Why do only some develop protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal?

[@garysimone4977]

Sadly we need millions more Dr like you

[@crookedrain771]

If only we had more doctors like this man…

[@jesseschein5525]

Bravo, you are on of the rare and few Dr's who has become educated and aware of these issues. Please continue to educated and bring about this awareness to other doctors. MOST of us who have suffered have been gas lit for years. So much suffering could be avoided. I had major symptoms of withdrawal while on a steady dose and was gas lit and polydrugged until I FINALLY found a DR who was educated and I did an 18 month taper. I was on deaths door. Now I am healed and well and healthy and me again. Went through pure hell.

[@jackiegerspachhas4237]

We need more doctors like you!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@evanlowden6553]

18 months post taper. I took Cipro for a health issue before even taking a benzo. I had acute withdrawal symptoms from something? Some sort of anxiety disorder, prescribed benzos and took for a month and quit cold turkey. Seven months passed with no improvement. Reinstated, crossed, tapered, had windows and waves. Doing much better at 18 months. If it weren’t groups and forums I would have never known what was happening. I still don’t understand the Cipro side of things. Scariest years of my life.

[@taperclinic]

cipro is nasty, I'd recommend watching the video with Chris Page recently posted as he talks about a very similar reaction he had. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@erinseward]

Is Cipro, Ciprolex or generic brand, Escitalopram?

[@TheViperGuy91]

i had a terrible reaction from cipro - it can damage gaba receptors in your brain and also cause a ton of oxidative stress - thus the mental health issues - taking benzos directly afterwards was sadly one of the worst things you could of done. Im a year and 5 months out and doing better but still struggling with mental health@@erinseward

[@Walsh25]

@@erinsewardheard nitemare anoutbViiprp @ akathisia which is deadly 😊

[@almightyyes8892]

I was in a clinical trial and had a panic attack so the nurse prescribed 4mg at 9pm every night for almost 6 weeks .. I've called a lot of people including the Dr that was over seeing the clinical trial that have said I am going to be ok but I'm not ok

[@psychiatricallyinclined]

Thank you for taking the time to make this content, Dr. Josef! Clinical de-prescribing of benzodiazepines is becoming more and more commonplace in my clinical practice. I always say we need to move beyond reactive prescribing and dig deeper into the biopsychosocial reality of each patient and work on prevention and empowerment. Your content has been helpful for me as a psychiatric clinician and a resource for patients beyond our visits. The amount of individuals on decades of benzodiazepine therapy is staggering in my geographic area.

[@coshyno]

Deprescribing ? If a patient asks for a benzodiazepine, he should get it since if he doesn't, it is very easy to get on the streets. If patient has legitimate anxiety issues, there is no reason not to prescribe a benzodiazepine. Many of my family members have been on benzodiazepine therapy for decades and if it wasn't for the treatment they would be stuck inside the house due to the severity of their anxiety.

[@christinemclatchie]

psychiatricallyinclined Hi Dr. Are you in the USA?

[@thomashelman3118]

I told my Doctor I wanted to come of 1-1.5 mg of Xanax and he said I wasn’t on that much ! I told him I was going to sleep before taking the xanax. I was prescribed after death of Parents and Wife in 18 months. This really sucked but weaned my self off between thanksgiving and Jan 14th. 10 weeks 🤪

[@Sermonseeker777]

After two weeks of daily usage some have a protein form in the brain chemistry sending signals to the nervous system causing intense anxiety. The protein stays for around two years after cessation. Very drawn out detox period,my experience was 2.8 years . This information has been covered up since 1993.

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

Where did you see this?

[@Sermonseeker777]

@@Soccercrazyigboman while detoxing during the first year I kept wondering " will I just have to feel panicky for the rest of my life or will this PAWS eventually go away?" I searched the internet constantly and found a study about benzodiazepine withdrawals back in 1993 in Europe. They wanted to find out why some people can't detox like with other opiates and become extremely dependent. The study found that after two weeks ( for some) a protein forms in their brain and sends signals to the sympathetic nervous system causing extreme agitation and panic when benzodiazepine drugs are absent. The protein stays for around 2 years after cessation of benzodiazepines and is usually misdiagnosed as panic disorder. After the protein is gone the individual returns to normal. Evidently it's a huge coverup and after only a couple of days the article disappeared ( 2014 when I read it) and I haven't been successful in finding anything other than statistics that seem to back it up concerning the 2 year period. I found out that it was true because I was addicted for decades and to high daily doses my period was from November 15 2013 to mid June 2016 ,all panic attacks stopped completely. Before that it was always there and like Waves came in stronger at times making it hard to function and impossible to sleep. Sorry if that doesn't convince you , I found out by walking through it and it was inhuman.

[@nyx3967]

​@@Sermonseeker777Was that protein a prion? (if you remember?) If it was then the claim that benzodiazepines can cause dementia would be completely make sense. They're just evil and should never have been developed. Only a demon could invent something so diabolical.

[@evngeo6611]

Dr Ashton estimated 15 -25 percent get protracted.

[@Q1776Q]

I had VERY severe protracted withdrawal for about 3 years... at about 5 years out I am back to 100% normal. Since then, I have talked to 7 people I know that have taken various benzos from between 1 and over 20 years.... ALL of them quit cold turkey and only 1 girl said she felt a little funny for about a week after..the rest had ZERO symptoms. I took Ativan for only about 2 weeks and had nonstop HELL ON EARTH for years and these people had ZERO problems..so It is a complete mystery to me.

[@Eliokd]

Maybe good gut health have something to do with it?

[@Q1776Q]

@@Eliokd YES!!! 100% YES

[@Eliokd]

@@Q1776Q what did u do to recover? I just started keto and intermittent fasting hoping it will help

[@Q1776Q]

@@Eliokd I really am not sure what I did that helped...It was so very slow and I tried so many things!!! But I think that increasing my magnesium and eating Raw Organic Sauerkraut may have helped... and cutting out a lot of carbs...but I see you are on the keto diet...so maybe that will help... I think the thing that helped the most was just T I M E

[@Bree-dy4np]

did you CT the ativan?

[@garygreen8180]

16 months 25 days cold turkey anxiety/Tinitus finally having windows with no tinnitus & anxiety Improvement is slow process

[@boofingpressies8948]

Anxiety all the time though right??? It’s been about 16 months for me too. Fuck

[@zulufoxx3829]

Thank you for your work!

[@taperclinic]

thanks for your support

[@martinkesson4443]

You were easy to understand, thanks.

[@joannek7447]

So much information. Interesting to realize just how many body systems and CNS these medications influence. Frightening to me since I am on a taper and I have some age on me. However, I love watching your videos. Thanks for uploading so often.

[@nyx3967]

Benzo's affect every cell in the body. It's why there are so many insane and indescribable withdrawal symptoms. Unless you're going through it, you would never believe it. It's why I forgive all the stupid, gaslighting things people say in the comments. They simply can't comprehend the utter hell of benzo withdrawal and BIND.

[@regineheine5707]

Thank you so much to show this is not happening to everybody.

[@artspark7697]

Thank you for giving me hope. I thought everyone got protracted withdrawals from Benzos. I have been taking as prescribed (mostly less than prescribed) for years. Now I am older and the doctor wants me to taper off. I am not completely off yet, and I do have some tinnitus but it is manageable. In the 90's I had protracted withdrawal from coming off alcohol by myself. It was horrible. Tachycardia, dizziness, weakness, severe anxiety, however, I was not helped by a doctor, I was not really eating and I was drinking a Ton of coffee. I hope this goes better for me.

[@coshyno]

The doctor has no right to force you off the medication. This is medical malpractice. If the medication was helping you and there weren't any side effects, then why get off of them. Long term benzodiazepine therapy is perfectly safe and has no long term detrimental effects on the body. Being physically addictive does not mean the mediation causes harm. Same with opiates and opioids, you can be on them for decades and be physically dependent, but they do not cause any harm except the physical dependence which is not actually harm but more of nuisance. The doctor you have should not be allowed to retire with his license intact, he should loose his license. That is what would happen here anyway if a doctor was to force a patient off of a medication wen it helps the patient, let me tell you it wouldn't fly were I live. If I was you, I would immediately find another doctor, who knows what other thing he has hidden that you don't know about ! If I was you, I would immediately tell everyone you can about not being with that specific doctor,

[@ronaldswangler2538]

So how do you explain to your doctor that you just can't stop in 2 weeks?

[@angelikask7721]

Even when people are on slow taper they can still have protracted withdrawal for years. We see that a lot in benzo groups. Also, putting people on gabapentin does not mean that they are fine. They can have a horrible time getting off gabapentin as well. All symptoms from protracted withdrawal can emerge as soon as they stop gabapentin. I would say that many of us might have underlying issues like sibo or mold toxicity or MCAS that can cause problems with the nervous system. Instead of getting to the root cause of the anxiety we are prescribed an easy fix which we can pay for in a long run. And yes, I’m sure that the genes play the role as well. Thank you for your work!

[@stardustring]

Exactly I agree . With anxiety you have to get to the root problem that what I was doing I was dealing with anxiety emotional stress and I had a mini panic attack ,so I went to the Dr. I asked for paxil but my Dr. Wasn't pushing me to take them at all. Anyways I ended up getting my sleep and felt way better the next morning ,so I called my Dr told him I wasn't going to take the pills because I wanted to talk to a counselor instead to help me manage my anxiety he said fine. Anyways I should have thrown the pills in the garbage. I was doing the right thing by getting to the root of the problem. Even the counselor told me she could help me with out medication. The mistake I made was listening to my husband he kept pushing me to take the medication . I kept saying no I don't need it I'm getting counseling. He insisted and insisted unfortunately I gave in . Know I'm a mess. You definitely pay for it. I was the right path by getting to to the root of the problem.

[@angelikask7721]

@@stardustring I’m sorry you are going through this! Believe that it’s temporary and you will get better!❤️

[@stardustring]

Totally agree. I was having anxiety and emotional stress . I was prone to anxiety. My anxiety was situational. I new that for anxiety you have to get to the root of the problem. Kept trying to explain this to my husband. We had a prescription of paxil. I had called Dr. Told him I would not be taking it. I needed talk therapy. My husband kept insisting and insisting. I think he thought easy fix with medication. It doesn't work that way. What I needed was talk therapy I new this. I don't know why I listened maybe I felt pressured. It has ruined me and they gave me Benzo at the hospital. No body understand.

[@claesyoungberg1695]

Hello, I'm responding to a comment you made on Dr. Joseph's video on protracted benzo withdrawal. What you said about gabapentin interested me, as I''m one of those people that was put on gabapentin following my initial cold turkey benzo withdrawal. The benzo withdrawals were bad, mostly anxiety and sleeplessness, but after about a week of no sleep I was put on trazodone + hydroxyzine for sleep at night. Being able to sleep at night calmed me down a lot, and I felt like I was going to start my recovery right then. Unfortunately, a doctor put me onto gabapentin at that point. I suspect I would have been much better off without starting the gabapentin. Each time I tried to stop taking it, I would descend into absolutely horrific physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. The third time I stopped the gabapentin, I decided to push through and stick it out. I experienced over 2 years of intense protracted withdrawal symptoms. My question I have for you is: do you think if someone stays on gabapentin after quitting benzos for say about 2 years and then gradually tapered it, if they would have the same sort of extreme withdrawal symptoms at that time? I guess I'm just curious if allowing a couple of years would permit the original damage done to the receptors by the benzos to heal, even while on gabapentin. And then it would be easier to taper off the gabapentin. Anyway, thanks be to the universe and all the gods above that I am finally free from what those drugs did to me. And thank you so much for reading all this, if you somehow found the time, I appreciate it. God bless!

[@jeffreywegener8841]

I will quote from above “ sadly we need more doctors like you “ . Great information. I have a friend I’m sure who has prs but I’m not getting it 🙏 . Missed my 5mg dose today . Try tomorrow, if take only as much as I really need . I’m really trying. I wonder if the fear of someone addicted & fears their Dr will stop, retire etc . & this excites the biological process.

[@rosieaustin9911]

Thank you for making this video

[@christinedunn7944]

Where are you located? You knowledge is amazing. I’m in Australia and would love a Benzo wise doctor. I made the mistake of going to a 28 day detox to come off it went so badly. I reinstated to 3/4 of original dose and I’m slow tapering. Physical and psychological suffering is beyond words. Right now my nerve pain is so severe.

[@garysimone4977]

Christine Dunn...I have a boc for you she foes zoom hit me up

[@taperclinic]

Thank you for the kind words, I am in the US now. Dr. Rob Purssey in AUS is benzo wise, he is in QLD. thanks for watching the videos

[@taperclinic]

Also I think Nial Mclaren is there also in QLD, but I've never met him before but I know he writes critical articles about psychiatry

[@garysimone4977]

@Witt-Doerring Psychiatry what may I ask is QLD...I am in YSA as well I am deal8ng eith PAWS. I ACTUALLY HAD A PSYCH DR Rx ambien while I was in middle of com8ng of valium no ender got hit with PAWS...MORE AND MORE articles are coming out how these psych meds do not work and do much harm WHEN WILL DOCTORS LEAST BD OPEN TO THIS FACTS AND DO THETE DUE DILIGENCE

[@hey956]

​@@taperclinic im going to look him up, thank you!!

