Nobody gives a fu@k unless you can pay massive amounts of $ period end of story. People are killing themselves bc they can’t get good treatment. I’m disgusted. These meds are killing us and nobody cares unless you are rich. If you are hooked on benzos prepare to be lied to and drugged with more pharm drugs etc. don’t post these kinds of videos unless you genuinely want to help people with no financial gain.
@LevelheadedMind , I've been on Clonazepam 1mg for one month and am trying to taper off . My Dr.told me to go down to 1/2 for a week and then I'm done. I watched your video Went to 3/4 MG and am still having major anxiety and diarrhea feeling like I'm out of it . I'm scared and don't know what to do , I had a tbi 10 years ago and recovered , then went thru a horrible breakup and my Dr. put me on this for sleep . It's not helping and I don't know the effective way to taper and am afraid of long term affects. Please any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated
Yeah well I want to have a full spinal infusion so I can straighten my spine completely the doctor was willing to do it even though I got a bunch of medical problems so I think I'm going to do it cuz I want to completely straight spine I don't want it to curve at all
I've been on benzos for 20 years. First Xanax, now Lorazepam (Ativan) I take 2-3 mg a day, never more, never less. It's the *only* drug that makes my life tolerable and I have tried EVERYTHING (and I mean everything: every SSRI, SNRI, older tricyclics, Buspirone etc) There are patients for whom benzodiazepines are the only answer to lifelong, debilitating anxiety.
Yes ma'am I have a story I'd like to share. Thank you for your videos! I was prescribed Xanax about 20 years ago. He told me it wasn't addictive at all. Everything was fine, until I didn't take it one day. Then I had the flu when I woke up. I was so weak that I couldn't get dressed after my shower. I called into work. Then diarrhea, but I was also throwing up so hard it was lifting my body in the air off the ground. It occurred to me somewhere around that time that this wasn't the flu, it was withdrawals. I didn't know how dangerous it was to stop cold turkey, so I'm going to tell yall. For the next four days, I lay on the bathroom floor, shaking uncontrollably, throwing up, crying, and it hurt so bad. It felt like my bones were being ripped out of my body, and my skin was being peeled off. Every negative emotion you could possibly have was all there. All at once, rage, terror, guilt, all of it. Not fear... constant TERROR. I was deliriously trapped in a nightmare. It was so bad that on the fourth day, my "home defense" was also in the bathroom with me in case it got any worse. That's where it took me. You know that feeling in your stomach when the roller coaster you're on drops off the top of the hill? That happened to me every couple minutes for days, no sleep. While it felt like a horse was stepping on my skull, crushing it, and my chest, ribs, arms, and legs. I knew if I took another Xanax it would all go away. But I was so scared of going through this again that my Xanax use was ending right then. So my "home defense" laid right by the bottle of Xanax, in the bathroom floor with me so I could cry, cuss, and scream at it... and I did a lot. My heart has never beat so fast. It felt like it was pumping dry sand through it. I didn't know if I was going to die or not, but I was in too deep and delirious by then. After four days, I regained some senses, and that went away. But for a week after, I couldn't feel my body. I couldn't feel my legs when I was walking, like I was in this numb dream, and nothing was real. You can seriously die from abrupt benzo withdrawals. If you're quitting, TAPER.
Im on 8 pr mg pr day ,when your one this huge dose and then go emty ,,,Opiats is nothing to get off combared to Xanax,been on em since 2009......its insane the dose they given me it way to high , strange they dont realize that.Go emty on em its like TERROR ,RIGHT WORD HOPE YOU COPE ,👊🙏WE ARE IN THE SAME BOUT YOUR NOT ALLONE
My doctor retired. The new doctor wouldn’t prescribe my Xanax even though I had been on them for 8 years. That was the only thing that really helped my mental health.
My drs both retired at the same time and it's been absolute pain, confusion, the worst thing I've ever been thru. Constant panic attacks and psychiatrist is happy I'm going thru
I ve been on Valium since 1986, not a lot of milligrams daily but it has been an every day thing, I 'll spend the rest of my life on em, am I worried about addiction issues, not at all, They make drugs for people who need them, I know many people who need them, take them as directed etc.. Thankfully there are still many doctors not afraid to write Valium and Xanax for the people who really need them. For the ones complaining about addiction issues on here, I do understand but remember, some people have to have them !!
@@jeffreykjones2748, Of course, doctors won't prescribe opiate painkillers any longer than about 5 days. Patients in extreme, but chronic pain are just SOL. Many sufferers have opted for s*icide as the only choice left. Withdrawals from benzodiazepine are said to be worse than just about anything and may include convulsions. I suspect the FDA will do the same with them. Good luck getting long-term prescriptions much longer. The FDA has absolutely no empathy for patents, it's simply politics.
I’ve been on Klonopin for over 25 years. I’ve been on the same dose the entire time and never needed nor wanted to take more. During that time, I have completed five degrees, am now a professor of psychology, and became an expert in psychopharmacology. I’ve had no side effects and would bet any amount of money that my memory would outperform most people’s by a factor of 10. If you don’t abuse benzos (taking more than needed) or mix them with alcohol or opiates, the risk of harm is close to 0%. Even the “increased risk for early onset dementia” is still not fully supported by strong empirical data. This video did a lot of fear mongering but didn’t actually provide much in the way of scientific facts. You may not like benzos and that’s fine, some doctors don’t, but telling people they are dangerous is intentionally misleading. If you disagree, I’d be happy to debate the subject with you. I mean, after 25 years on them, I shouldn’t pose much of a intellectual challenge, right?
Consider yourself lucky. Just check out benzo buddies and then tell me they are not harmful. I am working in the trenches with patients who have not abused them, taken as prescribed in low doses and having a very difficult time coming off. Glad to hear you are not one of them, count your blessings 🙏
Was stricken with GAD about a year and a half ago. Been on buspirone a year. For more acute situations I keep alprazolam on hand but have a policy of no more than once a week of .5mg. If I have an anxiety attack but have used my weekly self- allotment I'll just gut it out rather than take more. So far that seems to work and sometimes I go a couple weeks without any. Thoughts?
@@MonacoBlast66 So what? The most widely used high blood pressure drugs - beta blockers create physical dependence. If you were to abruptly stop taking them, you'd have elevated blood pressure, irregular heart beats, anxiety etc. for days, but nobody tries to restrict their usage.
I have been taking Klonopin for twenty years. Fluctuation of doses over the years from 2mg, 1.5mg, and a daily average of one mg. In my opinion and experience, it is extremely helpful and allows me to live a full productive life. I have zero side effects from it. I'm sure my experience and opinion on the medication is within the extreme minority. I have read quite a few stories of the difficulties that people have with the medication and how hard it is to taper off. 2mg to 1.5 mg was a little difficult for me years ago. Now I only take 1mg per day.
I’m the same it’s been very helpful. I’m off them now but I needed them when I needed them. I had zero problem stopping them too, i think those of us who need them also understand we have to be careful and use as needed rather than taking the maximum we are prescribed. Glad they are helping you !
@@garysimone4977 I don’t know. I watched a lot of those videos of people struggling when I first started taking it and it scared me. But what I observed was people taking them regularly, at the max dose prescribed. I never did that. I took them when I needed them. Like if I had 2 or 3 bad days of anxiety I’d take one. I could have been taking them twice a day daily but I didn’t need that so I didn’t do it. I do feel for those who have had a hard time but I also question if they ever really needed the medication in the first place.
Did you ever feel dizzy and faint while tapering off, my dum ass doctor is tapering me off way 2 fast,went from .05/ 4 × a day to .05 /2×a day in 2 month span I've been taking 2 mg in one day for about 3 years
NOT ADDICTS! Almost 99% of benzodiazepine “users” are NOT addicts! They take AS PRESCRIBED and never have cravings or the desire to up-dose. The doctors, against recommendations, tend up-dose worsening the problem of tolerance. Your knowledge is so appreciated, but please do not group addiction with dependence. Would you say that a diabetic is addicted? I don’t think so.
I've been on diazepam for just over a year ( 15mg a day for crippling panic disorder). CBt and antidepressants did nothing to stop them. The risk of early dementia is frightening, but those who suffer severe anxiety don't use them for fun. I feel there is a real fear mongering, judgmental tone to this video.
@@LevelheadedMind I cannot believe that you still do not get the point. NOT ADDICTS. Since you are selling yourself as a deprescriber now, you should understand WHY this statement is an issue. Addicts are treated at rehab centers and rapidly weaned from certain drugs. “As prescribed” benzodiazepine users should never be treated at rehab centers; most need far longer tapers. Please stop using the word “addict”. “Physically dependent” is more appropriate. There’s a difference when it comes to tapering. Your insistence isn’t helping; it’s harming.
Over 20 years of dependence on Lorazepam, originally prescribed 4mg. This is my 4th attempt since 2013 to decrease, and eventually, get off COMPLETELY! I am going very slowly, under the direction of my psychiatrist. He said that I am his only patient who has wanted to say good-bye to Lorazepam. Now I am on 2mg/daily, since July. I take .5mg/4 times daily, sublingual. My doctor said that it is my decision and he supports me in my efforts. My long-term goal is to decrease my dependence, 6 months at a time, or slower, if necessary. At 60 I have concern for the remaining years of my life. I also take meds for Bipolar 1, rapid-cycling. Over the years I have felt less intelligent, self-conscious of my slower thoughts and expressing them to others who don't know me. My self-esteem has definitely suffered. My psychiatrist says that 2mg is not a large dosage. Maybe not, but for me any amount is a big amount, because I feel a decline intellectually and have some balance issues. At times, I am not as steady on my feet and have a problem with depth perception. The greatest gift I can give myself is a clean brain. I am determined to win this time.
4mg+ daily of klonopin for 5 years almost killed me when I stopped. Wound up in the ER twice. It was the best medication in the world until it wasn't anymore. Awful.
Wow! Thanks for sharing... I can only imagine how difficult it was to come off that. I hope that you have the support you need to move forward from it and keep your head up, it does get easier with time and practice if you're willing to put in the work for therapy or meditation/prayer. Also, there are other medications that are useful for anxiety, but not habit forming.
It is always when someone gets cut off from benzos that the problems occur! I was cut off by a hospital in 3 weeks. There needs to be a black box warning to medical professionals and patients no to stop abruptly
@@sharon8121 yes, you are right! Stopping too abruptly can be dangerous. I work with patients who want to stop and if they have been on a benzo for years, it will usually take years to get them off. We taper very slowly!
Been on Ativan for about 16 years for agoraphobia,GAD,panic etc or so now just 1 mg at bedtime. Only other time I would use the medication would be during high stress, travel, or a dentist appointment, etc. etc. I realized I had a problem and that this was poisoning me when a couple different nights I thought I had taken my pill and found it on the floor in the morning and wonder why I was up all night sweating shaking, nervous. Just one night without the meds and I realize this stuff is truly in my system and I can’t just stop taking it. After several different health battles with different conditions, I never thought I would have in my life, I started water taper in August 2022. I started dissolving my 1mg in 6 oz water . I stir and withdraw while it’s spinning. I’m up to 2 1/2 tsp removal now . It’s slow going but I’m trying to avoid serious problems. My reason for getting off of this stuff is that I have had got problems for years that I’ve gotten progressively worse as well as memory issues. My naturopath said that these drugs can cause permeability issues in the gut, causing leaky gut, as well as slow motility, which I do have. I also had sibo and food allergies or adversions have been so much worse. I want my diet to be normal and my gut and brain to be normal. I’m 50 and don’t need cognitive or gut issues anymore. I’m keeping good notes every time I do a decrease in notice that 3 to 4 days and I usually end up with a headache I might have some stomach problems, nausea etc. I understand this process could take me more than a year to get off this 1 mg pill and then I have to work on getting off Lamictal.
