Hi Everyone

[[Ya...]]

My name is Yakov, grateful to be here.  It's been a tough go and it's truly a relief to hear that I'm not the only one suffering from benzo withdrawal!  I took 1 mg of Xanax and/or Klonopin to go to sleep at night for about 10 years, maybe longer.  I honestly don't remember and years of doctor's visits were really getting me down.  My wife read about "tolerance withdrawal" and it's like a light bulb went off.  I quit cold turkey on July 4, 2017 and my doctor prescribed 10 mg of Ambien at night to sleep as a taper.  I see in the forum that valium is the preference for tapering, but I was so desperate to rid myself of the poison that I am determined to stay off benzos. Now I'm experiencing derealization, light headedness, trouble swallowing, muscle fatigue, constipation, imbalance, fatigue, tinnitus, tightness in the chest, heart palpitations, sinitus, and headache.  How long do I have to live like this?

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad to have you as a new member.  Cold turkeying benzos after many years of use often leads to the kinds of symptoms you describe, and these can last a long time in some people.  Since we're all so different, there's no way to predict how long your symptoms will last, but hopefully you'll start feeling better soon.

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through.

 

For those who are starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but there are many others. These are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Post Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested taper schedules.

 

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!