New member

[[ro...]]

Hello everyone,

 

A year and a half ago I began having massive panic attacks out of the blue and wound up the hospital as a result of the first incident. It began effecting my personal and work life and at first I believed I was having serious medical issues. I saw a doctor (not my regular GP) and was told that it was just too much stress, he prescribed me xanax and asked that I take it the next time I felt like I was dying. So I did, and it worked!

 

As a recovering alcoholic/drug addict of 7 years I was naturally very apprehensive about putting any drug in my body but I felt helpless and simply could not function anymore as a result of the attacks.

 

I began seeing a psychiatrist and was prescribed 0.5 Mg's of klonopin twice a day as well as 100Mg's (I think that's correct) of celexa. This was the beginning of my struggles. A few months went by and and I was feeling good. By now my dosage was also increased to 1mg three times a day along with the celexa but soon my mood and behavior started to change for the worse. I grew angry and defiant for no reason. A short while later I began drinking and smoking pot again. All this eventually cost me my job and my Fiance.

 

After a year I was drinking all day and night, I wasn't sleeping and I was up to 12 to 15Mg's of klonopin a day. I wanted to quit but the withdrawal symptoms would kick in after about 4 hours. So I just kept taking it. I finally had enough though and wanted to get better so I decided it was time. I spoke with my psychiatrist and we began a slow withdrawal after an initial 5 day withdrawal which was a horrible failure.

 

I've been klonopin free for almost six months. Quiting was the hardest thing I ever had to endure, nothing even compares. It's been a struggle and I find that I have alot of weird side effects. Ive seen several doctors and had a bunch of tests done ranging from blood work to MRI's and still the doctors cant figure out whats wrong. Some dismiss the symptoms as anxiety and yet my GP of 7 years and psychiatrist disagree. It's frustrating and as I continue the good fight I stumbled upon this site.

 

It's nice to see that there is such a good community of people out on the interwebs who are so supportive of each other. I'm here to look for support and to contribute where I can. I look forward to getting to know some of you!

 

Two good things:

 

1) I'm alive

 

2) My fiance and I are together again.

[[Bi...]]

robertoa81,

 

Welcoming you to Benzo Buddies.

 

Good to hear you are off the Klonopin!  And a hefty dose at that.

Congrats to you.

What kind of symptoms are you having?

 

You will find plenty of support here.

If you have any questions let us know.

 

To add a signature: Signature

 

Billy.

 

[[ro...]]

Thanks Billy,

 

It's been a trip!

 

Well right now I have a feeling of pins and needles all over my body along with lots of muscle spams and weird pains and a strange feeling of electricity running thru my body. I've seen a neuro and he has no clue what it could be. Perhaps its just anxiety but until I'm on my feet financially I just have to be patient. I cant really afford any more tests right now.

 

-Roberto

[[Bi...]]

Thanks Billy,

 

It's been a trip!

 

Well right now I have a feeling of pins and needles all over my body along with lots of muscle spams and weird pains and a strange feeling of electricity running thru my body. I've seen a neuro and he has no clue what it could be. Perhaps its just anxiety but until I'm on my feet financially I just have to be patient. I cant really afford any more tests right now.

 

-Roberto

 

Roberto,

 

I know what kind of trip it is, unfortunately. One I never want to take again.

It isn't no vacation, is it?

 

You are under a Neuro's care? I am, myself.

 

Mine didn't know what these symptoms were either, but I did.

 

You may want to check out the Ashton Manual: Ashton Manual

 

Just take a look around the forum, and you will see others you can relate to.

 

 

[[ro...]]

Billy,

 

Haha! A vacation from hell maybe.

 

Not really under the neuros care I was just advised by my psychiatrist to see one.

 

Thanks for the link, I will take some time today to read thru it and I'll definitely look around the forum.

 

-Roberto

[[Fl...]]

Welcome Roberto!

 

How long did it take to complete your taper and how long have you been off the klonipin? I'm beginning to understand it simply takes time for the brain and CNS to heal. 

 

It's great to get things checked out. Most of us have done a fair amount of tests and second opinions. And usually nothing is wrong that can be measured. 

 

I hope you begin to feel better soon.

Flip

[[ro...]]

Thanks Flip,

 

It took me 2 months to taper off the klonopin my second time around.

 

As I read other posts on the forum Im becoming less worried about my symptoms. I totally agree with getting tested. Its never bad to make sure you're healthy.

 

-Roberto

[[ma...]]

Welcome Roberto

 

So sorry you have had such a rotten time, i know what your going through.

Its great your fiancee has supported you, my hubby stuck by me thank god.

Well done for getting off, that is a huge achievement It will get better in time

Good to have you here

 

Margarita

[[ro...]]

Magarita,

 

Thanks alot for the hug  . I am blessed to have her with me for sure, she's been my rock and doubt I would have come so far without her. Looks like were both very fortunate in that regard.

 

-Roberto

[[Bi...]]

Roberto,

 

If you don't mind me asking. What tests did the Neurologist do?

I have them frequently. Mostly EEG's and other tests they have.

I know one tests they hooked me up to these shockers  and shocked my legs. He was trying to find nerve damage, and nothing.

