my story in brief

[[ge...]]

Until about a month ago I knew nothing about anti-anxiety medications for myself, only for other family members and some friends. While being treated for a GI bacterial problem, to address side effects of the antibiotic, I was prescribed lorazepam and xanax. I took very small dosage amounts (.5mg, .25), got mixed benefit, but lo and behold, the month's worth of time was enough to create dependence. I'm now close to one week out from last taking anything and having never experienced anything like this before, I've been stunned at what's happened. I'm taking gabapentin to help smooth out this process. It's helping some but telltale symptoms of withdrawal are active. I welcome learning from others and appreciate any advice on how to manage this experience. Having been sensitive to these drugs to begin with, to the point that I should have been advised to stop early on, I'm not surprised that the withdrawal is also difficult. Thanks

[[be...]]

Hi  Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I am glad you found us. They really should not be taken for more than two weeks for a variety of reason. A dependency can develop in as little as two weeks, and they need to be tapered past that point. Your doses are not that low. Both Xanax and Ativan are 10 times stronger than Valium, and because they are both so short acting they are two of the more difficult to withdraw from. Gabapentin is sometimes used, but it too needs to be tapered and can benzo like withdrawal symptoms.

 

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-cruel

 

[[ge...]]

Thanks for the welcome. What can folks tell me about nausea (woke up with it this morning) as part of the benzo withdrawal process? Does this tend to come in the second wave of symptoms? I am 8 days in to the withdrawal process from use of lorazepam and xanax related to a health problem. (See my introduction).

 

Thanks

[Guest [Le...]]

Welcome, gettinghealthy!

 

Sorry to start out by equivocating, but nausea can happen with the benzo tapering/withdrawal, and also in early Gabapentin use. I was also given Gabapentin (see my sig) to help withdrawal and nerve pain from lumbar stenosis, and it has helped.

 

From my experience, less is more, and I found that I did not need the prescribed 1200 mg (or more as needed) of Gabapentin a day. I'm down to 400 mg at bedtime, which, on top of easing withdrawal somewhat, also helps the nerve pain and improves sleep.

 

If you are still very early with the use of Gabapentin, the nausea doesn't last that long. If your nausea is a benzo WD artifact, then it's up in the air because those symptoms are all over the place.

 

The good news about that is that, as horrible as many days are, good ones can pop up throughout the process - relatively good days, not great ones - so try to hang on to those.

 

Also, you were on benzos for a short time, so the other good news is that you may have an easier time tapering, despite the strong dosages.

 

Best of luck in your healing journey!

Leslie 

[[ge...]]

Thanks for the helpful, thoughtful reply. At some point I'll create my signature. I appreciate all the encouragement. Hoping the insomnia moves out soon!

[[ge...]]

Does anyone have the experience that withdrawal symptoms lighten up by evening time? Then, tend to kick in overnight again or early morning?

[[sh...]]

In reading through the boards that appears vey common.  For me, I was better in the mornings.  Always have been a morning person.

[[ge...]]

Hi, all. So, I'm in my fourth week of withdrawal after just a month of using prescribed Lorazepam and Xanax related to a major health problem (small doses overnight and in the morning) and the main feature seems to be constant anxiety and crying spells. Can anyone shed light on where I am in the process? Thanks