Burning Skin - Oxazepam

Hi there.  

I took an anti anxiety medication called ALEPAM (oxazepam) for approx 2 weeks.  6 days after i stopped taking the medication I had a night out on the alcohol where I drank quite a bit.  3 days later I noticed a burning sensation in my arms, legs and back.  This has continued for about 2 weeks now and its not getting any better.  Could this burning sensation be a result of the alcohol?  I thought 6 days would be enough time for the medication to be out of my system.   Could I have caused any nerve damage or nervous system damage?  Your help would be much appreciated.  

[jenny2008]

hi,

John could be due to interaction with alcohol or withdrawal on stopping the drug. Why were you on that medication. If severe please meet up a doctor.

Withdrawal symptoms similar in character to those noted with barbiturates and alcohol have occurred following abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines. These symptoms can range from insomnia, anxiety, dysphoria, palpitations, panic attacks, vertigo, myoclonus, akinesia, hypersensitivity to light, sound and touch, abnormal body sensations (e.g. feelings of motion, metallic taste), depersonalisation, derealisation, delusional beliefs, hyperreflexia and loss of short term memory, to a major syndrome which may include convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, confusional states, delirium, hallucinations, hyperthermia, psychosis, vomiting and sweating. Such manifestations of withdrawal, especially the more serious ones, are more common in those patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period. However, withdrawal symptoms have also been reported following abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines taken continuously at therapeutic levels. Accordingly, Alepam should be terminated by tapering the dose to minimise occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be advised to consult with their physician before either increasing the dose or abruptly discontinuing the medication.

http://www.pbs.gov.au/pi/afpalepa10705.pdf

[John290]

Thanks for your comment.  I have seen 3 doctors who have all told me it is anxiety.  I do not beleive this is so.  All 3 doctors have also told me that the dosage of ALEPAM i was taking was very small and it would not have reacted with the alcohol as it would have been out of my system in 8 hrs.  I dont know what else to do.  This is driving me crazy.