Anyone else here withdrawing from Benzodiazepines?

[MacStar]

Hi there fellow Avalonians.

I am and have been for quite some time tapering off Benzo's.
It started with a DSM BS questionaire,diagnosed with Panic Disorder *cough*..went straight to the Big Pharma cash crusade and mental rape that is rampant in our society today.
Nothing new there :ballchain:

I was prescribed Xanax back in 2003 and updosed to 6mg per day.This is equivalent to 120mg of Valium per day!
I was 33 and at a crossroad.
In short,I was totally mis-informed,none the wiser,trusted a Psychiatrist and as a result ended up where I am today.Fighting to regain my life back.

6 years in I awoke to what was happening,did the research and started following the Ashton Method crossing from Xanax to Valium.
I only use it as a frame work as you will see....everyone is different.
I'm totally on Valium now and have been Xanax free for about 15 months and down to 28 mg per day of Valium after more years than the Ashton Method says it takes...once again no surprises.

Anyone who doesn't know,well it's a drug that builds tolerance and dependance rapidly.
They are to be used for no more than 3 weeks and then they should be gradually decreased or weaned off.

It would be great to hear from anyone else going through this Horrific Battle so we can connect and help each other out.

Sorry for the short post,I haven't been right for weeks now and I really don't know why.

Things have been Hell, but this past few weeks have presented me with more than I have encountered on this journey.

I know I've pissed off Big Pharma publicly on my Tube Channel and other places around the net.

I would go so far as to say that I am also under some form of unseen energy attack.

I am also looking for a man I know who can help.

tnarG...are you with us here on Avalon?

I have hit another Crossroad.

If you are here,you will know who I am.

Thanks for your time and the chance to speak.

:grouphug:

[mosquito]

TAKE CARE !!!!!!

This is no joke, they've been in your system for a long time and there is a possibility you'll get some kickback as you come off them.

I STRONGLY advise you to cunsult a practitioner of a sound discipline, like acupuncture, who can help you withdraw, and also to have your GP (or whatever you call them in Oz) on your side too.

Take it slowly, and you'll be fine.

Wishing you good luck and excellent health, Philip (former acupuncturist)

[modwiz]

The energy attacks are part of the process. During long usage of any drug our auras open up and we get visiting parasitic energies. Being made homeless by your healthy actions will lead to some attempts to make you want to drug again and allow the parasites to move back in. It all part of the healing crisis. Resolve is you best ally here. Like swimming across a raging river, your muscles tire and thoughts of succumbing to processes enter the decision field. As long as you are committed to making it across you will do so.

Mariposafe has offered excellent advice about acupuncture. Checking out Bach flower remedies is also highly recommended. I will see about finding some time to check my information. I will post it in this thread if anything of help is found. I will do it in this thread rather than a PM because your experience is not a rare one.

UPDATE:

Here is a link to the remedies and the basic energetic types it treats:http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm

I would look to find the one remedy that addresses your blockage now. They come in two sizes and the smaller bottles are usually around 15 US dollars. The other possibility it using the remedy that would treat the original reason for taking the xanax. Full healing may involve stripping away more than one blockage as the veils are removed. Stay with it and you will be most likely be pleasantly surprised.

[MacStar]

TAKE CARE !!!!!!

This is no joke, they've been in your system for a long time and there is a possibility you'll get some kickback as you come off them.

I STRONGLY advise you to cunsult a practitioner of a sound discipline, like acupuncture, who can help you withdraw, and also to have your GP (or whatever you call them in Oz) on your side too.

Take it slowly, and you'll be fine.

Wishing you good luck and excellent health, Philip (former acupuncturist)

Thanks mariposafe,I was seeing an excellent Acupuncturist and it was helping immensly!
I needed someone to jolt me back and you have done that in the first response,so I will start making appointments again.
It's a half hour drive from here but he's a Doc too(Indian),so he bulk-bills which is good as I'm on Disability Payments atm,well I have been since I broke down and let this happen.

I know it's part of my journey and I am only too familiar with the process as you would know.
I had to educate my local G.P.,but we are both richer for the experience(he's actually really cool) and I have helped others here with early intervention and learned enough to become a Drug and Alc Counselor....it's on the cards so to speak ;)


The energy attacks are part of the process. During long usage of any drug our auras open up and we get visiting parasitic energies. Being made homeless by your healthy actions will lead to some attempts to make you want to drug again and allow the parasites to move back in. It all part of the healing crisis. Resolve is you best ally here. Like swimming across a raging river, your muscles tire and thoughts of succumbing to processes enter the decision field. As long as you are committed to making it across you will do so.

