I'm back. The solution, as I stated earlier, is to get medical help -- you have no choice. If you stop cold, you'll probably go into convulsions and there's a good chance you'll die. You have to medically detox from these nasty, nasty drugs -- you're right; in some ways, it's like taking a pill that's half-a-bottle of vodka in one dose.This can't be handled like a narcotic addiction -- the stakes are too high.
Benzos are unrelated chemically. I doubt you can just switch. I wouldn't try them until you've safely detoxed from barbs.It is virtually impossible to take a fatal overdose of benzo's -- unless you throw alcohol or other downers into the mix. They're addictive, but you can medically taper from them (you can taper from benzos at home, if you really mean it).
How much of what are you taking? Start cutting back, slowly, and see a doctor.
this is very simple. do you really want to quit? if so there is a solution. it works for benzos, barbs, opiates, alcohol and more. but you really have to want it. please advise and take care, gm
ps---i've been hooked on butalbital so i can relate
keven_bacon:
the reason i haven't gone to the benzo's yet is because i'm somewhat affraid of replacing one addiction with another. i'd rather just stop, but i know medically that's not a good idea...plus i don't know if i can. also there's been a lot of horror stories with benzo's. when i was taking xanax, i would get really mad over the stupidist things. kind of like i do when i withdraw from barbs. but...i guess that really is the best alternative. xanax is the only benzo i've had...maybe if i'm brave enough to tell my doctor, she'll know of something that would work better for me.
as far as the difference between barbiturates and benzo's...barbiturates are closer to getting you very very drunk but even more potent than just being drunk and can produce euphoria.
I would suggest being open and honest with your Dr. This was the only way I was able to get someone to be accountable and he is the one prescribing them.. I know of the anger you speak of as I had felt the wrath of a reds (barbiturates) anger from my step father many times.. I also had spent some time taking phenobarbital.. Your frame of mind when quitting will go a long way in remedying this.. Our minds are powerful tools and once used to make a firm commitment can be very useful in how we act.. Our attitudes change when we bring the change on ourselves and is not forced on us by running out early.. Find a meeting in you area for support NA or AA either will help you to get through the severe mood swings.. I wish you well on your journey.. lesa
I guess I am confused but explain to me the difference between barbiturates and benzo's. are they the same meds but the barbiturates are just stronger? I agree you need to discuss this with your doctor and have him help you withdraw. you are killing two birds with one stone, the doctor will help you get off of them and then not prescribe anymore. Read the thomas recipie and amino acid protocol. Tell your wife, you will need her support and assistance in your withdraw. take it one day at a time, keep your headup and know there are so many people here to help and support you.
What barb are you taking? I've been around for longer than I expected, and when I was young, I did my share. Why do think the pharma folks came up with benzos? Barbiturate o.d.s
You can't just stop. Switch to benzos (the result of finding an alternative to barbs -- hence their scarcity.) as soon as your doctor says to (barb w/ds can kill you), switch over when he okays it (you might have to taper off the barbs), and have him/her supervise a longish w/d from the benzo when the time comes. Get barbituric acid out of your system, under medical supervision.
What's the brand name? There are mixtures of fast- and slow-acting formulations (Amytal, Tuinal, etc), and they're, as you've found out, VERY addictive.
You need a doctor, preferably an addiction specialist, to get you through this. I know what happens -- you're so bombed on them, you can't remember how much you took. Then you O.D. and you might die.
Trust me on this -- you might have to follow a taper before you switch, but you can't do this without medical help, assuming you want to live. I'm not being a drama queen here --do it.