Insomniac support group

[[Co...]]

feel so awful no sleep for days, just a bit here and there. I can't do this  :'(

[[Be...]]

Recently finished 40 sessions of neurofeedback. Went from 2-3 hours of sleep a night to an average of 6.5-8.  It's still broken up, but the total has dramatically increased.    I typically now fall asleep on the couch in front of the tv every evening for 30-90 minutes, then fall asleep and wake after 2-5 hours, then stay up for an hour or so, then sleep for another 2 hours or so.  Still very symptomatic with brain fog and anxiety, but I"ll take the sleep.  I'm off benzos for 41 months and off remeron, an antidepressant for 26 months.    This is truly a journey of craziness, but its getting better.  The thinking apparently is that it'll take 24-36 months once off your last med to get better for those of us who are protracted, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel.    Also, consider "5 element acupuncture".  Its different than regular acupuncture in that it is curative rather than just palliative.  Also, I'm dong regular craniosacral therapy, which is very calming for the anxiety.  Anyway, those are things that have helped me.

 

Good luck.  BT.

[[me...]]

feel so awful no sleep for days, just a bit here and there. I can't do this  :'(

 

Very sorry to hear this Cosair. I'm wondering if the seroquel could be setting you back rather than helping? That is the reason I jumped off of amitryptiline (at 25 mg,) it was actually impeding me from getting much sleep (0-2 hours many nights). My sleep went up to 4 to 6 hours once I jumped, not great, but livable. Anyway, something to think about.

Recently finished 40 sessions of neurofeedback. Went from 2-3 hours of sleep a night to an average of 6.5-8.  It's still broken up, but the total has dramatically increased.    I typically now fall asleep on the couch in front of the tv every evening for 30-90 minutes, then fall asleep and wake after 2-5 hours, then stay up for an hour or so, then sleep for another 2 hours or so.  Still very symptomatic with brain fog and anxiety, but I"ll take the sleep.  I'm off benzos for 41 months and off remeron, an antidepressant for 26 months.    This is truly a journey of craziness, but its getting better.  The thinking apparently is that it'll take 24-36 months once off your last med to get better for those of us who are protracted, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel.    Also, consider "5 element acupuncture".  Its different than regular acupuncture in that it is curative rather than just palliative.  Also, I'm dong regular craniosacral therapy, which is very calming for the anxiety.  Anyway, those are things that have helped me.

Benzotired--that is really cool! Can you explain more about neurofeedback? So glad to hear you are doing better.

[[Be...]]

 

Recently finished 40 sessions of neurofeedback. Went from 2-3 hours of sleep a night to an average of 6.5-8.  It's still broken up, but the total has dramatically increased.    I typically now fall asleep on the couch in front of the tv every evening for 30-90 minutes, then fall asleep and wake after 2-5 hours, then stay up for an hour or so, then sleep for another 2 hours or so.  Still very symptomatic with brain fog and anxiety, but I"ll take the sleep.  I'm off benzos for 41 months and off remeron, an antidepressant for 26 months.    This is truly a journey of craziness, but its getting better.  The thinking apparently is that it'll take 24-36 months once off your last med to get better for those of us who are protracted, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel.    Also, consider "5 element acupuncture".  Its different than regular acupuncture in that it is curative rather than just palliative.  Also, I'm dong regular craniosacral therapy, which is very calming for the anxiety.  Anyway, those are things that have helped me.

 

 

Benzotired--that is really cool! Can you explain more about neurofeedback? So glad to hear you are doing better.

 

Meowie-Neurofeedback, when done individually, first does a brain mapping to see what areas of your brain are hot spots, in out cases, , which are producing too much beta, alpha fequencies which are too stimulatory as a result of the supression of our parasympathetic nervous systems and hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous systems. teh, over  many sessions, electodes are placed over these areas and they train those areas to calm down, suppressing the hyperactivity which causes us so much anxiety and insomnia.    I''m about to embark on another round of sessions to see if I can further reduce the hyperactivity of those areas.  A normal person would benefit from low frequency neurofeedback, but we need someone to taior the sessions specifically for our needs and to alter it as we go along based on our results.  So far,having tried everyting in the universe to make this journey more palatable, only this, craniosacral therapy and 5 element acupuncture, have helped.  along, of course, with very clean healthy eating, some melatonin, and magnesium.    Cat believe how long this has lasted, but getting some sleep, even if broken up several times a night, has made a big difference.  Not out of the woods by any means, but the general trend has been up.  Still very foggy, nauseaous, dizzy, headaches, neckaches, etc, but more manageable and I've always been functional the past years somehow.

