Librium for alcohol withdrawal

[[Su...]]

In September, I began trying to get off of a bad booze habit, which would cause my blood pressure to skyrocket to 240/120 when I would quit, even with tapering off with beer. Went to the ER. Doctor prescribed Librium. Gave me 40, 25 mg pills. Took them for about a month, to date (9 total) Never together with alcohol. Would try to get sober, use the Librium, drink, try to sober up. A week ago was finally able to put the bottle down and took 1 Librium a day for 3 days, then two in 1 day, due to blood pressure issues. Then took one, three days ago and none since (all of these together equal nine total in a one month period -- still have 31 left). My problem is that two nights ago, I woke up with unbelievable abdominal pain, and horrid constipation. Today, the pain continues, about every 20 minutes. Still constipated even though I take psyllium fiber. Not addicted to Librium, just using it to get off the booze and will toss the rest later this week. However, I am wondering how long this abdominal pain lasts. Also have hip and lower back pain. I didn't take this medication that long and don't understand why the symptoms are so severe. And how long does this last? It is debilitating and I can't leave my place. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Afraid to eat anything. This morning found this forum and put two and two together regarding my sx and the Librium. Thanks!

[[be...]]

Hi SupernaturalFan  Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

It sounds like you are trying hard to stop alcohol. Congratulations on that decision. As you know stopping alcohol can be very dangerous if you are a heavy drinker. Also, alcohol and benzodiazepines don't mix well. However, I know it is used in alcohol withdrawal, but typically in a detox setting. Benzodiazepines are very addicting. One can develop a dependency in as little as a few weeks. I can think of one member in particular that became addicted to benzodiazepines as a result as it being used as an alcohol replacement.

 

You might like to check out The Ashton Manual it is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. 

 

Please feel free to post to any of the dedicated boards, we have a wonderful community of people here, who will give sound advice. Members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal and are more than willing to share their experiences.

 

Members discuss their symptoms on the Post withdrawal recovery support.

 

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! 

 

benzos-R-crue

[[Ba...]]

Good luck supernaturalfan I wish you all the best xo

[[ru...]]

You are most definitely going through alcohol withdrawal.  It's probably not the libreum.  Alcoholism led me to benzos.  My advice to you is to take the libreum for only ten days or until your alcohol withdrawal symptoms disappear.  The alcohol withdrawl symptoms fade pretty quickly,  but you will have paws for a while. I Had Paws for years. Best of luck for you, but stay away from the benzos.

[[ca...]]

Hi Super,

 

  This is a great site.Be Well..

 

  C.

[[Te...]]

Supernaturalfan,

  I kicked a 50+ year affair with alcohol in Feb, 2013. A medically supervised detox was required, as I didn't want those pesky seizures...I supplemented  my alky existence with Zolpidem for out-of-booze nights 3-4 times a week for about 5 years...

  It sounds like you might really want to consider a supervised w/d plan to avoid medical problems(seizure, stroke, TIA, CHF). Alcohol is a shorter term w/d, but dangerous without supervision.

I too had a couple of w/d attempts at home with a well-intended GP who put me on Xanax for the shakes...I am so glad I finally went to a detox facility. I didn't tell the folks about the ambien other than to mention I "sometimes" took it. My PAWS(Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) was extended, and blame placed on the long-term abuse of ETOH. Some of those symptoms persist, or resurface with stressors. It may all be ETOH, but the longer I hang around this site, the more I wonder. Treatment would be the same...hunker down, treat yerself nicely, go for support when you need it, and chase the elusive PATIENCE button. I came to this site looking to understand a friend's difficulties in w/d, and I'm still lurking in the shadows