 

Billy.

[[ro...]]

Billy,

 

I had a bunch of blood work done to look for lyme disease, lupus and signs of MS. Some other stuff too that I can't recall ATM. I had an MRI done as well to look for MS or any other abnormalities. Nothing found so far. I didnt get an EEG done yet. As soon as I have the funds to get tested I will. Keep you posted.

 

Roberto

[[Bi...]]

Billy,

 

I had a bunch of blood work done to look for lyme disease, lupus and signs of MS. Some other stuff too that I can't recall ATM. I had an MRI done as well to look for MS or any other abnormalities. Nothing found so far. I didnt get an EEG done yet. As soon as I have the funds to get tested I will. Keep you posted.

 

Roberto

 

Roberto,

 

It helps me to talk to others, who have a Neurologist, or seeing one.

My only Doctor I can really trust right now is my Neurologist. The last time I seen her, she told me that Benzos' (Plural) all cause a down regulation, we know this. I was surprised she knew this. I had an EEG done, and sitting under flashing lights, blowing on a small fan.. with electrodes on my head wasn't fun. I got through it. I have had several EEG's. In withdrawal; I am not sure what the conclusion is, but mine turned out okay. (I was told)

My regular doctor don't have a clue about any of this really. He knows that one is supposed to taper, all he said.

I rely on my Neurologist.

 

Billy.

[[sh...]]

Hi Robertoa,

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I'm sorry you had to find out the hard way that benzos are destructive like most drugs but, the important thing is that you're off and now healing.

 

Let us know if you need any help. Glad you found us 

[[ro...]]

Billy,

 

I had a bunch of blood work done to look for lyme disease, lupus and signs of MS. Some other stuff too that I can't recall ATM. I had an MRI done as well to look for MS or any other abnormalities. Nothing found so far. I didnt get an EEG done yet. As soon as I have the funds to get tested I will. Keep you posted.

 

Roberto

 

Roberto,

 

It helps me to talk to others, who have a Neurologist, or seeing one.

My only Doctor I can really trust right now is my Neurologist. The last time I seen her, she told me that Benzos' (Plural) all cause a down regulation, we know this. I was surprised she knew this. I had an EEG done, and sitting under flashing lights, blowing on a small fan.. with electrodes on my head wasn't fun. I got through it. I have had several EEG's. In withdrawal; I am not sure what the conclusion is, but mine turned out okay. (I was told)

My regular doctor don't have a clue about any of this really. He knows that one is supposed to taper, all he said.

I rely on my Neurologist.

 

Billy.

 

Billy,

 

I know how you feel. I dont really (didn't) have anyone I could talk to about all the stuff I'm going thru. My psychiatrist is about the only person I can talk to but even then he doesnt really understand since he can't relate to my situation first hand. I try to talk to my fiance any family but it's difficult since they can't relate either. Im glad I found this place. It's tough going thru all this when you feel like ur going at it alone.

 

Roberto 

[[ro...]]

Hi Robertoa,

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I'm sorry you had to find out the hard way that benzos are destructive like most drugs but, the important thing is that you're off and now healing.

 

Let us know if you need any help. Glad you found us 

 

Thanks Shaneb,

 

It's good to be here!

[[at...]]

Welcome to Benzo Buddies. You will find a lot of help here and people who understand what you are going through. 

[[Jo...]]

So glad to hear of others going through the same. I hope I'm not hated for being the guy who was hooked after 2 months on .5 mg Klonipin. But suffering is suffering whichever way you look at it.  We're all in this together...it will get better.

[[Bi...]]

Billy,

 

I had a bunch of blood work done to look for lyme disease, lupus and signs of MS. Some other stuff too that I can't recall ATM. I had an MRI done as well to look for MS or any other abnormalities. Nothing found so far. I didnt get an EEG done yet. As soon as I have the funds to get tested I will. Keep you posted.

 

Roberto

 

Roberto,

 

It helps me to talk to others, who have a Neurologist, or seeing one.

My only Doctor I can really trust right now is my Neurologist. The last time I seen her, she told me that Benzos' (Plural) all cause a down regulation, we know this. I was surprised she knew this. I had an EEG done, and sitting under flashing lights, blowing on a small fan.. with electrodes on my head wasn't fun. I got through it. I have had several EEG's. In withdrawal; I am not sure what the conclusion is, but mine turned out okay. (I was told)

My regular doctor don't have a clue about any of this really. He knows that one is supposed to taper, all he said.

I rely on my Neurologist.

 

Billy.

 

Billy,

 

I know how you feel. I dont really (didn't) have anyone I could talk to about all the stuff I'm going thru. My psychiatrist is about the only person I can talk to but even then he doesnt really understand since he can't relate to my situation first hand. I try to talk to my fiance any family but it's difficult since they can't relate either. Im glad I found this place. It's tough going thru all this when you feel like ur going at it alone.

 

Roberto

 

Well, here you are not alone by a long shot.

 

My Neurologist, well, she understood it, but I don't think anyone can fully without going through it. It would be like surviving WWII, listening to people's stories, yet, you can imagine it, but can't walk in their shoes while telling it.

 

Billy.

[[ro...]]

True that Billy, true that!