[[Be...]]

Forgot to mention, that I"ve had the awful "air hunger" breathing problem for over 1.5 years now. Makes breathing tough and feels like you cant get a normal breath. 

[[Bl...]]

Forgot to mention, that I"ve had the awful "air hunger" breathing problem for over 1.5 years now. Makes breathing tough and feels like you cant get a normal breath.

I have had the horrible air hunger problem too. I had I temporarily in my second withdrawal--not knowing what was going on. Then in my current withdrawal (now at almost 32 months), I still get it in waves. During acute and most of the first year, I had it 24/7. It was absolute torture.

I go several days now sometimes and I don't have the air hunger problem. Then I will get it but usually only for a few hours. It flares up when I am stressed. Or if I do too much heavy lifting or leaf raking or activity like that.

When it occurs in the evening, it prevents me from falling asleep. Last night I had it and I was up until about 1:30, propped up with pillows so that I could breathe better.

Do you know what causes it? Is it caused by a problem with the breathing center in our brain stem due to damage by benzos? Or is it lung related??? Pectoral muscle related??? What in the hell causes it--it is my one of last major symptoms.

I hope it goes away for good soon from all of us who suffer from it.

[[Co...]]

feel so awful no sleep for days, just a bit here and there. I can't do this  :'(

 

Very sorry to hear this Cosair. I'm wondering if the seroquel could be setting you back rather than helping? That is the reason I jumped off of amitryptiline (at 25 mg,) it was actually impeding me from getting much sleep (0-2 hours many nights). My sleep went up to 4 to 6 hours once I jumped, not great, but livable. Anyway, something to think about.

Recently finished 40 sessions of neurofeedback. Went from 2-3 hours of sleep a night to an average of 6.5-8.  It's still broken up, but the total has dramatically increased.    I typically now fall asleep on the couch in front of the tv every evening for 30-90 minutes, then fall asleep and wake after 2-5 hours, then stay up for an hour or so, then sleep for another 2 hours or so.  Still very symptomatic with brain fog and anxiety, but I"ll take the sleep.  I'm off benzos for 41 months and off remeron, an antidepressant for 26 months.    This is truly a journey of craziness, but its getting better.  The thinking apparently is that it'll take 24-36 months once off your last med to get better for those of us who are protracted, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel.    Also, consider "5 element acupuncture".  Its different than regular acupuncture in that it is curative rather than just palliative.  Also, I'm dong regular craniosacral therapy, which is very calming for the anxiety.  Anyway, those are things that have helped me.

Benzotired--that is really cool! Can you explain more about neurofeedback? So glad to hear you are doing better.

 

I kind of wonder the same thing! BUt it's really hard to taper. It's going to take me a long time and it's so uncertain which is what!

[[Be...]]

Forgot to mention, that I"ve had the awful "air hunger" breathing problem for over 1.5 years now. Makes breathing tough and feels like you cant get a normal breath.

I have had the horrible air hunger problem too. I had I temporarily in my second withdrawal--not knowing what was going on. Then in my current withdrawal (now at almost 32 months), I still get it in waves. During acute and most of the first year, I had it 24/7. It was absolute torture.

I go several days now sometimes and I don't have the air hunger problem. Then I will get it but usually only for a few hours. It flares up when I am stressed. Or if I do too much heavy lifting or leaf raking or activity like that.

When it occurs in the evening, it prevents me from falling asleep. Last night I had it and I was up until about 1:30, propped up with pillows so that I could breathe better.

Do you know what causes it? Is it caused by a problem with the breathing center in our brain stem due to damage by benzos? Or is it lung related??? Pectoral muscle related??? What in the hell causes it--it is my one of last major symptoms.

I hope it goes away for good soon from all of us who suffer from it.

 

I had every type of pulmonary function test and other than some mild sleep apnea, everything was normal.  Dont know what causes it but some of us get it and some dont, and some get it just occasionally.  I know it goes away, but as you know, it is torture while experiencing it especially at night.  Seems to be tied to the anxiety.    In order to sleep with it, I use low sugar cough drops throughout the night to line the back of my throat.  Still awaken every 2 - 5 hours.  Just restarted more neurofeedback as this seems to help with the amount of sleep hours I can achieve.

[[al...]]

