The Dizziness Group: For those who are floating, boating, falling or flying

[[go...]]

I get it when I'm awake, Ill be doing something then I'll feel like I'm falling and need try to grab onto something, even if I'm not falling. It's horrible.

[[La...]]

Gooner, if it's happening while you're awake and walking around then, yes, it's dizziness -- or disequilibrium. Sorry, I misunderstood your question. I feel like I'm falling all the time. I've had numerous near-falls, but I'm using a walker now. It has saved me on countless occasions, and I can highly recommend it, if things get too bad. Falling is no joke, and prevention makes more sense than....well....dealing with the results of a fall. If you need to sit down, then do so. If you need to use a cane for awhile, then by all means, do so.

 

I think the key is staying as mobile and strong as possible. Maintain your muscle strength and flexibility as well as you can, and seek out help or advice on how to do so if you need it, e.g. physiotherapy.

 

 

[[pr...]]

I get it when I'm awake, Ill be doing something then I'll feel like I'm falling and need try to grab onto something, even if I'm not falling. It's horrible.

 

 

gooner_nate,

 

for the first two years i had the sensation of falling when i was laying down. a few times i had the sensation that i was doing a somersault while laying down. that is some extreme dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium i had in those first two years after doing a brutal cold turkey. very scary 'cause there is nothing you can do about it.

[[La...]]

Hey gooner, please check out the first few pages of this thread, since there's some useful info right off the top, including some descriptive words that BBs have used to discuss their dizziness/disequilibrium. Unfortunately, it's a very common symptom/side effect of taking benzos. They play havoc with the vestibular system, and as a result, falls and fractures are relatively common. There are often warning stickers on the medication bottles, i.e. "May cause drowsiness or dizziness." Yup, that's true.

[[...]]

I get it when I'm awake, Ill be doing something then I'll feel like I'm falling and need try to grab onto something, even if I'm not falling. It's horrible.

 

Would you describe it as episodes of the "elevator drop", or one foot seeming to sink through the ground, or "little earthquakes", or the feeling that someone's moved next to you in bed but you're alone?  Lots and lots of these different scenarios, as you can see, and they're all common enough with benzo w/d; I've experienced them all at one time or another.  I do very occasionally still get the elevator drop but now it's directly related to a pain med I might be taking.

 

May I ask whether you're taking any other meds at all, Gooner?  Did you happen to take any antibiotics over the last year or more?  Also, you say you can't bend your knees, is this due to muscle or joint pain or how would you describe that?

[[Jo...]]

Thank you for starting this!!!! It describes my life exactly. Hope my body heals as I taper.

[[go...]]

I get it when I'm awake, Ill be doing something then I'll feel like I'm falling and need try to grab onto something, even if I'm not falling. It's horrible.

 

Would you describe it as episodes of the "elevator drop", or one foot seeming to sink through the ground, or "little earthquakes", or the feeling that someone's moved next to you in bed but you're alone?  Lots and lots of these different scenarios, as you can see, and they're all common enough with benzo w/d; I've experienced them all at one time or another.  I do very occasionally still get the elevator drop but now it's directly related to a pain med I might be taking.

 

May I ask whether you're taking any other meds at all, Gooner?  Did you happen to take any antibiotics over the last year or more?  Also, you say you can't bend your knees, is this due to muscle or joint pain or how would you describe that?

 

That's exactly how I would describe, thank you. It feels like my body is falling but in reality its not moving, its very scary. Happens lying down, sitting, walking, etc.

 

With the knees thing I think its extreme muscle fatigue/joint pain, it's like as soon as they bend a little they can't support me, so walking is very unnatural and running is completely impossible. No other medication, started taking carbimazole recently cus I have an overactive thyroid but that was very recent and I wouldn't say its to blame for anything.

[[go...]]

Gooner, if it's happening while you're awake and walking around then, yes, it's dizziness -- or disequilibrium. Sorry, I misunderstood your question. I feel like I'm falling all the time. I've had numerous near-falls, but I'm using a walker now. It has saved me on countless occasions, and I can highly recommend it, if things get too bad. Falling is no joke, and prevention makes more sense than....well....dealing with the results of a fall. If you need to sit down, then do so. If you need to use a cane for awhile, then by all means, do so.

 

I think the key is staying as mobile and strong as possible. Maintain your muscle strength and flexibility as well as you can, and seek out help or advice on how to do so if you need it, e.g. physiotherapy.

 

Im 28 and I played football regularly before all this, mad to think that 4 months on this drug could mess me up to the point I can barely walk. Why has it damaged me so much. incredible

[[La...]]

