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398624 tn?1266269449

Ativan Hell

My story is long but I will try to give u a summary. I have been having anxiety problem for about 9 yrs now. Always thought something was really wrong w me and went to every type dr possible. Everything came back normal each time. I lost my mother 2 1/2 yrs ago and all my symptoms got worse. Dr put me on paxil and klonipin. Stopped those after 8 mos. Didn't feel a dif. Started one .5 mg Xanax a day for a yr. Stopped working. Dr then put me on 1mg, 3x's daily. I took this from Jan 09-Jan 2010. Worked well for first 6 mos and started having interdose withdrawals.

Jan 2010 I decided to go 2 detox. They stopped me cold turkey and gave me Phenobarb for 10 days. A little over a month later, I'm still having w/d's.

The symptoms that are most troubling is feeling disconnected. I'm aware of my surroundings, but don't feel any connection 2 it. Is that part of depersonalization/derealization?  Also the inside shakes, brain zaps and dizziness/off balance is horrible.

Is this normal still? Any help from drs or others would b greatly appreciated.

Currently taking 2 50mg Vistaril a day. Do smoke and drink a quite a bit of soda a day.  
4 Responses
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398624 tn?1266269449
It's Ativan that I've taken for the last yr now. So, u would expect these symptoms? They sound normal?

What do you think detox could do? They gave me a rx for Vistaril to take home.  I don't feel any benefit from it tho. None that I'm aware of anyways.  
Helpful - 0
242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Xanax at that level is one of the most difficult drugs to stop....I am not surprised that you are still having symptoms, at this point you can go back to detox doctor to see if there are any good options other than hanging in there.
Helpful - 0
398624 tn?1266269449
Yeh that's the lady that wrote the Ashton Manual I think Ive read it. I didn't find it until I left detox. She does describe all my symptoms, but I'm the type that has 2 have alot of reassurance!! I sometimes feel like I'm not describing things right and feel like I'm goin thru things nobody else has.

The thought of losing ur mind is scary and that's just what it feels like!!

After I left detox, I went back to the dr and she gave me tegretol and zoloft. I haven't taken either. Don't wanna add anything else 2 what I'm already dealing with.

I no some ppl go thru psychosis and I'm terrified of that thought. Would I no if it were happening 2 me??

I have been off of Ativan for a little over a month and don't want 2 reinstate. I fig if i've come this far, I don't wanna go back to where I started.

As far as the Vistaril, I take one in the am and one at night. 50 mg each. Anyone have any thoughts as to if this med could be making matters worse??

Guess I'm looking for reassurance that I'm not going crazy and this 2 shall pass!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Withdrawal is different for everyone, and can be quite long-lasting.  If you google protracted withdrawal you'll see some articles from a British psychiatrist who's one of the foremost authorities on benzo withdrawal and protracted withdrawals.  Best way to prevent it is to slowly taper down, not stop cold turkey as you did.  Hopefully, this will pass.  Good luck.
Helpful - 0

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