I wonder if benzos withdrawal can cause temporary central apnea where your brain doesn't send a single to breath (as opposed to obstructed apnea).

[[Bl...]]

I wonder if benzos withdrawal can cause temporary central apnea where your brain doesn't send a single to breath (as opposed to obstructed apnea).

I have wondered the same thing. I also wonder if benzo withdrawal can cause obstructive sleep apnea. I did not have symptoms of sleep apnea before I took Lorazepam.

I thought I might have central sleep apnea, but the results of the sleep study test I had in October were that I have obstructive sleep apnea due to structural problems in my mouth.

I am struggling with using an APAP machine--I don't know if I will be able to tolerate it. I am trying a nasal pillow mask tonight for the first time.

I wonder if the sleep apnea problem causes sore chest muscles and breathing issues during the day?

[[al...]]

Bluemoon,

I wish you luck with that APAP machine. I tried using a CPAP (same thing?) a while back, but never got used to it. This was before I understood that tolerance withdrawal was the cause of my growing insomnia. I went to a sleep specialist and spent the night in a sleep lab. The "specialist" couldn't care less that I had to take two 12.5 mg. Ambien CR pills in order to sleep in the lab. I was found to have mild to moderate obstructive apnea, but later learned that benzos and z-drugs relax your throat muscles enough to increase apnea. I was given a CPAP machine, but it was too uncomfortable for me to sleep with, especially with all the withdrawal insomnia ramping up. So far I have no plans to try one again.

[[Lo...]]

The "specialist" couldn't care less that I had to take two 12.5 mg. Ambien CR pills in order to sleep in the lab. I was found to have mild to moderate obstructive apnea, but later learned that benzos and z-drugs relax your throat muscles enough to increase apnea. I was given a CPAP machine, but it was too uncomfortable for me to sleep with, especially with all the withdrawal insomnia ramping up. So far I have no plans to try one again.

Interesting. I too had to take a ton of stuff to get to sleep in the lab and it triggered acute periodic limb movement (restless legs). I am prone to it but taking meds really flares it up. And no, I am not willing to take drugs with a very strong effect on my nervous system and brain to control it. Diet and exercise are better options.

 

I tried CPAP too but could not tolerate it even when on considerable Zopiclone. (Now off) Also tried the dental mouth piece and it was better but I had TMJ problems at that time which it aggravated. My apnea is mild now for the most part but sometimes ramps up ie alcohol or other things. I may try the dental appliance again as jaw seems fine now.

 

I have the head of my bed raised and that helps and am conscious of sleeping position. For awhile I used an app on my iPhone that recorded sounds in my sleep and I was able to hear apnea incidents and assess. Some apnea is "normal" or "common". As long as it doesn't last too long. Sometimes I can't get to sleep because I keep waking myself up with apnea. In that case I have to take a good look at what the contributing factors were. I even feel restless legs after certain foods. That should tell me something!

 

I too am in the withdrawal stage. Sleep is off and on. Mostly on but occasional really bad nights. Diet and lifestyle are very important factors. And light in the evening from computer and other screens. I have bought low-blue light glasses.

 

Anyone wishing to try neurofeedback at a reasonable price should look into HeartMath. I have worked on it in the past and it does help. I need to get back to it! Just 20 minutes a day.

[[Bl...]]

Bluemoon,

I wish you luck with that APAP machine. I tried using a CPAP (same thing?) a while back, but never got used to it. This was before I understood that tolerance withdrawal was the cause of my growing insomnia. I went to a sleep specialist and spent the night in a sleep lab. The "specialist" couldn't care less that I had to take two 12.5 mg. Ambien CR pills in order to sleep in the lab. I was found to have mild to moderate obstructive apnea, but later learned that benzos and z-drugs relax your throat muscles enough to increase apnea. I was given a CPAP machine, but it was too uncomfortable for me to sleep with, especially with all the withdrawal insomnia ramping up. So far I have no plans to try one again.

How long did you try CPAP before you gave up on it? I tried the new nasal pillow mask last night and could only stand it for 1 hour. How do you get enough sleep with apnea? Are you still having sleep apnea-caused symptoms?

I have moderate sleep apnea and I wake up with headaches sometimes, sleepy throughout the day, plus I am prediabetic (and I am only 108 pounds). I really don't know what to do. If I don't use the APAP machine at least 4 hours a night within 90 days our insurance will not pay for it. Although, they really are not paying for it anyway since it is rent to own. Expensive little machine--what a waste of money, I think, in my case. I don't think I will be able to tolerate the forced air.

