Benzo w/d for "Seniors" (over age 60)

[[je...]]

I understand that benzos (and other medications) can affect Seniors much differently than the younger aged folks.  Do we have people out there who are older that wish to share anything of help/info/tips, or w/d symptoms different or worse than the general aged group?  Just wondering......

[[Ce...]]

Good question jeanermouse...I've often wondered this same thing, although the younger crowd seem to have it just as hard. This really isn't easy for anyone really...sad to say...but I have often wondered if my age hinders my healing...there is a section here for 50 and over...it's interesting, but not used much.

[[be...]]

I'm not really sure. I'm 65 and was on lots of benzos until last August. In 14 months I'm now off 8 mg of Ativan and roughly 2 mg of klonopin. Only 10 mg of Valium left to go. So I think at times it's will power, dedication and acceptance that at times there are many bumps in the road. But I'm retired and at the moment agoraphobic again which had disappeared prior to starting Valium. I'm hoping it will pass but I think this would all apply to young and old. I often wish I had more distractions but they are limited. I thing younger people often have more distractions (kids, work, etc) but this can really help bud sadly make things worse as well. So at least in my opinion age doesn't really factor in as in "overall". I think every person young or older will have their own individual issues. I'm having a rough go with the Valium but I don't believe that's age. I think we're all pretty equal and individual when it comes to these drugs. I'm no worse off or doing better than anyone. Regardless of age. That's just my opinion. B

[[Be...]]

Conggrats on 10mg Barb, im cutting today ...I had to hold for awhile due to my dad's death ......talk about pain. It's brutal.

[[lo...]]

Hi jeanermouse

 

I am 62 and it is 42 months since I stopped taking nitrazepam.  I don't really have any special advice related to age.  I certainly recommend a slow taper. which I see you are doing anyway.  I have had a very difficult withdrawal but tapered too fast.  Staying positive, finding as many ways to distract from symptoms as possible are the most important things and apply to any age.  I don't believe that age hinders our healing though of course I have no proof.  I see too many younger people suffering just as much.  I am amazed at the way my brain is recovering but it is a very slow and tedious process.  I think it is easier in some ways for me because I am retired and I don't have to worry about getting back to work or anything like that.  I see you are on A/Ds too.  I tapered off effexor during my benzo withdrawal without any problem so just because one drug causes a severe withdrawal doesn't mean that every drug will do that.  I was on nitrazepam and A/Ds for 40 years.

 

Fiona 

[[Me...]]

I am 61 and do agree that it is easier now than it would have been when I had a house full of kids. I am an elected official in my community but did not run for re-election so will be finished Dec 31. I feel like I am crawling to the finish line. I don't know how the younger people with families, jobs, etc. do it! They are an inspiration to me.

 

I am a bucket of tears today. I guess that means I can celebrate healing

 

[[on...]]

Hello I turned sixty in May and completed my taper at the end of May after 30 years on xanax. I agree that not having little children around  who depend on you helps. During my taper I was able to crawl back to bed in the morning if I had a bad day and no one  needed me to get up and going. However,  I do worry that maybe an older body and the length of time I as on benzos has slowed down my healing...hard to say.

[[be...]]

Thanks Beat. Really sorry about your dad. Very painful always. But yeah I've been thinking that right now I couldn't cope with kids needing me non stop as kids do. But in reality I'm not sure I'd deal with that very well right now with or without w/d. I'm usually happy to see my grandkids but equally happy when they head home. For shame! I do know that I couldn't have worked outside the house though. Don't know how people manage that. So not age....just withdrawal. I would definitely have taken a leave of absence. My brain couldn't have focused properly. Sad but true. B