Gooner, if it's happening while you're awake and walking around then, yes, it's dizziness -- or disequilibrium. Sorry, I misunderstood your question. I feel like I'm falling all the time. I've had numerous near-falls, but I'm using a walker now. It has saved me on countless occasions, and I can highly recommend it, if things get too bad. Falling is no joke, and prevention makes more sense than....well....dealing with the results of a fall. If you need to sit down, then do so. If you need to use a cane for awhile, then by all means, do so.

 

I think the key is staying as mobile and strong as possible. Maintain your muscle strength and flexibility as well as you can, and seek out help or advice on how to do so if you need it, e.g. physiotherapy.

 

Im 28 and I played football regularly before all this, mad to think that 4 months on this drug could mess me up to the point I can barely walk. Why has it damaged me so much. incredible

 

Ah, gooner, I hear you! Yes, it sucks. I think it has much to do with the fact that the way we metabolize medications is highly dependent on genetics, so it's unpredictable. Two people can take the same medication, but have completely different outcomes. The other thing to bear in mind is that things can change rapidly, and we've heard that sort of thing, i.e. someone wakes up and is much better.

 

Balance is a very delicate thing. The neurologist I saw said that the vestibular system is finely tuned and highly sensitive, and if it's off even a little bit, one can feel dizzy. Few people think about balance until they don't have it. And of course, it's absolutely essential for normal walking and standing.

 

In any case, if you've been active and strong, and you're young (which you are!), then you've got a lot going for you. Stay strong. Stay mobile. Stay flexible. Use a cane, if you need to. And let's hope that your short stint on benzos will mean that your recovery comes very soon.

[[pr...]]

I do very occasionally still get the elevator drop

 

 

yeah that 'elevator drop' is a good way to describe that sensation. still get that too from time to time.

 

With the knees thing I think its extreme muscle fatigue/joint pain, it's like as soon as they bend a little they can't support me, so walking is very unnatural and running is completely impossible. No other medication, started taking carbimazole recently cus I have an overactive thyroid but that was very recent and I wouldn't say its to blame for anything.

 

 

my knee's have been a number one issue for me from the beginning and make it very hard to walk. i do have a squeezing neuroapthy badly around my knee's but also have it where as soon as they bend a little i don't get the support i need. i also still have pretty bad muscle weakness and that doesn't help my walking either. i also have trouble when bending down because of the muscle weakness.

 

wow, only 4 months on this drug and you have symptoms. very sorry to hear this. i am a long time user on this drug but even worse is how many 'withdrawal attempts" including rapid tapers and cold turkey's is what made me have such severe symptoms. i think it's more so then just being on the drug itself or the length of time, at least for myself it is...

 

don't worry, you will still recover and the fact that it was only 4 months makes it more of a possibility for you to recover faster than some of the people on here like myself. did you have a proper and sensible taper or was it as rapid taper?

[[go...]]

Yeah 4 months, so i used it infrequently for 2 months, then used it everyday for 3 weeks then tapered off over 6 weeks. I tapered according to symptoms, and as I got lower I got better. The first month off was completly fine, some small symptoms. All hell broke lose around month 5 and I've been disabled since then. Can't walk very far, loads of balance/coordination issues, complexly exercise intolerance, clinically depressed, obviously I can't work or socialise. Just a complete horror show. And I keep getting worse without any windows, it's terrifying to be honest.

[[La...]]

Hey Dizzy Buds,

Here's a Success Story written by someone who was dizzy....and then wasn't! Yes!

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=209761.0 

[[La...]]

And here's another great, uplifting Success Story to read. Although there's no mention of dizziness, there's a lot of encouragement for anyone who is still struggling. Please have a look:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=209768.0 

[[pr...]]

Yeah 4 months, so i used it infrequently for 2 months, then used it everyday for 3 weeks then tapered off over 6 weeks. I tapered according to symptoms, and as I got lower I got better. The first month off was completly fine, some small symptoms. All hell broke lose around month 5 and I've been disabled since then. Can't walk very far, loads of balance/coordination issues, complexly exercise intolerance, clinically depressed, obviously I can't work or socialise. Just a complete horror show. And I keep getting worse without any windows, it's terrifying to be honest.

 

 

that happens a lot with benzo withdrawal is when first off the drug you seem kinda okay and then later on things hit you harder. i always called this the "lag affect" -- benzo discontinuation seems to have that lag affect.

 

Lapis,

 

thanks for sharing those success stories. i was talking with another buddie just yesterday and we were talking about Mr. B's success story. have you read that one? here it is in case anyone would like to read it.

 

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=178596.0

[[La...]]