[@WhySoSerious551]

I took them for 5-6 years, much of the time recreational dosages, but most of the time simply to prevent withdrawals. It was horrendous, especially running out, during lockdowns/covid in particular, in and out of withdrawals. Now i could take 3-500mg and feel very little, that was where i was at. When i stopped, i was in bed for a month, renal problems, heart, allsorts, hallucinating, the lot. And there is permanent damage.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Also if you're TOLD you're going to have these symptoms and obssess over them, it creates them... my mother took alprazolam for 32 years, stopped cold Turkey. No withdrawal symptoms. Ive tapered off klonopin , alprazolam, and when i did, never upped my dose. I'd take a low dose with a beta blocker in between doses, allow myself to have at LEAST 2 withdrawal symptoms out of the 10, so i knew my tolerance was dropping. Once i realized 0.25 of clonazepam was knocking me out cold, i knew i was getting better. And I'd go days without it, sometimes a week or 2. IF I felt ANY withdrawal symptoms, even tiny, I'd take a half of a 0.25. Then days would get even better. It's pretty much, how you began taking benzos but in reverse..... taking them as needed after tapering helps rewire quicker and reduce these symptoms and post acute symptoms

[@matchpoint14]

SAME, it sounds like you are on to something. I do believe that worrying causes many of the symptoms. Many of them I did not know about until after I read about them and then I ended up with them. I have been clean for 3.5 years from xanax and had a 20 taper but I am struggling. Other than taking any more benzos to help things, do you have any other advice?

[@katierenae4848]

I have to agree with you, I've CT 4 times off benzos with no issues bc I was blissfully ignorant, this last time I went on the internet for some reason and got freaked out by all the horror stories, not saying some people don't have a extremely hard time getting off these meds but the nocebo effect is very powerful as well.

[@Tawroset]

Yes, I had a handle on it too. Until I didn't.

[@CBT5777]

Because some took more than others and for a longer period of time. Some also drank alcohol with it and some took more than one kind of benzo. I have 17+ years' experience with Ativan and Xanax withdrawal. I'm a Rehab survivor. No taper!

[@datanation17]

This information is scary for me. I take klonopin 0.5 mg and it helps me with ptsd. I like your clear explanation of the neuroscience of the actions of benzodiazopins.

[@taperclinic]

Benzos are most appropriately prescribed for 2-4 weeks to reduce risk of any tolerance, withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal. I would encourage you to discuss the long term plan with your prescriber in regards to klonopin!

[@fxrivrgirl]

I was prescribed hydroxyzine. Had taken clonipen prn long term years never used it much till the last year. Then took it daily I quit it & struggled with the side effects of it. Was told hydroxyzine not habit forming. Now have some internal tremors when taking Prozac. So take very long dose every 3rd day. Pots has developed hyperadrenergic type. So hard telling if it's panic or mcas or or or or??😂

[@3aeren]

i abused valium for a year and a half at 70-100mg a day (was getting 10mg cambodian pharma grade diazepam) i ran out and the withdrawal i had was the scariest shit ive gone through.. the dissociation, anxiety, agarophobia, light/smell/touch sensitivity, psychosis etc etc etc was unexplainable... thank god it only lasted 3 months and not years edit: oh and ive been addicted to heroin and methadone.. ill take a opiate withrawal over a benzo withdrawal any day of the week

[@matthewhorton6951]

I'm 3 years off xanax. I have windows of normal after 2 years of 24/7 hell but i get some shitty windows still too. One weird thing though is i have insane reactions to cold medicine and allergy medicine. Like I'm on some kind of off brand exctasy. Anyone else?

[@mvann5]

Dr., for longstanding benzo injury, once someone is off the drugs, do you find any other meds helpful? Mine was triggered by a dr. adding in an AD for 6 weeks. Those are worse than benzos. Thank you.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

The only way to heal that injury, is to take the tiniest dose of the benzo IF the post acute symptoms show up, it'll stop them but you'll realize it'll take longer to feel that again, and eventually they never come back

[@Snowflake1374]

Got bad effects in my brain long term use zoloft. Neuro toxicity. And after almost Cold turkey after 18 years. Still sick and disabled 1,5 years off. Feels like brain injury. Dont think I'll ever be better, the one I was. I took it for many years and felt bad but the GP said exhaustion which it wasn't, in the end I had a bad adverse reaction.

[@rosendosantos415]

Symptoms?

[@Snowflake1374]

@ PAIN, pulsating electricity and pressure in head neck spine. Muscle and extreme body ache. Like a crashed brain, personality, intelligence gone and bad memory. Just existing. Fear, agitation, depression.

[@ajax700]

Joseph, you entirely miss the real issue here. The standard psychiatry POV, that some persons have an organism that works different is the cause, is very perverse, and not correct. The real cause is that these drugs are dangerous and toxic, their mid and long term effects are not known yet, and the little that is known, is horrifying. Medicine today ignores much more than it knows. They must not be used, the whole medical system fails to acknowledge this. People needs good, working, non drug therapies / treatments. Not ending worse than before these damaging treatments. Doctors must stop randomly sentencing patients to suffering. There is no cure and no treatment for these issues. Best wishes.

[@DragonZombie2000]

This is ignorant, benzos are extremely helpful for some people. The dosing and usage needs to be monitored very carefully, and they should be stopped after a few weeks and no more than a few months of usage

[@ajax700]

@@DragonZombie2000 no medic monitors very carefully the dosing, and they prescribe these drugs for years and even decades. Some benzos develop dependence in just 14 days. Best wishes.

[@tracymassimo2114]

​this response is even more ignorant. I was monitored by my doctor and only took. 25mg for three months. And I'm 3 years out and I still deal with some withdrawal symptoms.

[@moebanshee]

Wow! Your advice is to find a doctor who can help them get off of it. I was getting something because I have Lupus and bronchial asthma severe and unfortunately sometimes I have trouble breathing and to calm the breathing down. I was getting something and my doctor was told by the government he ain't giving me nothing anymore. I can't even get pain medicine for my broken back or neck. The government is taking over and we're not getting help from them anymore and doctors are afraid to help us. So when you say find a doctor who will help you forget it

[@TianaMaher]

Thank you for your compassionate analysis. As I get closer to my tapering goal of being finished with clonazapam. Being older with less neroplastisity. I will continue to take DHA and perhaps add other things to encourage neroplasticity and growth of new dendrites like phosphatidylserine and such. Do you think that may be a good idea?

[@meagiesmuse2334]

Yes! Phosphorylated Serine aka Seriphos is much better though. EPA is more important than DHA and you can get high EPA fish or krill oil. Slow, tapered withdrawal ruined my short term memory due to severe lack of sleep. I would suggest adding CDP Choline in advance to help with your memory and doing some Wordle puzzles every day if you have time. Best wishes for full recovery.

[@SylvieBouldin]

Have you considered ASTAXANTHIN, super antioxidant, 600 X stronger than vitamin E, very neuroprotective. Also an internal skin anti-ager! I am 72 and don't look it! I take 12 mg with a handful of mixed nuts, as it is fat soluble. I get 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise on my treadmill, very good for the brain. And I meditate to Hemisync Metamusic cd's daily, blissful and very good for the brain. I am recovering from brain damage from psych meds.

