Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Explained
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today's video is reviews basic concepts about Benzodiazepine Withdrawal in easy to understand terminology.
Benzodiazepines aka tranquilizers/sedatives are commonly prescribed around the world (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) to spot treat anxiety and insomnia. But, these medications carry a potential inherent risk of patients developing a physical tolerance and physical/psychological dependence on them. When that point of tolerance is reached, there is a higher risk of going through withdrawal when trying to stop or gradually come off this medications. And this concept of withdrawal will be the primary focus of today's educational discussion.
Topics Covered:
*What are benzodiazepines & which ones are commonly prescribed ones?
*Why Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Occurs
*Reviewing the concept of responsible prescribing/usage vs the type of usage that will put you at higher risk of tolerance/dependence
*General Risk Factor Considerations
*Reviewing Mild, Moderate, and Severe withdrawal signs/symptoms
*Emphasizing the importance of needing to detox off benzodiazepines under medical guidance/supervision.
Dr. Andrew Kim M.D.
Let's connect:
Twitter: / andrewkimmd - @AndrewKimMD
Website & Blog: andrewkimMD.com
The information in this video, including but not limited to, videos, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this video channel and its affiliated websites (such as AndrewKimMD.com) are for informational and entertainment purposes only. No material on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website or its affiliated social media sites & channels. **Disclosures: At the time of creating this video, Dr. Andrew Kim M.D. was an independent contractor on the Janssen Speakers Bureau and works as a Principal Investigator on FDA clinical trials for pharmaceutical sponsors. ** - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I just found your channel. I appreciate you and your knowledge. I’m 62 and was prescribed Klonopin 30 years ago after being diagnosed with MS. I took 1mg. As prescribed each night. Here’s the kicker…2 years ago I changed neurologist and was told I did NOT have MS! All these flare ups I have been having were due to being intolerant to the Klonopin. Just typing this makes me so angry. I have just finished a 14 month taper off. I look back now and realize after my own research that it was in fact the medication causing the depression, anxiety, panic, etc. I did not have any of these symptoms before I started the Klonopin. So now, I’m trying to get my life back after being sick and intolerant after 30 years thinking it was MS. I would like to add, I feel robbed of more than half my life. If it wasn’t for the grace and mercy of my Lord and Savior I couldn’t have successfully tapered off. I now pray for healing not just for myself but everyone that has been affected by these drugs. Thank you for this video and may God richly bless you.
What type of taper did you and how did you taper?
Glad ur trying but u prolly took benzos to help anxiety and they help but after a while it destroys gaba reception and it can take year or two to feel better
@@scottjohnson2401 no, not prescribed for anxiety. Never had a problem with anxiety unti I became tolerant to it. I understand all too well about the Gaba receptors as I’ve educated myself and done tons of research. It’s a shame what these meds do to our bodies and minds. The healing after a safe taper is a journey in itself. Time and perseverance are what it takes.
I'd be trying to sue everyone 😂
I’m tapering off clonazepam (called klonopan in U.S.) - .05mg p/day .. for close to 35 yrs. now 😮 I was diagnosed w/ mood disorder - started on it & then 600mg of lithium p/day … spent my life learning, healing & growing. All this time, now that I’ve DEALT with my dysfunctional/ trauma childhood & early adulthood … turns out I didn’t have a mood disorder, I was just trying to cope with a LOT of life shit.
I WILL say, the clonazepam & lithium MAY have helped me as I persevered & did the ‘work’ throughout my life - took 2 decades for me to finally feel peace. Two decades to learn to set healthy boundaries w/ family & HOLD them. As I have, family has done a 180* .. they see & know they can’t manipulate me anymore in THEIR insecurities… because if that relationships are mended, should have been healed. It’s a beautiful thing.
That said … most don’t do this deep healing work.
All at my current Drs. suggestion & unwavering support I’ve been off the lithium for 6yrs., I’ve SLOWLY (like 18 mos.) tapered from .05mg to .25mg. After a break while going through a lot - moving my Mom to long term care & getting her settled etc …- I’m NOW working on tapering down & OFF.
I’m giving myself another year to 18 mos.
I have a digital scale that weighs to .ooo, so I can accurately weigh from weight of pill (.08g) all the way down to .01g ! I’m going down in .01 increments & taking at least 2 mos. For each. My goal is to live as normal/ happy as possible life as possible while I taper.
I bought empty gel capsules online & weigh out my cut pills (now at .07g) for a few weeks at a time, putting the correct amt. in each gel capsule. (I don’t crush, but some do I apparently) So far, after a month now, I’ve only had a couple of times of feeling resistance/uncomfortable/headache or whatever … I have a cup of herbal tea, have a bath. & ask my husband to be gentle .. ❤
I’m grateful for this opportunity & this journey to FINALLY take total control of my life
I withdrew from opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines all at the same time at a detox center in 2019. It was literally hell on earth.
How are you now
All 3 at once? Damn. I hope you’re in a better spot now and hopefully don’t have to do that again.
I’m surprised you are alive!!😮
How long did it take for you to recover?
@@jrman413 by day 30 I was feeling better but by day 90 I was feeling like a new normal person
My mother took Valium for most of her life. Today I believe it’s what caused her dementia
Benzo withdrawal was one of the worst experiences I've ever had. I was unsuccessful for years, until I tried CBD... CBD took away the miserable withdrawal symptoms and I was able to stop taking Clonazepam.
How much CBD were you taking ? I have CBD SPRAY. But nothing works
Idk why people lie like this CBD isn't gonna do anything
@BLUEGENE13 I'm not a liar, it worked for me. I'm just telling my experience. It doesn't matter to me what you think.