I was given 0 warning by my psych about the addictive nature of this drug. Admittedly, my dose was small but she mentioned nothing about the length of time or what have you. After six months I stopped simply because I ran out. After 24 hours I started to realize that this wasn't my normal depression or side effects from my anti depressants. After 6 months I was physically dependent even though I was taking a minimum dose. I was lucky that I insisted on a small dose, because I seem to be more or less Ok after tapering with Valium for 2 weeks and then quitting completely.
My psychiatrist is an 🐴hole. He gets his patients hooked on benzos so they have to come back to him for the fix, pay the copay and he bills the insurance for the rest. Each patient is in there like 5 minutes or less. I call him Dr. Drug Dealer. Been trying to see another psychiatrist but warning, once you're on benzodiazepines most psychiatrist offices don't want to see you. You'll be on your own.
I pace 18-40hrs straight in akathisia, until my body can’t hold me, 31mths after stopping Klonopin taken 1x/day at night for sleep. Psychotropic medications ALL cause akathisia. It’s not “withdrawal” it’s neuroadaptation and brain injury? Why are the pharmaceutical companies telling people to “push through those side effects”? “Agitation” is actually a sign of neurotoxicity occurring. That agitation can become permanent. It can happen months AFTER stopping the medication and happen “tardive”. Doctors will try and tell you that it’s your original condition worsening. “No.” It’s Russian roulette. There should be screening before they start another person on a psychotropic medication. One of me is too many.
I feel like that’s far too draconian! There’s a time and place for the use of Xanax, which is much quicker acting and effective in my experience, than any of the other benzos. Used judiciously, under physician-monitoring, it can alleviate horrendous suffering from SO many things! End-of-life panic attacks; phobia of seeing a doctor, dentist, psychiatrist etc for emergency purposes; short-term grief relief… I’ve experienced all of these situations and more, and honestly, I could not have shown up, been “present,” or worked through my anxiety without this medication. It absolutely saved my life when needed. Some of us have brains that are just hardwired to experience waaay too much neuronal firing on a good day; but introduce trauma, phobia, grief, or any extremely high-social arousal situation, and we *literally* can’t handle it. So ideally, a smart doctor would know your mental/physical health history and work with you to educate you on the risks and benefits of taking this medication. I just hate that it is SO highly controlled without proper justification. 😣
I am taking lorazepam. I feel like I have a problem with my memory. My doctor says it's because of depression, but I'm wondering if it's because of the lorazepam medication.
Tapering off of Lorazepam for the past few months. Rebound anxiety is a real struggle and I may have gone a little too fast based on your guidance. I have never seen a detailed taper schedule and that was really helpful. Thank you!
I had a nervous breakdown in 2016. And I’m bipolar with major anxiety. I take 1 mg of Xanax three times a day. After hearing your video I am concerned. I also am agoraphobic. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I don’t know what to do. But I find your voice very soothing and your information very interesting. Thank you 😊
I am sorry to hear about your nervous breakdown. If you're tolerating the Xanax at 1mg three times a day without feeling like you need more or having any adverse effects then it's OK. If you have concerns about adverse effects or feeling you are reaching a point of tolerance or dependence, then please discuss this with your provider and review your options. If you decide to taper off Xanax, make sure you do slowly and check out the Ashton Manual to help guide the process. I appreciate you sharing your story with us and I wish you all the best on your mental health care journey 🙏.
@@LevelheadedMind Can you do a video on Lamictal? I take Lamictal for my bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer and I was wondering what you thought of it?
@@LevelheadedMind Thank you. So many people are scared of this medicine. But it has helped me so much and it’s kept me stable. I feel it’s an excellent medicine for bipolar as a mood stabilizer. Have a great day🌻
@@LevelheadedMind can you do a video about topiramate /topamax? This drug literally ruined my life and i was prescribed off label for ''binge eating and mood stabilizer''
That librium is strong. I saw alcoholics freaking out in rehab until they gave him librium and he was out for 2 days. The moral of the story is alcoholics have the worst withdrawal in the first 24 hours. People who take benzos for years are tortured for weeks if not months. During withdrawal, The relapse rate on benzos is extremely high the first 48hrs.
Theres a lot of fear mongering and horror stories online about benzos. Ive done a lot of my own research on this subject and have spoken to friends of mine who have taken it for years. A friend of mine was on it for many years at 6mg daily and tapered off in 3 weeks when she decided to come off it. I had to take ativan for 3 months during the summer 2-3mgs a day due to extreme anxiety and I stopped it with no issues. My heart goes out to anyone who has a hard time going off it but please for the love of God do it slow, very slow if u need to and u wont have any issues.
Been prescribed Valium since the 80s, don t know what I would do without it, it s all that works for me. Don t want off of it, not worried about addiction issues .
This comment gives me hope. I've been on 2.5mg of Lorazepam for about 2 months and tried to stop it cold turkey. Definitely didn't think it was going to affect me as severely as it has. I've had the worse withdrawals ever. I ended up giving up after 4 days.
I've been on Klonopin for 12 years now .5mg for anxiety and panic attacks take it as prescribed once daily. My doctor and I tried all of the other anti anxiety medications out there before prescribing Klonopin. I was told that it works quickly, that I could build up a tolerance and I could get addicted. Instead of it working quickly it took two weeks before it started taking effect. Also I've been on the same dose for 12 years. Also I am able to remember better and concentrate better even with distractions all around. Am I the only one who has had to take Klonopin for two weeks before it started working? I'm wondering why I haven't built up a tolerance? I'm grateful that it's a miracle medicine and I haven't built up a tolerance. My balance is good because I skateboard as exercise.
Refer to the Ashton Manual or speak with a provider who knows how to taper benzos. If you're interested in mental health coaching to help guide you through it, then contact me, links are in the description.
Go to a detox or ask your doctor . Don’t cold turkey at all ……. Also do whatever is right for you . If you want to stay on it and it helps . Stay on it . I hate this war on drugs …….
I'm on flurazepam for 24 years. Now mylan has discontinued them! I've some to last 2 months. What's the story about the discontinuation of them? They got me off the drink! And helped with sleep. I don't want a replacement. I fear new benzodiazepines! At my age (56) this is scary reading the comments on people saying they went through hell after getting off, Xanax, lorazepam and other benzodiazepines. I'm fucked..
Why are you stopping at the memory symptom? You do know there's Hu dreds of symptoms that comes along with Benzo usage which can take years to clear up
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, there are many other potential adverse effects, however, memory problems are the most common long term effect, so I focused on that. But you're right, long term effects can be much more and even debilitating for some.
I took Olanzapine to sleep. I felt peace when I took it. I drank alcohol while taking benzos. I started to take more of it than I was described. I was always getting refills. I took Latuda for a year. My empathy was gone and my gambling addiction got really bad, then I went off it. I almost bought metamfetamina, then I decided to go a AA meeting after a friend told me his story about his substance abuse because I related to his story. Got me to AA. I'm now 3 years sober and I don't like psych drugs.
@@paulflint6254 I'm not against them fully, but I'm against giving them out like candy without therapy, and not having a exit plan to get off their medication. The people prone to addiction are the mentally ill people. Our mental health care system that we have world wide is embarrassing.
Why are doctors so against prescriping my Adderall and my Klonopin? I've been on both for a while but I keep having to switch doctors who are willing to do both. My need both of these medications. God you doctors are such a pain in the ass trying to cover your ass against any possible lawsuits. Terrible. Instead of taking care of patients needs I'm made to look like a drug seeker just trying to obtain my medications. Shame on the medical professionals these days. The old school doctors still are willing to take care of their patients.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can imagine that this is frustrating, but being on 2 controlled substances is a flag in the system regulated by states that monitor patient use of controlled substances. Furthermore, it is not advised to be on both a stimulant that activates your sympathetic nervous system and causes anxiety that requires a medication like Klonopin to bring you down. That is a clear sign that your stimulant dose is too high or you should be on a different stimulant. If you have comorbid anxiety, practice guidelines are clear that SSRIs are first line treatment and for all the reasons listed in this video, benzos are not used long term. This is best practice, and those providers are looking out for your best interest. If you've already been on the combination for a while, best practice would be to work on tapering you off the Klonopin.
@@LevelheadedMind both the Adderall and Klonopin are 100% necessary in my health. You might not agree with it nor most newer doctors, but the old school doctors remember a day when it was ok to rx 2 controlled substances. It is not possible that a non benzo for my diagnosed anxiety disorder just does not work for some people? And is it possible that it's necessary to my health to be on both these meds even though my Adderall dose may be contributing somewhat to my anxiety but I only take my Klonopin at night. 1 mg at bedtime. Is that really that big of an issue?
No issue at all until you lose your perscriber. There is a clinic nearby that I go to regularly. Even if you aren't a group person they specialize in poly abuse.
@@mlevo1011 @mlevo1011 oh boy... Youre gonna learn the hard way, not only is the Benzo you on making you're anxiety ten times worse... But you're on Adderall at the same time? A stimulant medication and a sedative, I don't like using words like dumb but I mean if the shoe fits. No seriously even if you're not using them together, you are shocking the Nervous system because eit doesn't know to be in a stimulated state and or a sedated state yet you expect these two nervous system injuring neuro toxins to be safe for ever lol. Doctors aren't trying to cover their asse, newer research on the harm of these drugs is finally seeing the light of day and your doctor is trying not to kill you. Unfortunately you are too stuck in your own way and ignorant to see that whatever anxiety disorder you have is being made worse by you with this cock tail. Smarten up, stop blaming others for trying to keep you alive, maybe research the drugs you are taking and try understanding why your doctors are trying to keep you from these... It blows my mind how arrogant and ignorant patients, especially those who don't understand the issue with feeding the body a speed and sleep cocktail could dare think that he or she knows better then their doctor, if he or she is trying to get to get you off these... Maybe stop playing the victim card, figure out why and maybe just maybe figure out a better way to manage you're health. You stay on these medications long enough, not only do you risk Nervous system induced injury which can produce a host of complications such as neurological issues, muscle issues, visual disturbances straight out of a nightmare, sensory perception complications, inability to walk, numbness all over the body, greater anxiety and depression like the thousands of people we see in our benzo groups on a daily bases myself included, and no we never abused our medications we took as prescribed and got seriously hurt. But that's okay if you want to live in delusional land thinking that you're bill won't come due as you've basically been poking your nervous system for years now, I want you to keep that same energy especially when you become disabled and bed bound... Think about the people who tried warning. I have no sympathy for those who won't even bother trying to understand the other side, just think you know everyone. Sweetheart Benzos themselves were meant for 2-4 weeks max...doesnt that tell you something? Unbelievable
Yea I recently experienced the same problem with my current situation. I lost my doctor and am in the process of finding a new one, so my primary care doctor agreed to cover me until I find a new psych doctor. However, because I'm on adderall as well, she doesn't want to give me more than 12 of the .5mg klonopins per month. Like really? Wtf am I supposed to do with that?! That's toddler doses. At least maintain my 1mg per day. It's not that much
I've been on Klonopin for about 16 years... I really wish they would have discussed the side effects better, or at least warned me about how dangerous they are! Because my body is dependent on this poison.. it was given to me for my anxiety and panic attacks but the shaking and tremors and jolts from not taking it is worse than anything!
It is unfortunate that you are going through this. It is even more unfortunate that I hear this often from patients and when I help them come off these drugs, they struggle immensely. However, once they are off them they feel so much better, so hang in there, it will get better.
