Not Long On Benzo. Source Of Symptoms? Don't Know.

[[Af...]]

Have Autoimmune Hepatitis, Stage 3/4 with subsequent Stage 4/4 Liver Disease (Cirrhosis).

 

Was on Lorazepam, up and down, on and off, for nearly the past month, only. Dosage: .25mg to 2.00mg once a day, at bedtime for sleep, as prescribed by Primary Doctor; because Lorazepam is less damaging to the liver as other same use medications.

 

Tapered off somewhat from Lorazepam and quit it a few days ago and began Estazolam .5mg at bedtime only, also prescribed by Primary Doctor, in order to replace Lorazepam.

 

8 days ago, felt like I was going out of my mind and was near going to ER. I also, couldn't think and at one point could not even remember the name of my disease. Felt very angry, not at myself, others or any thing but felt destructive, like I want to turn over the furniture, for no reason.

 

Want to say more but I don't know how much of an hour I have left of the hour permitted on this site.

 

Do my symptoms sound Benzo related?

[[me...]]

Hello Aftrlife, and welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We're glad you've found us, and you'll find a lot of information and support here.  Our members are happy to share their withdrawal experiences with others---and although withdrawal symptoms can be severe, they are only temporary.

 

The symptoms you are experiencing might be related to benzo withdrawal.  Some people can become dependent on benzos in as little as a few weeks. I'm not familiar with Estazolam, but others here may be. Here are a few links you'll find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper).

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

P.S., the default sign in time is 60 minutes, but you can change that to however long you want, up to a month.  Just do that the next time you sign in.

 

[[De...]]

Hello Aftrlife,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, I'm sure they must be very difficult to cope with.

 

The symptoms you are describing could very well be related to the benzo. I dont have personal experience with Estazolam either only to know it is a benzodiazepine derivative drug but benzos in general can and do create many undesirable side effects even with some short term users. I think if it was me I would tell my doctor about what I experienced. Has your doctor prescribed the benzodiazepine for just the short term?

 

Now that you are a member you can spend as long as you want on the forum, you can choose to log on for a month if you so wish.

 

I'm glad you found us and I wish you well.

 

Debbie

[[Po...]]

Hi aftrlife, I started having symptoms after nine days use. So it's totally possible.

 

If you've been on benzos and you're having symptoms like that, my guess is yes, it is benzo related.

 

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.