Tranquilizer addiction

[tom]

I have been taking various tranquilizers (Valium,Ativan,Xanax)for over a year.I have panic attacks-that is why i started.They worked great,i was a new man-everything in life was fine.Now it seems i need to take so much just to stay normal.Dont even feel that relaxed anymore.I really got myself in a bind and dont know what to do.I heard phenobarbital could wean me off these.Should i try this?Also how am i to cope with the anxiety and panic once i stop?I have noone to help me with this and feel alone in my attempts to stop.Pleas,any ideas?

[wildwoodone]

Just to Reiterate what everyone has said.  Do not quit benzodiazepines of any kind without medical detox.

Only two withdrawals can kill you.....benzodiazepines and alcohol as both can cause seizures.

[Brittany Sue]

Today I took for of them and I feel great! I love taking them what should I do!!!

[Rie]

I don't know much about this kind of medication.  I have depression.  It seems like I'm getting better, though, it's getting worse recently.  So I started seeing a counselor and taking medications again.  To me, it doesn't seem like it's working.  What I am thinking is taking the medication only when I'm in need of it.  Sometimes things get rough and you might feel like you won't get out of this hell, though, just take it easy and relax.  Trying to make an effort is good and important, though, I think that I don't have to push myself.  I just do what I can do and I wanna do, and never do what I don't wanna do and I cannot do.  That's it.  Some people never understand how it is like, though, you know you're real and don't have to be ashamed.  I'll drop by sometime.

[tom]

o.k.I am back.It has been almost 3 weeks since I checked myself into Detox inpatient.What hell i have been through!I am still a nervous wreck and know it will take awhile to feel my old self again.I wanted to thank everyone for their help and convincing me to seek help for my tranquilizer addiction.Benzos are a powerfull drug which you dont know untill its too late-so Sandy good luck to you.Dont know if Kava works for you but it didnt for me,neither did Benadryl-tried everything at first.I finally realized i could not do it alone and found the help I desperately needed.I could not trust myself to taper so I went inpatient.Sandy,you should stop and you realize you are addicted and have not been on them a long time so you are doing the right thing by seeking help.Keep looking if you dont like like the advice or the Dr.It took alot of looking for me.Some Drs. dont understand about Benzo addictions-I know that from my experience.So if I can do it-I would take 10 mgs. ativan a day easily-YOU can!P.S.PLEASE do not stop cold turkey!This is very dangerous and can be fatal.Thanks again everyone and good luck Sandy         Tom

[Sandy]

I too am addicted to the dug ativan. Have been on it for 9 mos. I am trying to wean off it now and was told by my doctor to take the herb kava during thbe weaning proceedure. You should consult your physician first.

[tom to Tom]

Brighty is right on the money, Tom. DO NOT do this cold turkey. I tried that and had a near-fatal seizure 4 days into it. Really, I almost died. It was the worst experience I have ever had. My wife calling the paramedics is the only reason I am alive to write this message. I know someone else who literally bit her tongue off during such a seizure. Get help now and don't just stop the benzos, whatever you do!

[Brighty]

Even in small towns you should have a doctor who can titer you off this stuff. And even in small towns doctors have taken the same hippocratic oath and your information is sacred and confidential. Your employer need not know unless you need to take some sick time and you can always say you were sick with something else. You can also check your phone book for a drug abuse hotline or 800 # or find the number of the nearest community mental health organization. You may find a community funded detox in a nearby city if necessary. It's really very risky to do it on your own. As far as confidentiality with NA have no fear. If you run into somebody you know be assured that they expect you to honor their privacy also. NA has strong rules about this and they are incredibly well respected by all who attend. Good luck and tell us how you made out.

[tom]

Thanks Brighty and Brian for your concern.I am now very scared at the thought of what may happen to me.I know I need to talk to someone before everything important to me is gone.That first step is going to hard and i hope i can go through with this.I live in a small town and not much here-will need to travel for help and may lose my job.I still wish I could do this on my own with different medicine.But I will call around for help.Thank you all for understanding!Finally someone does!    Tom

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

Everything Brighty said is great advice.  I also urge you to find an addiction medicine specialist who can taper you off the medications and also may try something like Buspar, a non-addictive anxiety medication.  Please also get involved in NA and ask your wife to consider NARANON, a support group for addicts family members.  Good luck.  You can and will make it!

[Brighty]

My daughter became very addicted to Xanax prescribed for panic and anxiety attacks. She has had to have several detoxes for this drug and it has made her totally psychotic, requiring hospitalization in a locked mental ward. It is very hard for people who are not addicts to understand addiction. They expect you to just quit and snap out of it. It's not in your head.. it's very real and very horrible. Whatever you do, you MUST see your doctor or preferably an addiction doctor. The only safe way to get off these 3 benzodiazipines is to be titered (tapered) off with another benzodiazepine. Since you are on 3 and with various dosages this must be closely monitored!! You could have fatal seizures if you try to quit on your own. This is a dangerous withdrawl, Tom. Go for help IMMEDIATELY. An addiction specialist can also decide if you need to be switched to other medication for anxiety. Seems to me that you have developed tolerance to benzos and need more and more to feel normal. This indicates this med has become a problem for you. You may also come to realize that when you are stable that your need for drugs is hard to shake. This is where NA support meetings become so important. Love, Brighty

[tom]

I know that-but afraid he may cut me off.Even though i get some elsewhere.iM going to call around this week and try to find help-i need to do this for my kids.my wife is readdy to leave me and that makes it so much harder to stop.I wish she could help me somehow,but doesnt understand-she thinks its all in my head.Thanks Steve for advice

[steve]

You should see a doctor. Don't stop taking them cold turkey. That could be dangerous.