Thanks, pretty. I believe I've read it before, but it's been awhile, so I'll have another look.

[[No...]]

Hi all, I've had nighttime dizziness for the past year, which has slowly gotten better and happens when I lay down then goes.

 

Since yesterday the Tinnitus has got very loud with a fullness feeling in my ears. I also feel dizzy and nauseous today. Do you think this is because my body is adjusting to a lower dose?  I really don't feel good this afternoon 

 

I don't even feel I would be safe to drive at the moment. I hope it passes soon. Hope all you fellow dizzy people get some relief from your symptoms too.

[[La...]]

Hi NoMorePills,

I'm really sorry to hear that you've been dealing with dizziness too. It's a pretty common symptom around here, so yes, it may be that as you change your dose, you're experiencing different symptoms and in different intensity. Unfortunately, it's all part of the wacky trip we call benzodiazepine withdrawal! Tinnitus, too, is quite common. I have it, but it's much quieter than it used to be.

 

As far as driving goes, it's best to err on the side of caution. Don't drive if you're not up to it. Take a taxi or get someone else to drive you. Be safe!

 

I'm hoping that your dizziness settles down. In the meantime, take care!

[[No...]]

Hi NoMorePills,

I'm really sorry to hear that you've been dealing with dizziness too. It's a pretty common symptom around here, so yes, it may be that as you change your dose, you're experiencing different symptoms and in different intensity. Unfortunately, it's all part of the wacky trip we call benzodiazepine withdrawal! Tinnitus, too, is quite common. I have it, but it's much quieter than it used to be.

 

As far as driving goes, it's best to err on the side of caution. Don't drive if you're not up to it. Take a taxi or get someone else to drive you. Be safe!

 

I'm hoping that your dizziness settles down. In the meantime, take care!

 

Thanks Lapis2, it's a bit better today.

[[La...]]

Great news, NoMorePills!

[[go...]]

Anyone got any experience or thoughts about cinnarizine? Its for travel sickness, I have to go to a follow up tomorrow after my surgery last week and the last time I was in a car I couldn't handle it at all. Im reluctant to try anything but it was so brutal last time around.

[[La...]]

Hey gooner,

My two cents is that it's probably okay on a one-off basis, but not so great if you take it regularly. Drowsiness is one of the side effects, and anything that works on certain neurotransmitters (which this appears to do) can affect the vestibular system. Have you taken it before? I hadn't heard of it until your post, so I'm just looking it up for the first time.

[[La...]]

Here's a link to some info on cinnarizine from dizziness-and-balance.com:

 

https://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/treatment/drug/cinnarizine.html 

[[go...]]

Hmmm, thats not to positive, ill try go with out. Travel sickness has never been an issue of mine but its literally unbearable at the minute. My body can't comprehend movement of any kind

[[La...]]

I personally didn't have any symptoms of motion sickness -- just the constant floaty-boat disequilibrium -- and I actually found that being in moving car would cancel out the sensation of the movement, if only for that period of time. Others have found the same around here, but of course, with benzo withdrawal, there are many variations on what people experience.

 

The thing with the drugs-for-dizziness is that they're usually vestibular suppressants of one type or another, and they have negative effects over time. At one point, I was considering taking an antihistamine just to get a night's sleep, and I was advised not to for that very reason. I had no idea at the time that antihistamines could work that way, but then again, I hadn't done much research at that point. It's a crap shoot with meds, and they all have side effects.

 

According to a number of articles and studies that I've read, there are at least eight neurotransmitters involved in the vestibular system. If you take a medication that affects a neurotransmitter, then it may well affect your balance. All of the psychiatric meds can cause dizziness. Actually, many, many non-psychiatric meds can cause dizziness too, since it's one of the most common side effects of medications.  There's a massive list of meds that are considered "ototoxic", i.e. they affect the ears, and that can mean hearing and/or balance. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause some serious tinnitus, so that's a family of meds to watch out for. Antibiotics are ototoxic too.

 

Here are some useful links on that topic:

 

https://www.soundrelief.com/list-of-ototoxic-medications/

 

https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/inner-ear-disorders/drug-induced-ototoxicity

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138949/

[[ca...]]

I'll post here any maybe get a response.

I had a hearing test today and was told I now have high frequency hearing lose. I told her that my ears have a ringing in them as I was taking V and tapering and that is what I related the ringing to.

I also have this off balance floating feeling and she said it was related to my ears.

She suggested I see a ear, throat and nose doctor to have it checked out.

 

Does this mean I have a hearing lose and feel of balance cause of the withdrawals?  Hopefully this isn't permanent , correct?