Does anybody know who helped the user chessplayer reinstate?

[[ne...]]

Hey all, I stumbled on an old post about reinstating in which chessplayer said:

 

I failed my first taper attempt - I got to 0 but was suffering absolute insomnia and feared losing my job. So I understand the pain of benzo withdrawal. If you look back to around November 2015 you'll find some agonized posts from me on the subject of "should I re-instate?". I wound up re-instating, but with the intention of tapering again, doing a better taper and eventually succeeding. Which I did, with the help of BB. I finally got to benzo-free by November 2016.

 

I am grateful to those BB's who gave clear unambiguous advice to get off, and I am glad I had enough clarity of mind and strength to follow that advice.

 

Does anybody know who helped the user chessplayer reinstate and taper? Are they still around? Because I could really use some of that help myself.

Sorry if this is the wrong section for the question I didn't know where to put it. 

[[Co...]]

What Chessplayer suggested - to reinstate for the purposes of tapering off again, 'but this time properly' - has no pharmacological basis. Certainly, Professor Ashton criticised it.

 

https://www.benzo.org.uk/ashsupp11.htm

 

Reinstatement, updosing

 

A dilemma faced by some people in the process of benzodiazepine withdrawal, or after withdrawal, is what to do if they have intolerable symptoms which do not lessen after many weeks. If they are still taking benzodiazepines, should they increase the dose? If they have already withdrawn, should they reinstate benzodiazepines and start the withdrawal process again? This is a difficult situation which, like all benzodiazepine problems, depends to some degree on the circumstances and the individual, and there are no hard and fast rules.

 

Reinstatement after withdrawal? Many benzodiazepine users who find themselves in this position have withdrawn too quickly; some have undergone 'cold turkey'. They think that if they go back on benzodiazepines and start over again on a slower schedule they will be more successful. Unfortunately, things are not so simple. For reasons that are not clear, (but perhaps because the original experience of withdrawal has already sensitised the nervous system and heightened the level of anxiety) the original benzodiazepine dose often does not work the second time round. Some may find that only a higher dose partially alleviates their symptoms, and then they still have to go through a long withdrawal process again, which again may not be symptom-free.

 

Updosing during withdrawal? Some people hit a "sticky patch" during the course of benzodiazepine withdrawal. In many cases, staying on the same dose for a longer period (not more than a few weeks) before resuming the withdrawal schedule allows them to overcome this obstacle. However, increasing the dose until a longed-for plateau of 'stability' arrives is not a good strategy. The truth is that one never 'stabilises' on a given dose of benzodiazepine. The dose may be stable but withdrawal symptoms are not. It is better to grit one's teeth and continue the withdrawal. True recovery cannot really start until the drug is out of the system.

 

Pharmacologically, neither reinstating nor updosing is really rational. If withdrawal symptoms are still present, it means that the GABA/benzodiazepine receptors have not fully recovered (see above). Further benzodiazepines cause further down-regulation, strengthen the dependence, prolong withdrawal, delay recovery and may lead to protracted symptoms. In general, the longer the person remains on benzodiazepines the more difficult it is to withdraw. On the whole, anyone who remained benzodiazepine-free, or has remained on the same dose, for a number of weeks or months would be ill-advised to start again or to increase dosage. It would be better to devote the brain to solving individual symptoms and to finding sources of advice and support. Advice about how to deal with individual symptoms is given in the Manual (Chapter 3).

[[ne...]]

Thanks Colin, I already read this post on the site http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=53305.0 and know reinstating is not a good idea. Problem is, I had a concussion with seizures more than a month a go and doctors put me back on benzos. I don't consider reinstating, I have already reinstated.  :'(

I don't feel well and could use some help. Thanks again.

 

[[Co...]]

Hi new0girl,

 

If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines to control seizures, they you need to be double careful withdrawing. You musk seek help and guidance from your doctor.

 

Try not to worry about benzodiazepine use and withdrawal; control of seizures is of greater importance.

 

Do you know if you are likely to suffer seizures on a ongoing basis? Or was it a one-off situation?

[[ne...]]

Thank you for your compassion.

 

I think the seizures are gone now, at least they don't bother me anymore on the diazepam. They are frequently a consequence of concussions; that should be resolved by now, as most people heal from concussions within a month. https://denveruppercervical.com/concussion-recovery/

 

There is no use in talkin to the drs, there are no benzowise drs in my country. I live in a former communist country in Eastern Europe. I just want to get as safe as possible off the benzo at this moment. I tried just stopping them after the 5 times I needed them for seizures, but I was back in acute hell. I need to taper.

[[Co...]]

But a doctor will advise you about a safe taper rate (and if you should taper off at all) given your recent experience with seizures. For the most part, benzodiazepines are used for short-term treatment of seizure. Although benzos, as a class, are great for treating serious seizures, they are usually do not work well in the long-term (I speak from experience of non-epileptic seizure disorder). I suggest you try to find the advice of neurologist if you plan to quit your benzodiazepines. As quitting (even at a gentle taper off) this class of medications is problematic (and potentially dangerous) if you are prone to seizure.

 

I am not suggesting that you cannot quit benzodiazepines - I really do not know. I just wish you to properly understand the extra risks in your situation.

[[ne...]]

I understand, you raise some valid points.

 

I've already talked to two neurologist, the first suggested to do a rapid crossover to sodium valproate and the other told me I have nothing serious at this point but anxiety and should go to a psychiatrist. I had tremors during the consultation and she diagnosed me in 30 sec after meeting me.

 

For all these consultations, MRI, CT, EEG I had to pay out of my pocket because I can't afford healthcare due to being disabled. Any additional Drs appointment costs me more money than I already have and I am tired of paying to hear uneducated advice.

[[Co...]]

I see. Well, be as careful as you can be. And try to not be by yourself if any doubt when tapering. Good luck.

[[ne...]]

Thank you, Colin.