[@christinemclatchie]

@@SylvieBouldin That’s so good to hear that you’re recovering! I thought that once you had a brain injury, that was it! My short term memory is almost down to zero, so communicating is becomming extremely difficult, along with losing my ability to cook etc… I’m interested in hearing about how you are now, especially after taking the Vitamins. Do hope you are well ❤

[@brinleygriffin11]

Dr. Thank you for the work you do. I CT after a small dosage for 2 years. Withdrawls were absolutely horrible. I got back on benzo after about 25 days. I had some other meds added. My symptoms aren’t as bad as they were when I first started but the depression and anxiety are still going 6 months now. Do you recommend I do anything ? Thank you for any help.

[@aprildawnmeans2663]

I recently found your channel and have been listening as often as possible. I've been on klonopin now for THIRTY YEARS. I started at .05mgs. Now I'm on 4mgs. I was on 8mgs but over 5 years...I've gotten myself down to 4. You talk about finding a physician who will help taper slowly. Please tell me where they're at?! I cannot find ONE doctor who will taper me....even using The Ashton Method. No pharmacy will fill the incredibly high doses of Valium that's used to taper klonopin. So what do I do?? This is my LIFE. I'M FEELING INCREDIBLY LOST.

[@JT-di3bl]

Im sorry you are suffering :( I would recommend you start tapering very slowy at first and adjust from there based on how you feel. Take ahold of your power and make your unique journey a priority because no one else will. You got this! Just be patient and gentle with yourself.

[@koriwhan8934]

​@@JT-di3bl 🙏 absolutely!!

[@McStorch0]

I took enough cipro to treat a small army the year before I took klonopin. I never put it together but I guess I was damaged somehow by the cipro as well. I also found out recently I have a genetic mutation that makes me an ultrarapid metabolizer of meds.

[@PinkScorpion333]

Is nerve damage permanent?? I think i have occipital n intercostal neuralgia! Afraid its permanent. N now pins n needles n cold sensation in body n skin crawling wanna cry. Is that permanent?

[@Snowflake1374]

Wonder the same?

[@LordDarthTrader]

How long was use?

[@G9ldieLochs]

This damage /neurotoxicity can happen with only short 2 week prescriptions, too. 7.5 years of damage from 7.5mg of lorazepam.

[@allencollins6031]

Brutal. 😢

[@Snowflake1374]

Im destroyed, 17 year SSRI. Off 1,5 year after almost Cold turkey, still sick and disabled.

[@Itsjustme.369]

Can you help me find a doctor? I am in so much pain I don't know how I can proceed without having a physician who can help me. The pain is becoming unbearable. Please help and Thank you 🙏 I have tremors, vibration in my core, numbing burning, intense squeezing, blurry vision sometimes, insects crawling, muscle twitches. The tremoring is intense. I do find relief for the burning by taking niacin, lions mane and microdosing psilocybin. Memory and focusing challenges. Its gotten worse each day. 2 1/2 years ago from tapering guided by a doctor that i dont have any more. I need a doctor to help me with this. I don't have anxiety. These symptoms started immediately after I tapered down 1/4 mg every two weeks instead of waiting to adjust. I believe I have the protracted benzo withdrawal because I was healthy before, except for taking benzo for insomnia which was unpleasant in my system. I know without a doubt.

[@DoreenWeed]

It doesn't do any good to tell people that they probably have protracted withdrawal because there isn't one dr who will document it! All they care about is their license! I'm 61 years old and clonazepam was forcibly stopped. I won't live long enough to be free of this hell I'm in! 6 times in the er and i get admitted for suicidal ideation when i went in with tachycardia. A withdrawal symptom. Was coerced and threatened with involuntary confinement. 6 weeks later I'm alone and can't function. I live in bed with no contact with anyone. I'm not going to be humiliated and subjected to inhumane treatment from psych drs and nurses. Id rather die alone in my bed! Once you have a label of mental illness you are no longer a human being with a life and a soul.

[@L-xj2xs]

@DoreenWeed ❤ Doctors are idiots. They hear benzodiazepine and they think addict. They don't care that we took this for 10 to 20 years as prescribed. They don't know how to prescribe it and they don't know how to taper it. This makes a lot of us unable to leave the house. Then the Doctor wants to court order involuntary confinement because of a mental illness which doesn't even exist. I'm your age and I've developed heart problems from this. A person can only take so much! These ignorant doctors treat us like we're freaks. I had cancer 25 years ago and was treated with kindness and respect. They knew what it was and they knew how to treat it. We end up dying alone and Isolated and no one understands.❤

[@bhadresh1135]

External conditions or chronic stress also important ..if u have severe grief ,financial issues and relationships issues ..Stopping benzo fast may lead to severe clinical depression ..After 2 years of taper ..i think taper drug only u r ready and hold same dose when u have stress or u may land to hospital emergency..No makor difference between benzo amd opioids both act on same receptors

[@jacquiheinrich8026]

I was on 7.5 mg lorazepam for over four years I detoxed off it 16 months ago. I am still extremely sick. I’ve had all the medical tests done, you name it I’ve had it. It wasn’t until just recently after seeing another psychiatrist that he has diagnosed me with PBWS all the symptoms you have explained, I’ve had them all and still having them, panic attacks and insomnia being the worst I have been researching PBWS and researching. Unfortunately there are not a lot of medications are available to me due to my side effects. One thing I am completely struggling with is fatigue I have been swimming every day and afterwards iam just so exhausted. I read up on a condition called post exertional malaise is this or could this be a symptom of the PBWS. ,

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

If I could just get my Dr to watch this. 🤞

[@Ghost2570-z6h]

Thank you very much

[@rosieaustin9911]

I don’t know if you mentioned this but I’m 20+ years on benzos, so I’m assuming that puts me at higher risk

[@waynelotz462]

Prescribe by the dr without warning of potential consequences of these drugs…

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Not only do they not warn people about thecpotential quensqunces. But they also keep people on these drugs for months to years. Your not even supposed to take these drugs for more then 2 to 4 weeks. Anthen they just pull people off of them way too fast. They either don't know what there doing. Or they just don't care. These drugs are very potent drugs. They are not to be prescribed for more then 4 weeks. Personally I don't think they should be prescribed for more then 1 week.

[@nyx3967]

​@@dustygatrell-ru7tgAbsolutely. 1 week should be the maximum.

[@antoniovespa5297]

Has anyone heard of the Verona benzo detox method using flumazenil?

