physical input from body like depth perception altered 16) see 11 minutes mark.

[@mrs.happydog584]

I needed help to sleep & was put on 1mg X at night by a doctor in Laguna Niguel. Tried to taper off 8 years later but due to stress & withdrawal am still on. same dose 32 years later. I’m not functional. EMDR says chronic PTSD. I too lost my career at a multidisciplinary group. Now in FL & don’t think attorneys are as good as CA. I need help.

[@mamabear8729]

This what happened to so many people and you loose yourself and I had know idea what was supposed to help with sleep and anxiety issues, I wish I could have had someone to help me when a psychiatrist nurse cold turkey there own patient off of 1mg Xanax 3 x daily after server trauma. Having my 2 year old son passed away of a very painful pediatric cancer. I have never had anyone under stand what exactly all of the same withdrawal symptoms, 3 weeks without sleep exactly what happened to myself, never been back to work every since., and yes being told that that this was a real serious issue and it's been a struggle ever since. My poor family has had no idea nor did I what was going on. So glad to see someone tell there truth and getting herself heard. Godbless

[@Jannietime1]

Shame on the medical professionals who don't believe us.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

They know what the drug does.

[@KatieJoMikell]

Wow, just wow! I’m so very proud of her! I am not a benzo patient but I believe my father died from this and I would give anything in the world to get him back and be able to get him the correct treatment. Shame on the FDA? I think? I’m not sure who to blame?

[@Aem640]

So sorry for your loss! I hear everything you’re saying.

[@KatieJoMikell]

@@Aem640 Thank you for listening Ann ♥️♥️

[@jglakecity]

I was on Klonopin. Got switched to Librium. Went cold turkey because of CDC opioid prescribing guidelines. Spent months seeing specialist for all the bizarre symptoms. Multiple trips to ER for chest pain. It wasn't until Nov when I hadn't slept in 3 days I restarted the Librium. My PMD had a meltdown. I began tapering myself. I bought a scale and empty capsules from Amazon. Took my last brnzo in March of 2018. I had protracted withdrawals until January 2019 when I was symptom free. I am happy and healthy but dtill have chronic pain.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

I was dismissed as an alcoholic.. I have hemochromatosis and it was showing up as alcoholic use in the blood tests. I was discontinued cold turkey just before COVID and had nobody to help me. Just kept getting told I need to stop my drinking. I almost died in 2021. Drs still don't get it and are blowing me off. I'm getting treated for the hemochromatosis now but still having bad symptoms from the benzos. Everyday is a challenge. Every time I get a new Dr they only seem to read what they want in my record. I can tell by the way I'm treated after the 2nd visit. Help

[@billbarney4937]

i was cutoff from benzos also by my doctor a couple years ago. they could have done it gradually but no just one last script for 30 pills

[@AMYNICHOLEABNER]

I been on since I was 17 yrs. Old and I am now 42 years old. Memory issues, and now my life is out of control.

[@nataliemiles4430]

I’m a nurse too. And I didn’t investigate this medication given to me. I am now doing a slow taper. I’ve lost my job that I fought to get for four years. I was given no warning at all on dependence. I’m a nurse. I’m not a doctor nor a pharmacist.

[@Sally.Brake-SoulfulMentor]

Same here 😢

[@eawil-sunart]

Please let there be a class action lawsuit 22 years on this poison

[@lennyvlaminov9480]

Great channel/episode

[@xy-qy2yg]

I was looking into neurofeedback before benzos and decided to do therapy first before doing something to attack my brain and my EEG showed burnout problems and tinnitus etc. But then the EEG made my dad so worried and those awful therapists recommended rivotril! Wtf.

[@chargrady9928]

I really would like to know the name of your law firm that handled your case as I would like to contact them. I was prescribed Ambien for 15 years. I was given lorazapam when I went into tolerance from ambien. So reckless. I am now 14 months off of everything and still suffering.

[@kathykuhl8689]

These are all my symptoms from X for 10 years and a ten day detox. Looking for support in PA.

[@annaherbold7829]

I live in PA- Lehigh valley area. My DOC for 15 became really sick and had to immediately retire. Her replacement was arrogant and condescending and extremely full of himself. I was shamed for taking Ativan and Ambien that she prescribed for sleep for 8 years. He abruptly stopped both along with wanting me on strong dose of Seroquel to sleep. I cannot do that as I need to function which left me without a doc and with no meds. Haven't slept for weeks. Withdrawals are horrific. I'm alone with no support 66 years old. It would be good to hear from you.

[@sole__doubt]

I stayed going to the gym when I was prescribed pins. Maybe thats why I never had as severe as withdrawal as this woman. Take care of you body everyone. Three years clean and back to normal except the sweaty palms.

[@JustME-ft4di]

Some of us are bedridden from it!

[@sole__doubt]

@@JustME-ft4di How did you let it get that bad is my question. I knew after a few months of being on klonopins that I had to find another way of dealing with anxiety. No medicine that affects you that way is safe.

[@eawil-sunart]

Until you walk a day in someone else’s shoes just be kind

[@eawil-sunart]

@@sole__doubt I doubt you have a sole

[@sole__doubt]

@@eawil-sunart oh man I have almost 600 soles. Last time I counted my collection I had 288 pairs and there 2 soles per pair.