Mariposafe has offered excellent advice about acupuncture. Checking out Bach flower remedies is also highly recommended. I will see about finding some time to check my information. I will post it in this thread if anything of help is found. I will do it in this thread rather than a PM because your experience is not a rare one.

UPDATE:

Here is a link to the remedies and the basic energetic type it treats:http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm

I would look to find the one remedy that addresses your blockage now. The come in two sizes and the smaller bottles are usually around 15 US dollars. The other possibility it using the remedy that would treat the original reason for taking the xanax. Full healing may involve stripping away more than one blockage as the veils are removed. Stay with it and you will be most likely be pleasantly surprised.

Wow,this is such a refreshing place to be :hail:

Thanks also modwiz I will look at these as well.
Ya know....I know all this *Facepalm*...and I know it's OK to fall off the wagon i.e. have a few beers, but if I want to clean up totally I can't lie to myself anymore...what you are looking for in the Bach Flower is probably Despondancy and Despair from memory??
My Dad passed away a few years back and He was my mate til the end,just had to put my Cat Neo down and I feel responsible for not giving him the attention he needed,Dad's old cat has left and we don't know where she is,my cacti are scraming for attention.
Last but not least I have an Angel Partner and a Miracle 2 year old Daughter that miss me,though I'm here...but not.
I am using L-Glutamine for GABA synthesis,keeping a reasonable Alkaline state food-wise and just started taking MetaGenics NeuroCalm especially for the Magnolia Bark...it's very powerful stuff.
I also take a hot water activated Cal Mag powder.
These are the physical things I'm doing right and wrong.
I am a Shaman at heart and Spitritual....somehow over the last few years I have been talking to idiots on(unrelated) Forums and bashing my head against a wall.

This has changed since you guys have accepted me here.

For that I'm truly grateful.

[Cilka]

I have to confess, I worked for an on line Canadian pharmacy, we sold prescription drugs to the US customers. That experience convinced me to never ever take drugs of any kind, and I have not done so since. Three most popular drugs that we sold were, statins, Viagra/Cialis, and antidepressants.

Macstar, it's not a good idea to quit cold turkey, and you should not do it on your own, you can develop severe side effects. See your doctor about this. If I were you I would seriously start getting off of these meds. The legal drug dealers have hooked you real good.

[Ammit]

Macstar, can you not shave a small amount off your tablet and slowly increase the ammount removed over a matter of weeks or so?

[motherlove]

Dear MacStar about seventeen years ago I was on xanax at the time I had been on it for about twelve years the Dr. told me not to worry it wasn't addicting. I did it by reducing the dosage a little at a time it is difficult but if you are determined you can do it. Best Wishes

[WhiteFeather]

You must slowly Ween yourself off of any drug you take daily, I made this mistake when i was on Effexor XR around 6 years ago, i threw them in the garbage one day and had a very bad experience. After i weened myself off of it, in the next week to 10 days i was fine.

[Kimberley]

Macstar, can you not shave a small amount off your tablet and slowly increase the ammount removed over a matter of weeks or so?

MacStar I am not familiar with your drugs...however I concur with ammit... Congratulations and I know you will be off the drugs and just fine very soon!!!
And welcome to Avalon :hug:
Much love

[GCS1103]

MacStar-

Very brave of you to post your experience, which is also helpful to many here. I was on Zoloft and Ambien for about 13 years. It's tough to stop cold and I found that the best way to remove these addictive drugs from your life is to wean yourself slowly. There are some serious side effects, as you no doubt know, when you simply stop taking the medication. I wish you all the best on your road to good health- sometimes the road gets a little bumpy, but we need to look straight ahead to the finish line. I'll be cheering for you...

[Awakened]

I too am currently taking an antidepressant. I was prescribed Effexor XR a little over 4 years ago. Like you, I too have xince educated myself about the truths of antidepressants, however I also have to say that it did appear to be effective. I was in a very severe depression. I almost succumbed to an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, but thankfully did not die. Apparently God (or whatever) has different plans for me lol.