[@SAMEntalhealth]

The cyproflox pretty much works like precipitated withdrawal for opiates, that's how I see it, very interesting though that is exactly what I thought, that that's the exact physics and pharmacokinetic of why that happens❤

[@sixfootsixpete2707]

I read the same exact thing, the pharmacokinetics are like strong withdrawal symptoms from a heavy drug, such as opiates, or heroin Crying shame medications like that ever get prescribed

[@sixfootsixpete2707]

GABA displacement so the doctor say, sounds horrible Mitochondrial damage is unfortunately true as well 😢

[@SAMEntalhealth]

@@sixfootsixpete2707 correct! Check my Channel that I do a lot of content on this exact topic and others related to addiction and substances in general, non-addicts just medical patients etcetera, there's a lot I do with my content but I get on a lot of these topics most of the time

[@garysimone4977]

So what can you do if in PAWS 8 months I wrote the above, I am now the worst over !!!!

[@Q1776Q]

The only thing that helps is T I M E ....sometimes a lot of T I M E.

[@alexanderp8037]

Beside from eating alot of meat, sufficient vitamins and nootropics only time can help. After one year of hardcore antipsychotic paws my anhedonia improved but all my senses were still muted

[@garysimone4977]

@alexanderp8037 even diet and noontropics don't help much AND CAN CAUSE A TON MORE ISSUES. JUST LET TIME BE TIME

[@stevie_89]

Can this happen on lithium Dr Josef?

[@garysimone4977]

​@@stevie_89no Lithium won't cause PAWS best of what I know

[@GCT1990]

And what happens if you already have neuro injury from the benzo? Is this something you've seen clear up with enough time?

[@taperclinic]

yes in most patients, i'll post a video on this today

[@vickimanager]

I believe we all tell each other that we all heal, but I do not believe this is true. For some people, like myself, I have made peace with my permanent brain damage from decades of benzo use. What is my other choice? To not live with it? I believe that we are told everybody (or most everybody) heals as to not create hysteria or other problems. I have always preferred honesty.

[@tracymassimo2114]

​@@vickimanagerno my dear. We all do heal. It just takes a long time.

[@vickimanager]

@@tracymassimo2114 Sadly, this is just not true. I've spoken with quite a few long timers. We just don't like to say it. I'm now 13 years out of my CT and still symptomatic. I consider it permanent brain damage, however, I am at peace with it and I have no regrets.

[@KathleenMottinger]

Vicki have you healed any during this time? I pray you have.

[@icedcoffee8561]

When getting my benzos I always have to remind my Dr I don't drink or do opium... it's like drs assume everyone drinks and does heroine. From looking at cases online, it seems those are the people who have issues.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Do think its protracted withdrawal, or nervous system an brain damage ? Cause ive done some research an ive come to the conclusion that its actually brain an nervous system damage. Not orotracted withdrawal. What do you think doc?

[@Snowflake1374]

Agree. And neuro toxic injury / iatrogenic injury. I have that from SSRI long term use.

[@majorgrubert5887]

Some people can get off these things like one would get off a train … I used anything and everything that I could find to help… Gabapentin, if you can get some I’d recommend using that… and a bunch of other supplements and otc medicine may be helpful too…

[@dgunn2817]

The first time I went off benzos there was no issues. 10 years later when I tried to get off again that's when all hell broke loose.

[@kathydowns7559]

Exact same thing happened to me….kindling😣

[@nyx3967]

Same. Tapered off Zopiclone and then Valium in 2019 after taking for 3 years with very minimal problems. Started taking Valium again sporadically (yes, I'm a fcking idiot) in 2022 and stopped after a 4 month taper in February of this year. This time round I'm in hell. It's just indescribable torture every day. Kindling is a real thing 😢

[@christinemclatchie]

@@nyx3967 I’m so sorry to hear that! This whole thing is just criminal!

[@nyx3967]

@@christinemclatchie Thank you Christine 🕊️ I just feel like I'm on Death Row but didn't do anything wrong except for taking some "medication".

[@christinemclatchie]

@@nyx3967 We took these medications, trusting that our Drs knew what they were doing. In fact we didn’t question their integrity; their motto to ‘do no harm’. Valium is not meant to be taken for any length of time beyond 3 weeks (if I remember correctly) so I can see why so many of us have ended up being tortured by the withdrawals. What’s happening to you is not fair, and is not your fault. None of us were ever given the opportunity to give informed consent. If we had’ve known the outcome, then B*g Ph*rma would have lost billions of dollars, as we would not have consented to taking these drugs… A script for Valium was written for me when I was just 16 yrs old, and I threw it in the rubbish bin. I already had a thing about medications, all those years ago; but unfortunately I was put on it over 20 yrs ago… I was put on other medications as well, which I hate taking and wish I could just stop taking them. I’ve tried, but now know I’ve got to come off them slowly. I really feel for you, as I know in part, what you’re going through. Do you have a Dr or Psychiatrist who is looking after you? For I know they are very hard to find. They all want to medicate us… Although this all looks hopeless, I have some hope. I have seen people who were hopelessly addicted to either pharma drugs or street drugs, be set free through the power of prayer! It’s not man who sets us free, but God Himself. Man is just the vessel He uses to pray, but healing can only come from God… I know He doesn’t want us to suffer in this way; no more than we would want to see our own children suffer. He is the best Father I could’ve ever wished for! Then there is Jesus, who took all of our sin, our emotional pain, our heartache upon Himself on the cross, so that we did not have to suffer. Jesus is our only Salvation, our only deliverer from the pain of this world. And for me it was overbearing before He revealed Himself to me… I’m telling you all of this, because you are a precious soul. There is no price that can be placed upon your soul, as it is priceless… You are of great worth to the God who created you, and He has made a way for you through Christ… I will be praying for you, as I pray for myself… I pray that God will meet you where you are at, in all of your pain and sorrow, and reveal Himself to you as you call out to Him… He is closer than you think… God bless you with peace 🙏❤️🙏

[@jackiegerspachhas4237]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@alexanderp8037]

It almost sounds like glutamate toxicity where too much calcium goes into the cell

[@matchpoint14]

I struggle to pay attention or search for answers, can anyone tell me does this doctor have any information on something that will help us?

[@harryphil8479]

Are things more complicated when benzos (Diazepam, 6-weeks, no taper) have been used to quell symptoms for a period during acute antidepressant withdrawal? Would this affect symptoms/duration of protracted withdrawal?

[@rachelleshadley7143]

Do u know of any doctors that can help me in arkansas

[@thomasallen4340]

Same reason why some non smokers get lung cancer whereas some smokers don't.

[@MelaRatna-v5p]

Eliminate anxiety with pills that cause depression. This is the worst joke I have ever experienced

[@Snowflake1374]

Exactly!

[@bethhayes1]

Tapered down from 2 mg day xanax for a few weeks. Have been on them for 7 or so years. Had a rough start to the week on day 1 of no benzos. 2 weeks later and I dont really have any more symptoms. Im seeing soo many people with months and years of problems. I guess Im considering myself really lucky!

[@rickshawley7683]

How do I know if brain is beyond repair And needs k pins to feel normal. And if brain is permanently damaged, how do you survive with out benzos.

