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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:30:12
In reply to Re: To Paul, posted by ed_uk on November 27, 2004, at 20:01:23
<<Sorry, I forgot to ask you how slowly you tapered from diazepam.>>
Ed1 mg a week usually, sometimes sat still longer. Took about 7 months. Was painful, tolerance the whole way.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:35:31
In reply to Re: Lou's response to Paul Smith-bzd, posted by linkadge on November 27, 2004, at 21:01:24
What about say lyrica and paxil ??Linkadge
Yea, doc has wanted me on an SSRI since the beginning. I have steadiy refused as so many on the net withdrawing from benzos report bad experiences. I did try Paxil once for 3 weeks before this benzo problem. No adverse affects at all. Not sure if that would still hold true. Have a Zoloft starter kit in the drawer but it is reportedly not as good on anxiety.
Posted by Lou Pilder on November 27, 2004, at 21:42:43
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to Paul Smith-, posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:20:07
Paul,
You wrote,[...would you be willing to tell me what is true, what is questionable...claimes...].
I can tell you what I have experianced. I have been on the benzo board advocating the writings by Dr. Heather Ashton, and others. So I am familiar with a lot of the writings from others on these boards and have corrosponded with the owners and some of the principle members.
But what I have to offer here comes from a different perspective than the others. The perspective that I have has to do with what the drug is and how it was founded and marketed and what it does to you. Then, there is a remedy that worked for me that is different from the method advocated by a lot of the internet benzo boards.
So in my "method" one overcomes the addiction and depression and the withdrawal by a differant means than of tapering and taking other drugs such that you describe in your post as to what you would like to know as true or not. I can only tell you what is true to me, for I did not follow the other methods, but those could also be ways to withdrawal.
Lou
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:43:34
In reply to VALIUM, posted by Fallen4MyT on November 27, 2004, at 20:08:07
<<Good luck. It's my opinion no other drug is as good as a benzo for anxiety>>
Thanks for your help. Yep, they are great on anxiety but the withdrawals for me have been murder. I assumed I needed to get off them. I was in tolerance for a while but I could have possibly settled at a dose. This was never suggested to me, on the net, or at the doc`s office. Doc hears of trouble they want to pull you off.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:47:31
In reply to Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfqu » Paul Smith, posted by Lou Pilder on November 27, 2004, at 21:42:43
Paul,
You wrote,[...would you be willing to tell me what is true, what is questionable...claimes...].
I can tell you what I have experianced. I have been on the benzo board advocating the writings by Dr. Heather Ashton, and others. So I am familiar with a lot of the writings from others on these boards and have corrosponded with the owners and some of the principle members.
But what I have to offer here comes from a different perspective than the others. The perspective that I have has to do with what the drug is and how it was founded and marketed and what it does to you. Then, there is a remedy that worked for me that is different from the method advocated by a lot of the internet benzo boards.
<<So in my "method" one overcomes the addiction and depression and the withdrawal by a differant means than of tapering and taking other drugs such that you describe in your post as to what you would like to know as true or not. I can only tell you what is true to me, for I did not follow the other methods, but those could also be ways to withdrawal.
Lou>>PLease tell me about it. It is not Narcanon is it?
Posted by Lou Pilder on November 27, 2004, at 22:08:03
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfqu, posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:47:31
Paul,
What is true, false or questionable with others, I do not know. I can only tell you what I have experianced. I am not familiar with Narconon.
Lou
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 22:20:23
In reply to Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfquB » Paul Smith, posted by Lou Pilder on November 27, 2004, at 22:08:03
<<Paul,
What is true, false or questionable with others, I do not know. I can only tell you what I have experianced. I am not familiar with Narconon.
Lou>>When are you going to tell me Lou, or is suspense the cure for benzo withdrawal... <grin>
Posted by JACJ on November 27, 2004, at 22:51:15
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfquB, posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 22:20:23
There is no cure for benzo withdrawal. You just have to go thru it. I recommend joining www.benzo.org.uk
We will help you thru benzo withdrawal.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 23:05:40
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfquB, posted by JACJ on November 27, 2004, at 22:51:15
<<There is no cure for benzo withdrawal. You just have to go thru it. I recommend joining www.benzo.org.uk
We will help you thru benzo withdrawal.>>
I was joking with Lou. And I really thank you. I am a member of that forum already. I rarely log in and read as much is scary and there is often discrepancies with and embellishments to the writings of Ashton. I find much questionable. Plus disagreement, even questioning the wrong people can easily bring down wrath. I do not need any of the above right now. But if you want to help me here I am game. Guess I got to tough this out and hope I can keep a roof over my head long enough. Is important I get functional pretty soon.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on November 27, 2004, at 23:16:49
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 21:43:34
You're more than welcome :-) My experience was when they didn't work as well to cut back a tad then go back to the theraputic dose. I have heard TM is great THE BEST for anxiety but the cost for *REAL* classes in TM are astronomical...I would love to try that but thousands I do not have
Keep us posted and best of luck with whatever you do.
> <<Good luck. It's my opinion no other drug is as good as a benzo for anxiety>>
>
> Thanks for your help. Yep, they are great on anxiety but the withdrawals for me have been murder. I assumed I needed to get off them. I was in tolerance for a while but I could have possibly settled at a dose. This was never suggested to me, on the net, or at the doc`s office. Doc hears of trouble they want to pull you off.
>
>
Posted by JACJ on November 27, 2004, at 23:20:29
In reply to Re: VALIUM » Paul Smith, posted by Fallen4MyT on November 27, 2004, at 23:16:49
Tell me what you feel is wrong with that site? Have you gotten put down? I know things on there are scary but please don't believe that will happen to you. Everybody is different and if you taper slow you have a better chance of a less difficult w/d. I came off a benzo in under 4 weeks and had a really difficult time but am 90 percent recovered after almost 9 months off.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 23:45:14
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by JACJ on November 27, 2004, at 23:20:29
<<Tell me what you feel is wrong with that site? Have you gotten put down? I know things on there are scary but please don't believe that will happen to you. Everybody is different and if you taper slow you have a better chance of a less difficult w/d. I came off a benzo in under 4 weeks and had a really difficult time but am 90 percent recovered after almost 9 months off.>>
They mean well at the site but if you read enough you can be scared to drink water. Can make someone want to live in a bubble to avoid any chemical that will supposedly throw gas on the fire of withdrawal. That may sound offensive but that is about the tone of it. It hard to be truthful and put it mildly. And I think their anti-med stance is extreme. Ashton advocates the use of auxillary meds in some circumstances. These remarks would never be tolerated in there. I think at times they get so intent on attacking benzos that things get over stated, theory is presented as fact, and people are scared needlessly.
I tapered, but not like most in there do. I could not do the .25 mgs of Valium every two weeks, "listen to my body" and take two years to get off. I was in too much agony tapering, and there is no spouse to pay my bills. I tapered about 1 mg a week. Slower than the schedules of U.S. docs, fast for that forum. But I wonder how many of them ever actually do get off. 9 months and you are 90% healed? I can live with that, especially if I can work in a couple more months. Keep telling me the good stuff.:-)
Posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 23:53:37
In reply to Re: VALIUM » Paul Smith, posted by Fallen4MyT on November 27, 2004, at 23:16:49
Thanks again and I am so glad this is working for you. As the saying goes, "if it aint broke don`t fix it."
Posted by JACJ on November 28, 2004, at 0:07:38
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by Paul Smith on November 27, 2004, at 23:53:37
Dear Paul,
I understand completely what you are saying about the site. There are some people who also think that but they have a been a great support to me in my time of need. I felt uncomfy a lot of times but what they say is true in a lot of respects. I can tell you time is a healer and it is only temporary. I was at the pit of hell and then one day I improved by 50 percent. The CNS is so complex and you may heal in an instant. For example, my one friend was in a car accident and had pins and needles in her leg for 5 years and she woke up one day and never had them again. It is so hard (impossible) to predict healing of the CNS but it does come. I appreciate life so much now. I am somewhat bitter and angry but that will go in time. There is a reason I went thru this. Most people come off the benzos with little problems. That website is extreme cases. There are millions of people on benzos and over half don't have w.d symptoms past a few weeks. That is even stated in the research.I was on 13 meds in 2 years and 10 months so my body was just on overload. How long were you on benzos? You can do this. It might be hard but the only way is thru. Don't be scared. If you taper right you will do well. However, don't taper too slow cause that could cause more symptoms than you would like. I am here for you. Diet and exercise is also beneficial. You are probably saying what? Exercise? I can't imagine. I am not saying to workout 4 hours a day. Maybe just walking out side for a few minutes or doing some stretches. Drink alot of water with frsh lemon. It detox your body and makes the world of difference. I did every wrong in my taper and have come out almost perfect. I still have healing but it will come.
I can give you tips and support cause I know I needed it. And that goes for anyone out there. I know coming off meds is so hard and support is crucial. Take care and will talk soon.
JACJ
Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 6:26:57
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by JACJ on November 28, 2004, at 0:07:38
Hi,
I agree that benzo.org can be frightening. It's all so negative and extreme. Some of the information provided is true but the site is very 'unbalanced' because there is nothing positive to balance out the negative.... if you know what I mean.
When you were taking diazepam on a daily basis, were you experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses? How many times a day did you taken the drug? eg. did you take 10mg twice daily or 5mg four times a day etc.
I think you should stick with this site because it's not so extreme. Stay here!
Ed.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 28, 2004, at 14:37:39
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by JACJ on November 28, 2004, at 0:07:38
JACJ,
You are right the site is good, just some things I had wondered about and wanted opinions here. I do not know if I need to taper again. I took a few doses since coming off... I need support. I just believe i am one of the ones that cannot tolerate those meds. I feel quite poorly today. A lot of skake, verge of panic. Have panicked some already. Cannot type more. Look for me soon.
Posted by mcp on November 28, 2004, at 15:56:42
In reply to Lou's reply to Paul Smith-tfquB » Paul Smith, posted by Lou Pilder on November 27, 2004, at 22:08:03
Share your pearls here and quit being so cyptic about it
> Paul,
> What is true, false or questionable with others, I do not know. I can only tell you what I have experianced. I am not familiar with Narconon.
> Lou
Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 16:04:40
In reply to Re: VALIUM, posted by Paul Smith on November 28, 2004, at 14:37:39
Hello Paul..
We are here for you. Hope you can post soon.
All the best,
Ed.
Posted by Paul Smith on November 28, 2004, at 16:29:32
In reply to Re: To Paul, posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 16:04:40
Thanks Ed,
Things have settled some the last hour. Am trying to distract myself on the computer. I still do not know how I do this, month in and month out. Panic and shake, hits out of the blue. Survival instinct I guess.
Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 16:40:20
In reply to Re: To Paul, posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 6:26:57
Hi,
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better.
When you were taking diazepam on a daily basis, were you experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses? How many times a day did you taken the drug? eg. did you take 10mg twice daily or 5mg four times a day etc.
Ed.
Posted by Lou Pilder on November 28, 2004, at 16:42:36
In reply to Still waiting Lou, posted by mcp on November 28, 2004, at 15:56:42
mcp,
You wrote,[...share your pearls here and stop being...].
I would be glad to share anything here that could help someone to be fre from addiction and withdrawal.
Lou
Posted by JACJ on November 28, 2004, at 16:46:32
In reply to Lou's reply to mcp- » mcp, posted by Lou Pilder on November 28, 2004, at 16:42:36
How can we help you?
Posted by Paul Smith on November 28, 2004, at 17:43:41
In reply to Re: To Paul, posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 16:40:20
Hi,
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better.
When you were taking diazepam on a daily basis, were you experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses? How many times a day did you taken the drug? eg. did you take 10mg twice daily or 5mg four times a day etc.
Ed.
I took it twice daily, and no real withdrawals between doses. I did have withdrawals with cuts. I just cannot take any more of these drugs Ed. I suppose I could take 5 or 10 mgs several times a day right now and may have a chance of staying halfway stable, until I reached tolerance and needed more, then more. That is the history here. I was fine enough before I ever started taking benzos and I want that back again. The price has already been huge though and there surely is more to pay.
Posted by mcp on November 28, 2004, at 18:04:37
In reply to Lou's reply to mcp- » mcp, posted by Lou Pilder on November 28, 2004, at 16:42:36
Well, yet another post where you fail to give specifics. You have alluded on numerous occasions to the fact that you were successful in getting off benzos. I am sure there are plenty of people here who would like to here the SPECIFIC way you did this, instead of generalities about your desire to help others. Unless, of course, this is another Lou Pilder game. Put up or shut up
> mcp,
> You wrote,[...share your pearls here and stop being...].
> I would be glad to share anything here that could help someone to be fre from addiction and withdrawal.
> Lou
Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 19:23:45
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to mcp-, posted by mcp on November 28, 2004, at 18:04:37
Hello Paul,
If you restart the diazepam it may not be sufficient to treat your anxiety for ever.... but it should prevent your withdrawal symptoms from returning (ever.) Once your withdrawal symptoms are under control you could treat your remaining anxiety by using a different treatment (such as another med or a psychological technique such as CBT etc.) This would mean that you wouldn't need to increase your dose of diazepam.
I know you are frightened to go back to diazepam. You became strongly dependent on it very quickly. I fully understand that you may not want to return to diazepam, I just wanted you to consider the option- it may not be so bad as you think.
If you are willing to use other meds to alleviate your withdrawal there are several options that you could consider...
A low dose of a sedating AD to help you sleep eg. Surmontil, doxepin, trazodone etc. You could also try an antihistamine for sleep eg. diphenhydramine.
Propranolol (Inderal) to help tremor and palps. 'Cardioselective' beta-blockers such as metoprolol(Lopressor) are not generally effective in reducing tremor.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) to reduce anxiety.
An SSRI to reduce anxiety eg. Celexa. You would need to start with a very low dose and increase gradually to prevent an initial exacerbation of anxiety from occuring.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) has also been used to facilitate withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
Psychological treatment could also be helpful. Have you ever seen a psychologist? Perhaps you could consider it.
All the best....
Ed.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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