I think Benzos hurt my kidneys and I'm super depressed.

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I'm 4 month off almost and just went to the doctor and found out my kidneys aren't functioning normally and weren't last time I was checked 5 years ago but nobody told me. I think it was the benzos though I didn't abuse them. Just took them as prescribed but was addicted.  Now I have to monitor this so it doesn't get worse and their are other meds I need to stay on which could effect it. I'm already super depressed and feeling like I will never feel normal again and suicidal (I'm not gonna act on it but I'm sick of it crossing my mind)with fears of death at the same time which is now heightened by this fear my kidneys are failing. I went out just a little and I was so moody and the sounds around me from people were so irritating and overstimulating I was afraid I was gonna tell someone to shut up which would not be their fault.  I'm so tired of this stupid feeling and what this medication did to me. Sorry I'm just posting because I'm worn out by w/d at the moment. I just want my life back. I feel like spilling the beans here at least might help people considering coming off know the dangers of this drug. Every doctor should be required to read this website. Has anyone else had kidney issues from these drugs?

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Did ur doctor tell u what ur age’s average GFR is? Not sure if ur doctor informed u but a Glomerular filtration rate or GFR describes the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney. This is one of the most standard tests used to check ur kidney function. Also if ur doctor is aware that ur kidney function has declined significantly enough to cause concern, then why would they keep u on medications that can possibly cause further damage? The reason I ask is bc I was also concerned about my kidney function while in tolerance wd & after my CT bc my GFR was below the average of what it was supposed to b. The thing is, that number can fluctuate depending on multiple factors. Even though mine was below the normal number for my age group on different occasions, there was also times where I went in & had it done, & it was back up to it’s normal rate. I believe that wd can possibly cause some irregularities, but I’m pretty sure there would b some more serious indicators if ur kidney’s were permanently damaged. I’ve had two friends that went through dialysis due to renal failure, one was a type 1 diabetic & the other had experienced several concerning symptoms of a long period of time. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, I was told by my physician that testing should b done consistently over a period of several weeks to month’s. Also, has ur GP referred u to a nephrologist? They should definitely do so if there r some major causes for concern. I hope this can b somewhat helpful. Hang in there & try not to let this consume ur mind before u have a definitive diagnosis. This type of worry & stress can fuel the symptoms of withdrawal & make it much more difficult than it already is. All the best in healing

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Thanks Easydoesit45 that helps  a ton! I'm gonna write down yr advice. I don't know what to make of what I was told. The doctor is an intern in training who had another doctor overseeing her . She was very nice but very young and literally talking to me like a teenager. I didn't get to talk to the doctor overseeing her after my results just her on the phone. She just told me my kidney function was low and that it was the same 5 years ago too so I don't think its fluctuating. She said I had no diabetes or other things which caused it. I was never a drinker. I hate drugs and alcohol. I asked about my current meds and she said they aren't the cause but I know any medication gets filtered thru the kidneys and can cause harm. I guess I need to find a doctor to see if the dangers of staying on these meds outweigh the need for taking them. At first emailed me to come in for an ultrasound then she called and said nevermind they will just watch it. She just told me to drink lots of water, not to take Advil and I have to be tested regularly now. I asked what would happen it got worse/ what they are looking for and she said kidney disease. That was it. I'm starting to think I need to go back in a talk to her so I can talk to the doctor overseeing her or something because you gave me more information than she did. Anyways I'm glad yours got better and yr doing ok!

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No problem. If that’s all the information she gave u I would definitely consult with ur PC about ur concerns. I’ve also been told that another thing to avoid would b any NSAID’s on a regular basis. From what I understand, taking them daily over long periods has also been known to contribute to kidney disease & or renal failure. And like she said, b sure ur staying hydrated. Don’t b afraid or hesitant to get the information u want from ur physician either. That’s why they get paid the big bucks u know? I get that new physicians need to get experienced in a real world setting but that shouldn’t b any excuse for u to walk out of there not fully understanding the information they provided. And that’s probably good news that they didn’t refer u to a nephrologist. From what I’ve seen, that can usually b one of the first steps taken when doctor’s r more seriously concerned about ur kidney’s. And no worries, I spent more than 2 year’s in & out of the hospital having testing done bc of these damn benzo’s & basically stressed myself out so bad that for several months I thought that I was going to keel over & die any second. Well, here I am, healthier & happier than I ever was on benzo’s. Keep us posted, hopefully it’s just a matter of some healthy lifestyle changes. All the best in healing.