[@bennyblanco5896]

Im in the same boat, all i can recommend is a forum with over 100,000 ppl like us called Benzo Buddies

[@babycakesweetiepie77]

Can this happens with opioids? I have the same symptoms from opioids.

[@christinemclatchie]

Yes it can… I’m on Suboxone from having an opioid addiction. Was a migraine sufferer since childhood, and had no idea at all… If I stop Suboxone, I go straight into withdrawal… Unfortunately I’m also on Effexor antidepressant, and Benzo’s. Trying to wean off them all, but now have no idea what I’m doing. Have no Dr here in Australia, and am pretty sure I have some brain damage from going cold turkey on different meds over the years, and then having to reinstate them. Check out some of the KZbin vids on opioid dependance and withdrawal.

[@Snowflake1374]

I believe so. And same with SSRI. Happend to me.

[@tinoslaponi8514]

Does this apply to SSRIs as well?

[@Snowflake1374]

Yes. In severe WD 13 months off. Cant work. Brain damage, neurological. 18 year use and almost Cold turkey, that seems to be the worst combination, worst scenario.

[@rachelleshadley7143]

Can we heal with gabaoentin

[@rachelleshadley7143]

Can we heal with gabapentin in protrated withdrawels

[@emmanuelmn1978]

very interesting but you forget the importance of the genetic polymorphism of cytochrome p450. if the patient is a slow metabolizer then his plasma concentrations can be up to 10 times higher than that of a rapid metabolizer and up to 5 or 6 times that of a normal metabolizer. which leads to a much greater adaptation of the receptors and therefore more serious and longer withdrawal. the absence of pharmacogenetic testing is an aberration in the health system. Are you aware of this?

[@AgoraPhobiaChannel]

35 years, I’m so sad.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

This is a really interesting phenomenon, because my mother was on Alprazolam 1 mg for 32 years, but she would wait 24 hours before taking her next dose, I think that's the key, to responsibly taking a benzo because when I even took them at points, it would be once at night and I would let a full 24 hours pass, for a short acting benzo but for clonazepam it was more like just wait a little more than 24 hours before your next dose and you'll be fine, and I did that and I didn't even have any withdrawal after taking them for probably more than 8 months, but that's my whole idea of taking them safely, for alcoholics, if you at least go 24 hours without anything, or in between you're using time, you let the substance leave your system before you reintroduce it, if you can maintain that self-control then you will probably be okay

[@deadbeats4894]

I went down 1/3 of my dose, and 2 years later I was still getting worse so I had to go back up. That dr just retired, and the new one is about to put me through hell for absolutely no reason. The patient should have more say about their treatment than a stranger with a "degree"

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

I regret ever putting my trust in a phyciatrist. Worst decision I've ever made. They ruined my life.

[@brianmosich7080]

What state is this doctor in

[@taperclinic]

MD,PA,TN,TX,CO,UT,AZ, NM. and soon will be in CA. thanks for watching

[@macintoshimann9892]

I have a theory on this. 6 months into detox I was very sick and this is when I started meditating. It’s like this process allowed my brain to recognize all the benzo symptoms and find a way to forget the damage and install new programming. I think a person who’s less open and subject to more rigid thinking may be suffering from maladaptive neuroplasticity during the protracted withdrawal. But if the brain can become more open it is happy to let go of these damaged pathways and rewrite healthy ones

[@Jannietime1]

If you could meditate your symptoms away, you were not neuro damaged. Maybe try having respect for the experiences of others being different than yours. Just try to open that superior brain of yours.

[@macintoshimann9892]

@@Jannietime1 lol or you could be open to my experience! Or science even! 🧬 Meditation is known for enhanced brain connectivity, enhanced concentration, increased grey matter, reduced amygdala size and activity, etc

[@hey956]

​@@macintoshimann9892hii did you follow a meditation online or something?

[@lemandatdhanj3199]

Your comment rings true to me.I am french,I am 29 months off benzos (a lot of muscle tightness,benzo belly etc) and I have just discovered Joe Dispenza's work.I have hope now.What meditation did you practice and for how long before you see results?I must add I'm 58 and I have never meditated,I don't know where to start Thank you.

[@macintoshimann9892]

@@lemandatdhanj3199 ohh i LOVE Joe Dispenza! All that mystical woo woo stuff he talks about... im all about it 😊 I started with random guided meditations i found on youtube for a couple weeks. Thats really all it took before it was clear my body knew what it was doing and Id just close my eyes and draw my awareness to my breath. No reason to make it complicated in my opinion. Id say by 1 month I was seeing a pretty drastic change in anxiety levels. It really doesnt take long. Good luck!

[@TerriEdwards-cn9sz]

If you have been on Xanax for 2 months daily, .25 mostly a day sometimes.5. How would you taper off?

[@HeeersEllery]

Google the Dr. Ashton benzodiazepine taper schedule. It is pretty much the accepted gold standard. Good luck!

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Only when you feel severe symptoms, take just enough to feel ok. Not perfect. Repeat that and the symptoms won't return. Even if after a week off it, you feel any symptoms, take the tiniest amount and it will get better and better faster. Ive done it multiple times

[@plang12749]

Very slowly, go to YT to find how to do a wet taper.

[@rickshawley7683]

If colonicin helps what's wrong with staying on it, instead of going through the horrific withdrawals and then having the anxiety come back.

[@chupacabra304]

The issue is the brain adapts over time to whatever levels of Benzodiazepines its exposed to and so over time it becomes necessary to increase dose up to a point where it becomes dangerous to get off due to trimming of GABA receptors

[@rickshawley7683]

@@chupacabra304 even at low doses like .25

[@rickshawley7683]

So how do I stop my anxiety, I've tried everything.

[@chupacabra304]

@@rickshawley7683 agmatine MAY help down regulate the excess glutamate which causes excitation of the neurons , the best way is to slowly taper 1-10% every two weeks to a month . Get a scale that can measure down to .001mg (micrograms) and chip of grain of sand sized pieces recording how much you use until you are all the way down to a point where the scale cannot measure the amount you’re taking. Then hopping off Using your symptoms as a gauge, slowly lowering and never increasing dose. Besides agmatine, switching to a longer half life benzo such as valium (diazepam) and joining a group online such as benzo buddies to talk with others going through the ringer such as yourself

[@jackiegerspachhas4237]

Listen to dr. Jennifer swankowski on KZbin. She’s a therapist and extremely helpful!!!! She is going through this also. I suffered from anxiety since childhood and when I was put on lorazepam by a professor of psychiatry at a medical school in my city and the anxiety got worse!!!! While taking and when taken off abruptly. I have improved though.

[@TerriEdwards-cn9sz]

If you have been on Xanax .25 -.5 a day for 2 months: how would that taper work?

[@bennyblanco5896]

Just get off it as fast as possible, thats a low dose so drop it down a little each week, I wouldn’t stay on it for longer than another month get off it while u still can

[@albertmarnell9976]

You're not focusing on the emotional aspect of the need for these medications. People do have cumulative PTSD and other issues. The need for medication has more to do with genetics, nature, situation and an individual's outer and inner environment.

[@Thomas-j2g6x]

Benzos make ptsd worse

[@christinemclatchie]

I have Complex PTSD, had Post Partum Psychosis (undiagnosed) after my first child, and was in denial about having Post Partum Depression after my third child… Have been a migraine sufferer since early childhood, so you can imagine the many drugs I was on, and yet fought to not go on them. Nonetheless, I became addicted to, and started having withdrawals from others… I wish I had stood my ground with Drs, as I was anti medication. I’m now paying for my decisions.

[@albertmarnell9976]

@@christinemclatchie That happens. It is unfortunate. Migraine medications are not addictive. I rarely use them but they are important. So are the benzos for anxiety. Many people need to be on them. Technology is actually doing more harm than good to people. Everything is micro-managed and under surveillance. Having children is stressful as hell and life changing. I hope you are able to manage your issues. I have to be cliche'. Take one day at a time and don't get angry at yourself for the inevitable setback. I was raised to be a perfectionist which my mother thought was a badge of honor. In reality is is very destructive.

[@christinemclatchie]

@@albertmarnell9976 Thank you for your reply Albert, as one day at a time is all I can do, and at times it’s one hour at a time… I’m on 3 medications at the moment, all of which I hate being on, and am in the process of coming off. I was on large doses of Panadeine Forte, with the very addictive substance, Codeine. Prescribed by my Dr for migraines. I went without painkillers for the most part of my childhood and up to into my early 20’s. I started taking them during my first pregnancy (under Drs supervision) as the migraines were intense, and were hormonal. I had to work whilst pregnant (although against Drs orders) being on my feet for 8 hrs a day. My ex husband was not concerned at all about either myself or our unborn baby… It was about money for alcohol… When I was 16 yrs old, a Dr gave me a script for Valium, and I put it in the rubbish bin. Yes I may have needed it, but after watching my dear Mother take sleeping tablets etc, I had become anti medication. My precious Mother had taken her life shortly after I turned 14, via an overdose. So medications were killers in my eyes. I was put on antidepressants after being admitted to a psych hospital, about 6 weeks after the birth of my first child. I had not heard of the hormonal problems that can occur after childbirth, so I was in the dark as to what was happening to me prior to being admitted. I grew up not being able to speak about pain, and I dare not cry or show emotion… All I knew was that I did not feel right, and I was smelling things that weren’t visible, and hearing voices. Depression was crippling. I was diagnosed only by the information I gave the Drs, as I had to leave out the things that could have caused them to believe I was insane. Yes it was Psychosis, and I found out many years later that it was actually an illness after giving birth… After Psychiatrists changed me from one antidepressant to the next, I conned the Hospital staff into letting me go home. I was suicidal and stopped my medication… The only reason I survived is because at 7 yrs of age, I had told myself that I had to take care of myself. I knew nobody was going to. The weight of that responsibility was crippling, but it kept me alive. I could be in so much emotional pain, and not shed a tear or alter my facial expression. I could also handle a lot of physical pain; which isn’t quite true, as I placed it on the inside, well hidden. I don’t know why I’m sharing this with you, and I can’t see a lot of your reply, in order for me to reply back. My short term memory is almost gone now, and I believe the damage was done when I started to dramatically cut down on the large dose of Xanax I was put on quite a few years ago. And I’ve continued to mess around with my medications in my ignorance. After finding Dr Josef here on KZbin, I was horrified by what I may have caused; only because I ‘did it my way’. I agree with your statement about technology, and society is paying a price for the apparent luxury of having all information instantly; among other things. I’m sorry for having rambled on, with bad grammar and an inability to articulate exactly what I’d like to say. I hope you are doing ok? Thanks for reading, if you were able to make it to the end without throwing your phone or computer 😳😆

[@christinemclatchie]

@@albertmarnell9976 P.S I can now see your entire comment now, and I agree with what you’ve said about perfectionism… Being the same myself, and having OCD, it’s a curse. I was trained by my father to be perfect. Unfortunately perfection is not something that can be attained, so on and on it goes. Cheers

[@revolutionmedia2644]

Suboxone changes gut health and then the Benz destroy you from there

[@dorissharp2206]

I have been taking xanax for over twenty years. I take 25mg as needed. For example, 30 pills will last me approximately two years! I sometimes will only take half of 25mg!! I take it for fear of flying, driving over long bridges like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Or, just plain anxiety. As long as I have xanax with me at all times, I'm good! Actually, just having in my possession keeps me calm. Crazy!

[@Anthony-cp4xw]

That’s called kindling.

[@L-xj2xs]

I dont think you meant 25mg? Did you mean .25mg? It's only made in .25mg, .50mg, 1mg, and 2mg.

[@susanwelch9087]

Fluoroquinolones also damage the mitochondria, as benzos do.

[@Auntie909]

No they don’t. Where is your proof? Most if not all heal. Quit spreading fear

[@ajax700]

@@Auntie909 They cause irreversible muscle damage, it is very known in bodybuilding communities to avoid those drugs. It is even clearly stated in the Fluoroquinolones wikipedia page if you still have any doubts. FDA black label warning since 2008!!! It is even acknowledged by psychiatrist Stuart Shipko on a KZbin video. Some antibiotics can also cause PSSD post drug sexual (and non sexual) dysfunction. Best wishes.

[@xy-qy2yg]

I think highly sensitive people are more easily harmed. The brain is wired differently.

[@xy-qy2yg]

I would have loved to do a PhD on this. I was supposed to go either do a PhD in law & economics on informed consent next year or study a master in neuroscience but I ended up on clonazepam instead and lost all abilities.

[@bfaith2102]

Hang in there & I hope you’re able to accomplish this goal after some healing time ❤ the world needs this. All the best to you on this difficult difficult journey.

[@xy-qy2yg]

@@bfaith2102 thank you! Who knows. But I lost all intelligence.

[@Jewell55737]

Absolutely I agree!

[@garysimone4977]

What ts sad is dr. Your fee schedule is only for the very very rich 😢

[@BillyD34]

I have taken-abused-Xanax and Klonopin over 3-week periods, many times with alcohol. Then I would go cold turkey for 2 weeks, and only feel bad for 3-4 days, then normal. Then O repeated. Are we sure people aren’t over-rationalizing their “withdrawal” period?

[@bennyblanco5896]

Dude, he said “we had no idea how much they were on, but we would rapidly taper them and sometimes just gaba??? They off they would go, fine’!!??? Ive NEVER seen that with benzo, eveyone takes a looooong time to detox from benzos and ive seen ppl have siezes a month or weeks out… my boy had a siezure after 2 months off benzos, wtf is this guys TALKING ABOUT!!!!

[@JWendel12]

Did you watch the second half of this video or any of his other vids? every patient is different. It sound you like you just watched the first couple minutes.

[@Q1776Q]

I PERSONALLY know 7 different people that were on different benzodiazepines from between 1 and over 20 years .. EVERY single one of them quit cold turkey..only 1 girl said she felt funny for about a week ... I..on the other hand took Ativan for about 2 weeks and very slowly tapered down and had nearly 3 years of horrific symptoms ....So al I can say is...everyone is different.

[@AlbaLynxQueen]

@@Q1776Q Can you tell more about your benzo experience? I only took benzo for 10 days and stopped. I have been suffering for more than 6 months.

[@Q1776Q]

@@AlbaLynxQueen Well...Here is my story...she left out most of the symptoms...but you get the idea! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2qYXqGbeZyNqMU

[@Sears111]

@@Q1776Q True.

[@timothyayers8596]

Since protracted withdrawal is a relatively recent phenomenon in drugs that have been used for some 60 years without such horror stories that this is indeed a hysteria? We’re seeing this in lots of middle age people who coincidentally begin developing lots of these symptoms at these ages anyway. Plus I just don’t get the dosage issues. People taking tiny doses of temazepam getting 6 figure settlements while others take 4 mg alprazolam for 20 years and are just fine ? There needs to be questions asked here. I see a small hysterical group driving a narrative that a relatively safe clash of drugs cause endless withdrawal with new sets of symptoms never reported before. I think more rationality is needed before we get a useful class banned. Btw, interns of the package insert look at any of the psychological meds, Prozac was approved for use for 4-6 week I believe. The drug companies have no incentive to stretch out safety and efficacy tests. Could some of these people simply be developing normal cognitive decline aches and pains and looking to place the blame. And no I’m not discounting the possibility it may be true.

[@loccc88]

Most prescription drugs have at most 98% efficacy, and most life saving drugs do genuinely help people. But, only if a) those drugs are prescribed the way the FDA has authorized (2-4 weeks max, not decades) or b) you yourself happen to be among the unlucky 2% ones whose entire life is potentially ruined or c) pharmaceutical companies do not buy out politicians for profit motives. Then even the fda won’t be trusted. The reason why they mainly target psychiatry is because it’s the only field where deadly drugs can be prescribed to anyone through “words” coming out of their mouths. No tests, scans or other procedures. Other fields of medicine on the other hand make the patients go through a comprehensive diagnostic procedure. And if you think it’s just the elderly who are experiencing this, well the data suggests differently. Young adults and adult teenagers are more likely to get prescribed such meds because they are the most vulnerable to mental health issues from high competition, hormonal changes and recent phenomenon of polydrugging which happens across the world. Not just here in America. Some countries sell them OTC. So America is at least better than them in this regard

[@timothyayers8596]

@@loccc88 not sure any drug has 98 percent efficacy. I fact in sure not even penicillin has 98 percent efficacie

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Nah. It's not cause there middle aged. If you've ever been threw this suffering you would have no doubt in your mind rhat Its from the drug. It's beyond mental problems. It's literally brain an nervous system damage from the benzos. Its one of the worst things a person can go threw. If youve never been threw it then you can't even begin to fathom the torture it puts you threw. I'm only in my 20a an ive been suffering badly for year an a half from benzos. An ive always been in good shape an good health too. Still am.

[@Snowflake1374]

@@dustygatrell-ru7tgYou are right. Its real. Brain and CNS damage. Its surviving and torture. Nothing a normal person ever experience. Inhumane.

[@indigobunting2431]

Please talk more about good, effective treatments for severe anxiety.

[@vickimanager]

Sadly, no one talks about this, but such things don't exist. Everyone will say the same things; eating healthfully, exercise, therapy of various sorts. The type of therapy recommended will be based on the advisor's point of view. I believe that we are born hardwired for anxiety, and as for myself, it was debilitating. I have learned to live with it, recognize it and not fight it. This is after decades of benzo use and 2 brutal C/Ts where I had several serious un-aliving attempts. I would fight and fight against my anxiety and it's only living with it that saved me. I have permanent brain damage from my benzo use, and I live with that too.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

check your thyroid levels..... you must have pre existing conditions to cause this. I'm telling you right now, get a full blood workup. From vitamin deficiency, to thyroid levels, to everything in between. It's not the benzo withdrawal, the benzos are just THAT helpful to treating that or those underlying conditions you most likely have. Another is psychosomatic. You hear about the symptoms, obssess over them, then your brain creates them. Im telling you this from personal experience.

[@TheRenatadangelo]

Yes Hashimoto

[@matchpoint14]

My best advice is to not believe anything you read in the comment sections. you have no idea who lies and plays games or who is just ignorant. For example one person here in the comments said he only took benzo for 2 weeks. and suffered for 5 years. But then he or she states he did a 2 year taper. That is not even logical. That means he or she took it for over 2 years.

[@op25500]

I think some people are mentally strong and some are mentally weak. Every brain is different, some people need an excuse for their struggles in everyday life, some need to be a victim of something. Why do some people fail and some succeed? Pull your pants up, wipe your nose and get back into life.

[@Snowflake1374]

You haven't experienced severe WD or damage. Is like lying in front of death. Or become disabled. It's like nothing else a normal person ever experiences.

[@christinemclatchie]

@@Snowflake1374 Some people are so ignorant… I suppose they too would tell a suicidal person to get over it! Cold hearted and callous, is the reason why people don’t speak up: and they off themselves… Nothing has changed on this planet, as bullies who think they know everything still exist. This world of filled with a particular type of ignoramus; but until they end up in the shoes of suffering, they will never be able to have compassion on anyone… God help them I say! There will be no one there for them.

[@makemoneynow8690]

How about proper nutrition (or lack of proper nutrition), vitamins, need for supplements (NAC, GABA) etc? Is it good to take GABA supplements for healing?

[@nyx3967]

It's not a lack of GABA that's the problem, it's the downregulated GABA receptors that are the problem. Plenty of GABA but not enough receptors (very simplified explanation) GABA suppliments can't cross the blood-brain barrier anyway as far as we know.

[@emmanuelmn1978]

very interesting but you forget the importance of the genetic polymorphism of cytochrome p450. if the patient is a slow metabolizer then his plasma concentrations can be up to 10 times higher than that of a rapid metabolizer and up to 5 or 6 times that of a normal metabolizer. which leads to a much greater adaptation of the receptors and therefore more serious and longer withdrawal. the absence of pharmacogenetic testing is an aberration in the health system. Are you aware of this?

[@LindaSass]

Finally, someone is recognizing genetics. I am a poor metabolizer of cyp2d6 and had horrific withdrawal from cymbalta for years. I think genetic testing should be mandatory when dealing with someone’s brain!

[@nyx3967]

​@@LindaSassAbsolutely. But try to get anything like that done in the UK. Not a chance 😕 Can barely get bloods done.