Still struggling with paws

[[cs...]]

Hi, I have posted here in the past re: post withdrawal symptoms. Since stopping Xanax in February of this year, I have not felt right or healthy. Since I have discontinued taking the medication and to this day, I still experience muscle twitches, humming sound in head, extreme fatigue, depression, anxious bowels, sweating under armpits, etc. I have spoken with my Dr. about this, but she seems to think I am creating these symptoms in my head. I never had these symptoms until the dose was adjusted and discontinued. Never had any history of these symptoms. I am fearful I have permanent damage and I may be like this the rest of my life. I recently had a physical with full bloodwork, and all checked out ok. This is a tough way to live. I try to be hopeful, but it seems as time goes on, I still have these ill feelings. From what I have read and learned, there is nothing I can do to rid myself of these symptoms. Thanks, Mark

[[ea...]]

Mark,I am sorry I didn't see your post earlier. What you are feeling is purely withdrawal. You got off in February of this year, right? That's well within the normal range of time for benzo withdrawal. And your symptoms sound completely normal. Your doctor is right in a way: your brain IS creating these symptoms. But they are not permanent. You do not have permanent damage. I had the same symptoms and a whole lot more. Most doctor simply don't know anything about benzo withdrawal. They aren't taught about it in school, it isn't in medical textbooks. Why? I don't know. But its true. Many of us learn simply not to mention it to our doctors, because we don't want to get labeled. My own doctor knows more than most, but I no longer mention it to him. Whats the point? There is nothing, nothing, he can do to help me. Recovery from benzos is entirely up to us....and time.

east

[[Bu...]]

Csoldier,

 

I am struggling with a lot of your symptoms particularly twitches. It should go away with time. Doctors are pathetic in this area.

 

Love Buddy

[[ea...]]

How are you doing today?

east

[[cs...]]

Thanks for asking. I am feeling anxious- warm anxious feeling in lower abdomen, very tired, down, sweating under armpits. I just feel like sleeping. My Dr. prescribed Xanax for me in May 2012 when my wife and I separated. It was to help me sleep better, and have a better sense of calmness. I continued taking it through 2013 (divorced in Sept 2013). In Feb. 2014, I decided I did not want to take it anymore as I felt it was making me feel tired, depressed, etc. As I mentioned, since discontinuing the medication, it has been rough. I should be moving forward with my life by now, but it has become harder with the sick physical symptoms and other effects since stopping the medication. I guess I am seeking assurance I can recover in time, but right now, I am frustrated and everything seems to be worse. I feel this is the way I may be the rest of my life. My best to all of you, Mark

[[pi...]]

Hello Mark,

 

You will recover in time.  I had many thoughts like you are having because the symptoms were so strong and persistent. Little by little they eased up and finally disappeared.  It took me a good while to heal but each of us will recover at different rates. 

 

The nervous system wants to regain balance and it will work towards that goal.  Give it time and find ways to distract from the symptoms.  Take it one day at a time and know that each day you get farther and farther away from benzos and closer to wellness.

 

pianogirl