I pray you get back up stronger with the help of God who will bless you, I had similar problems and can relate and what will help you dramatically was to find God’s grace, the truth in life which is in the ORTHODOX christianity religion only. it is the original and true form of christianity that Jesus taught us when he came to earth, and you can feel God's grace through the holy sacraments after baptism, repentance- confession and holy communion in the orthodox christian church, something that completely changes your life and turns you into a happier person with a meaningful life and also saves you by strengthening your bond with God. I suggest you become an orthodox christian at an orthodox christian church near you, get baptised and receive the holy spirit and live a spiritual life (repentance- confession to the priest and holy communion) This is all God wants from us and through these sacraments we will be saved from anxiety in this life and the next💯
Doctors pass out Anti-Psychotics like candy, especially seroquel for sleep issues. In my opinion, they cause worse withdrawal and side effects than benzos. How come doctors never talk about that? Maybe because they are not controlled substances?
Currently detoxing after being on at least one benzo for over 34 years; started at 14 when there wasn’t a lot of info, it’s been quite a ride! Learn lots and lots of skills!
Same here i been for 5 times during stressful times... now my doc finally gave me a .05 prescription of it. My attacks happen in the morning usually but when i take it i end up sleepy at work...im wondering to take it at night instead.
My question to you is I have been on 0.5 clonazepam for about 2 months then all a sudden today my physchiatrist says I'm thinking you have a heart issue instead of mental health and still I have bad panic and severe anxiety buy she just cuts my medicine off so if it's not good to just stop taking it how can she be a physchiatrist
It depends on how you were taking it. That is a low dose, and only 2 months of use, could be possible to just stop. If you start having withdrawal symptoms then call your doctor or go to ER.
I’m a 73 year old retired teacher. My doctor decided to stop prescribing Klonipan after 20 years of .50/day. I tapered off and after 4 months, I’m completely off. However, I feel terrible! Why? My life was fine until he insisted on taking me off. I had no complaints, my family had no complaints about my behavior, etc. why? I want to get back into a homeostasis situation like I was before all this craziness.
This doctor talking doesn't know what she's talking about completely I was on Klonopin for 10 years doing good Swiss doctors and now that I'm not on them I feel horrible., update my doc just grabbed my Klonopin 2 mg 🤘
As an epileptic and general anxiety I had issues for maybe a week after I took myself off klonopin (1mg x 3 daily for years) for a year to see how it went off the helpful meditation. But honestly the issues were so slight, kinda irritating in mornings for about a week but that was it. I was very shocked how easy it was and only irritating after I woke up. But seizures did increase which rose the common seizures side effect of general anxiety. All added up quiting was very easy not as bad for me compared maybe to others fighting withdrawals, but I had just about no withdrawals and not enough to be concerned. Only seizure increases but that's it. Lot of experience and knowledge at it. Any questions ask a patient from their views and I'm free to answer my experience. Good luck with your battles.
I understand what you are saying here. I anticipated a really nasty withdrawal and over-planned and over thought everything from every angle. When the actual withdrawal came and went, I was shocked and a little embarrassed about how in my minds eye I had blown the thing way out of proportion from reality. That is not to say it is not a difficult withdrawal! Far from the truth !Not being fair to yourself when you over-magnify the intensity of the experience especially when you haven’t let it happen yet. Don’t fear monger yourself into a corner. Try hard yes, but Keep it in perspective. CBT/DBT works wonders as does mindfulness combined with deep breathing. I was addicted to benzodiazepines for more than a decade and always freaked myself out when I even **thought **about withdrawal. If Cognitive behavioural therapy worked for me, it will work for anyone!
Been on SSRI ( Prozac ) for 19 years off and on, mainly on. Recently started taking Atarax as needed to help with occasional insomnia. Is Prozac safe to take for decades?
Many people can take antidepressants for a lifetime without adverse effects and some people will end up with either side effects or treatment resistance as you can actually end up with low serotonin as a result.
Thanks for a very informative and inspiring video. I have finally tapered off lorazepam after years of misuse and several difficult attempts to disentangle myself from the addiction. It continues to be an unfolding and continuing journey of learning to approach PTSD and panic disorder from a different perspective and use techniques that are not as easy as popping a pill, but once the CBT/DBT method registers with you or “clicks”inside your mind, you never need to return to the addiction. Thanks for letting people know that they have more options available than big pharma and it is well within their ability to deal effectively with anxiety or panic through psychotherapy and learned techniques.
I am four years benzo free as of March 14, 2023. I can tell you the first 16 months or so were hell. I would cry for no reason. I was 60 years old when I started tapering. Oh, I am a white male in his 60's. It took me almost a year to go from full dose of 4mg to zero. And I was also tapered off of an AD. I can tell you my life crashed. My now X wife had split up so that is when I decided to get off this crap. Looking back, I dont know how I did it. I was all alone, no help from anyone. The "doctor" told me to come on back to let him know how it was going....no offer of help. but to be honest, there is nothing to help you detox from a benzo. You only have time and hope. that is it....thankfully, I feel really good these days. I have my life back, I sleep fairly well. My heart goes out to all those still on this poison and those in the taper and post taper phase. hang in there, it will get better....
I been on clonzepam for seizures for many years. It definitely did help for many many years. As of a few months ago something changed after i had a gallbladder removal. My seizures are returning and are becoming more frequent. I can barley if that make it one day without having at least 6 or so seizures. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the surgery or either my clonidine or What i suspect is the clonzepam has reached the end of and i need more to get the same effect. I only take half of a 0.5 one. Any advise on what to do next
Thank you but it sounds like you're saying, that your brain never recovers by stopping. Is this true, or does it eventually return to normal doing neurolinguist therapy?
@LevelheadedMind I have PTSD hence anxiety. However, I have amazing tools for that and recovered fully from CFS/ME. Not an easy task. So, I don't think I need it anymore but the 'addiction' screams otherwise Ive tried three times to stop and it's just impossible alone. It seems to me, that I would need to be in a hospital where I was supported. It's that bad! Have you had a personal experience?
I'm on 1mg mg of Ativan twice a day, one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night. My doctor wants me to get off it but I need it so bad, I'm going through so much right now and I need it to numb my pain.😩
Since mid October I've been taking clobezam with a smaller dose of klonopin that my neurologist is currently weaning me off of. Plus I take vimpat. I've been experiencing extreme fatigue mood swings and memory loss (probably mostly from klonopin). Any advice on what could help? Thanks
I have a friend who was on Xanax, 8 mg a day for 30 years. Her doctor in the last year helped her to get off the Xanax, but put her on Klonopin, 3 mg. a day. She has no side effects from long term use and her memory is amazing.
Been on clonazepam for 6weeks 0.5mg for insomia and anxiety, since i was able to sleep 3 night straight i didnt took my regular dose. 4th night i tried to sleep but woke up with bad dreams. I got anxious and had palpitations and i couldnt go back to sleep. I took 0.25mg to make me feel calm, it did but didnt fall back to sleep. Today i feel like i have dry throat and palpitations, leg tingling sensation. Is this a withdrawals effect? Thank you
Thank you so much for this video. I have been taking Xanax for over 25 years. I have health anxiety and it just so happens my husband is been having issues for the 2 years, so instead of .25 mg 2x a day and now up to .25 3x a day. Just like you said it has affected my memory, it’s hard for me to find the word I’m looking for sometimes. I’m 72 years old so I want to see if I can start tapering it slowly and if possible regain my cognitive function loss so far. Could you advise where I can find the Ashton method and please do you think I can at least stop my memory loss if not improve it at least I don’t want to get any worse. Again thank you!!
I feel like taking Kolonopin when needed occasionally for anxiety is better than ssri because you are required to be constantly taking the ssri every day for it to work. With Kolonopin you can carry it around and only use it when your anxiety happens. Important note is that you only use it when you really need it and after you tried getting rid of your anxiety naturally.
Yes, using it that way will not create long term effects, and is generally safe. However, many people get "hooked" on the anti-anxiety effect and take it daily without realizing the dangers in doing so.
Clonazapam was the only thing that helped me sleep, I've tried everything else (mirtazapine, trazodone, doxepin, anti-psychotics, Dayvigo, CBT-I, melatonin, zopiclone, tryptophan.) I had no withdrawal effects when I stopped taking it. I'll always wonder if the risk of addiction could possibly be worse than the unrelenting insomnia I have now.
Why not long term for those who do not develop a tolerance, or side effects , and who find the medication effective for mitigating their anxiety, especially for those who have been on the medication for years and face tremendous risks and pain if forced to withdraw, not to mention the rebound anxiety. Almost cruel to make them go through withdrawal.
I have anxiety and white coat syndrome. I am taking larazpam , but I don't take them consistently. I only use them when I am going to the doctor, and they take my blood pressure. I've noticed that my BP readings have been all over the charts! Yesterday it was 182/70.in the drs. Office . Back in August it at the Dr office it was 128/80 . I was delighted with that one! Is it because I'm taking the lorizpam that's several months old , could be it's losing its strength and not relaxing me!? I take one capsule about an hour before appointment. Can I take 2 capsule before appointment? Maybe an hour between them .. ? I don't want to pass out or od.
You will have to discuss your concerns with your provider and ask if increasing the dose is advised. However, I am against increasing doses of benzos, especially in this case where vagus massage and/or diaphragmatic breathing can bring down your BP and does not cause dependence or side effects.
9 years now taking 3/4 of a 0.5 clonazepam per day. it really helps me stay functional but other things I'm just dead.. I dont know what to do. I really need it to move on in life.
SSRI's SNRI are just as addictive. My wife has been taking Effexor for about 6 years daily. She had to change insurance and doctors and ran out. I had to take her to the ER twice from withdrawal. Also taking an SSRI has killed her libido and ability to climax. They are horrible drugs and most likely a primary cause of middle age marriage breakups. Do to this loss of intimacy both think they have fallen out of love. The wife has lost all interest and does not know why and the man starts cheating.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, it can be difficult to come off SNRIs or SSRIs but they do not cause addiction. Addiction is defined as craving the substance and needing more and more, as you build tolerance, then can get to a point where can't seem to get enough of that substance to satisfy the craving, or be pleasurable. With the antidepressants you have to come of them slowly due to your body becoming used to those levels of neurotransmitters, not because of addiction but in a way physical dependence, which is different. If done correctly you can come off of them safely with minimal effects. Sorry to hear your wife had such a bad experience.
@@LevelheadedMind My wife does not want to come off the effexor it works for her depression/anxiety she was forced off do to insurance changes. That is how we found out how dependent she was on them. No one told us about the dependency or libido side effects. IMO if an SSRI/SNRI is given a script for Oxytocin should also be given and marriage counseling to explain that you have not fallen out of love. Thank God our AntiAging clinic caught this and offered the counseling and Oxytocin script.
Good video. I just am not convinced that an antidepressant can help with anxiety. They may and they may not. I like the idea of utilizing various therapies.
Folks, listen to this woman she's knows her stuff. In our benzo groups and Benzo Buddies we normally disagree with medical intervention because well for the most part it landed us in this horrific situation. Yes there is personal responsibility however information on the horrors of benzos unless you know where to look isn't that available which is why benzodiazepine information coalition is fighting for informed consent which was recently denied for some reason again. So our professional help is very limited... This woman on the other hand knows her stuff. Please listen and please support her. I spoke with her previously and she actually knows about the Ashton manual... That's a win for us sufferers it means there's good therapists (Psychologists and psychiatrist, I apologize I only know about those two specialists in the field of a therapist. If theres more I don't mean to offend Im just unaware). But there's therapists out there who actually care enough to further their education. She's a very kind and loving person who's trying her best to help, prime example of what a doctor/therapist should be. So before we leave a horror story which we are intitled to trust me, just please thank her, subscribe and send her a positive message. Make her day folks 😁 much love everyone.
I think my sister has been taking Klonopin for a long time. Recently she has been getting loud and screaming at my 80 year old Mom. Very strange outbursts. Me and my little sister are now estranged from my older sister due to her behavior. I believe it is Klonopin.
I use clonazepam as needed for panic disorder because the 1st line treatments make my anxiety worse. If I have a panic attack I have what I call halo anxiety for several days after. (My attacks come without warning and no obvious triggers). Clonazepam seems to help the halo anxiety. I’d say I take it 2x a month. Is this ok in the long term? I am also wondering about ketamine infusions as nothing has helped. It’s been years now and seeming worse.
Well I've been prescribed Klonopin 4 mg a day for almost 20 but I've been taking about 1 mg a day for the last year or so sometimes more sometimes I take a handful of them and then I go a week without any at all
Update: I am now 63 months benzo free and I can tell you my life is soooo much better. I do still have life's problems but I can deal with them. I laugh, I cry, I have emotions, I can critically think. I started my own electrician business and its doing well. I passed my Master's electrician test on my 67th birthday. Yep, I am old...I am semi-retired electrical engineer so electrician work is logical. I crawl under houses and get in attics, I pull wire, I do all kinds of stuff. I do get tired but it is where my head is that counts. Mentally I feel the best I have in 30 years. Sleep is the key!!!!!! It takes time to heal from these drugs, and the longer you have been on them the longer it takes to heal. Dont rush, focus on your health. Make you bedroom as cozy, cool and secure as you can make. Make that room your castle with it being a room to keep all the dragons away. Weird, I know but I hope you get my point. Best wishes to those in the fight.
That gives me some hope! How long had you taken benzodiazepines. I’ve been on Xanax 25 years, I would like to start decreasing my dose, which started .25 2 x a day and has increased to .25 3x a day. It has definitely affected my memory. But due to my husband’s health issues my anxiety is now worse.
I have had panic disorder since I was 29 which was 30 years ago. I take Klonopin every day and it has made my life worth living. Nothing else has worked and I have tried everything as long as my doctor will prescribe them I will take them. To me any risks that may be involved is worth it.
I have severe insomnia and anxiety and attempted to go off for five weeks and ended up in the emergency room. Because I did not sleep more than one or two hours tonight. Your next video about cutting down sounds good I'll talk to my doctor. Last time she told me go off cold turkey and I made it five weeks but it was grueling. They are checking my heart now to see if it is the problem with the sleep I've been showing SVTs especially when I'm cutting back or going off. Trying to figure out if this is a symptom or a cause.
Little off topic here, but am I in the minority having difficulty with loss of appetite and morning dry heaves with anxiety? While .5 mg of Klonopin tends to be the only thing that helps?
I just saw a Vice documentary on how fentanyl is contaminated with benzos and I didnt know what it was. I have just realised my mom has been on valium for years, she uses it to sleep. I never knew they were that dangerous. I just thought it makes you drowsy. Oh my goodness...she is a nurse too.
I need some help ,, I have been prescribed with clonazepam of 0.25 mg afor the first 11days and then to 0.50 for the next 4.5 months and how should I taper it can I go to half ..Doctors also gave me ristolex a supplement with benzos ..How should I withdrawal ..I feel withdrawal like heat on my brains ..I don't trust doctors
These medications can be very effective when used as directed. The same thing that happened with opioids is going to happen with benzo's (people that need the medication will not have access, moved to black market) I will not be surprised if they move up from a schedule 4. End of the day war on drugs is an epic failure just like the prohibiton of alcohol.
Right ?!?!? It’s so fucked up …….. leave benzos alone !!! I’m sick of the war on drugs . Spending trillions and all these judgey people totally for it …….. when it does nothing at all except waste trillions of dollars . Let people live my god
I recognize the sentiment at the core of your point, but I'd say that not using them as directed is not the exact problem. If it were people just abusing them for fun or comfort, we'd have a very different issue. The problem is that many professionals are woefully unaware of just how much harm they can do. The "directions" given could still lead to big problems later.
I’ve been on Xanax for 12 years. At one point I was on 2mg bid but I’ve since tapered down to 1mg once a day prn and been on that for many years now and it works great when I need to take it. I’ve never had an issue with abusing it, but I have had my bottle stolen more times than I can count and the withdrawal isn’t fun but I’ve not had any negative symptoms of taking it.
Hi, could you please advise? My neurologist prescribed me 0.25mg clonazepam at bedtime for insomnia. I took it for a month at this dose until my GP warned me that this medicine is poison. I started immediately tapering down on it but I was on it for a good 4-6 weeks. I’ve had side effects such as memory impairment, decreased sex drive and other side effects How long will it take me to recover? The only silver lining here is that I stopped or else I would have bee! on it for at least 3 months had my GP not warned me.
Hi Faizan. It sounds like you have a great GP who is looking after your best interests. When it comes to withdrawal effects or even post withdrawal syndrome this can vary for many people as far as how long it takes to fully recover. This is a great conversation to have with your doctors since there are many variables affecting recovery time. Hope you get well soon and thanks for sharing your story.
been taking Klonopin for 12 + years for panic disorder. Can't tolerate SSRI's, my body doesn't work well with them. Klonopin hasn't failed yet, I am on the same dose I started all those years ago. It may not be the right med for everyone but it gave me my life back.
Doctors always talk right along the party line. Heard the same thing about so many other drugs. Just imagine listening to her without the white coat on. She read all of this on Wikipedia
i appreciate this, but Dr.. you need to understand there is a huge use for these meds, and you should not rule them out of your practice or patients will seek other doctors that will relieve their symptoms. I appreciate your holistic approach but please provide more content on just being safe with it. i take clonazepam 0.5mg at the lowest dose and it has saved my life.
I'm 63 and have been taking vendors for like 40 years. I currently take 1mg.of klonapin every night plus 2 different antidepressants.I have all the side effects she mentioned, my short term memory is bad. I forgot words all the time. I couldn't imagine not being able to drive. I tried to get off them a few years back and had a terrible seizure. I was in the emergency room at the time. The seizure was scary, it almost killed me? I guess I will stay on them for the rest of my life? And hope my mind doesn't get real bad.Please be careful..
It’s getting cool to hate on those legitimate users that have been given their lives back by these drugs right? Stop hating on all benzo users. I so sick and tired of this
Not for long term use? I've been on a Benzodiapine for years and have helped me greatly with no need for increase or side effects where SSRI's used made me feel horrible. My thoughts are it is helping with the production of GABA which is important when treating GAD/Depression.
Glad to hear you are tolerating your benzo. This isn't the case for many, especially after long term use. I wish you continued mental wellness and health!
The degree of suffering coming off these is beyond comprehension. Just have to accept that ever gaba receptor is completely fried and takes years to heal.
Hi Allen. Unfortunately that is true! It's called down regulation, which is one of the reasons why after time the medication no longer works the way it used to. However, our brains are neuroplastic and with time you can gain back function of those receptors.. but it does take a long time. Be patient 🙏
I went to treatment beginning of July for drinking beer. 3mg of Xanax for 10 years and 45mg of adderall also 10 or probably more for both. Cut off cold turkey and still not feeling right! Yes I started drinking beer again but not as much and didn’t for have any for 2 months. I had no desire to do anything but go to work and sleep!! Me and my wife are going to therapy and also more meds I didn’t list. Now we’re trying Gabardine 300mg twice a day!
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Nobody gives a fu@k unless you can pay massive amounts of $ period end of story. People are killing themselves bc they can’t get good treatment. I’m disgusted. These meds are killing us and nobody cares unless you are rich. If you are hooked on benzos prepare to be lied to and drugged with more pharm drugs etc. don’t post these kinds of videos unless you genuinely want to help people with no financial gain.
I take xanax for 12 years. How to stop it.
@LevelheadedMind , I've been on Clonazepam 1mg for one month and am trying to taper off . My Dr.told me to go down to 1/2 for a week and then I'm done.
I watched your video
Went to 3/4 MG and am still having major anxiety and diarrhea feeling like I'm out of it . I'm scared and don't know what to do , I had a tbi 10 years ago and recovered , then went thru a horrible breakup and my Dr. put me on this for sleep . It's not helping and I don't know the effective way to taper and am afraid of long term affects.
Please any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated
Yeah well I want to have a full spinal infusion so I can straighten my spine completely the doctor was willing to do it even though I got a bunch of medical problems so I think I'm going to do it cuz I want to completely straight spine I don't want it to curve at all
Well I believe the most beautiful woman in the world take Xanax or Ativan or even
I've been on benzos for 20 years. First Xanax, now Lorazepam (Ativan) I take 2-3 mg a day, never more, never less. It's the *only* drug that makes my life tolerable and I have tried EVERYTHING (and I mean everything: every SSRI, SNRI, older tricyclics, Buspirone etc) There are patients for whom benzodiazepines are the only answer to lifelong, debilitating anxiety.
Yep, you're certainly not the only one.
That would seem to be me
Me too! It’s the only medicine that works for me!!!
I am the same way!!
Have you ever been on Klonapin? I think it’s better because it lasts longer n you don’t have to redose as much
Yes ma'am I have a story I'd like to share. Thank you for your videos! I was prescribed Xanax about 20 years ago. He told me it wasn't addictive at all. Everything was fine, until I didn't take it one day.
Then I had the flu when I woke up. I was so weak that I couldn't get dressed after my shower. I called into work.
Then diarrhea, but I was also throwing up so hard it was lifting my body in the air off the ground.
It occurred to me somewhere around that time that this wasn't the flu, it was withdrawals.
I didn't know how dangerous it was to stop cold turkey, so I'm going to tell yall.
For the next four days, I lay on the bathroom floor, shaking uncontrollably, throwing up, crying, and it hurt so bad. It felt like my bones were being ripped out of my body, and my skin was being peeled off.
Every negative emotion you could possibly have was all there. All at once, rage, terror, guilt, all of it. Not fear... constant TERROR. I was deliriously trapped in a nightmare. It was so bad that on the fourth day, my "home defense" was also in the bathroom with me in case it got any worse. That's where it took me.
You know that feeling in your stomach when the roller coaster you're on drops off the top of the hill? That happened to me every couple minutes for days, no sleep. While it felt like a horse was stepping on my skull, crushing it, and my chest, ribs, arms, and legs.
I knew if I took another Xanax it would all go away. But I was so scared of going through this again that my Xanax use was ending right then.
So my "home defense" laid right by the bottle of Xanax, in the bathroom floor with me so I could cry, cuss, and scream at it... and I did a lot.
My heart has never beat so fast. It felt like it was pumping dry sand through it. I didn't know if I was going to die or not, but I was in too deep and delirious by then.
After four days, I regained some senses, and that went away. But for a week after, I couldn't feel my body. I couldn't feel my legs when I was walking, like I was in this numb dream, and nothing was real.
You can seriously die from abrupt benzo withdrawals. If you're quitting, TAPER.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you are in a better place now with your mental health. God bless 🙏
Im on 8 pr mg pr day ,when your one this huge dose and then go emty ,,,Opiats is nothing to get off combared to Xanax,been on em since 2009......its insane the dose they given me it way to high , strange they dont realize that.Go emty on em its like TERROR ,RIGHT WORD HOPE YOU COPE ,👊🙏WE ARE IN THE SAME BOUT YOUR NOT ALLONE
A went 21 days on 0 after doc refused ,new prescription....almost died,im sure ...cant belive they dare do it
I hope you are doing better. This drug is given without warnings and I'm trying to slowly wean down. Praying for you.
I had the same experience. Hell on earth!
My doctor retired. The new doctor wouldn’t prescribe my Xanax even though I had been on them for 8 years. That was the only thing that really helped my mental health.
My drs both retired at the same time and it's been absolute pain, confusion, the worst thing I've ever been thru. Constant panic attacks and psychiatrist is happy I'm going thru
@ThreefiddyThat does not sound very smart. Must cost a fortune too. You should attempt weaning off of them. The sooner you can stop the better.
