Need help

[[Pi...]]

Hi my name us Pixie  Boo i have health anxiety very serve depression and a panic disorder was put on Atvian 1Mg twice daily been on the same dose for over two years I take my 1mg dose at 9 in the morning and 1mg at 6 pm but I feel sick body pains having panic attacks again I cry everyday I have kids and want to be happy and live my biggest fear is death I'm always anxious and I want to tapper of Atvian doing the LT tapper as I want to go very slow as I'm so terrified to even start from all the story's ive read please can u help me I'm alone in all this and don't know what to do or where to turn to please help me  I'm from South Africa

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  It sounds like your original dose may no longer be working - this is called tolerance and it's very common with long term benzo use.  Health anxiety is a common symptom - mine was severe, but as we learn other ways to deal with our anxieties (relentless self- distraction and meditation helped me) we eventually get to the point where we don't need benzos anymore.  This takes time, but it eventually does happen, as it did for me.

 

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:

 

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!