shallow breathing?

[[Bo...]]

When I went to sleep last night I had multiple nightmares and woke up multiple times in fear. Also I woke up and noticed that my breathing was very shallow Almost like I was not breathing at all. I thought I was going to die or something.    Today I cried all morning and feel very depressed about it. I'm scared that not breathing is bad for my health. Is this part of the long withdrawal process? I would appreciate support and or feedback so much.  :'(

[[su...]]

Hello BooBoo9,

 

I saw your question and put together 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.

 

 

"The Ashton Manual" by Heather Ashton, 2002

 

BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:

 

INDIVIDUAL SYMPTOMS, THEIR CAUSES AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

 

 

Heart and lungs. “Palpitations, pounding heart, rapid pulse, flushing, sweating, and breathlessness are usual accompaniments of panic attacks, but may occur without panics. They do not signify heart or lung disease but are simply the expression of an overactive autonomic nervous system. Slow deep breathing and relaxation, as described under panic attacks, can do much to control these symptoms. Do not worry about them: they would be accepted as normal if you were running for a bus, and will do no more harm than if you really were!”

 

 

 

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

 

Breathing and Lungs

 

“Breathing difficulties are very common in withdrawal. People feel that they have to gasp for air, as if the oxygen has somehow run out. They sigh continually in the effort to get more air in their lungs. It is as though the breathing mechanism has been disrupted.”

 

 

 

I hope this is helpful,

 

Summer

 

[[Bo...]]

Thank so much. I'm relieved to here that shallow breathing is a normal withdrawal effect. How scary. I have never heard of a more evil drug with so many withdrawal effects in my life! Benzos are unreal! I remember getting my first prescription and the doctor didn't tell me ANYTHING about withdrawal.

[[La...]]

Hi Booboo9, this is one of my worst symptoms and I know  it is difficult to take slow deep breaths when you feel  your chest is tight and you feel like you cant breathe, as uncomfortable as it feels, you are breathing, you are getting enough oxygen, otherwise you would be turning blue if you were nt breathing, you will not die even though it feels that way, just try to stay as calm as you can, I know its hard but when I get anxious about this it makes it feel worse!! I have had this lasting for days and nights at a time , it will go away, it is also a classic anxiety symptom but for me it is withdrawal right now, hope this helps and please remember this will not kill you, its a horrible feeling but you are getting enough air. Ladygrace

[[su...]]

Thank so much. I'm relieved to here that shallow breathing is a normal withdrawal effect. How scary. I have never heard of a more evil drug with so many withdrawal effects in my life! Benzos are unreal! I remember getting my first prescription and the doctor didn't tell me ANYTHING about withdrawal.

 

Hello Booboo9,

 

You're welcome. I am happy to hear the information was helpful. It can be scary to experience these symptoms yet, understanding them helps me to know it is part of the recovery.

 

I was not told anything about benzo side effects or withdrawal symptoms either. I learned by reading lots of books and web sites. You are not alone with that.

 

Love to you,

Summer

[[ma...]]

Hi,

 

Oddly enough, I am out of breath today - for no reason I can pinpoint. Just a little walking and I can't seem to get enough oxygen. My body feels like it is made out of neutron stars.

 

Perhaps the best thing we can do is not worry too much about this stuff?!? Getting off these meds is almost being on psychedelics, in a bad way.

 

M

[[Bo...]]

Ladygrace,

Thanks for the reassurance that I wont die of oxygen deprivation. No I don't think I turn blue lol.  But Its was scary and very real.  The only way I get through this experience is to have a little humor about it. 

[[On...]]

Booboo,

 

I have had this breathing issue of suddenly stopping breathing or real shallow breathing while sleeping. It woke me up and I thought I was dying. I was then hyperventilating on purpose to try to re-oxygenate my brain. Of course that wasn't so good either, but when your in that state of mind you'll do whatever it takes. Benzodiazepine suppresses the respiratory system.

 

Your body will wake you up if you stop breathing or don't get enough oxygen while sleeping, it will sacrifice your sleep to breath every-time. It's a form of temporary "sleep apnea" caused by a benzodiazepine depressed autonomic nervous system. Other depressant drugs can cause this too, like other sleeping aids, opiates and alcohol. Once the withdrawals move forward your symptoms will drop off as well as this one.

 

If you tilt yourself at about 15 degrees on angle with head up, it can minimize this and help your breathing.

[[cn...]]

I had shallow breathing in the beginning. It was one of the 1st symptoms to go. Then on and off, just a hand full of times, I'd be sound asleep then jolt up in my sleep gasping for air... that has completely left. =) It's w/d. totally.