I ve been on Valium since 1986, not a lot of milligrams daily but it has been an every day thing, I 'll spend the rest of my life on em, am I worried about addiction issues, not at all, They make drugs for people who need them, I know many people who need them, take them as directed etc.. Thankfully there are still many doctors not afraid to write Valium and Xanax for the people who really need them. For the ones complaining about addiction issues on here, I do understand but remember, some people have to have them !!
@@jeffreykjones2748, Of course, doctors won't prescribe opiate painkillers any longer than about 5 days. Patients in extreme, but chronic pain are just SOL. Many sufferers have opted for s*icide as the only choice left. Withdrawals from benzodiazepine are said to be worse than just about anything and may include convulsions. I suspect the FDA will do the same with them. Good luck getting long-term prescriptions much longer. The FDA has absolutely no empathy for patents, it's simply politics.
You're physically dependent. @Threefiddy
I’ve been on Klonopin for over 25 years. I’ve been on the same dose the entire time and never needed nor wanted to take more. During that time, I have completed five degrees, am now a professor of psychology, and became an expert in psychopharmacology. I’ve had no side effects and would bet any amount of money that my memory would outperform most people’s by a factor of 10.
If you don’t abuse benzos (taking more than needed) or mix them with alcohol or opiates, the risk of harm is close to 0%. Even the “increased risk for early onset dementia” is still not fully supported by strong empirical data.
This video did a lot of fear mongering but didn’t actually provide much in the way of scientific facts. You may not like benzos and that’s fine, some doctors don’t, but telling people they are dangerous is intentionally misleading. If you disagree, I’d be happy to debate the subject with you. I mean, after 25 years on them, I shouldn’t pose much of a intellectual challenge, right?
Consider yourself lucky. Just check out benzo buddies and then tell me they are not harmful. I am working in the trenches with patients who have not abused them, taken as prescribed in low doses and having a very difficult time coming off. Glad to hear you are not one of them, count your blessings 🙏
Right
However, now you're physically dependent.
Was stricken with GAD about a year and a half ago. Been on buspirone a year. For more acute situations I keep alprazolam on hand but have a policy of no more than once a week of .5mg. If I have an anxiety attack but have used my weekly self- allotment I'll just gut it out rather than take more. So far that seems to work and sometimes I go a couple weeks without any. Thoughts?
@@MonacoBlast66
So what? The most widely used high blood pressure drugs - beta blockers create physical dependence. If you were to abruptly stop taking them, you'd have elevated blood pressure, irregular heart beats, anxiety etc. for days, but nobody tries to restrict their usage.
I have been taking Klonopin for twenty years. Fluctuation of doses over the years from 2mg, 1.5mg, and a daily average of one mg. In my opinion and experience, it is extremely helpful and allows me to live a full productive life. I have zero side effects from it. I'm sure my experience and opinion on the medication is within the extreme minority. I have read quite a few stories of the difficulties that people have with the medication and how hard it is to taper off. 2mg to 1.5 mg was a little difficult for me years ago. Now I only take 1mg per day.
Ya one lucky SOB...
I’m the same it’s been very helpful. I’m off them now but I needed them when I needed them. I had zero problem stopping them too, i think those of us who need them also understand we have to be careful and use as needed rather than taking the maximum we are prescribed. Glad they are helping you !
@@Pepi86753 you were dam lucky...simple as that...both of you... speak to those who are going through hell..your luck Glad you were
@@garysimone4977 I don’t know. I watched a lot of those videos of people struggling when I first started taking it and it scared me. But what I observed was people taking them regularly, at the max dose prescribed. I never did that. I took them when I needed them. Like if I had 2 or 3 bad days of anxiety I’d take one. I could have been taking them twice a day daily but I didn’t need that so I didn’t do it. I do feel for those who have had a hard time but I also question if they ever really needed the medication in the first place.
@@Pepi86753 some build tolerance even takingvit 2-3x a week, some gavecawful reaction hjust 1 x ya never know . Still consider your self lucky
My psych had me on Xanax for almost 20yrs for panic disorder. I was on 1mg 3x daily and never increased. I'm now on 0.5mg 2x daily. I'm slow tapering.
I'm glad to hear you are successfully tapering off, that's awesome!
Did you ever feel dizzy and faint while tapering off, my dum ass doctor is tapering me off way 2 fast,went from .05/ 4 × a day to .05 /2×a day in 2 month span I've been taking 2 mg in one day for about 3 years
Klonopin has worked for me. 14 years now 1 mg 3x a day. Very hard to let go.
NOT ADDICTS! Almost 99% of benzodiazepine “users” are NOT addicts! They take AS PRESCRIBED and never have cravings or the desire to up-dose. The doctors, against recommendations, tend up-dose worsening the problem of tolerance. Your knowledge is so appreciated, but please do not group addiction with dependence. Would you say that a diabetic is addicted? I don’t think so.
I agree addiction is not the same as dependence and not all benzo users are addicts. However, many become addicted unintentionally.
I've been on diazepam for just over a year ( 15mg a day for crippling panic disorder). CBt and antidepressants did nothing to stop them. The risk of early dementia is frightening, but those who suffer severe anxiety don't use them for fun. I feel there is a real fear mongering, judgmental tone to this video.
@@LevelheadedMind
I cannot believe that you still do not get the point. NOT ADDICTS. Since you are selling yourself as a deprescriber now, you should understand WHY this statement is an issue. Addicts are treated at rehab centers and rapidly weaned from certain drugs. “As prescribed” benzodiazepine users should never be treated at rehab centers; most need far longer tapers. Please stop using the word “addict”. “Physically dependent” is more appropriate. There’s a difference when it comes to tapering. Your insistence isn’t helping; it’s harming.
Sounds like the first sign.... Denial.
@@666THEMARK666 seriously? 🙄 Thousands of people who were prescribed CHOOSE to taper off. Get a clue.
Over 20 years of dependence on Lorazepam, originally prescribed 4mg. This is my 4th attempt since 2013 to decrease, and eventually, get off COMPLETELY! I am going very slowly, under the direction of my psychiatrist. He said that I am his only patient who has wanted to say good-bye to Lorazepam. Now I am on 2mg/daily, since July. I take .5mg/4 times daily, sublingual. My doctor said that it is my decision and he supports me in my efforts. My long-term goal is to decrease my dependence, 6 months at a time, or slower, if necessary. At 60 I have concern for the remaining years of my life. I also take meds for Bipolar 1, rapid-cycling. Over the years I have felt less intelligent, self-conscious of my slower thoughts and expressing them to others who don't know me. My self-esteem has definitely suffered. My psychiatrist says that 2mg is not a large dosage. Maybe not, but for me any amount is a big amount, because I feel a decline intellectually and have some balance issues. At times, I am not as steady on my feet and have a problem with depth perception. The greatest gift I can give myself is a clean brain. I am determined to win this time.
You will win, in fact you already have! Keep it up and you will reach your goals. Thanks for sharing your story 😊. I wish you all the best 🙏
You can do it, if you go slow u wont have any withdrawal symptoms
2mg is a large dose.
@@rigas333 depends on the person.
How are you doing now?
How to recover from clonazepam-induced memory issues?
4mg+ daily of klonopin for 5 years almost killed me when I stopped. Wound up in the ER twice. It was the best medication in the world until it wasn't anymore. Awful.
Wow! Thanks for sharing... I can only imagine how difficult it was to come off that. I hope that you have the support you need to move forward from it and keep your head up, it does get easier with time and practice if you're willing to put in the work for therapy or meditation/prayer. Also, there are other medications that are useful for anxiety, but not habit forming.
It is always when someone gets cut off from benzos that the problems occur! I was cut off by a hospital in 3 weeks. There needs to be a black box warning to medical professionals and patients no to stop abruptly
@@sharon8121 yes, you are right! Stopping too abruptly can be dangerous. I work with patients who want to stop and if they have been on a benzo for years, it will usually take years to get them off. We taper very slowly!
That is actually a good description. Great medicine for shorttime use. Long time use - not so much!
@@LevelheadedMind I wish all medical professionals knew this.
Been on Ativan for about 16 years for agoraphobia,GAD,panic etc or so now just 1 mg at bedtime. Only other time I would use the medication would be during high stress, travel, or a dentist appointment, etc. etc. I realized I had a problem and that this was poisoning me when a couple different nights I thought I had taken my pill and found it on the floor in the morning and wonder why I was up all night sweating shaking, nervous. Just one night without the meds and I realize this stuff is truly in my system and I can’t just stop taking it. After several different health battles with different conditions, I never thought I would have in my life, I started water taper in August 2022. I started dissolving my 1mg in 6 oz water . I stir and withdraw while it’s spinning. I’m up to 2 1/2 tsp removal now . It’s slow going but I’m trying to avoid serious problems. My reason for getting off of this stuff is that I have had got problems for years that I’ve gotten progressively worse as well as memory issues. My naturopath said that these drugs can cause permeability issues in the gut, causing leaky gut, as well as slow motility, which I do have. I also had sibo and food allergies or adversions have been so much worse. I want my diet to be normal and my gut and brain to be normal. I’m 50 and don’t need cognitive or gut issues anymore.
I’m keeping good notes every time I do a decrease in notice that 3 to 4 days and I usually end up with a headache I might have some stomach problems, nausea etc. I understand this process could take me more than a year to get off this 1 mg pill and then I have to work on getting off Lamictal.
You're one hot grandma I've ever seen.
How are you doing with your taper?
Taking for a decade and still hitting 80% of my free throws and holding down a complex, supervisory management position.
Withdrawal from benzo is hell on earth your body become ur own torture chamber u can't imagine I hope one day.illbe free
I hope one day you'll be free too! Just remember this takes time, be patient with yourself. 🙏
That's what I'm trying to do I'm almost 4years and still have side effects
Me too currently tapering 😞
@@othmanehayoty4791 seriously?
I was given 0 warning by my psych about the addictive nature of this drug. Admittedly, my dose was small but she mentioned nothing about the length of time or what have you. After six months I stopped simply because I ran out. After 24 hours I started to realize that this wasn't my normal depression or side effects from my anti depressants. After 6 months I was physically dependent even though I was taking a minimum dose. I was lucky that I insisted on a small dose, because I seem to be more or less Ok after tapering with Valium for 2 weeks and then quitting completely.
@alfredmiller8831 what part of my description makes people want this toxic BS?
My psychiatrist is an 🐴hole. He gets his patients hooked on benzos so they have to come back to him for the fix, pay the copay and he bills the insurance for the rest. Each patient is in there like 5 minutes or less. I call him Dr. Drug Dealer. Been trying to see another psychiatrist but warning, once you're on benzodiazepines most psychiatrist offices don't want to see you. You'll be on your own.
Perhaps I'll try cold turkey. @@justacinnamonbun8658
I pace 18-40hrs straight in akathisia, until my body can’t hold me, 31mths after stopping Klonopin taken 1x/day at night for sleep. Psychotropic medications ALL cause akathisia. It’s not “withdrawal” it’s neuroadaptation and brain injury? Why are the pharmaceutical companies telling people to “push through those side effects”? “Agitation” is actually a sign of neurotoxicity occurring. That agitation can become permanent. It can happen months AFTER stopping the medication and happen “tardive”. Doctors will try and tell you that it’s your original condition worsening. “No.” It’s Russian roulette. There should be screening before they start another person on a psychotropic medication. One of me is too many.
Xanax is not available in the UK.
I feel like that’s far too draconian! There’s a time and place for the use of Xanax, which is much quicker acting and effective in my experience, than any of the other benzos.
Used judiciously, under physician-monitoring, it can alleviate horrendous suffering from SO many things!
End-of-life panic attacks; phobia of seeing a doctor, dentist, psychiatrist etc for emergency purposes; short-term grief relief…
I’ve experienced all of these situations and more, and honestly, I could not have shown up, been “present,” or worked through my anxiety without this medication. It absolutely saved my life when needed.
Some of us have brains that are just hardwired to experience waaay too much neuronal firing on a good day; but introduce trauma, phobia, grief, or any extremely high-social arousal situation, and we *literally* can’t handle it.
So ideally, a smart doctor would know your mental/physical health history and work with you to educate you on the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
I just hate that it is SO highly controlled without proper justification. 😣
I am taking lorazepam. I feel like I have a problem with my memory. My doctor says it's because of depression, but I'm wondering if it's because of the lorazepam medication.
It most certainly can be the benzo. They make people forget a lot of stuff
@@donnadelrey6744 So can anti-depressants.
Tapering off of Lorazepam for the past few months. Rebound anxiety is a real struggle and I may have gone a little too fast based on your guidance. I have never seen a detailed taper schedule and that was really helpful. Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful.
Look up the Ashton manual.
@@LevelheadedMind there was no taper schedule in this Lydia video.
@@Swan-rb4yg that is a different video here ua-cam.com/video/Oov0nQ7GTDo/v-deo.htmlsi=hCyvOV0M3puym2AW
Never had a sleep problem but now at 83 I"m lucky to get 4 hours a night, makes for long days. So what can I do?
I had a nervous breakdown in 2016. And I’m bipolar with major anxiety. I take 1 mg of Xanax three times a day. After hearing your video I am concerned. I also am agoraphobic. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I don’t know what to do. But I find your voice very soothing and your information very interesting. Thank you 😊
I am sorry to hear about your nervous breakdown. If you're tolerating the Xanax at 1mg three times a day without feeling like you need more or having any adverse effects then it's OK. If you have concerns about adverse effects or feeling you are reaching a point of tolerance or dependence, then please discuss this with your provider and review your options. If you decide to taper off Xanax, make sure you do slowly and check out the Ashton Manual to help guide the process. I appreciate you sharing your story with us and I wish you all the best on your mental health care journey 🙏.
@@LevelheadedMind Can you do a video on Lamictal? I take Lamictal for my bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer and I was wondering what you thought of it?
@@marybarrett2002 Yes, this medication is on my list... stay tuned!
@@LevelheadedMind Thank you. So many people are scared of this medicine. But it has helped me so much and it’s kept me stable. I feel it’s an excellent medicine for bipolar as a mood stabilizer. Have a great day🌻
@@LevelheadedMind can you do a video about topiramate /topamax? This drug literally ruined my life and i was prescribed off label for ''binge eating and mood stabilizer''
That librium is strong. I saw alcoholics freaking out in rehab until they gave him librium and he was out for 2 days. The moral of the story is alcoholics have the worst withdrawal in the first 24 hours. People who take benzos for years are tortured for weeks if not months. During withdrawal, The relapse rate on benzos is extremely high the first 48hrs.
Theres a lot of fear mongering and horror stories online about benzos. Ive done a lot of my own research on this subject and have spoken to friends of mine who have taken it for years. A friend of mine was on it for many years at 6mg daily and tapered off in 3 weeks when she decided to come off it. I had to take ativan for 3 months during the summer 2-3mgs a day due to extreme anxiety and I stopped it with no issues. My heart goes out to anyone who has a hard time going off it but please for the love of God do it slow, very slow if u need to and u wont have any issues.
Been prescribed Valium since the 80s, don t know what I would do without it, it s all that works for me. Don t want off of it, not worried about addiction issues .
The drag is that a lot of these stories happened because doctors just stopped the prescription so slowing down was not an option.
This comment gives me hope. I've been on 2.5mg of Lorazepam for about 2 months and tried to stop it cold turkey. Definitely didn't think it was going to affect me as severely as it has. I've had the worse withdrawals ever. I ended up giving up after 4 days.
@@ashbash1700 please look into the Ashton method. You can come off it safely with no withdrawals.
Even tapering off very slowly is still very damaging to alot of people.
I've been on Klonopin for 12 years now .5mg for anxiety and panic attacks take it as prescribed once daily.
My doctor and I tried all of the other anti anxiety medications out there before prescribing Klonopin. I was told that it works quickly, that I could build up a tolerance and I could get addicted.
Instead of it working quickly it took two weeks before it started taking effect. Also I've been on the same dose for 12 years. Also I am able to remember better and concentrate better even with distractions all around.
Am I the only one who has had to take Klonopin for two weeks before it started working? I'm wondering why I haven't built up a tolerance? I'm grateful that it's a miracle medicine and I haven't built up a tolerance.
My balance is good because I skateboard as exercise.
I know someone who has been on a high dose of Klonopin for decades. He has a seizure disorder. Seems unaffected by side effects.
What’s the best way to wean off of Xanax if you’ve been taking 1.5 mg daily for 2 years?
Refer to the Ashton Manual or speak with a provider who knows how to taper benzos. If you're interested in mental health coaching to help guide you through it, then contact me, links are in the description.
Go to a detox or ask your doctor . Don’t cold turkey at all ……. Also do whatever is right for you . If you want to stay on it and it helps . Stay on it . I hate this war on drugs …….
I'm on flurazepam for 24 years. Now mylan has discontinued them! I've some to last 2 months. What's the story about the discontinuation of them? They got me off the drink! And helped with sleep. I don't want a replacement. I fear new benzodiazepines! At my age (56) this is scary reading the comments on people saying they went through hell after getting off, Xanax, lorazepam and other benzodiazepines. I'm fucked..
Check out the benzo Coalition group for information and list of providers who can help.
Why are you stopping at the memory symptom? You do know there's Hu dreds of symptoms that comes along with Benzo usage which can take years to clear up
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, there are many other potential adverse effects, however, memory problems are the most common long term effect, so I focused on that. But you're right, long term effects can be much more and even debilitating for some.
I took Olanzapine to sleep. I felt peace when I took it. I drank alcohol while taking benzos. I started to take more of it than I was described. I was always getting refills. I took Latuda for a year. My empathy was gone and my gambling addiction got really bad, then I went off it. I almost bought metamfetamina, then I decided to go a AA meeting after a friend told me his story about his substance abuse because I related to his story. Got me to AA. I'm now 3 years sober and I don't like psych drugs.
Thanks for sharing your story!
yeah psych drugs are bad.
@@paulflint6254 I'm not against them fully, but I'm against giving them out like candy without therapy, and not having a exit plan to get off their medication. The people prone to addiction are the mentally ill people. Our mental health care system that we have world wide is embarrassing.
Why are doctors so against prescriping my Adderall and my Klonopin? I've been on both for a while but I keep having to switch doctors who are willing to do both. My need both of these medications. God you doctors are such a pain in the ass trying to cover your ass against any possible lawsuits. Terrible. Instead of taking care of patients needs I'm made to look like a drug seeker just trying to obtain my medications. Shame on the medical professionals these days. The old school doctors still are willing to take care of their patients.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can imagine that this is frustrating, but being on 2 controlled substances is a flag in the system regulated by states that monitor patient use of controlled substances. Furthermore, it is not advised to be on both a stimulant that activates your sympathetic nervous system and causes anxiety that requires a medication like Klonopin to bring you down. That is a clear sign that your stimulant dose is too high or you should be on a different stimulant. If you have comorbid anxiety, practice guidelines are clear that SSRIs are first line treatment and for all the reasons listed in this video, benzos are not used long term. This is best practice, and those providers are looking out for your best interest. If you've already been on the combination for a while, best practice would be to work on tapering you off the Klonopin.
@@LevelheadedMind both the Adderall and Klonopin are 100% necessary in my health. You might not agree with it nor most newer doctors, but the old school doctors remember a day when it was ok to rx 2 controlled substances. It is not possible that a non benzo for my diagnosed anxiety disorder just does not work for some people? And is it possible that it's necessary to my health to be on both these meds even though my Adderall dose may be contributing somewhat to my anxiety but I only take my Klonopin at night. 1 mg at bedtime. Is that really that big of an issue?
No issue at all until you lose your perscriber. There is a clinic nearby that I go to regularly. Even if you aren't a group person they specialize in poly abuse.
@@mlevo1011 @mlevo1011 oh boy... Youre gonna learn the hard way, not only is the Benzo you on making you're anxiety ten times worse... But you're on Adderall at the same time? A stimulant medication and a sedative, I don't like using words like dumb but I mean if the shoe fits. No seriously even if you're not using them together, you are shocking the Nervous system because eit doesn't know to be in a stimulated state and or a sedated state yet you expect these two nervous system injuring neuro toxins to be safe for ever lol. Doctors aren't trying to cover their asse, newer research on the harm of these drugs is finally seeing the light of day and your doctor is trying not to kill you. Unfortunately you are too stuck in your own way and ignorant to see that whatever anxiety disorder you have is being made worse by you with this cock tail. Smarten up, stop blaming others for trying to keep you alive, maybe research the drugs you are taking and try understanding why your doctors are trying to keep you from these... It blows my mind how arrogant and ignorant patients, especially those who don't understand the issue with feeding the body a speed and sleep cocktail could dare think that he or she knows better then their doctor, if he or she is trying to get to get you off these... Maybe stop playing the victim card, figure out why and maybe just maybe figure out a better way to manage you're health. You stay on these medications long enough, not only do you risk Nervous system induced injury which can produce a host of complications such as neurological issues, muscle issues, visual disturbances straight out of a nightmare, sensory perception complications, inability to walk, numbness all over the body, greater anxiety and depression like the thousands of people we see in our benzo groups on a daily bases myself included, and no we never abused our medications we took as prescribed and got seriously hurt.
But that's okay if you want to live in delusional land thinking that you're bill won't come due as you've basically been poking your nervous system for years now, I want you to keep that same energy especially when you become disabled and bed bound... Think about the people who tried warning. I have no sympathy for those who won't even bother trying to understand the other side, just think you know everyone. Sweetheart Benzos themselves were meant for 2-4 weeks max...doesnt that tell you something? Unbelievable
Yea I recently experienced the same problem with my current situation. I lost my doctor and am in the process of finding a new one, so my primary care doctor agreed to cover me until I find a new psych doctor. However, because I'm on adderall as well, she doesn't want to give me more than 12 of the .5mg klonopins per month. Like really? Wtf am I supposed to do with that?! That's toddler doses. At least maintain my 1mg per day. It's not that much
People need these !!!!
I've been on Klonopin for about 16 years... I really wish they would have discussed the side effects better, or at least warned me about how dangerous they are!
Because my body is dependent on this poison.. it was given to me for my anxiety and panic attacks but the shaking and tremors and jolts from not taking it is worse than anything!
It is unfortunate that you are going through this. It is even more unfortunate that I hear this often from patients and when I help them come off these drugs, they struggle immensely. However, once they are off them they feel so much better, so hang in there, it will get better.
You are right.
I pray you get back up stronger with the help of God who will
bless you, I had similar problems and can relate and what will help you dramatically was to find God’s grace, the truth in life
which is in the ORTHODOX
christianity religion only. it is the original and true form of
christianity that Jesus taught us when he came to earth, and you can feel God's grace through the holy sacraments after baptism, repentance-
confession and holy communion
in the orthodox christian
church, something that
completely changes your life
and turns you into a happier
person with a meaningful life
and also saves you by
strengthening your bond with
God. I suggest you become an orthodox christian at an
orthodox christian church near you, get baptised and receive the holy spirit and live a spiritual life (repentance- confession to
the priest and holy communion)
This is all God wants from us
and through these sacraments we will be saved from anxiety in this life and the next💯
U should keep on taking it to avoid rebound anxiety or withdrawal
@@jtames9040 great advice your going to get the man killed, got cant stop benzo withdrawl, stop spreading false information
Doctors pass out Anti-Psychotics like candy, especially seroquel for sleep issues. In my opinion, they cause worse withdrawal and side effects than benzos. How come doctors never talk about that? Maybe because they are not controlled substances?
Currently detoxing after being on at least one benzo for over 34 years; started at 14 when there wasn’t a lot of info, it’s been quite a ride! Learn lots and lots of skills!
Bet you kept a lot of friends and made your family proud of you.
@@bobstuckrath1805 not sure what you mean? Thank you I think :)
How are you now?
THANK YOU sincerely, you feel like a trustable and experienced practitioner.
Can benzodiazepines affect vision on a daily life???
Went to the ER for panic/anxiety attack four times in my life and each time rather gave me ativan. Nothing like that Ativan injection….
And when it's mixed with haldol and benadryl
Same here i been for 5 times during stressful times... now my doc finally gave me a .05 prescription of it. My attacks happen in the morning usually but when i take it i end up sleepy at work...im wondering to take it at night instead.
My question to you is I have been on 0.5 clonazepam for about 2 months then all a sudden today my physchiatrist says I'm thinking you have a heart issue instead of mental health and still I have bad panic and severe anxiety buy she just cuts my medicine off so if it's not good to just stop taking it how can she be a physchiatrist
It depends on how you were taking it. That is a low dose, and only 2 months of use, could be possible to just stop. If you start having withdrawal symptoms then call your doctor or go to ER.
Bad response from the video creator. Dangerous and abrupt decision from the doctor.
I’m a 73 year old retired teacher. My doctor decided to stop prescribing Klonipan after 20 years of .50/day. I tapered off and after 4 months, I’m completely off. However, I feel terrible! Why? My life was fine until he insisted on taking me off. I had no complaints, my family had no complaints about my behavior, etc. why? I want to get back into a homeostasis situation like I was before all this craziness.
how are you now? I think life is much better without the drugs...but that is me...
You're a 73 year old addict teacher.
This doctor talking doesn't know what she's talking about completely I was on Klonopin for 10 years doing good Swiss doctors and now that I'm not on them I feel horrible., update my doc just grabbed my Klonopin 2 mg 🤘
Are you openminded in regards to hypnosis therapy and/or subliminals?
i mean in regards to either be able to maintain the effects of the medicine or to make sure that the meds are working 👌! It's all in the subconscious!
As an epileptic and general anxiety I had issues for maybe a week after I took myself off klonopin (1mg x 3 daily for years) for a year to see how it went off the helpful meditation. But honestly the issues were so slight, kinda irritating in mornings for about a week but that was it. I was very shocked how easy it was and only irritating after I woke up. But seizures did increase which rose the common seizures side effect of general anxiety. All added up quiting was very easy not as bad for me compared maybe to others fighting withdrawals, but I had just about no withdrawals and not enough to be concerned. Only seizure increases but that's it. Lot of experience and knowledge at it. Any questions ask a patient from their views and I'm free to answer my experience. Good luck with your battles.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m not a subscriber although I enjoy& appreciate your caring,sharing feedback TIA
I understand what you are saying here. I anticipated a really nasty withdrawal and over-planned and over thought everything from every angle. When the actual withdrawal came and went, I was shocked and a little embarrassed about how in my minds eye I had blown the thing way out of proportion from reality. That is not to say it is not a difficult withdrawal! Far from the truth !Not being fair to yourself when you over-magnify the intensity of the experience especially when you haven’t let it happen yet. Don’t fear monger yourself into a corner. Try hard yes, but Keep it in perspective.
CBT/DBT works wonders as does mindfulness combined with deep breathing. I was addicted to benzodiazepines for more than a decade and always freaked myself out when I even **thought **about withdrawal. If Cognitive behavioural therapy worked for me, it will work for anyone!
Been on SSRI ( Prozac ) for 19 years off and on, mainly on. Recently started taking Atarax as needed to help with occasional insomnia. Is Prozac safe to take for decades?
Many people can take antidepressants for a lifetime without adverse effects and some people will end up with either side effects or treatment resistance as you can actually end up with low serotonin as a result.
Thank you for this video. It's very important info. you are providing. This is a very responsible video. Thank you for making it.
Thank you for watching!
Are SSRIs really less harmful to health than Benzos???
Thanks for a very informative and inspiring video. I have finally tapered off lorazepam after years of misuse and several difficult attempts to disentangle myself from the addiction. It continues to be an unfolding and continuing journey of learning to approach PTSD and panic disorder from a different perspective and use techniques that are not as easy as popping a pill, but once the CBT/DBT method registers with you or “clicks”inside your mind, you never need to return to the addiction. Thanks for letting people know that they have more options available than big pharma and it is well within their ability to deal effectively with anxiety or panic through psychotherapy and learned techniques.
I am four years benzo free as of March 14, 2023. I can tell you the first 16 months or so were hell. I would cry for no reason. I was 60 years old when I started tapering. Oh, I am a white male in his 60's. It took me almost a year to go from full dose of 4mg to zero. And I was also tapered off of an AD. I can tell you my life crashed. My now X wife had split up so that is when I decided to get off this crap. Looking back, I dont know how I did it. I was all alone, no help from anyone. The "doctor" told me to come on back to let him know how it was going....no offer of help. but to be honest, there is nothing to help you detox from a benzo. You only have time and hope. that is it....thankfully, I feel really good these days. I have my life back, I sleep fairly well. My heart goes out to all those still on this poison and those in the taper and post taper phase. hang in there, it will get better....
Thanks for sharing your story and message of hope 🙏.
I been on clonzepam for seizures for many years. It definitely did help for many many years. As of a few months ago something changed after i had a gallbladder removal. My seizures are returning and are becoming more frequent. I can barley if that make it one day without having at least 6 or so seizures. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the surgery or either my clonidine or What i suspect is the clonzepam has reached the end of and i need more to get the same effect. I only take half of a 0.5 one. Any advise on what to do next
I have taken lorazepam, 1 mg for sleep, for 50 years !! Still works fine. Should I stop taking them ?
Thank you but it sounds like you're saying, that your brain never recovers by stopping. Is this true, or does it eventually return to normal doing neurolinguist therapy?
It will eventually recover, just takes time to heal.
@LevelheadedMind
I have PTSD hence anxiety. However, I have amazing tools for that and recovered fully from CFS/ME. Not an easy task.
So, I don't think I need it anymore but the 'addiction' screams otherwise
Ive tried three times to stop and it's just impossible alone.
It seems to me, that I would need to be in a hospital where I was supported. It's that bad!
Have you had a personal experience?
I have been trying to taper off...I'm down to 2 mg a day. I can't function without it.
..
I'm on 1mg mg of Ativan twice a day, one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night. My doctor wants me to get off it but I need it so bad, I'm going through so much right now and I need it to numb my pain.😩
Since mid October I've been taking clobezam with a smaller dose of klonopin that my neurologist is currently weaning me off of. Plus I take vimpat. I've been experiencing extreme fatigue mood swings and memory loss (probably mostly from klonopin). Any advice on what could help? Thanks
I have a friend who was on Xanax, 8 mg a day for 30 years. Her doctor in the last year helped her to get off the Xanax, but put her on Klonopin, 3 mg. a day. She has no side effects from long term use and her memory is amazing.
I've have been taking Klonopin for slightly over twenty years. Thankfully, no memory loss and zero side effects.
@@RickJZ1973 one very very lucky person you are God Bless
@@smallhouseinthemeadow6131 extremely extremely lucky
@@BrokePencil what did I mention in my comment
@@BrokePencil no worries at all, you still on the benzo ?
I would rather be addicted to a pill the rest of my life than be stuck in this scared PTSD shell of a man I am now.
@Scott Anderson what is formula 11?
@Scott Anderson How do I contact them?
How would I come off of .5mgs ×2 daily used for 7 months?
That would be dependent on multiple factors. If you'd like, schedule a free consultation and I will help you. Link in description.
@@LevelheadedMind I can't find the link .
@@angelaperry2070 www.optimantra.com/optimus/patient/patientaccess/practsNslots?hideFooterInFrame=&hideHeaderInFrame=&lid=QmYzOE9aT2VGSTVVS0hxMEFycFBKdz09&pid=YkpYQUtDNjhHbEtpVzMxcE5vaitjQT09&sid=aUR0UmxhWjB5bER4aG1rMlJDT0NFdz09&uid=undefined
Been on clonazepam for 6weeks 0.5mg for insomia and anxiety, since i was able to sleep 3 night straight i didnt took my regular dose. 4th night i tried to sleep but woke up with bad dreams. I got anxious and had palpitations and i couldnt go back to sleep. I took 0.25mg to make me feel calm, it did but didnt fall back to sleep. Today i feel like i have dry throat and palpitations, leg tingling sensation. Is this a withdrawals effect? Thank you
I take it when i need it and have no problems . Ativan has saved my life .
You have been VERY lucky ... so far ... Ativan (Lorazepam) used for 2 weeks destroyed my life.
Thank you so much for this video.
I have been taking Xanax for over 25 years.
I have health anxiety and it just so happens my husband is been having issues for the 2 years, so instead of .25 mg 2x a day and now up to .25 3x a day.
Just like you said it has affected my memory, it’s hard for me to find the word I’m looking for sometimes. I’m 72 years old so I want to see if I can start tapering it slowly and if possible regain my cognitive function loss so far.
Could you advise where I can find the Ashton method and please do you think I can at least stop my memory loss if not improve it at least I don’t want to get any worse. Again thank you!!
How long is "long term"?
You explained this PERFECTLY
Thank you! ❤️
I feel like taking Kolonopin when needed occasionally for anxiety is better than ssri because you are required to be constantly taking the ssri every day for it to work. With Kolonopin you can carry it around and only use it when your anxiety happens. Important note is that you only use it when you really need it and after you tried getting rid of your anxiety naturally.
Yes, using it that way will not create long term effects, and is generally safe. However, many people get "hooked" on the anti-anxiety effect and take it daily without realizing the dangers in doing so.
Clonazapam was the only thing that helped me sleep, I've tried everything else (mirtazapine, trazodone, doxepin, anti-psychotics, Dayvigo, CBT-I, melatonin, zopiclone, tryptophan.) I had no withdrawal effects when I stopped taking it. I'll always wonder if the risk of addiction could possibly be worse than the unrelenting insomnia I have now.
Why not long term for those who do not develop a tolerance, or side effects , and who find the medication effective for mitigating their anxiety, especially for those who have been on the medication for years and face tremendous risks and pain if forced to withdraw, not to mention the rebound anxiety. Almost cruel to make them go through withdrawal.
I have anxiety and white coat syndrome. I am taking larazpam , but I don't take them consistently. I only use them when I am going to the doctor, and they take my blood pressure. I've noticed that my BP readings have been all over the charts! Yesterday it was 182/70.in the drs. Office . Back in August it at the Dr office it was 128/80 . I was delighted with that one! Is it because I'm taking the lorizpam that's several months old , could be it's losing its strength and not relaxing me!? I take one capsule about an hour before appointment. Can I take 2 capsule before appointment? Maybe an hour between them .. ? I don't want to pass out or od.
You will have to discuss your concerns with your provider and ask if increasing the dose is advised. However, I am against increasing doses of benzos, especially in this case where vagus massage and/or diaphragmatic breathing can bring down your BP and does not cause dependence or side effects.
Just got prescribed Klonopin today .5 twice a day...??
Then what do you use then ? For panic? That don't just go away? What's your answer
9 years now taking 3/4 of a 0.5 clonazepam per day. it really helps me stay functional but other things I'm just dead.. I dont know what to do. I really need it to move on in life.
Can you take zoloft good for anxiety will you have withdrawal his long should you take zoloft
Try learning skills before pills. If you need pills, then only take for 6 months to 1 year.
I need your help but can’t afford your services.
You should review the dangers of SSRIs too. These drugs are not safe either
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I can't take SSRI'S...Have had bad reactions to all of them. Xanax is the only thing that has & does work for my anxiety
So if I continue taking it, it won’t be an issue
SSRI's SNRI are just as addictive. My wife has been taking Effexor for about 6 years daily. She had to change insurance and doctors and ran out. I had to take her to the ER twice from withdrawal. Also taking an SSRI has killed her libido and ability to climax. They are horrible drugs and most likely a primary cause of middle age marriage breakups. Do to this loss of intimacy both think they have fallen out of love. The wife has lost all interest and does not know why and the man starts cheating.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, it can be difficult to come off SNRIs or SSRIs but they do not cause addiction. Addiction is defined as craving the substance and needing more and more, as you build tolerance, then can get to a point where can't seem to get enough of that substance to satisfy the craving, or be pleasurable. With the antidepressants you have to come of them slowly due to your body becoming used to those levels of neurotransmitters, not because of addiction but in a way physical dependence, which is different. If done correctly you can come off of them safely with minimal effects. Sorry to hear your wife had such a bad experience.
@@LevelheadedMind My wife does not want to come off the effexor it works for her depression/anxiety she was forced off do to insurance changes. That is how we found out how dependent she was on them. No one told us about the dependency or libido side effects. IMO if an SSRI/SNRI is given a script for Oxytocin should also be given and marriage counseling to explain that you have not fallen out of love. Thank God our AntiAging clinic caught this and offered the counseling and Oxytocin script.
@@Singletracklover she has to quit slowly..very slowly.. special SNRI. Minimize the dose steps may take a year.
Agreed… Try going "cold turkey" from an SSRI. Those drugs affect the body physically.
Good video. I just am not convinced that an antidepressant can help with anxiety. They may and they may not. I like the idea of utilizing various therapies.
That's true. Therapy first is a better plan as I have learned over the years that medication may do more harm than good.
Folks, listen to this woman she's knows her stuff. In our benzo groups and Benzo Buddies we normally disagree with medical intervention because well for the most part it landed us in this horrific situation. Yes there is personal responsibility however information on the horrors of benzos unless you know where to look isn't that available which is why benzodiazepine information coalition is fighting for informed consent which was recently denied for some reason again. So our professional help is very limited... This woman on the other hand knows her stuff. Please listen and please support her.
I spoke with her previously and she actually knows about the Ashton manual... That's a win for us sufferers it means there's good therapists (Psychologists and psychiatrist, I apologize I only know about those two specialists in the field of a therapist. If theres more I don't mean to offend Im just unaware). But there's therapists out there who actually care enough to further their education. She's a very kind and loving person who's trying her best to help, prime example of what a doctor/therapist should be.
So before we leave a horror story which we are intitled to trust me, just please thank her, subscribe and send her a positive message. Make her day folks 😁 much love everyone.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, it means a lot!
I think my sister has been taking Klonopin for a long time. Recently she has been getting loud and screaming at my 80 year old Mom. Very strange outbursts. Me and my little sister are now estranged from my older sister due to her behavior. I believe it is Klonopin.
With respect, you have no idea about why your sister is behaving this way and cannot talk for someone else/her.
Wouldn't suprise me.
The trouble with our society is that we believe that all problems can be solved with medication.
I agree!
I use clonazepam as needed for panic disorder because the 1st line treatments make my anxiety worse. If I have a panic attack I have what I call halo anxiety for several days after. (My attacks come without warning and no obvious triggers). Clonazepam seems to help the halo anxiety. I’d say I take it 2x a month. Is this ok in the long term? I am also wondering about ketamine infusions as nothing has helped. It’s been years now and seeming worse.
Well I've been prescribed Klonopin 4 mg a day for almost 20 but I've been taking about 1 mg a day for the last year or so sometimes more sometimes I take a handful of them and then I go a week without any at all
Neat-o
No mention of the Ashton Manual or the difference between physical dependence and psychological addiction?
Update: I am now 63 months benzo free and I can tell you my life is soooo much better. I do still have life's problems but I can deal with them. I laugh, I cry, I have emotions, I can critically think. I started my own electrician business and its doing well. I passed my Master's electrician test on my 67th birthday. Yep, I am old...I am semi-retired electrical engineer so electrician work is logical. I crawl under houses and get in attics, I pull wire, I do all kinds of stuff. I do get tired but it is where my head is that counts. Mentally I feel the best I have in 30 years. Sleep is the key!!!!!! It takes time to heal from these drugs, and the longer you have been on them the longer it takes to heal. Dont rush, focus on your health. Make you bedroom as cozy, cool and secure as you can make. Make that room your castle with it being a room to keep all the dragons away. Weird, I know but I hope you get my point. Best wishes to those in the fight.
Thank you
That gives me some hope! How long had you taken benzodiazepines.
I’ve been on Xanax 25 years, I would like to start decreasing my dose, which started .25 2 x a day and has increased to .25 3x a day.
It has definitely affected my memory. But due to my husband’s health issues my anxiety is now worse.
I have had panic disorder since I was 29 which was 30 years ago. I take Klonopin every day and it has made my life worth living. Nothing else has worked and I have tried everything as long as my doctor will prescribe them I will take them. To me any risks that may be involved is worth it.
I have severe insomnia and anxiety and attempted to go off for five weeks and ended up in the emergency room. Because I did not sleep more than one or two hours tonight. Your next video about cutting down sounds good I'll talk to my doctor. Last time she told me go off cold turkey and I made it five weeks but it was grueling. They are checking my heart now to see if it is the problem with the sleep I've been showing SVTs especially when I'm cutting back or going off. Trying to figure out if this is a symptom or a cause.
Never go off them cold turkey!!! It's very dangerous!
Little off topic here, but am I in the minority having difficulty with loss of appetite and morning dry heaves with anxiety? While .5 mg of Klonopin tends to be the only thing that helps?
I just saw a Vice documentary on how fentanyl is contaminated with benzos and I didnt know what it was. I have just realised my mom has been on valium for years, she uses it to sleep. I never knew they were that dangerous. I just thought it makes you drowsy. Oh my goodness...she is a nurse too.
Guys what is the difference between clonazepam vs Xanax
Klonopin almost destroy my Life. After I got off of them It took year before I felt normal
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story Zane, glad you were able to come of them.
I need some help ,, I have been prescribed with clonazepam of 0.25 mg afor the first 11days and then to 0.50 for the next 4.5 months and how should I taper it can I go to half ..Doctors also gave me ristolex a supplement with benzos ..How should I withdrawal ..I feel withdrawal like heat on my brains ..I don't trust doctors
These medications can be very effective when used as directed. The same thing that happened with opioids is going to happen with benzo's (people that need the medication will not have access, moved to black market) I will not be surprised if they move up from a schedule 4. End of the day war on drugs is an epic failure just like the prohibiton of alcohol.
Right ?!?!? It’s so fucked up …….. leave benzos alone !!! I’m sick of the war on drugs . Spending trillions and all these judgey people totally for it …….. when it does nothing at all except waste trillions of dollars . Let people live my god
I recognize the sentiment at the core of your point, but I'd say that not using them as directed is not the exact problem. If it were people just abusing them for fun or comfort, we'd have a very different issue. The problem is that many professionals are woefully unaware of just how much harm they can do. The "directions" given could still lead to big problems later.
You dont have to abuse these drugs too get damaged from them.
I’ve been on Xanax for 12 years. At one point I was on 2mg bid but I’ve since tapered down to 1mg once a day prn and been on that for many years now and it works great when I need to take it. I’ve never had an issue with abusing it, but I have had my bottle stolen more times than I can count and the withdrawal isn’t fun but I’ve not had any negative symptoms of taking it.
Can 0.25 mg once a day 30 minutes before sleep of klonopin potentially sufficient for insomnia?
Yes, extremely effective. I've been on 0.5 MG for 12 years.
im starting use Lorenzpam 1mg (they said only when emergency) and Sentraline HCI 50MG (DAILY 2TAB) and somehow i feel like my memory decrease
Hi, could you please advise? My neurologist prescribed me 0.25mg clonazepam at bedtime for insomnia. I took it for a month at this dose until my GP warned me that this medicine is poison. I started immediately tapering down on it but I was on it for a good 4-6 weeks. I’ve had side effects such as memory impairment, decreased sex drive and other side effects How long will it take me to recover? The only silver lining here is that I stopped or else I would have bee! on it for at least 3 months had my GP not warned me.
Hi Faizan. It sounds like you have a great GP who is looking after your best interests. When it comes to withdrawal effects or even post withdrawal syndrome this can vary for many people as far as how long it takes to fully recover. This is a great conversation to have with your doctors since there are many variables affecting recovery time. Hope you get well soon and thanks for sharing your story.
Your gp is right. Psys are dangerous.
been taking Klonopin for 12 + years for panic disorder. Can't tolerate SSRI's, my body doesn't work well with them. Klonopin hasn't failed yet, I am on the same dose I started all those years ago. It may not be the right med for everyone but it gave me my life back.
Same here 👍🏻
Doctors always talk right along the party line. Heard the same thing about so many other drugs. Just imagine listening to her without the white coat on. She read all of this on Wikipedia
Also is her living room just bean bags?
i appreciate this, but Dr.. you need to understand there is a huge use for these meds, and you should not rule them out of your practice or patients will seek other doctors that will relieve their symptoms. I appreciate your holistic approach but please provide more content on just being safe with it. i take clonazepam 0.5mg at the lowest dose and it has saved my life.
I'm 63 and have been taking vendors for like 40 years. I currently take 1mg.of klonapin every night plus 2 different antidepressants.I have all the side effects she mentioned, my short term memory is bad. I forgot words all the time. I couldn't imagine not being able to drive. I tried to get off them a few years back and had a terrible seizure. I was in the emergency room at the time. The seizure was scary, it almost killed me? I guess I will stay on them for the rest of my life? And hope my mind doesn't get real bad.Please be careful..
It’s getting cool to hate on those legitimate users that have been given their lives back by these drugs right? Stop hating on all benzo users. I so sick and tired of this
And people who misuse or abuse these types of meds those people make it hard for people who actually need them
Yes I agree people abuse them
Why is long term perception so common if it’s not a good idea? Why isn’t it illegal?
@Threefiddy 😂😂. Yeah in 4 of more messages at once
Not for long term use? I've been on a Benzodiapine for years and have helped me greatly with no need for increase or side effects where SSRI's used made me feel horrible. My thoughts are it is helping with the production of GABA which is important when treating GAD/Depression.
Glad to hear you are tolerating your benzo. This isn't the case for many, especially after long term use. I wish you continued mental wellness and health!
@@LevelheadedMind Thank you! 🙏🏽
This was a really well put together video. Thank you
my experience on Xanax has been a great benefit while breaking through one ought to take the right dosage, below usually where l get mine
[@novatripps]
Dude is on Instagram handle
The degree of suffering coming off these is beyond comprehension. Just have to accept that ever gaba receptor is completely fried and takes years to heal.
Hi Allen. Unfortunately that is true! It's called down regulation, which is one of the reasons why after time the medication no longer works the way it used to. However, our brains are neuroplastic and with time you can gain back function of those receptors.. but it does take a long time. Be patient 🙏
@@LevelheadedMind thank you
I went to treatment beginning of July for drinking beer. 3mg of Xanax for 10 years and 45mg of adderall also 10 or probably more for both. Cut off cold turkey and still not feeling right! Yes I started drinking beer again but not as much and didn’t for have any for 2 months. I had no desire to do anything but go to work and sleep!! Me and my wife are going to therapy and also more meds I didn’t list. Now we’re trying Gabardine 300mg twice a day!