I raised up our bed almost 6" and it has helped some. We can't really afford for me to fail with this APAP treatment. I am very concerned about my health and the conditions sleep apnea can cause like heart disease and diabetes and stroke. I keep hoping it is all caused by benzo withdrawal and it will eventually go away, but I can't prove it is the cause.

[[Bl...]]

The "specialist" couldn't care less that I had to take two 12.5 mg. Ambien CR pills in order to sleep in the lab. I was found to have mild to moderate obstructive apnea, but later learned that benzos and z-drugs relax your throat muscles enough to increase apnea. I was given a CPAP machine, but it was too uncomfortable for me to sleep with, especially with all the withdrawal insomnia ramping up. So far I have no plans to try one again.

Interesting. I too had to take a ton of stuff to get to sleep in the lab and it triggered acute periodic limb movement (restless legs). I am prone to it but taking meds really flares it up. And no, I am not willing to take drugs with a very strong effect on my nervous system and brain to control it. Diet and exercise are better options.

 

I tried CPAP too but could not tolerate it even when on considerable Zopiclone. (Now off) Also tried the dental mouth piece and it was better but I had TMJ problems at that time which it aggravated. My apnea is mild now for the most part but sometimes ramps up ie alcohol or other things. I may try the dental appliance again as jaw seems fine now.

 

I have the head of my bed raised and that helps and am conscious of sleeping position. For awhile I used an app on my iPhone that recorded sounds in my sleep and I was able to hear apnea incidents and assess. Some apnea is "normal" or "common". As long as it doesn't last too long. Sometimes I can't get to sleep because I keep waking myself up with apnea. In that case I have to take a good look at what the contributing factors were. I even feel restless legs after certain foods. That should tell me something!

 

I too am in the withdrawal stage. Sleep is off and on. Mostly on but occasional really bad nights. Diet and lifestyle are very important factors. And light in the evening from computer and other screens. I have bought low-blue light glasses.

 

Anyone wishing to try neurofeedback at a reasonable price should look into HeartMath. I have worked on it in the past and it does help. I need to get back to it! Just 20 minutes a day.

Did your insurance cover your CPAP machine? It is so expensive and then you have to constantly replace the mask and tubing and filter. I considered a mouth guard but the sleep doctor said it would not be effective enough for moderate sleep apnea which he said I have. I don't think we could afford yet another treatment--withdrawal has already cost us thousands and thousands of dollars.

I also raised our bed up about 6" and I did notice a difference in that I seem to sleep better, but I know I am still having apnea episodes because I wake up with a headache sometimes and I am always sleepy, never feel refreshed when I get up in the morning.

Do you think it is possible that sleep apnea could be caused by benzo withdrawal--even obstructive sleep apnea? Is it possible it could resolve eventually once healed from withdrawal?

I am about ready to give up on the APAP machine--I can't tolerate the forced air. Last night I lasted 1 hour and had to rip off the mask.

[[al...]]

Hi Bluemoon,

Yes, my insurance paid for most of my CPAP, but they monitored the device to make sure that I was using it for a minimum period of time each month. If I failed the test the would stop paying for it. I used to use it while watching TV because I never could sleep well with it and wanted to keep it in the hopes that I would adjust. I finally just turned it back in. Apnea may or may not impact my sleep now, but I really don't care after all that I have been through.

 

I don't know if withdrawal can cause apnea, but I did read that it can be made worse by alcohol, benzo and z-drug use.

[[Fi...]]

Hey, Aloha, I'm sorry the CPAP didn't work for you.  That monitoring business is kind of funny, isn't it?  My husband was joking with them when he got his new model that this is the sort of thing where maybe they could spy on you or tell all the monitors to overwhelm some other site or something.

 

For the other poster who was complaining that you have to keep replacing the mask and tubing etc., that really hasn't been an issue.  It's one of those things where they try to make you do it more often than you really have to.

 

I'm just glad my husband's got something that helps and isn't about drugs, plus I admire how he just does what he has to do and doesn't fuss about it.  His is associated with Afib though.  I hope yours will get better on its own.

