I believe that I did a very Quick Withdraw of Lexotan 3 mg a day

[[Gu...]]

Please help me, I was taking 3mg a day of Lexotan for 6 weeks, and I did a withdraw in the following matter: 

 

1. Week one drop it to 1.5

2. Week two drop it to .75

3. Week three drop it to .375

 

All of the time of the withdraw I had very bad sintoms, I currently have then and I have been of Lexotan for 4 weeks, is this a very quick withdraw?  What should I do?

 

Regards,

 

Guatemala

[[Be...]]

Hi, Guatemala.

 

It was kind of a quick taper but not outrageous, esp. given that you were on such a low dose (= 2.5mg Valium).  At 4 weeks out, I don't think it's a good idea to reinstate but rather to work on the individual symptoms that are impacting you the most.  That's just my opinion, of course  I'm sure other people will have other views.  Good luck and speedy healing.

[[su...]]

Hello Guatemala,

 

We are here to support you any way we can.  Here is some information that may be helpful. I am the type of person who seeks to know what is happening and why, it brings comfort to me. I hope it does the same for you.

 

 

Why do benzos have to be out of the system to feel better?

 

 

Professor Ashton. “The Ashton Manual”, 2002

 

Mechanisms of withdrawal reactions. “Nearly all the excitatory mechanisms in the nervous system go into overdrive and, until new adaptations to the drug – free state develop, the brain and peripheral nervous system are in a hyper-excitable state, and extremely vulnerable to stress.”

 

  This is what Ashton says about post benzo recovery, "Vulnerability to extra stress may last somewhat longer and a severe stress may-temporarily-bring back some symptoms. Whatever your symptoms, it is best not to dwell on them. Symptoms are just symptoms after all and most of them in withdrawal are not signs of illness but signals of recovery. Furthermore, as your mind clears, you can work out more and more effective ways to deal with them so that they become less significant"

 

One of the things we can do to help ourselves, as Ashton says, "Calm your emotions. Above all, stop worrying. Worry, fear and anxiety increase all withdrawal symptoms. Many of these symptoms are actually due to anxiety and not signs of brain or nervous system damage. People who fear withdrawal have more intense symptoms than those who just take it as it comes and think positively and confidently about recovery."

 

 

 

“The Accidental Addict” by Di Porritt & Di Russell, 2006

 

WHAT HELPS

 

“The only known cure for benzo illness is time. Time for the brain to start working again and time for the body to heal. In spite of this, people try to find ways to feel better. And there is no shortage of advice and therapies available.”

 

“These remedies can cost a lot too; and what is good for one person is not necessarily good for another. The cheapest and most old – fashioned remedies are still the best: information, support, good diet and rest. Acceptance and motivation lead to recovery too.”

 

Information

 

“Accurate information about benzo illness is found to be extremely beneficial to recovery. It makes sense that if you understand what to expect, you are much more able to deal with the fear, pain and ongoing symptoms.”

 

Support

 

“Sufferers have to keep living their lives and it helps if there are supportive people around. Maybe a boss who can reschedule some of the workload, or a friend who can look after the kids for a while.  Adequate support is essential to help people recover.”

 

Good Food

 

“A well-balanced diet is what most people find helpful in withdrawal – low in fat, high in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and moderate in protein. They find eating small meals regularly is best.”

 

Rest

 

“Adequate rest is essential in recovery. Lying on a bed or couch, watching a video or listening to the radio, is often the best medicine.”

 

I have also learned over time what works for me. I have routines I follow that help. And I find that BB is a great support too. This is a difficult road and you are not alone. We are here for you. We are in this together. I am going through this too.

 

Acceptance and Motivation

 

“One of the most difficult things in withdrawal is learning to accept that you may have a long –term illness. But people discover that staying angry about what benzos have done to them does not help – it gets in the way of recovery. There are enough problems dealing with extra anger caused by benzos without adding to it: Once they have understood what to expect, positive thinking and self – talk is a good way to help change mindsets.”

 

 

I hope this is helpful,

Summer