@@uNoWho2222 stop lying
@@BLUEGENE13 hahaha, you're a joke
I wasn't aware that a person could even experience dangerous withdrawals from these medications. I was visiting my aunt and ran out of Xanax. I was due to return home in about 4 days so I didn't worry about going without for a few days. I had been prescribed Xanax for anxiety and panic attacks about 7 years prior. Anyway, after the second day of not taking any medicine, I was sitting on the couch and talking to my aunt. She told me that it looked like my eyes rolled back in my head, I fell forward and started seizing. She was terrified and called 911. I came to, and I remember shoving my aunt away from me. I was confused, and didn't know where I was, or who she was. At the hospital, the doctor asked me what medications I was on and if I had stopped taking anything recently, and I was also asked about alcohol use. These days I no longer take any benzodiazipines. I use a number of Mindfulness techniques to better manage my symptoms of anxiety, and its been years since I have had a panic attack.
Thank you for making this video. I'm sure there are people taking this medication that are unaware of what can happen by abruptly stopping it, like I did.
Did you slow taper😊?
@@andersbunemann7169 no, I stopped abruptly because I was out of town and out of medication. That's why I had a seizure.
Did you just stay off of them at that point ? Or did you go back on and taper. There is currently a shortage of ativan where I live, no pharmacies have them. I'm on day four and scared. I don't know when I am out of danger window for possible seizure. That scares me the most. I'm very uncomfortable..lots of anxiety, severe Insominia, nauseous, no appetite and bowel issues. All of them except for insomnia are better tonight than last night. Mine comes in waves. At least u don't remember having it. That's kinda a blessing. Imagine knowing what was happening the whole time?
What mindfulness techniques?
@@JD-mw9ul I learned Mindfulness techniques while I was in treatment. I was so impressed with how well these techniques managed my depression and anxiety, I decided to create my own exercises and workbooks for people struggling with similar issues. You should check them out. They are a lifesaver!
Benzo withdrawal is pure torture for many including myself. It helped in the beginning, but after 20+ years and being abruptly taken off, it is hell.
Why were you taken off abruptly? That's incredibly dangerous.
@@jane-cn6nd the doctor prescribing them dropped me as a patient and my new PCP wouldn’t prescribe them. I wanted off of them so I just tapered my last script. I didn’t know how serious withdrawal was at the time. I quickly couldn’t walk and had no way to get to a doctor. I thought I could just push through it but that’s when I realized I’m in for a lengthy painful recovery period.
@@michaeljlink Damn, I'm sorry, you really shouldn't have had to go through that. It sounds terrifying.
Whom ever prescribed you them for 20 years was being is guilty of malpractise. It's far worse than heroin. Withdrawals can last up to a year.
If you can try smoking indica cannabis it helps with intense withdrawal symptoms. No smoking hybrid or sativa they cause anxiety. Indica is meant for sleeping and relaxing. I would get flower over vape and also indica edible brownie in a high dose can help. I would get a medical weed card.
In 1992 I was hospitalized and diagnosed with severe panic disorder and agoraphobia, I was prescribed xanax. Fast forward a few years and my doctor was prescribing 6mgs a day. In 2014 I began to very slowly lower my daily dose because I knew doctors were learning about long-term effects and hesitating to prescribe benzos especially in such high doses. I feel very fortunate that by the time I had to come off of xanax completely, I'd already started the process on my own. After nearly 28 years, I really didn't suffer from withdrawal except for the odd brain zaps that eventually went away.
Intense physical exrcise helped me. And I have a strong social support system.
We're u doing meth or cocaine b honest
I know exactly what you mean by brain zaps
Than you were extreme Lucky
@freddumee I should also recommend going to a Dr. Explain your situation and he/she will probably subscribe gabapentin at an initial high dose the slowly get it down to about 100mg-500mg.
Dr. Kim, after almost 29 years of nightly benzos (and Flexeril) i learned how bad they are for your brain, asked my doctor if i could stop. She simply said, "okay, stop." I went into a hellish many months long of horrible debilitating withdrawal, by myself in my apartment (retired senior). I tried to reach her and she wouldn't answer, then finally got a text saying to call for appt. No way could i have driven to office or sat quietly or still in waiting room. Wanted to go to ER, was afraid they would give me benzos and I'd have to start all over again, and couldnt drive to get there anyway.
Nearly six months later, i was able to drive to my doctor's office, tried to discuss withdrawal with her; she just rolled her eyes and changed the subject. Seemed to think i was lying or exaggerating. I saw her once more the following week for lab results, tried to speak about it again, she again rolled her eyes and changed subject. Never saw her again.
Ugh. I am so sorry that this was your experience in healthcare. I’m just astonished how there is still a knowledge gap amongst many medical clinicians to this day about the potential dangers of withdrawal from benzodiazepines
She should lose her license.
OMG 😱 That is terrible. The whole thing is, we’re so vulnerable & at the mercy of the Drs. They often don’t understand the true feeling of the discomfits & symptoms
. I’m grateful to have a compassionate dr. Who has realized I am seriously committed but also wary of the symptoms … thankfully I’ve done my research - this learning about why & how the natural GABA decreases - this is invaluable info.
I’m sorry this happened to you. It’s wrong. You were made to feel that you were a problem & it was your fault - this is unfair & untrue.
Change doctors
Terrible doctor! I hope you reported her, you could have died! Thank God your'e okay, I almost did die. It was hell for mr. Maybe someday, I will be able to let people know what I went through. Some, I can't remember and my family wont tell me. It had to be really bad, for them not to tell me.
Xanax withdrawal was hell. I took the lowest dose for 4 months and built a tolerance. My doctor said I could either increase the dose or frequency, or stop taking it completely. I didn't want to do the dance of increasing the dose every so often so I decided to come off of it. I heard coming off of 0.25mg would be nothing. WRONG. It was a week of hell followed by 2 more less but still tough weeks. I'm glad I persevered though and am doing much better 2 and a half months later.
Successfully weened off of clonazepam. I was on it for 17 years. It wasn’t easy. Great accomplishment.
Not easy to do! Hope you are well! Thanks for sharing some hope for those who want to get off these safely.
We’re you on it everyday?
Congrats.....I just finished my taper two weeks ago after 23 years on clonazepam.
@@shanekunde7302 How are you now? How long did you taper?