 

Maui was great!  I love your climate!  Only bad moment was when my husband had gone into the farmer's market so I was alone when a tsunami siren went off!  As a person who spends a fair amount of time in a beach front house on the Oregon coast imagining the Big One and the tsunami which is supposed to hit within 15 minutes, I take warnings seriously.  I was throwing everything in a bag and running out, then someone else said, "Oh, they do that  at noon on the first of every month."  OMG, my heart was practically exploding.  I wonder if they ever have people having heart attacks.  Apparently not.  All the people out on surf boards etc. just figure it's something that doesn't concern them.  Man, I have never heard a siren like that in my life and it scared me to death!

[[al...]]

Hi Finallyjoining,

Glad that you had a good trip to Maui. It is a great place to visit (but I'm glad that I live on Oahu). Yes, our civil defense sirens do get tested on the first working day of the month at around none. That would be a bad time for a real tidal wave to hit. When I am working with my windows shut and air conditioning on I don't even hear the sirens, but at least I am far enough from the ocean to not really care.

[[Bl...]]

I am just very concerned about sleep apnea and APAP machine issues--both for financial reasons and health reasons.  Our insurance really isn't paying for the machine--we will end up paying about $1500 over the next 4 months in their rent-to-own scheme. (I don't know if I could return it--maybe re-sell it.) And then, because we have such a high deductible and everything goes back to 0 after January 1, I will end up paying 100% for any replacement supplies.

Aloha--I can completely understand about you not being able to sleep with the mask. I am on my second one, trying to find one that I can sleep with it on. They are uncomfortable and the hose makes movement/turning over in bed difficult. I can see why you would wear it while watching tv in order to rack up hours towards the insurance company's compliance usage hours. For me it is minimum of 4 hours a night. Last night I tolerated it for a little over 2 hours.

With an APAP machine, it stays on the lowest air pressure setting until it senses when your airways close and then it turns up the pressure until breathing returns to normal and goes back down to the lowest setting. That way you are not getting more airway pressure when you don't need it.

Anyway, I am really hoping this is all benzo related and that it clears up eventually.

[[al...]]

I remember that one of the biggest problems that I had with the CPAP machine was that pressure would backflow and build-up in my mouth until it released noisily, waking me up just as I was falling asleep. Kind of like a strange snore. I also remember looking at myself in the mirror and seeing an old man on some sort of life support device. I also could see in my kids eyes that it sort of freaked them out too. I decided that it wasn't for me, especially since my apnea was not very bad and other more pressing sleep issues were going on.

 

Lately my sleep has been going south again. I don't know if it is a late-stage wave or if the pain of my recent back injury resulting in sciatica set me back. I was aware of waking up gasping for breath on a single occasion so I am starting to think about apnea again. I just learned to hate the incompetence of the sleep doctor in my town and would not want to go back to see him again. After the major withdrawal insomnia that I had earlier, this just seems to be a minor setback so I probably won't.

[[Bl...]]

I also have the back flow air bubble problem--in fact, last night I was struggling with waking up multiple times due to that issue.  I have to admit that the nasal pillows are a bit better than the mask I had before that covered both my nose and mouth--I have much less air leakage now. Plus the first mask caused a lot of pressure point pain all around my nose and mouth.

There are some newer masks available now that are less invasive--some just cover your nose.

I saw a webpage for a CPAP that is so small it fits over your nostrils with no tubing and no head straps and it's battery powered. It is currently being developed and the company is expecting it to be on the market in 2017. I submitted my email for update notifications on this product--it sounds amazing.

One other of the many problems I have with the nasal pillows is that I am a mouth breather at times and that nullifies any benefit from the nasal air pressure. Soooo... now I have to wear a chin strap as well. I found a YouTube site that shows how to make your own chin strap that actually works better than ones you can buy.

It is quite a sight to see oneself with all this gear on--LOL--not only do I feel like an old woman, I look like an old woman on life support with the mask and tubing. Not an attractive look whatsoever. I can see how it would be frightening for your kids to see you in the gear.

I have had back issues as well (sacro-iliac joint) and I know how painful it can be. It can be a cause for sleep disruption--not being able to find a comfortable sleeping position.

We will be moving to a town about 2 hours away and I hope I can find a better sleep doctor. I was appalled when the one I went to told me he prescribes Klonopin. I told him what happened to me, but I am sure he didn't believe about protracted withdrawal.

It is difficult to know how much the sleep issues are due to withdrawal and what can be attributed to age, hormone fluctuations (in my case). I can't help but think that benzos and withdrawal  play a part.

I have been lucky enough to visit Maui and Oahu and it really is paradise, especially Maui.