Like you, I would like to be taken off of the antidepressant but I am very aware of the severe withdrawal effects that can occur. I'm also terrified of depression coming back. However, I can't see that happening since at the time I had gone through some very traumatic life experiences and my life is now nothing as it was.

You need to be very careful and should not self wean yourself off the med. You really need to work with a professional that can observe you for any of the nasty withdrawal effects. You need to be withdrawn in very small increments, as I need to with the Effexor I take.

Good Luck to you. Let me know how it goes for you.

[CdnSirian]

A suggestion that may fortify your choice in getting off this - all of the above suggestions are great I think -- and to decrease your dosage carefully is probably correct;

One thing, a spiritual activity that has helped me is a technique explained in a book called The Healing Codes. You adapt it to your own spiritual beliefs, and it is explained how it helps heal physical conditions. Not a religion or cult. I got it on amazon.com. it is a simple technique entwining your physical healing centers in the body with your prayer, thought or intention, however you view that.

Power to you! :)

[Laurel]

MacStar, I am going through a similar experience with Citalopram. In the past I've had horrible experiences from withdrawl symptoms. This time I've been very slowly weaning off. I was at 40mg for about 5 years. Last month I cut the pills in half to 20mg. This month I've quartered them to 10mg, and with absolutely no side effects so far. I've heard that the step from 10mg to 0 is rough, but we'll see.

Modwiz is right about the Bach Flower Remedies. They really help. I keep a bottle in my desk drawer at work, but rarely need to use it. Also, there is another thread from about a month ago you may want to check out.

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?41344-The-effects-of-long-term-use-of-anti-depressants-horrendous

Best of luck,
Laurel

[Cilka]

So many people are depressed here on this planet. I bet that there is no other planet in any of the universes out there with this many depressed souls. What is it that the other ET"s do to stay more focused? I have never heard any other people in contact with ET's that they would mention depression in their societies. Maybe the hive mentality is better for the survival of our souls, maybe we need to be thinking more like machines and maybe then we wont take life so seriously. But then when I imagine being like ET's I change my mind immediately. I would rather be depressed until I close my eyes for good in this body, than to be mechanical like them.

Depression is horrible. There were many many many times I wanted to die, but never had the courage to do that that would help me get myself out of this misery. What really helps me is to have a good cry once in a while, and being in touch with nature. Nature is incredibly healing. I do take 8000UI of vitamin D during the winter months and that seems to help.

Good luck to everyone who is dealing with depression. Never ever give up and do your best to get off any off the meds you are taking. And get out of the house, go look at nature how it's finally waking up after a long and depressing winter months.

[MacStar]

I really appreciate all your vibes and helpful insights :) I really am overwhelmed at the response :luv:

Thanks all,I'd like to address each post but I shall pretty much do it just here:

I have been slowly tapering and have my doctor,who knows where I'm at with all this.
I know this inside out http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha02.htm
It must be done at home and at the individuals own pace,but steady and not hanging too long before making the next dose cut.

I started at 120mg of Valium,that took quite a few months to graduate completely over to,transitioning from a mix of Xanax and the equivalent dose in Valium,step by step replacement.
The major difference between the two is the half-life of each drug.
Xanax is fast acting and if you imagine it's effects has a ^ shape to it whereas Valium is slower coming on and more rounded coming down.
Imagine smoking a cone vs eating a Hash cookie...same dealio in the way it builds and drops,so a much "easier" for want of a beter word way to work with.
This also applies to Klonopin and other short half-life drugs... it's worse than Heroin(which is actually the name of a book on the subject).
You can die from abrupt cessation from these as opposed to Heroin because they are also anti-seizure in their action.
This is why the switch to Valium is needed so that it can be cut more precisely than it's 20x more potent friend.
One would need to own very accurate scales to successfully cut 1mg Xanax tablets(20mg Val Equivalent)

I am not "Hooked" Psychologically but my GABA system has been re-wired by the drug.This is getting better by the day.In saying that,the last few mg are reputedly the hardest,so the taper must be slower near the end...and it get's very hairy!!!
Even missing a dose brings on severe withdrawal for a few weeks,this also attributes to the length of time it's going to take to completely cessate and be free of the drug....and it happens.
One thing, is to not take the dose missed and ride it through.
By taking the missed dose too close to the next one, it acts 2 fold.
1) You are doing more harm than good as the brain will be over sedated and rebound withdrawls will wreak havoc.
2) Psychologically,you are re-enforcing the need for the drug. i.e. Dependence.

