Short Term Ativan Use... Need Tapering Help

[[Th...]]

Some people have also said that Xyrem is a good way to get off of a benzo since it's non-addictive and guaranteed sleep. Some say that if you're tolerant of it (which I'm not), it could cause next day anxiety.  Hmm. Confused.

 

Hi LV,

 

With the little bit of research I did on Xyrem, it is central nervous system depressent (this is what benzos do also). It also says it is habit forming. You can do some more research at drugs.com. Doctors don't know everything about drugs they prescribe because they only get the pharmaceutical side of the equation. You have to be your own advocate nowadays, doctors simply don't take or have the time to look into everyting. Keep searching for answers!

 

T2

[[Li...]]

Yeah, Theresa... I completely understand that!  If not for research I'd probably still be on the Ativan!

 

Odd it says that Xyrem is habit forming... it's definitely not chemically addicting, but I'd imagine it does modify your sleep patterns.  I've gone without some nights and had bad sleep, but no bad side effects.  From what I've read, most people just stop taking it and don't have withdrawal (unless it's simply an emotional dependence). My doctor did suggest to taper it when I'm ready to stop taking it, but I've also read it can have a bad effect at small doses because there's a strong dopamine effect when it wears off (now too quickly), making you hyper.

 

That's the effect it has upon awakening, which made me wonder too, if that's why my withdrawal is maybe more enhanced.  My current sensitive system plus a surge of dopamine in the morning could be the reason my mornings have been bad in withdrawal.

[[Co...]]

Hi LittleViolet,

 

Since you have real sleep disorder (not one induced by benzo withdrawal),  you should seek out specialised help with treatment suggestions. We can help you with benzo withdrawal, and regular exchange ideas of how to ease benzo-induced insomnia, but suggestions from us on how to tackle your insomnia might end up making you worse. I'm not trying to push away - I'm just trying to make clear the limitations of our information and experience. Sometimes, a pharmacist knows about these issues than your doctor - try talking to both of them.

[[Li...]]

Sure Colin... I think you misunderstand.  I was just wondering how the sleep drug I take may be effecting me during withdrawal.  I don't have insomnia, even off Xyrem (though I may now in withdrawal!), just light sleep. 

 

From what I've been told and read, even though Xyrem does have an effect on GABA, it's probably okay to take in withdrawal, then I can get off of it later. At least I hope that's true... there's just not much out there about it. 

[Guest [st...]]

Hi, LV,

 

Just checking in on you.  You seem to be hanging in there quite nicely even doing some exercising.  Good for you.

 

Patty  xo

[Guest [Pe...]]

Hi Violet,

 

    I was reading your questions about exercise and whether or not it's good to do during withdrawal. Quite honestly, the strength training your doing is going to be fine for you and I would highly recommend you continue to do it. However, you're going to find that the best exercise you can do will be cardio - even if it's low impact for only 45 minutes a day.

 

    Keep in mind - you might not find that cardio exercise is a good idea initially, as it's going to ramp up your breathing and heart rate. This, in turn, may give you panic attacks (I get them from exercise from time to time). This will subside as long as you ride it out. The benefit lies in how well it regulates your metabolism and assists with keep that adrenal response at bay. Start with something small, like walking, but make sure it increases your heart rate for 45 minutes! Exercise is a fantastic method by which to help get through withdrawal!

 

-Petey

[[Li...]]

Hi all... just checking in, and a question.

 

First off, symptoms are improving.  My legs actually felt good enough over the weekend to go outside and work in the garden, which I haven't been able to do for some time.  I get some mild muscle spasms daily, but my joint pain is almost gone! My left hand still feels "arthritic" close to the wrist, though. The morning anxiety is still there, but lessened.  My pulse does go up occasionally, mostly after I eat and eat a lot or fast (or get anxious). Generally starting to feel more like myself, which is fantastic.

 

I know I probably have weeks left at least before I hopefully feel "normal" again, but a new issue has cropped up. I mentioned earlier in this thread that I wanted to discontinue my birth control pill, because I know it heightens my anxiety and makes me moody. I'm now on my last week of my last pack of pills, and will either have to go to my gyno and get a new script, or choose this as the opportunity to stop.

 

I'm wondering, if I do so, what effect it might have during withdrawal and vice versa?  Has there been any examples of hormone/gaba interaction, for lack of a better term?  I know I'll have some crappy side effects from getting off the pill, but I'm thinking I'd might rather just do it now and get over all of this at once.  However, if going off now could somehow effect the withdrawal, it might be more sensible to wait.  Don't know.

 

I know you guys aren't experts on this topic by any means.  I've asked my general doctor and he sees no problem with going off, of course. As we all know, docs don't always know everything. 

 

 

[[Be...]]

Hi, Littleviolet 

 

I'm so glad to hear so many things have improved for you.  It really is a big psychological boost when you are able to start doing some of your old activities. 

 

I don't have an answer to your questions although I've certainly seen plenty of posts about hormones making symptoms worse (as in just before and during a period).  You might want to post your question on the Other Prescribed Medications board here:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=60.0