Should I go on beta blockers?

[[Br...]]

I took Lorazepam from Nov. 12-Dec 14, 2012 - 1 mg a night and went cold turkey not knowing that I had to taper. December 26 woke up to an electrical current going through my head, sweats, shaking, etc. and started with the insomnia. I have had a long, ugly list of symptoms that i never experienced before in my life and not prior to taking the med.

 

In the past couple of weeks, I have been woken up by my right side shaking and tremoring. Does anyone else have this experience? It is so scary to wake-up to this and on top of it having just to deal day to day with being in the withdrawal. I lay on my right side now so I hopefully don't get jerked away with the shaking and tremoring. Please help and advise. I am new to this and just signed up today on this website.

 

The initial tremor started right after my mother died - she had Parkinison's and I did get checked out by two neurologists that said I don't have Parkinison's after doing their physical exam to rule it out.

 

Should I go on Beta blockers or will this delay my recovery?

[[Me...]]

Hi Brooke

 

You mentioned that the initial tremor started right after you mother died.  Was this before you took the Lorazepam?  I am only asking because you were on it for such a short time.  I do take a Beta Bloka (Propranalol 45mg)occassionaly for tachycardia something I too only got after c/t    Do remember that even Beta Blokas have to be tapered.  I am attaching a  link you may find useful.  I do not think that occassional use of a Beta Bloka will delay your recovery but it may not be necessary either if you do not have high BP.  It is best to discuss it with your Doctor  Also Beta Blockas do have dangerous s/e of their own and Insomnia is often caused by their use.

 

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Beta-Blockers-Used-for.aspx

[[Br...]]

Yes, it started right after she died - 3 days after and 4 days before I started Lorazepam. THank you for your info. 2 Neuros did tests on me for Parkinison's and said I don't have it even though I am still scared.

[[vi...]]

Brooke

I think that Meeee is right. Best to avoid the beta blockers, as a regular thing anyway.

 

I went on them to help with sleep in the early stages of the taper, til I read that they are addictive. So then I had to taper off them and it was 2 awful days, on top of the pre-existing w/d from benzos.

 

In any event, they made my CNS so depressed that I couldn't stand them much longer as I couldn't get off the bed!

 

Cheers

Viking

[[...]]

Hi Brooke

 

I've benefited from beta blockers during withdrawal but for you it will ultimately depend on your symptoms. Beta blockers can help in some cases.

 

Have you checked out the paragraph about beta blockers in the Asthon Manual?

 

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha03.htm#21

 

[[Pr...]]

I had to go on a beta blocker after 3 months of constant, 24/7, pounding, tachy heart & then the development of a "flutter".  I was advised over on the old Trap forum that Atenolol was the only one recommended as it does not cross the blood-brain barrier so it doesn't mess up the CNS so much as say Propranolol.

 

It was such a relief for me & my body with no problems UNTIL the cardiologist decided I should change to Propranolol as he said it would do a better job of reducing the pounding - oh brother!  I had 2 really awful days & just went back onto the Atenolol - I rang the cardiologist twice but he never returned my call - so disappointing. 

 

It has taken 5 weeks now for my CNS to recover itself & I am going even slower in my taper now (if that was possible!).

 

Just my own experience.

[[Ca...]]

 

In the past couple of weeks, I have been woken up by my right side shaking and tremoring. Does anyone else have this experience? It is so scary to wake-up to this and on top of it having just to deal day to day with being in the withdrawal. I lay on my right side now so I hopefully don't get jerked away with the shaking and tremoring.

 

 

I am not answering about the beta blockers.

But commenting on he shaking tremors.  I wake up every 1 1/2 hours with a feeling of shaking/wobbling in my head. (It is not a visible shake on the outside)When it is really strong my hands are also shaking.

THis has been happening to me for about a year. I've wondered if it is some kind of seizure activity.

 

Have they tested you for seizures?

I was already quite ill and had started taking the Zopiclone for anxiety throughout the day and for sleep at night.

Since I've been off for 3 months now, it has lessened in intensity although it still happens many times every night.

It also is a less strong on the nights that I take something for sleeping, such as Amytryptilyn. (can't spell)

I try to avoid the Amitryptilyn because although I sleep a little better, I feel worse throughout the next day.

Anyway, maybe your shaking will also subside with time.

 

I am going to the doctor tomorrow. I'm going to ask to get sent for testing.

Carol

[[13...]]

I have been on Beta Blockers for years they are wonderful i think they got me through my taper.