Here is a list of Withdrawal Symptoms:
http://www.benzosupport.org/symptoms.htm

I have had about 80% of these on and off over the years and now the number are dropping but the intensity of the few I do get now are off the richter which is why I cannot work atm.
But I am somewhat used to them,so they don't alarm me,it's ****ty but it means I'm getting there.

To put you in the picture,there are no real professionals in this area and I have been tapering since 2008-9.
This is not new in many areas around the globe.It's not a drug one can go to a Detox Centre and come off.One needs to re-integrate with real life,not a clinical setting.This is extremely important!!

So slow it has been and I have learned a hell of a lot,believe me :nod:

So to address some here about this and many other Psychiatrict Drugs,NEVER STOP ABRUPTLY,weaning slowly and supplementing with herbs,minerals,amino's etc will help to restore balance along the way,alongside mental and physical exercises.

@Awakened: I was on that crap for a short time but lucky for me,I had severe reactions(as I did to all classes they tried on me) so it was only a matter of days before it(and they were one by one) was discontinued.Stay strong my friend,you need to rid this chemical out and it will not be pleasant,but the slower,the better.

As for "Depression" returning, that is one of the big misconceptions there is spread by Doctors.
Definitely learn everything you can about the Serotonin System and it's mates,so you can work out which supps to take on the way out and what to avoid.It's the old suppressed junk coming back,so C.B.T should be employed and please stay in touch :)

These drugs take a Sledge-Hammer approach to the receptor sites and they need to be shown the real thing more often as the drug has overpowered the receptors affinity for endogenous chemicals.Be wary of 5-HTP, St. John's Wort and other Serotonin precursors.These can cause Serotonin Syndrome,so please look that up for your safe transit.
Many varieties of Mushrooms will help in your case(and in mine) and stay the hell away from Wheat and Soy ;)
You will find and probably have, that also you are now unable to tolerate Lactose amongst other common food sensitivities.This is also due to the drug destroying your gut flora.
Look into adaptogens and things like Golden Seal,Spirulina.
Whole raw unbroken egg yolk down the gullet,no white will give you a wide range of Essential Amino Acids amongst other vital nutrients.
Refer here:http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/Egg_Yolk.html

Someone here has offered to help with the spiritual attacks,to which I am very grateful and we will be working on this aspect very soon.:nod:

This is an absolutely great warm and friendly place and thanks so far for all the input.

Please Don't let this thread die, as it's extremely important that we face these things.

Big Pharma's Agenda is not just over money ;)

We need not their medicine,we need to Remember Who We Are.

:thumb:

[MacStar]

Wow!
More input as I was writing...

Just quickly:


A suggestion that may fortify your choice in getting off this - all of the above suggestions are great I think -- and to decrease your dosage carefully is probably correct;

One thing, a spiritual activity that has helped me is a technique explained in a book called The Healing Codes. You adapt it to your own spiritual beliefs, and it is explained how it helps heal physical conditions. Not a religion or cult. I got it on amazon.com. it is a simple technique entwining your physical healing centers in the body with your prayer, thought or intention, however you view that.

Power to you! :)

Thanks heaps CdnSirian.
I have found the book here in Aus very cheap!
http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Healing-Code-Alex-Loyd-Ben-Johnson/9781444727715



MacStar, I am going through a similar experience with Citalopram. In the past I've had horrible experiences from withdrawl symptoms. This time I've been very slowly weaning off. I was at 40mg for about 5 years. Last month I cut the pills in half to 20mg. This month I've quartered them to 10mg, and with absolutely no side effects so far. I've heard that the step from 10mg to 0 is rough, but we'll see.

Modwiz is right about the Bach Flower Remedies. They really help. I keep a bottle in my desk drawer at work, but rarely need to use it. Also, there is another thread from about a month ago you may want to check out.

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?41344-The-effects-of-long-term-use-of-anti-depressants-horrendous

Best of luck,
Laurel

Laurel,thank you too and now is the time to take the cuts in smaller increments,there is no hurry.
Remeber this quote as you go through the crisis:
"In Time,This too Shal Pass"

Thanks for the link I will check it out 4 sure.

Have to log off now as there is a huge thunderstorm.

I'll be back :wave: