Occasional User in Severe withdrawal ???

[[va...]]

Hi everyone , I am  in desperate need of some help and opinions.

About 5 years ago I was put on Bromazepam(Lexotanil) 3 mg for 8 months for anxiety by my doctor. When I came off them , I did a fast taper unknowingly and went through dreadful withdrawal for 1 year, although I did not know it was withdrawal at the time.. To help me through my severe symptoms (Neck tension and head pressure) I started drinking alcohol at the time which helped a lot but it became a habit and I found myslef Binge drinking 3-4 times a week for next 3-4 years. About a year ago the hangovers were becoming too much and I stupidly started taking an occasional occasional Lexotanil 3mg not more that 2-3 max a week on hangover days.  I woke up one morning 3 months ago with severe tachycardia and was in hospital 7 days..During my stay in the hospital I underwent various procedures (angiogram and electrophysio for heart)  and was under narcosis in one of them.  Heart is ok and I was given a betablocker which I still take,  and for 4 days in a row I was also given  Halcion (Triazolam) along with all other medicine they pumped into me on the day of my tachycardia and examinations . I found out later that that Halcion was a Benzo.

To cut a long story short I am now 3 months out from the hospital , have not touched a single alcoholic drink or a Benzo since then and only take 20 mg Propranolol a day.

However 1 week after I was released form hospital I started having the worst and most severe symptoms in my life. I really feel like I am dying .

These include :

 

•  Akathisia with extreme pain radiating down my left arm and in throat causing extreme Nausea  from throat area.

•  Unbearable tremors  attacks in Neck and head and face, sometimes vibrating happen also during the day.

•  Wake up at 4.00 am every day with extreme morning anxiety , head vibrations and pressure , ears ringing  , dizziness and nausea and extreme tension in neck.

•  Tremors in back of neck when I lay down on my side as I am trying to drift off to sleep.

•  Extreme internal facial twitching and spasms  also in lips. Face neuralgia pain.

•  Attacks of Head pressure and extreme sinus tension , especially in afternoons

•  Extreme pain  in the balls of my feet when I walk

 

I have been to the ER  4 times thinking heart attack or stroke , had various tests all show normal. Visited 4 different doctors and none of them know what is wrong with me..

Could it be I am going through so severe withdrawals after only occasional use of benzo's ? Could it be alcohol withdrawal and so severe for 3 months ? 

I am at my wits end here and in the deepest suffering in my life and simply cannot understand what is wrong. I hope someone can shed offer an opinion.

 

Thank you all  for taking the time to read my story.

Br

 

 

[Guest [ma...]]

Hi vankal, my guess is w/d from benzos and alcohol and kindling from previous benzo use.

 

The thing about benzos is that in many cases the brain does not forget previous w/d. Add to that the alcohol and intermittent use of a benzos again, and add to that the benzo that you were given while in the hospital. I think you are experiencing kindling. Intermittent use does not mean no w/d or even easier w/d. As you may know alcohol acts on the same receptors as benzos so drinking coupled with the intermittent use of benzos may very well have been alleviating some of the w/d from your initial benzo use.

 

All your symptoms sound like classic w/d. I've had them all except the painful feet but that is common. Waking at 4 am is a classic one as are others. Since you have been tested and all appears well the best thing you can do it stay away from the benzos and the alcohol like you are doing now and let the healing happen. And it will.

[Guest [ba...]]

Yep - just what mandala said.  Many of us have had some or all of your symptoms.  Sorry that it's slamming you right now.  It will get better, but will take some time (probably not days).  Do what you can to eat healthy stuff, stay away from the booze, try to get some activity.  This is a good place to ask questions, share experiences, and even rant if necessary.