@@jrman413 I'm doing well. I did a 3 month taper from .25 mg. My dose fluctuated between .25 and 1mg during the years I was on it. It was pretty smooth compared to other times I tried to quit. Listening to your body and going at your own rate is the key to getting off this. Don't set a timeline and just take it day by day. I was shaving little pieces off using a scale, so it made it a lot easier to deal with withdrawals.
In Australia, it is almost impossible to have benzodiazepine prescribed. At least to young people. There are still legacy people in their 80s that have been on them for 20+ years, but unless you are at risk of sever alcohol withdrawals, doctors refuse them. There is really no point getting people addicted to something that does nothing to treat the underlying issue, unless you want to make lots of money... oh wait...
I wish they did that here 🇺🇸
It’s an anesthetic.
😡 😢
Believe me, the long term effects of benzo detox are awful.
I believe you. I'm in this s*it. 😠
@@mattlewski4605
I feel for you, I really do.
I suffered after I came off that shit.
@@thehauntgr6051
I would have the odd binge here and there, doing 60-70-80mg, and that was on and off over the years.
But, then I basically started throwing them down my throat by the handful for about two years solid, and that was usually two strips (so 14) of yellow 5mg, then another 2, and I'd do that for a few days.
Plus, I had a full scale heroin addiction at the time too.
I was impossible to be around.
I'd be aggressive, I'd lose stuff, I'd have accidents, fall over, walk into things, I was nearly hit by a bus twice, fell down a flight of stairs, that kind of thing.
I cut down to 50mg a day before doing a controlled 6 week detox and that was it.
I was a nervous wreck after I stopped the detox and I've never really recovered...not properly.
So you are basically screwed when your on them and screwed when your off them
@@fonzarellyplay370
Well, I'd rather be on them...but, in reality, it's down to how each individual copes
Thank you for telling the truth about these evil drugs.
There are 100s of symptoms. The supervised detox is still abruptly stopping the patient and shouldn’t be done. I never abused my doctors abruptly stopped me once the warning went on the box in 2020. Now I’ve been suffering for over 6 years. I lost everything my mind body function family home pets my soul. Now I’ve got anhedonia bad and can’t get my brain to work right. This all started in 2010 when prescribed lexapro and clonopazam for insomnia 12 years I took the medication as prescribed.
Try smoking medical weed. Indica strain is meant for relaxing the nervous system. If you live a state that permits weed try getting a medical card. Medical weed is strong and can help with withdrawal symptoms.
Detox ruined my life.
You typing this 3 months ago, really shows how strong and far you’ve came. I’m currently tapering off benzos, it’s not easy but you’re strength is second to none and I gain more hope and faith. Nothing but the best my friend!
@Questioyou are an idiotn8619
I was put on Benzodiazepines way back when I was a teen. Now I am in my 70s. But I will say it did wonders for me. I had, and still have some issues with bad obsessive compulsive disorder, slight Torettes, and horrible anxiety, Back when I was a teen, it helped a lot getting through school. I still take a small amount at bedtime to help me sleep, .5 mg. In the past I was put on as high as 2 mg. Getting off altogether does create a lot of anxiety, and slowly I'm trying to cut it out all together. Had it not been for Valium back then, I doubt I would have even gotten through school, and been able to work. People, doctors, and the government, are too hasty, to condemn certain drugs that actually do good. Sure you can get addicted to lots of different medications, but for me it's been a blessing.
Me Too! They gave me Life for years. I withdrew in about 8 months..wasn’t too bad. 😊❤
For every one person that needs it there are 50 it destroys 🤷♂️
One more thing... I'm NOT afraid of anything or anyone... We all breathe the same air. But this Benzo life... I'm terrified, absolutely scared to death!
I did withdraw from Dr prescribed clonopin cold Turkey. I was under Dr’s care when going off them. Pure hell and zero sleep for 2 weeks. Sweats, shakes, diarrhea & bad coordination. It took along time to get back to function normally.
I was put on benzos at 15 and now 13 years later after quitting drinking, fentanyl, cigarettes, I still have not been able to go through the full withdrawal process and still take 2mg a day of clonazepam. Thank you for the education
Woah. This is such an amazing and ACURATE video. Thanks for sharing the facts. I feel so validated, I went through a benzo withdrawal and had both withdrawl seizures and withdrawl psychosis. I felt like the psychosis was my fault because I wasn't disciplined enough to just get through it. Thanks for sharing the info about withdrawls!! You present it so well. Scientific, clear and yet full of care and love ❤️
Video idea! Venlafaxine withdrawl
I have also experienced this in a severe way and I think it would help a lot of people who decide to come off or switch meds to hear you discuss the facts😊
Gosh, I hope others did not try to insinuate that you having withdrawal psychosis was somehow your fault or some kind of sign of your will power. That’s our brain being totally imbalanced with too many excitatory signals in withdrawal. So glad that is behind you. And yes…. Ouch…. Venlafaxine withdrawal is nasty. Venlafaxine and Paroxetine in my experience are the toughest to get off of relative to the other antidepressants, there’s a timing relationship; the faster the levels drop the rougher the withdrawal typically; where ones like Fluoxetine, although withdrawals can still happen, definitely lower acuity for most people as it takes 4-5 weeks to self-taper out of your body vs a few days like the one you took.
Yes, please make a video about Venlafaxine withdrawal 🙏
OMG...I did not need to hear this. I'm on Venlafaxine!
It’s important to understand that for a small subset of people, (1 in 5) just a few days of benzos can cause permanent brain injury. So for some folks, it’s not a withdrawal per se, . It’s a brain injury!!
Eh no.... 1 in 5 don't get permanent brain injury.. where did u get that ridiculous claim from?
Unless u call restructuring of certain areas "damage"... like with all drugs that effect body functions there is some neuron pathway restructuring.. but calling that damage is a bit much.
This is the best explanation I have ever heard. Thank you.
Very clear and helpful! Excellent for my personal training in counseling and pastoral care.
We have to treat all of our patients and those under our counsel with a balanced approach: physical, emotional/mental, and spiritual health are all crucial. God Bless in all your work and thank you for what you do for others. I hope that you find moments of peace and rejuvenation when the opportunities arise, so that you can continue your work with a full tank of energy and a full heart.
Awesome explanation.
Thank you so much! I’m on the moderate withdrawal stage. Hopefully, it gets better and better everyday.
Excellent explanation of everything you spoke about!
I went through it once and I'm hooked on it again... maybe for life this time coz I don't wanna go through withdrawals again...so... I'm good
MS survivor here, 1 year into oral prednisone and 6 months tapering period. One of many side effects of prednisone is insomnia, i was also into pregabalin for so long, during this period i was in and out of the ER, sometimes admitted due to pain or insomia. My doctor decided to prescribed clonazepam 0.25mg. This was in 2012..im. still taking clonazepam and it helped me to manage insomnia.
I am going through it right now. I took 12 mg Lorazepam every day for 5 years. I started tarpering off july 2023 . Oct 31. i took my last pill. Now after nearly 7 months i believe seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I had (and have) every withdrawelsymptom except Deliriium and grand mal seizures. I have done everything on my own and at home. It is hell on earth. But now i can see my personalty and my emotions coming back. Most of the time i believe i will be normal again. I am sorry for my bad languageskills, i am not a native speaker.
Thank you, brother.
Excellent.
Near as I can tell this process can be drastically sped up. Using psychedelics, meditation, yoga, etc to intentionally heal I am 1.5 years off benzos and am feeling 100x better than at any time in my life. If I do still have any symptoms I don’t even notice. The first 6 months brought very little improvement but as soon as I started trying to heal I started getting better rapidly. I swear my brain has learned to do what benzos used to. I even have a movement disorder and I’m more physically capable than most people at this point! Good luck to everyone please don’t let this be a process that takes years to go through
great explenation! thanks a lot!
Excellent!
I stopped cold turkey 6 weeks ago ....2mg klonopin everyday for 7 years ...im goin thru it man
very informative, especially the explanation of withdrawal affecting GABA and GLUTAMATE imbalance after withdrawing.
Well said. I love this video ♥️👊🏽
Just finished my taper 2 weeks ago. I was on Clonazepam for 23 years.
How did you do it ? How do you feel?
@@amyburns7818 I tapered off in about 3 months. I feel pretty good for the most part. Still have some lingering withdrawal effects.
I am also interested in hearing how you did it?
Dr. Kim: Good info (been there as well). NEW ONE: I'm 8yrs sober (from alcohol ... never did anything else). In attempting to get off of it, long ago, someone put me on, at first: Valium and I was on that a LONG time. When a subsequent doctor saw how long I was on it, they rushed to get me off (and, yes, it presented me withdrawal problems, but that story isn't relevant for this posting). They substituted some kind of prescribed antihistamine. I took it for a while, but never felt it helped much. And it was a bit expensive for me. So, I thought: Well, if this is just antihistamine, why not just take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCL ~ 50mg - 2 pills). I initially took it during the day - but then stopped and only took it to fall asleep. I have major issues in this area. And now, I've been taking ~ 50mg of Benadryl nearly nightly ... for around 7 or 8 years. THOUGHTS?
Thanks so much for this 🙏
Been prescribed them twice in my lifetime and they were great. Thankfully my doc won't prescribe them to me anymore because I know I would get hooked on them if I could get them easily.
hi, I really like your content. Could you do a video on PMDD please?
Can we have a video about antidepressant withdrawals? Or antipsychotic withdrawal? That would be awesome
I will put it on my ever growing to do list. Will do.
@@AndrewKimMD thank you 😉
on ambient and klonopin for almost 20 years...yes I'm dependent to say the least. I was told when first prescribed it was safe and no dependency issues. all that being said, I'm glad i'm on it. I don't drink or abuse drugs otherwise. its allowed me to function - btw I'm 57 years old if that matters
How many mg of each drug do you take in a day?
Doctors are being advised to take people off these drugs who have been on them for many years. Also, pharmacies are having difficulty in their supply. I was on a benzo for 10 years until I hit tolerance. ..they put me on a slow acting valium and also 3 anti-depressants...It took me many years to get off 4 psych drugs...This is the incompetence of Doctors stating that this drug is safe and does no harm. It is big news in the benzo world that this drug has harmed millions of people over decades...watch 'Mad in America' on youtube. There is a huge movement growing warning about these drugs , short term or long term - it does not matter as benzos are toxic
I learned from a pharmacist that when many drugs first come on the market they are not yet tested for all side effects. For example, when ambien first came out, I was told it was not addictive. Luckily, I soon learned it was highly addictive and quit immediately. It was considered “not addictive” at first because not enough studies on its addiction potential had yet been done.
It would be grateful if you can make a video about the Dissociative Disorder in the future. I have been diagnosed with a dissociative disorder like 2 years ago. But, seems like those psychiatrists don't really even know much about it and there is only a tiny bit information about this disorder neither on the books nor the internet. i have been diagnosed as I found that I was in a mysterious places or even an amusement park every time I suddenly became conscious again on my way to work.The psychiatrist just said that it's caused by stress and the body psychological defense system has been activated. I am looking forward to this video. Thx!
Ok, will add it to my to do list. Dissociative Disorder is an interesting and fascinating phenomenon; very distressing for patients. A lot of our society and even clinicians often think patients are doing things “on purpose” or “for attention” which is not the case. In a sense, you can think of dissociation as an unconscious process that is a primal defense mechanism, when our mind/body is desperate to protect ourself from intense psychological or physical pain; which is way textbooks for psych 101 will discuss things like “depersonalization” and out of body experiences during traumas like assault. There are many forms of dissociation ranging from “blacking out” while awake, having your 5 senses and sense of time distorted, and having derealization or depersonalization. Very interesting stuff
@@AndrewKimMDhow do you know its not attention seeking behavior? Psychiatrists are pretty united in that it's not a real thing... if we are talking about what was called mpd...
Thank you for being so honoust, as many Docters are not. The withdrawal of benzodines was littially 20 times harder, than to stop with alcohol, as a result to calm from years of extreme side effects psychofarmaseuticals, The psychofarmacals and the extreme side effects completely destroyed my life, from childhood on.
The Ashton method is the best way to come off them
Everyone of my doctors thinks im bsin cause (im 54 days off Klonopin) they think i should of been fine after 2 weeks lol ridiculous i still feel like im in acute .. pvcs,pots,hbp,severe anxiety,intrusive thoughts,nausea,gi issues and so much more smh
two weeks is the time when the drug has left your body. It takes 6-18 months for the gaba receptors to upload in your brain. The acute phase of withdrawal is 6-8 weeks and it is hell, I've been there. I joined Benzo Warriors on youtube, a community with the research, knowledge you need to navigate this journey. I hope you did a very slow, long taper plan and not ceased this drug within a couple of months...
I have had a few seizures and always after stopping taking Xanax .. it was the scariest thing ever.
Just a quick question. Why didn't your docror taper you down, till your body didn't need it any longer? I was on morphine for years. My surgeon told me, I have to be off of ir, for my surgery. It took a month, no bad feelings, nor any cravings. And I never went back.
where do seizures affect
Me too.. grand mal after xanax.. went cold turkey after 2-4 mg for 4 yrs.. 5 days in I got a grand mal and was sent to hospital that gave me absenor 300mgx3 for 1 month and oxazepam 5mg 25pcs to taper on.
I've been on Klonopin for 31 years for dilapadating panic and anxiety attacks, it was horrible, I lost my nursing job and have not worked since, I was on 8 mg for years then 6 mg and I got myself down to 3 mg for years and I'm on 1 year and am still on them now , they've tryed to get me off of them for a long time ,but I can't so Dr said I'll have to be on them for the rest of my life!!! The benzo withdrawal is horrible!!! I am 71 years old now, and even if I run out 2 Days without them ,I get crazy! numb lips, hands just all the stuff you get!!!
R
How old were you when you stopped working?I am 31 and quit last year due to CPTSD.
Klonopin is the worst benzo. I joined Benzo warriors support group on facebook. A switch to a longer lasting benzo and then a water taper is what many people have to do to finally free themselves from this poisonous drug. 1mg of Klonopin is still a high dosage when compared to Valium equates to (10mg). Took me 6 months to get off 5mg.
Honest guy
Dr. Kim, for some symptoms like anxiety and insomnia, can patients take antidepressants to treat during benzo withdrawals?
DO not add MORE DRUGS!!!
I've been prescribed Xanax for about 5 years now. I am taking them every 6 hours without fail now. I honestly don't know if my body is just requiring them around the clock to get back to baseline... It's honestly terrible.
you are dependent...you need a slow , long taper and expert guidance. Join a support group like Benzo Warriors on facebook. these people educated me on all thing benzo related and saved my life...
Thank you Dr.
Thank you so much for the different categories, i have been having lots of moderate symptoms and ive only had about 40 doses in the span of 2 months at the lowest dose. All my doctors and psychs have said just to stop, i wont have seizures...
Thank you for the information. I take Ativan. I am the lowest dose. I only get 2 a day. It helps but coping skills are better.
Try to get off, I did the same but for years and now I can’t sleep
We will get through this its the dizziness for me sucks
What is the advice if you're bipolar and there are several meds mixed in and the risk of an episode
You sound like a great doctor (psychiatrist I assume). Like you say, benzodiazepines are effective medications if taken sparingly but unfortunately they can be “too effective” for some. I’m tapering off of clonazepam after about 17 years of daily use. I’m down to 1.75mg daily from 4mg back in 2021 when I started decreasing and it’s becoming more difficult as I get lower. The mild symptoms you describe are exactly what I experience before my pills in the evening. I also used to drink heavily when I was younger, and I strongly feel that alcohol abusers are at much higher risk of abusing benzodiazepines (and opioids for that matter - I’ve been on a methadone maintenance program for over 15 years but that’s another story). You remind me a little bit of my doctor/psychiatrist!)
I agree for sure about your comment on that cross over between alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine abuse. I know I’m over simplifying it a bit, but our brains, to some degree almost interpret taking a benzodiazepine and a drink, in very similar ways. Both affect the GABA receptors and have similar reinforcing effects. And both could trigger a relapse/cravings for the other. I’m glad a lot of what you described seems to be behind you. Even though we don’t know each other, I really hope for much peace in the times ahead of you. Sounds like you have been through enough personal wars already.
@@AndrewKimMD interesting. i was put on Valium for a few months in 2015, i found the effect horrendous, i hated it. when i stopped taking it i craved alcohol for a couple of weeks, and i barely drink. i might have a drink or 2 every few months, tops. you just explained what happened.
Notice the withdrawals are similar to alcohol?
If you are looking to remove these from your life the key is restoring your body's natural levels of GABA & Glutamate. Consuming alcohol will disrupt the balancing of these so its important to stay away from alcohol during recovery.
Lots of good general basic info here. I would also reiterate that these were not designed for extended periods of use. These were designed to be taken for a very short term ( 2 weeks ) to be followed by intensive CBT. These are a blessing for only a short time and should be used to help ground you so you can put a CBT plan together to get you through whatever youre going through.
If you can, avoid these. Even if youre just using them for sleep. Eventually you will have interdose withdrawal and your sleep will suffer immensely.
If you want to see the nightmare that awaits you should "dependency" kick in, try checking out the "ashton manual"
You may be looking for benzos for the right reasons but you may suffer uncalculable repercussions.
I have been physiologically dependent on clonozepam for over a decade and it’s ruined my brain. I just downloaded the manual. Thank you so much for the resource. 💛
What is cbt?
@@Question8619 Cognitive behavioral therapy. 🙃
@@CoffeePlease. you're not alone. Wishing you a full recovery 🙏
6 years now. Still sick disabled from them
Is there a chance to successfully come of Zolpedam while still Hyperthyroid and on Methimazole?
After seven years of 3 mg daily of klonopin, I tapered off of them. More than a year after my last benzo, my withdrawal symptoms were so bad I could not work. Because of that, I got back on them. I have been on them again for three years, but the side effects and interdose withdrawals are getting bad. I am preparing to get off and stay off them. In the US I needed them to be able to drive, as one cannot make it there without a car. Now I live in Europe and no longer drive anywhere, as it is not necessary due to walkable cities and great public transportation.
Hi, I took clonazepam as well as xanax and valium. Some doctors like one drug and stick to prescribing that one. only. You're never to drive, while on this type of drug. Good luck and be safe :}
Even the occasional 0.25 of Xanax can be an issue. The Diazepam substitute taper method works!
Thank you doctor for helping the public understand the disease of addiction and also the balance where our bodies wants to balance everything for us
Dependency and addiction are NOT the same thing at all. Not even close.
@@4GSLmusic correct. You can become physically dependent on benzodiazepines, without having an addiction. Not the same thing. And technically, one can be addicted to a substance without necessarily being physically dependent on it as well. Both can happen at the same time; but independent scenarios as you correctly stated.
@@AndrewKimMD nice! I would assume it depends on someone’s brain and metabolic breakdown .. when looking into withdrawal. This would suggest dependency it someone’s addicted and experiences withdrawal to whatever degree. Correct? This would show tolerance and dependency. Whereas some can Be addicted, stop drug and not experience withdrawal severely. This is what I’m understanding from this. Thanks for your insight! People assume because I have withdrawal because I’ve taken a benzo for seven years and am microtapering that I must be addicted. I haven’t had one single craving. But the brain has adapted and looks for upregulation of gaba a receptors. Gaba flowing back in. Drs have told me it’s not addiction but I feel counselors and lay people typically don’t understand the difference and use the two interchangeably. And it’s inappropriate use of the words. It can cause a patient to feel ashamed. I have to taper off because of iatrogenesis and years of mistreatment from the wrong drs. I have a good one now! Almost fully off everything! And life is so much better and I’m more myself than in the last 7 years! Prescribers must be so so careful in how the prescribe and diagnose. We can really ruin peoples lives if we don’t take caution. Take care!
Hi im on 2 mg Lorazepam for anxiety and now im crying all day whenever it wears out. is that normal?
Does magnesium glycinate help with withdrawal,
Ok when you do i liquid taper from any benzos why aren’t doctors upfront with what you can expect and withdrawls symptoms.
Is there a similar risk with hypnotic benzodiazepines, such as zolipidem and zopiclone?
Yes
Will go viral
been on 10mg of diaz for 5 years for sleep, tried cold turkey, has anyone had really bad legs, can hardly walk...will it ease
Dr. could you possibly do a Video on Lyrica.
Yes, i would like to know more of Lyrica too…
Im trying to get off of Clonazapam im doen to a half in the morning but that took three months im trying to get doen to a half at night my doctor told me to go to a half at night but im doing the same at night just cutting my night pill with only a guarter off at night and keeping a scheldule for a month
I like you you know wat your talking about without going through withdrawal yourself
How about haemodialysis, will it speed up the recovery from withdrawal? I'm sure it is.
Was put on Clonazepam when I was 15, they didn't warn me it was addictive. I turned 30 this year. I'm doing my best, I really am, I'm so terrified of being a junkie. I stopped drinking 100% three years ago even though I barely drank, and I get so disgusted at myself for needing benzos to function (BPD OCD, life is Hell, but if you're in this comment section you already know that.) that I quit cold turkey three times, got pretty far, aaaaand wound up in the ER three times because it felt like my body was just trying to shut down when it realized the panic attacks weren't going to break me into taking more.
So I've been tapering... I was 3mg a day for many, many years, that and 4 ibuprofen a day, and I lived comfortably but I knew I was a junkie and felt disgusted at the pill bottles in my drawer. Using a lot of yoga, ASMR(I know... It's hard and you use whatever you can to help), I managed to get off ibuprofen entirely and am down to 1.5mg a day. .5mg tablet sizes only even if I feel like I'm going to die. I'm never comfortable now, I haven't felt at peace for years at this dose, my body was too used to 3mg, I can't enjoy movies, drawing, the only time I enjoy life is when I'm able to sleep and not have to experience it.
But I'm 1.5mg less a slave to the medication. Therapist and Prescriber tells me my memory is in perfect condition, I've shown no side effects whatsoever, and that I'd be more than good to be on it for the rest of my life and that I should just take the 3mg a day that they prescribe and that I'd be happier. They aren't wrong I guess, but I just... There is such an intense terror that one day they'll just stop prescribing it, and knowing what cold turkey feels like, I'd just have to kill myself. No melodrama, I've just accepted that, living through that cold turkey experience and not being able to break and take a dosage, I'd have killed myself if I didn't have that option then too. Words don't express how bad the withdrawal is. Especially when you have a seriously screwed up brain disorder. I feel so weak and despicable 24/7, and a part of it is obviously a brain disorder, but being strapped back-to-back with benzos for a decade and a half certainly didn't do me any favors.
I just want to feel like I'm doing something right, Hell, anything, but that's the thing with benzos when you need something to function like a Human. I can't stand in line at a store, I can't drive a car, I breathe manually a lot because I'm too agitated and anxious to automate it, only benzos help and I've tried a LOT of alternatives. I don't even know the point of this comment any more, at this point I think I'm just screaming into a text box, ha ha... I guess I'm trying to say benzos are scary and to only take them if you REALLY HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE.
How r u doing buddy? You are gonna find something best
How are you now?
@@saabkuch They moved me to medical marijuana, I don't think the THC is good for me. I also hate it because taking weed with clonazepam is very vertigo-inducing, even with the incredibly small amount of MM I take(1-2 drops under the tongue) and I can't help but get paranoid about taking .5mg of Clonazepam while I'm 'high'(not a pleasant sensation, it just makes me agitated and dizzy) because of all the horror stories that I've known enough people to know are just that, 'horror stories' because pharmacies don't want you to know you can take weed with almost anything. That'd be enough to comfort anyone that say, doesn't have a crippling mental disorder.
So I'm terrified on my meds too, and now I'm being told that seeing MM as meds is crippling the effect since you need to be in a good mental place to benefit from them. I'm taking them TO get in a good mental place , ha ha. Switching to pure cannabis oil as soon as I can get someone to drive me there, the shaking has gotten to the point I can't really drive any more. Still 1.5mg, still my therapist saying it'd be easier to just accept I'll be on it forever and that I should be happy I can have a 'normal' life so long as I take my meds and that by taking less than recommended I'm making myself suffer unnecessarily. I know she's right too, it's a real kick in the head.
To reiterate to anyone just prescribed benzos that's reading this, I'm not trying to terrify you, but only take them if the alternative is suicide or the complete inability to function in regular life in any capacity. Try literally anything else first, and if it's a 1-2 week prescription, tread carefully. Exercise some degree of healthy fear and realization you're taking a very, very addictive drug.
You're not a junkie just because you use medication that your body can be dependent on
This was a criminal act to give a child such a dangerous drug. Reading your comments I can tell you have not found the correct benzo site. They are very wrong in telling you to take a benzo for the rest of your life and that you have shown no side effects makes me so angry..they are so uninformed. I was on a benzo for years with all sorts of mysterious illnesses and I was also polydrugged with other medication to 'help' with my mental illness.. Guess what! I have no mental illness, but I have been harmed by taking this drug...To abruptly stop taking a dose , even for a day, can send your nervous symptom into dissaray...What saved me further from harm from the medical doctors etc. was joining 'Benzo Warriors' an online facebook support group where the benzo harmed community over the past 20 years have gathered anecdotal evidence, research papers, benzo wise Doctors and Psychiatrists on to their teams. There are so many sites on youtube to help with this: Angie Peacock Benzo Coach, Dr. Jennifer Leigh, Easing Anxiety with D. Foster, Baylissa Frederick..So many success stories with all the comments you stated on being brain damaged, stay on forever, it's all in your head - the stories are truly shocking to read but outline the mis-management of this drug. I hope you come back to read this as you will get off these drugs safely with expert advice and you will heal...
What about SSRI withdrawal? Is there a video fir that. It can be just as bad as benzo withdrawal.
What a state to get yourself into. I know these types of medications have their uses but my god - look what we've created.
I am a 62-year-old male who has taken Klonopin for 29 years. My current dose is 4 mg daily. I started out at 1 mg for anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It works for me, but my new psychiatrist is concerned, and is talking about weaning me off of them. Honestly, I am scared of withdrawal symptoms and the prospect of panic attacks coming back. Things are going well, so I am somewhat resistant to change. I've been through so much with Bipolar disorder and anxiety, I don't want to go back to the way I was before I was in treatment. I also take Prozac and Tegretol. The doctor says that they will do the same thing as Klonopin. Now, I'm confused and scared. What do I do?
Everybody says I'm a great guy till they work with me constantly bro
Can you get a stroke from withdrawal? I was trying to taper ( one day yes, one day no) of taking clonazepam .5 mg once a day for the past 10 years. I was taking it 2x a day before. I got a stroke while I was trying to taper and got a stroke. I’m 67 yrs old but I wonder if the stroke was caused by the withdrawal. I would appreciate you answering.
U can get higher blood pressure from it and I guess that might b a factor in a stroke. But I doubt the withdrawal itself gives u a stroke... can't really see how that would b possible.
You mention that people undergoing alcohol withdrawal are given benzos. What if someone is going through both benzo and alcohol withdrawal? Is there anything to give them?
One at a time. Alcohol then benzos, doing the reverse may unalive you.
The FDA needs to push doctors and pharmacists to disclose that every single medication under the sun has negative effects whether it's general malaise, or dependence, or full on addiction. Even something as relatively innocuous as Ibuprofen is, comparatively to harder drugs, it can cause discomfort after you stop taking it regularly.
It's not that difficult to just succinctly say to your patient that there's a level of dependence you can develop while taking a medication and you may experience discomfort after finishing the prescription, and direct them to ask their pharmacist for more information.
Nothing is more frustrating than telling a doctor that you don't want to take a medication, because you experienced withdrawals from it and they lecture you that it isn't addictive. Addictiveness labeled by the FDA is so stringent on there being a high, or some recreational use to it. Dependence doesn't even seem to be a factor in for some doctors, and some seem to ignore it just because they get paid for prescribing you medication. They have a vested interest in you being unhealthy, so they can sell you the cure.
Plus patients aren't researchers. If a patient is feeling pain after ceasing the drug, you might just infer that the drug was preventing that pain rather than it being the cause for it, which makes you feel like you need to continue taking it. All these nuances to withdrawals and dependence aren't studied enough during the drug testing period, and it seems like the patients in the trials are as far in the dark as we are. The doctors prescribing it aren't usually taking these drugs either, so they don't have the first hand insight as to what to expect beyond just what the studies and documents say.
I would have never expected at age 18 that my doctor, the arbiter of good health, would precribe me something similar to heroin. When you hear "pain medication" you think of pain relief like Tylenol or Advil. You don't think of drugs that people get addicted to or locked up for.
I’ve been on 2 mg clonazepam daily for 11 months, not prescribed. How fast can I taper off? I want to be off in 2 months.
1. You didn’t mention how it can be one year two year of a very slow taper to get off of it without having those serious side effects.
Is a dose recommendation of a benzo every 6 hours or as needed considered a PRN? seems like it couldn't be PRN at that frequency.
Depends on the benzo... different half life...
Around a month ago I tapered off over 4 months under the guidance of my doctor. I took clonazepam for 8yrs. I started having some severe pins and needles, acid reflux, and more. My doctor told me to go back on it, only .5 mg. I still have the horrible pins and needles. Has anyone experienced continuing withdrawal symptoms even when they went back on the med?
This was by far too quick a taper...18 months is average...No wonder symptoms presented. Doctors really have no idea of safe tapering...I joined Benzo Warriors , a support group on facebook...these people have all the research and information on benzo harm. I tapered off 5 mg Valium and now I'm 13 months off ...it can be done and everyone heals.
I took these for 8yrs as my GP was an idiot, i stopped in a week taking half the tablet then a quarter and had zero side effects. I was worried at first, but i didnt get those effects people got after 24hrs of stopping.
I just felt like regular, but my sleep was a bit off, so I took something to help me sleep for a week and i was back to normal.
I dont know why some people get severe reactions, i could take these for 6months and then stop.
The specialist told me its because i dont metabolise benozdiapines well so taking my dose was like not taking anything much at all
My Dr “ weaned” me off by giving me 2 pills. I want to get off benzodiazepines but I need a prescription to get off of them. Even tho I still take them I’m trying to stop. Is there a Dr or anyone who knows what I mean. People on the street are not trying to help me stop
Thanks 👏🏾
Thankyou.
Is one 1mg a day bad? Been taking my prescribed dose as directed for going on 7 years. Sometimes I take it, other times I don’t. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but it’s definitely helped me with my GAD because before that, I was an overthinking, high stress and nervous wreck. And of course the occasional panic attacks that are no bueno. Maybe it’s different for others and it’ll take me days to have withdrawal symptoms, if any? 🤔🤷🏻♂️
Please study the effects of Fluoroquinolone antibiotics and their role in "robbing" the body of GABA, causing an unwanted benzo withdrawal.
I think it would only do that if u are addicted to benzo... its like opiate antagonists like narcan... if ur not addicted it won't do anything to you even though it totally blocks opioid receptors. But if ur addicted u will go into full blown cold turkey!
Then u have antagonist/agonist like buprenorphine.. if u are not addicted it will get u high, but if u are addicted it will get u incredibly sick!
I took Klonopin for almost 15 years for anxiety. 2 mg every night and yes, I know thats a high dose, but thats what I was prescribed. I decided to go off of them per a new Drs advice. I tapered off and was able to do it. It was by no means easy. The only thing that helped with the withdrawal was Cannabis edibles (seriously). Its been a year now and I still have a hard time sleeping. But it is worth it to me 😊
Dr. Kim. I’ve been on 1mg. of Xanax at bedtime for about 7 years and I want to get off of it. How long do you think I should plan my taper? I’m planning to cut it by 1/4 every 2-3 weeks and when I get down to 1/4mg, take that every other night for a few more weeks before completely stopping. I figure 2-3 mos. How does that sound to you, sir?
This is how you do it.. (I'm not a dr but I'm an addict for 30+ yrs so I know alot about it):
Decrease xanax to 0.5 at night... if u sleep bad then do it until sleep becomes more normal. If ur sleep is unaffected then do it for 2 wks and then go to 0.25mg and do the same.
After that u should contact ur dr (or do it b4) and get a recipe for 100 pcs of absenor 300mg and 25pcs of 5mg oxazepam.
Then u start taking 5mg oxazepam at night instead of the xanax.. if that is unbearable take 10mg.. but u shouldn't need more if u went down to 0.25.
Also take 3x 300mg absenor per day when u quit xanax.
Take the oxazepam for 10 days.. make sure atleastbthe last 5 are 5mg...
There u go... thats a normal detox.
Methadone withdrawal problems??
Its something im struggling with it now its horrible to the point where i dont seek diagnosis for everyday pain because it seems like its not s big deal but thats a mistake
I don’t know what you would call this but I got to a detox center 9 days into my withdrawal. I took melatonin in the day before and at the center for a couple of days everything smelled and tasted like melatonin.
I ate 130-150 mg valium for 20 years. When i decided to stop Ihad to be hospitalized for 3 months.
Worst time of my life... Didnt think I was going to make it.
Never again!
Lies, all lies. 150mg of Valium would kill an elephant bro. The average dose is .5 to 1mg.
Benzo withdrawals are the worst. Even over oxys. Im coming up to my year off opiates and im really not loking forward to taper off the alprazolam
My mother is severely dependent with klonipin she tried to stop taking them for 8 months 🙄 but fell right back to her addiction she's also mixing norco as well. I finally made the decision to distant myself from her due to the toxic situation it's just so sad.
That’s a dangerous scenario and very tragic. For what it’s worth I just said a prayer for you and your mother. I hope you can find the healthy boundaries that make the most sense for you, for this chapter of your life. And remember, having boundaries doesn’t mean that you don’t love or care for someone. If you haven’t yet, maybe check your local NAMI or even al-anon.org/ to see if there any online or local support groups for loved ones affected by those with addiction. Or if you haven’t considered it yet, finding a 1:1 counselor to help support you. I hope your mother can find and hold onto some motivation in the future to make some healthy changes.
Just when she needed your support and encouragement. Your mother has a DISEASE! Abandoning, rejecting and betrayal
of your mother is cruel and selfish.
@@ericblair54 i been giving all of myself to her since the age of 7/8 raising her kids she took sm from me just so she can be selfish herself I'm a single mother with two small kids just when I need her shes still with her selfish ways not wantinf to change. My kids actually need me more and i will no longer jeopardize my mental health for her anymore.
@@isauravalencia9562 You reason perfectly right. To set boundaries are good! You have to think about yourself and your kids first hand! I wish you the best of luck!👍
@@gunilla554 ty !
I stopped cold turkey after being on klonopin for years multiple times daily. I know now how dangerous that was. The withdrawal was absolutely awful. I refuse to take these type of meds anymore. Ever. I am on Zoloft at the lowest dose. But benzos, no way.
I am in the moderate and severe stage when I get off for 1 reason or another. I been on them for 21 years. I just got my meds back last night. Man it sucks