[@estelled389]

Dr Josef we need you back home here in Ozz ❤

[@lindajackson7843]

Drs use to give this out like candy. It almost killed me coming off. Had to go back on now coming off slowly and scared as hell!!

[@Lilith218]

How are you doing now? I'm going through the taper program too.

[@leagueofotters2774]

I contemplated doing the same but I was in the midst of benzo withdrawal and no precedent that I could find for malpractice. My doctor likened benzos to "Pez" when prescribing them....not exactly informed consent.

[@kathrynrealhealthtalk910]

It's not just the terrible meds . It's all the staff involved. Bad doctors. Bad nurses. Bad drugs reps.

[@lindamcnelis6374]

I’m on Ativan after losing my son and mother 3 weeks apart. I’m not on an antidepressant because it’s considered situational. Without Ativan I’d die. I need it and dont want to ever get off it. Everyone is different. It’s been a life saver for me. I guess it all depends on if you have a paradoxal reaction to benzodiazepines. I have tinnitus and it actually helps soften the sound

[@Generrale]

Well yes no one said its not working, its working very well, problem is not being on them, problem starts once you don't get your pills from your doctor for some reason or when you reach the point where you need to higher doses or they stop working, also if you are taking them for long enough it will sooner or later destroy your health, so when you hit one of those points where you can't get them or they aren't working anymore its where hell begins and I guess its not possible to take them whole life without to reach one of these points

[@Ann-l7x]

Many people don't mind benzos for life, until they hit tolerance or interdose withdrawal, or, like so many in the US, they abruptly stop prescribing benzos.

[@brendafountain2856]

Your problem will come if you ever try to get off them.

[@lindamcnelis6374]

I only take it when needed

[@rickshawley7683]

I think I was damaged from tramadol also. Is there anything I can do to heal.

[@thecam0073]

Wow so fortunate to get some justice. I was injured by dr hutton's TMS permanently in 2018 and he injures people to this day for profit.

[@indigobunting2431]

The sensory issues and inability to tune out background sounds, lights, vibrations is my worst issue. (Even the doctors have huge TVs running ads -- a nightmare.) I can no longer drive.

[@warrenraffensberger2466]

Im going through it now an listening to her makes. Me so angry I'm in a SNF and can't even talk to anyone about it they dropped me to low to fast ever though I'm back on regular dose ok it was too late.

[@Blahblahblahblah666]

I'm so jealous listening to this.

[@carriec9349]

I tried with 3 attorneys to file a lawsuit. NONE would help me. I was so sick & could barely talk on the phone. I gave up because I just physically couldn’t be on the phone very long. I’m over 51 months off Klonopin & still impaired & in pain, shaking, benzo flu, ringing ears EVERYDAY. I’ve had over 116 symptoms!!! Cruelest thing to ever go through!!!

[@ShawnRKA]

I wonder if i can sue because valium caused me to attempt suicide and throguh that im severly disabled. Ive never had any sort of suicidal attemps or behavior prior to meds, in my entire life.

[@taperclinic]

I’m sorry to hear that.

[@ShawnRKA]

@wittdoerringpsychiatry thank you but I realize there's no justice for us sadly

[@Ann-l7x]

I experienced the same symptoms, as side effects of lamogtrine. Eg balance, time-disorientation, spatial-disorientation, depth perception, visual disturbance, noise, light, tactile dysfunction, forgetfulness, cognitive decline, problem with math and words. Is there a way I could get a write-up of Kathi's story? Is it on a website perhaps.

[@Scull578]

I was traumatized by benzowithdral

[@Scull578]

Rehabs do not help. My brain permanently damaged. I also have permanent damage to my my limbs. I can’t believe I got off that it’s taking years with no support from Beachway Rehab.

[@sb9697]

8 years later I know my brain is not the same and still today every day is a fight for survival! It completely destroyed my body and my brain.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

That's all well , but not everyone has that kinda money to pursue a class act suit.

[@lynnnickstricks]

We need this help with this in Australia

[@Thagy1973]

Ive been on Klonopin 1mg / 4 times a day for over a year. Just found out my job insurance does not cover mental health and my meds are about to run out. I am scared to death! My doctor wouldn't even see me because apparently my insurance did not pay for any of my visits and now I am in vollections for about a thousand dollars. If I miss one more day of work I will be fired. I can't afford my rent, want yo cancel my insurance so that I can apply for insurance thru the government. I am at a loss and am afraid I will end up having a seizure. I don't know what to do. I live alone, my parents are deceased. I am completely overwhelmed! And advice would be greatly appreciated! Is it okay to go to the er for klonopin withdrawals if it gets too bad?

[@KFlow-ox2yi]

Taper now and tell your medical doctor so you don’t withdraw Be your own voice

[@Highlander9740]

I was on Xanax for seventeen years and have been off of it for about nine months. I'm not well.

[@MrMushkin85]

I tried to do this after two doctors gave me conflicting advice, however they just changed my medical records and covered it.

[@ronnalewellen2583]

This feels so familiar!

[@Solistastyle]

What is the name of the case so we can quote it/research if we are lawyers?