Please write me - I am scared - Withdrawal symptons

[[Br...]]

I had taken Ativan(Lorezapam) for a little over a month and didn't know I had to wean off. I went cold turkey and about 12 days later, I woke up with an electric current going through my head, shakes, sweats, etc and I haven't slept more than 2-5 hours a night - 5 if I am lucky. I have tightness above my left ear and right temple, hands shake more, internal revving vibration going through my lower back, chest and feet. My toes are now involuntarily moving on their own and I am woken-up by my right arm skaking and right wirst tremoring. It scares me and I am reaching out to hear stories that are like mine. Did new symptoms evolve even if it has been a couple of months? Will new symptoms keep appearing and what can I expect for them to go away? Please share with me and reassure me. I am so scared that my life will be like this always and I have young children and a husband who has been nothing but supportive. I lost my mother in November to Parkinison's and everytime I shake from the withdrawal I get more upset and think my life is in a downward path.

[[st...]]

HI Brooke,

 

Yes, new symptoms s

can evolve as time goes by.  You are posting in the wrong section for support.  Hit the 'Home' button at the top of the page and start your own blog under 'Buddie Blogs'.  You can also post under 'Withdrawal Support' to have a pertinent question answered. 

 

I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom to Parkinson's disease.  I am sure your symptoms are benzo related but it is always a good idea to be checked out by a doctor with any concerns.

 

Patty  xo

[[Lo...]]

Brooke, I have felt, and still feel, that way many times, but I do my best to fight it: think your life is NOT a downward path because benzo wd is as bad as it gets!

Wd should lower in intensity and frequency as time passes. Fight the fear, fear is a terrible trigger for making wd symptoms worse: know that they are a sign of your body recovering from a poison.

Do get yourself checked by a Dr though if there's a history of Parkinsons in the family, just to be on the safe side. I am sorry for your loss.

[[St...]]

Hi Brooke,

 

It took me quite a few months to get substantial relief from symptoms but they did wax and wane in the mean time.  I did experience symptoms later on that I didn't originally experience early on. What you describe sounds like common withdrawal symptoms but it's always good to get checked out to be clear. Also, that fact that you stopped suddenly can have a bigger impact. How much Ativan did you take?

 

Also, can you add a signature to your profile? That way we can understand your situation and be able support you better, here are some instructions if you need them - http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=9432.msg119713#msg119713

 

Take care Brooke, in time things will lift. 

[[Br...]]

Thank you for your responses. I did get checked by 2 neurologist for the tremor that started just after my mother passed and they said it was anxiety and they did all the usual tests for Parkinson's with physical tests and they say I don't have it. I am scared that I do and every time I shake, tremor, it sends me into a tailspin. I am only 44 and I have young children. I feel like I will never get out of this and I am thinking of going on beta blockers to help with the physical part - what do you think?

[[Br...]]

All the doctor's don't believe it is withdrawal because I took such a small dose for a short period of time. I didn't have these symptoms before I took the med and now I do. I did take one more for two days the beginning of January and all my symptoms subsided, so what does that tell me - that it must be withdrawal.

 

Please tell me your thoughts.

[[ea...]]

I believe it is withdrawal. I remember my hands shaking so bad I could not hold a pen to write and didn't sleep for three days. This is the hardest part  you are dealing with now. Since you were only on the medication for a month and cold turkeyed it means you will probably have harsh side effects intially, but they should gradually get better over a couple months time. Hang in there things will only improve over time! 

[[sp...]]

obsessive worry about symptoms and their progression is probably the most common thing in benzo withdrawl & recovery.

 

what you are experiencing is normal; you've been checked out by a neuro; you'll be fine!

[[Lo...]]

Brooke, also keep in mind that your significant loss will not only cause anxiety, but by doing so will potentiate any wd symptoms you have. The meds deprive the brain of its own coping mechanisms so bereavement and other stressors make things a whole lot worse. It's important to let yourself GRIEVE for your loss, let the feelings and tears out. Many people try to bottle up their grief and the resulting angst can be unbearable, not only, but especially when wd is involved at the same time. Of course it is painful to face one's grief, but in the long run it should help you heal better. Hope this helps.