New member introduction GADPTSDGUY

[[GA...]]

Hi,

 

Just joined this website.  Have just recently realized and learned that many symptom I am having over the last couple of months may/are related to the longterm use of Benzos and Zs.

 

I have been taking Benzos and Zs since May of 2007 when I sought treatment for anxiety issues.  I have been on many medications/doses over the years with mostly beneficial effects.

 

As of late (last several months) I have found myself having more anxiety related episodes, some depression increase, irritability, upper back pain, general fog, loss of ambition and short term memory loss.  Based on what I have read, Benzo/Z tolerance may be the cause/aggrevator.

 

I have been on more or less the same meds for at least 2 years.  They are as follows-

 

Lorazepam  1mg/daily before bed (or as needed, usually nothing, but last few months, 1-2 extra a week)

Clonazepam 1mg/daily before bed

Zopiclone      1mg/daily before bed

 

As well as-

 

Prozac        20mg/daily before bed

Trazadone  50mg/daily before bed

Cesamet    1mg/daily before bed

 

I was diagnosed by 2 doctors.  Both agreed on the G.A.D and mild depression with the second adding PTSD (the first doctor agreed I had some symptoms, but wouldn't call it PTSD).  Since seeking treatment I have been "stable", minor ups and downs.  I tolerate most meds I have tried very well.  I don't escalate dosage.  I am in my mid 30s, exercise regularly and in good health except for an apnea condition for which I use a CPAP.  I don't smoke.  I do drink, almost daily, in the evening.  Can range between 1 drink to 10.  Average would be 2-3.  I don't use any illicit drugs and haven't in the past.

 

Questions;

 

1-  From what I have read I am certainly a "long term" user, but am unclear if I am at a "high dosage" level. Am I?

2-  Should I just be concerned about the Benzos/Zs or do the other meds contribute in some way?

3-  Do my recent symptom changes fit with a Benzo/Z tolerance issue?

4-  How do I know which reduction technique is best for me?  I quit smoking over a 2 week period.  I have gone several days without one or more of my Benzos/Zs before due to prescription running out, forgot at home when away, up too late and skipped a dose so as not to be sleeping the whole next day.  The only side effect I have noticed is sleepiness (I assume due to poor sleep).  I can go several days without alcohol without feeling that I have to go and consume a drink.  Is any of this information relevant/helpful?

5-  Will my anxiety symptoms return as before I sought treatment.  I have a much better understanding of the nature of the disease, my triggers and their effect on me.  Do I just have to learn how to "live" with the symptoms if they return?

6-  In the short term, will I know what symptoms are related to the reduction and which are related to my root condition?

7-  Sleep.  As I stated before I use a CPAP machine for Apnea.  When I have run out of Zopiclone, I have used an OTC sleep aid, which seems to work.  Can the OTC sleep aid be a substitute for Zopiclone?

8-  What else do I need to know?

 

Thanks in advance.

[[Bi...]]

GADPTSDGUY,

 

Welcoming you to Benzo Buddies,

 

I have been taking Benzos and Zs since May of 2007 when I sought treatment for anxiety issues.  I have been on many medications/doses over the years with mostly beneficial effects.

 

As of late (last several months) I have found myself having more anxiety related episodes, some depression increase, irritability, upper back pain, general fog, loss of ambition and short term memory loss.  Based on what I have read, Benzo/Z tolerance may be the cause/aggrevator.

 

These symptoms certainly sound like tolerance to me, although I'm no doctor or professional.

Have you told your doctor about these symptoms?

 

When I was in tolerance; I had every symptom you explain in the above.

 

As far as your questions and concerns, this all varies from person to person.

 

You will find plenty of support here.

Others will be along to weigh in.

 

Billy.

[[fi...]]

Welcome aboard.  I agree with Billy, most of your symptoms sound like tolerance withdrawal to me.  I have been on Clonazepam for 4 years and am slowly tapering off of it.  (Although I am currently holding at 1.75 mg. until I become stable).

 

By the way, do you have a doctor you are working with?

 

At any rate, welcome aboard again and I wish you well in your taper.

 

Sincerely,

 

fg