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1 Year off Klonopin. Just found out about PAWS *ding*


[Ja...]

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Hi folks.  I am right at the 1 year mark of being off benzos and SSRIs.  I just recently found out about post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and the symptoms associated with these drugs.  Wow... the last year of my life is starting to make a lot of sense.  It is great to realize this long, arduous process is "normal" and other people are dealing with the same issues.

 

I was taking 1-4 mg of Klonopin and 10 mg of Celexa daily for about 3 years.  I was taking Ativan prior to that in much lower doses for another year.  I was also drinking heavily and smoking weed for the last two years of that period.

 

I tapered super quickly over about a month's time last July (spent two months tapering off of the Celexa).  Knowing what I do now I realize I probably made things harder on myself.  But, I exercised like crazy during that time and sweat like a mad man.  I had crazy acne on my arms and back and a lot of joint pain as the drugs worked out of my body.  I felt pretty good for about 5 months, minus high anxiety.  Then depression really hit me along with what I now know to be other PAWS like symptoms.

 

I am still dealing with the following: social anxiety, pretty bad depression, obsessive thoughts, crying and mood swings, some sexual dysfunction, alcohol and caffeine sensitivities, cognitive and memory problems, lacking some physical coordination.

 

I am supporting myself with therapy to work through the underlying issues that led me to benzo's in the first place.  I am exercising frequently, eating mostly whole organic foods, getting sleep, and having little to no alcohol or caffeine.  I have also been taking herbal tinctures and supplements over the past year.

 

I am looking forward to learning more from the folks on this site!

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Hi Jahwerks,

I'm glad you found this site - you'll have a lot of your questions answered here.  Understanding what's happening and knowing I'm not alone has been a bit part of the battle for me.

 

A moderator will be along to welcome you here - I just wanted to say hi since I can relate so much to what you're going through.  I suffered through a bad withdrawal from Paxil and then cold turkeyed off Klonopin before I learned why I was suffering so much.

 

It does get better.

 

CH

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[ad...]

Hello, Jahwerks :) - welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

Congratulations on being benzo-free - you've come to the right place to recover.  :thumbsup:

 

So many of us found this site the same way you did. I had no idea why I was so sick for no reason any doctor could find, I just knew that I was suddenly broken after being utterly healthy and totally functional. Googled all my symptoms, many of which you describe, and bingo!

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.

 

Based on the information provided in your introduction, the following link may be a good starting place for you to post your questions.

 

Post-withdrawal Recovery Support

 

When you have a chance, I recommend that you take a look at The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative source on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature. This will allow members to see where you are in the process, so that they can better support you.

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the forum!

  Leslie  :smitten:

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