Hello

[[Pa...]]

I am looking for information to understand what benzos do on the long terms. I have nver been on high dose but was prescribed 0.5 mg of klonopin to help kick in the ads. I am off nay meds now after 15-16 years of being on and off many ads and also klonopin on an as needed use. I am just wondering if having been even on short term use of klonopin never longer than 2 weeks on a row (until last year : 8weeks) stopping without tapering have damages my CNS. I think I started on it when I was put on cymbalta 9 years ago. Last year was my last year taking klonopin for over 8 weeks (I started to cut in half after a month)  but never more than 0.5 mg per night. I tapered too fast not knowing. I am now a physical mess with muscle pain tightness and twitches in leg and tingling in feet. My shoulders are a mess and I have frequent headaches. Tinnitus constant for almost two years. My doctor keep insisting it is not related to any of the meds. I also was on a lot of antibiotics for the past 40 years due to rheumatic fever. if you could educate me, it would be great. Thank you.

[[ma...]]

Hi  Papillon Welcome to benzobuddies

 

Sorry you are having a rough time, it will get better.  Benzodiazepines should only be used short term (2/3) weeks.  It doesn’t take long for the body to become dependent on these drugs.  Sporadic use can lead to dependency.  Anyone on these drugs longer than short term should taper off slowly.

 

Withdrawal symptoms are awful and can be severe but they are temporary. It can take quite a while for the CNS to recover, it will recover eventually.  I think you will find some comfort communicating with those who are in the same situation as you are.  Congratulations on being benzo free.!

 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum. We have many supportive and kind members here who will support you and give sound advice. Feel free to check out the forum and post to any of our dedicated threads.

 

I would suggest you read The Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

I'll leave you a couple of links:

 

Professor Ashtons Manual

 

Post withdrawal recovery support.

 

When you have a chance please write a signature line that will appear at the bottom of each post, describing your medication history. Here are the directions to do that: Create a signature

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita