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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Severe long lasting effects of a benzodiazepine
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Severe long lasting effects of a benzodiazepine
by busybee35, Feb 12, 2007 12:00AM
Bare with me because this really is a nuerology qeustion. I have a situation where I was subscribed a benzo called Ativan because of a traumatic event in my life. I took it at a small dose (2mg a day) for about 6 months. Well, I started having problems when I developed a sinus infection. It was seemingly inaffective. But regardless, I didn't want to go up on dose. Well I just continued to take it as prescribed but accidently missed one night's dose. I thought I was fine but the next night I had repeated severe panic attacks with chest pains and breathing difficulty. They continued pretty much until I tapered myself off of the Ativan. Some side effects disappeared. But it is 2 months later and I'm suffering from a non stop trobbing in my head, terrible insomnia (even with Lunesta) but also terrible memory and concentration problems and even some balance issues. Not to mention I feel very weak. I've already found out that I was not supposed to have ever been on Ativan for more than 2 -4 weeks. Have I suffered brain damage somehow? Will it heal with time? Please help, I'm scared. What should I do?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Feb 20, 2007 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The symptoms and story that you describe are consistent with depression. Depression commonly causes associated insomnia, fatigue, poor concentration and memory problems. Taking ativan does not cause permanent brain damage. However, stopping ativan all at once can lead to a withdrawal seizure (It should be slowly tapered over several days). I would recommend that you start a trial on a anti-depressant such as wellbutrin and see a psychiatrist. Some anti-depressants are used to treat depression and headaches (such as wellbutrin and effexor) and these may be helpful for you. After your trial on anti-depressants (at least 1 month) if you memory problems persist, then I would recommend an MRI of the brain and formal neuro-psych testing.
I hope this has been helpful.
The symptoms and story that you describe are consistent with depression. Depression commonly causes associated insomnia, fatigue, poor concentration and memory problems. Taking ativan does not cause permanent brain damage. However, stopping ativan all at once can lead to a withdrawal seizure (It should be slowly tapered over several days). I would recommend that you start a trial on a anti-depressant such as wellbutrin and see a psychiatrist. Some anti-depressants are used to treat depression and headaches (such as wellbutrin and effexor) and these may be helpful for you. After your trial on anti-depressants (at least 1 month) if you memory problems persist, then I would recommend an MRI of the brain and formal neuro-psych testing.
I hope this has been helpful.
Can you tell me if would be running a fever with an inner ear issue? I don't run fever. Even once when I had meningitis. Thank you so much
This exact thing happened to me! Mine was from Ativan!!
This is what happened...you went into withdrawal, all of your symptoms are from the Ativan. Lucky you got off of it so quickly, I was on mine for 3 and 1/2 years and have been suffering "from it" for 2 and 1/2 years now!
Just for your info, Lunesta is a related drug, and also causes withdrawal. You have basically killed some of your withdrawal symptoms with it. Be careful it is also adictive as is Ativan. You are still in withdrawal and every symptom you describe is from it (I had the exact same ones plus tons more). You do not have permanent tinitus, it's your brain trying to reajust to being on a highly adictive medicine. The Ativan dampens the neurons and you woke them too quickly, it takes time to go through the withdrawal. Some symptoms go away fast, some slow, adding more drugs usually worsens it. The chest pain is very common, even expected, but don't expect a doctor to believe it. I'm suprised you didn't get muscle tightness. Also the head throbbing is common. You shocked your system...time heals.
Here is a group that will explain all of this to you, and help you understand what is what with this Ativan.
***@**** , they are very nice and very helpful on here.
Also you can look here...www.benzo.org.uk , this is a site of a doctor who specializes in Benzodiazepine withdrawl and symptoms (Dr Heather Ashton)
Good Luck
Terry (***@**** if you'd like any more information)
P.S. You were right, the drug was no longer affective and you needed to updose, lucky you didn't. All the drug did was keep you from going into withdrawal. If you took it much longer you would have gone into withdrawal while taking it, it's called "tolerance withdrawal" and that also gives you symptoms.