[[He...]]

Hi Finallyjoining,

Glad that you had a good trip to Maui. It is a great place to visit (but I'm glad that I live on Oahu). Yes, our civil defense sirens do get tested on the first working day of the month at around none. That would be a bad time for a real tidal wave to hit. When I am working with my windows shut and air conditioning on I don't even hear the sirens, but at least I am far enough from the ocean to not really care.

 

Hello ALOHAFROMHAWAII

 

You probably don't remember me, but about 5 months AGO you helped me so much when I was struggling with very bad wd sxs from my too aggressive Valium taper. I was new to benzo buddies and had no idea what I was doing. You kept me going and hanging on through very rough times.

 

I was just wandering around the support groups just now and saw your "name" so I thought I would thank you, so very much. Sometime people don't realize how much they help another person and they never get really thanked. I don't know how I lost track of you, but since I found you, please accept my biggest gratitude .

I am not out if the woods. I am down to 1.18 dAily dose of Valium and I am ending a 4 month hold. I'll probably start a daily micro cut after the new year.

 

I hope you will have a safe and good taper and will win your battle with insomnia with as little struggle as possible. I have had some pretty bad bouts of insomnia, but my doc gave me a very small dose of Remeron to take only as needed. He said I could take it nightly, but I don't want to get addicted to it. I only take  a very small dose, 3.75 mg about once a week when I have not gotten good sleep for 2-3 consecutive nights. I guess I am lucky that my bad insomnia only happens about once a week.

 

Thank you and Bless you again for the support and encouragement you gave me back in May. You were truly my lifesaver and  an angel! 

 

Heathcliff

[[al...]]

Hi Heathcliff,

Your post made my morning when I read it! This withdrawal business is such a horrible thing so to hear that I was able to make it even a little better for someone really made me feel good inside. It sounds like things are going better for you now. Just be strong and continue with your taper and all of this will be behind you some day soon. Good luck to you and happy Thanksgiving!

[[Co...]]

my insomnia is killing me. I can't walk anymore, because my muscles are so tired, i dislocate joints. (i have problems with connective tissue outside of benzo's)

i don't know what to do. i'm so very weak, but it seems that i can't push myself anymore. My body is just done with it

[[Sh...]]

Corsair - Sorry to hear that you're still suffering so badly. Are you getting any sleep at all nightly, weekly? Are certain symptom keeping you awake, like spasms?

 

I sure don't have any magic answers/advice, but wish I did. Really time is the only cure-all, and you're probably pretty sick of hearing that by now. But it just takes some of us a way longer time than others to heal. Hang in there and keep taking good care of yourself; it has to get better.

[[Be...]]

Corsair,

 

If you can afford it, I found that low frequency neurofeedback helped dramatically. It did take about 40 sessions before I went from 1-3 hours a night of broken sleep to now 6.5-8 hours of still broken sleep.  I also use an audiobook app on my phone in which I can dowload any of thousands of books form my local library for free.  I use it to get to sleep if I dont fall asleep right away, and then find my place and use it throughout the night whenever I wake up. This process took about 6 months, so while sleep is still broken ,up 1-4 times a night, I can usually total an average of 7 hours. The longest recent stretch has been 5.25 hours last week.

 

Also, get a Fitbit to monitor your actual sleep. You're probably sleeping more than you think. LAst night for example, I figured I didnt sleep more than 3 hours, but when I looked at the fitbit, it showed that I did, in fact, get over 7 hours.  It works on the movement of your wrist .  I know that I can be still for 15-20 minutes, but any longer than that and I know I'm asleep.  So, it may be better than you think. 

 

This is truly hell. Im 42 months off klonopn and 27 months off Remeron and still having big issues with brain fog, nausea, dizziness, breathing air hunger stuff, joint pains, GI stuff,  itching rashes.  I'ts certainly better than a year ago, and I guess it could possibly just go away tomorrow, but it doesnt look like it.  Those of us who have been in this for years, like me, have concluded that it will take 24-40 months from the date of getting off your last med, to feel relatively well again, assuming you fall into the protracted group.  Good luck.  You'll get through it just as so many others have also done

 

Also,, consider doing cranio-sacral sessions They too are very calming for the nervous system .  I do that 3x/week for the past few months.  I am now going on another round of neurofeedback for another 20-40 more sessions, twice a week.  These were the only things that helped with sleep and the symptoms.  Good luck to us all.