HELLO MY FELLOW PEOPLE IN HELL

[[Ma...]]

Hello. I CT'd off benzos June of 2016, so it has been close to eight months and living in total misery. I have been reading this forum a lot and decided I needed to join since I don't have a good support team around. I was on .5mg Klonopin(1-2x daily) for 2 1/2 - 3 years for panic attacks. I wasn't aware of how horrible this drug would be. I was having trouble with low blood pressure/weakness/fainting and my cardiologist advised me to stop taking it, a long with my lexapro, plus quit smoking marijuana and cigarettes. So I did, I wasn't advised to wean off and I was so determined to feel better that I stopped everything all at once. COMPLETE and UTTER HELL. Since then, I might of had a few windows of positivity around 5-6 months out however, my step-father died at Christmas and since then I've been having the worst mental symptoms(deep depression, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, dp/dr, fear of going mad or schizophrenic). To be almost 8 months out from a CT is that considered normal or do y'all think I have a serious mental issue? I'm terrified that I might. Please if anyone has any feedback, I surely can use some help. Thanks.

 

Mappin

[[pi...]]

Hello Mappin1986,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! Congratulations on being benzo and medication free!!

 

What is seriously wrong with you is that you are going through withdrawal.  You did it the hard way, going cold turkey. Additionally you stopped Lexapro, marijuana and cigarettes at the same time. While these other drugs don't target the same receptors as benzos, your central nervous system went into shock with such a drastic change.  Stress can also bring on stronger symptoms, I'm sorry for your loss.  What you are feeling is normal for withdrawal and it will ease up with time.  While I can't tell you how long it will take, everyone heals at a different rate, I can tell you that your nervous system will try to find balance and will work towards that goal.

 

I'll give you a link to the Ashton Manual. While it discusses tapering in detain, it also gives good information about the withdrawal process in general. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Cold Turkey, Detox and Rapid Withdrawal Board where you can communicate with others in the same situation as yourself.

 

We understand what you are going through and will support and encourage you as you recover. Please do ask questions, we're her to help.

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Cold Turkey, Detox & Rapid Withdrawal 

 

pianogirl

 

[[be...]]

Welcome from me too! My heart goes out to you. I too did a CT withdrawal so I know firsthand the horrors of doing one. It was the most horrific experience of my life.  One of the reason why this type of withdrawal is ill-advised is because symptoms can be severe. So, unfortunately what you are experiencing is  not not uncommon.  My symptoms once I was past the acute phase were all mental...mentally excruciating. I am glad to read that you had some windows. They are a glimpse into your future. You will get better.