You are one of the few who can explain stuff about the withdrawal without making me more anxious. I watch your videos in bad times, just to give me a reality check. What you say is very true. Symptoms come and go, and I always start obsessing about them, thinking this new symptom will never leave.
I'm so glad that my videos are able to give you some comfort. Please keep watching them whenever you feel low or overwhelmed. And remember, obsessing about symptoms is just one of the great tricks of withdrawal. Whenever you get too worried about a new symptoms, just keep perspective by remembering a few of your symptoms that have already disappeared or improved. That helps. Take care and stay connected here!
@@TheLovelyGrind yeah i took the medicine because of obsessive behaviour so for me its extra hard to not obsess about this whole withdrawal thing. For example the social anxiety i experience turns into an obsession about me never being able to conversate normal again. Or not sleeping transforms into an obsession about sleep and never being able to sleep again.
You're welcome, Tom. Try not to give in to the fear. Just keep pushing forward with faith, knowing that things are getting better in regular increments. Take care.
Thanks for the video Michael. Very helpful information. I’m nearly 16 months off of Ativan CT. It’s been the worst experience of my life. I’m just starting to see some progress in my healing, this is national crisis and people are dying. I’ve lost all respect for the medical system, there should be help for people going through this hell. Thanks again for your excellent videos.
Ty green I’ve been on and off them 3 times over the last 5 years. The first 2 times the symptoms were fairly mild but the 3rd time the symptoms were disabling, I’ve been housebound or bedridden for 16 months. I’m hoping things start improving between 18 and 24 months. The worst thing about this ordeal is not knowing when it will end.
I'm just an 21 year old idiot who thought it would a good idea to try half a pill of ecstasy a month ago, and I have been experiencing a comedown ever since. There seem to be some parallels between the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawals and ecstasy comedowns. This video is calming and made me feel better, so thank you for making it!
Yes, I believe there would be a whole lot of parallels in that situation because of how they both involve changes/temporary drops in key nuerotransmitter levels. But both are temporary, so don't be afraid! Take care and keep watching.
Such a great, encouraging video Michael. Thanks so much!! Love your videos. It's helpful to list symptoms because sometimes, we get so scared of new ones popping up, that we can think the worst. Thanks again.
You're welcome, Brooke. Just remember that one day in the not too distant future, your life will no longer revolve around the symptoms and the worry about them. Hope you're having a good day. Talk soon.
Thanks again Michael. I’ve been watching you a lot lately. Back in the summer I became addicted to a med called Zopiclone. It was an old refill I filled for sleep, but sadly I was unaware of its dangers and once I became addicted to it, after only two weeks of use, it stole my sleep. I used to sleep great then I couldn’t sleep without it. The most terrifying experience of my life. I’m 52. I’m now on a taper program which includes seroquel. The withdrawal symptoms are very real (burning eyes , malaise and headaches). But it’s the repeat insomnia that is the hardest to bare. I hope to be off the zop by new year and learn how to sleep again naturally (if it’s possible). I’m trying to be more positive and spiritual, but the negative thoughts always tend to creep up on me. Thanks again for your positive outlooks
So glad you've been enjoying the videos. Yes, it is possible to sleep naturally. Trust me, I've been through major sleep struggles but that didn't last forever. Fresh air, vitamin D, activity, physical exercise, and finding peace of mind and new experiences will all help that (along with all the usual "sleep hygiene" stuff). Just keep at it, and don't give into negativity. Hopefully my channel helps to uplift and encourage you on your journey! Take care today!
@@TheLovelyGrind could I ask please for my own reassurance... Did you have a tight feeling in your chest area with breathing problems? Thank you for sharing your story man
@@louisscd I had tightness and pains in a lot of areas, and that can be a byproduct of all the increased anxiety/stress response that comes with the withdrawal. It can be a common thing.
I have consumed alot of internet articles and forums discussing horror stories about tapering and withdrawal..i have so much health anxiety before all of this and i get to bedtime and i worry about not being able to sleep, and im over analysing every sensation in my body. This is awful but your channel is really helping x
Thanks Michelle for making such helpful videos. I am 4 months off xanax, and having terrible mental and physical symptoms, they keep on changing every single day, in nature and intensity. I had my blood work test two months ago,( normal) but head scan was not done as I believe that when my head symptoms are keep on changing and on and off, they must be of withdrawal. Do you think that mental symptoms also fade away with time? they scare me that I am going to be out of mind.
Going through some waves and windows now after finally stopping the lorazepam last Tuesday. I was fine for two days but then the worst pains and insomnia hit me hard before the weekend. It leveled off but again, they come and go and it really sucks. I know they will pass eventually but it's just real tough right now having finally come off the last med. Thank you for all your videos Michael. I continue to watch your material regularly to give me comfort and assurance that we do heal. I have a major life change coming soon (moving overseas again) and I'm praying I am strong enough to head into it and continue to heal because it's something I've been working towards for over three years now.
Fantastic, fantastic. You've made such great progress, and things will get better. Don't let any current "bumps in the road" throw you off track. You've worked hard and it will pay off. Just stay steady and move forward with courage, and you will see more and more improvements!
@@TheLovelyGrind Thank you so much for responding Michael. The insomnia is still a big issue but at least the withdrawal pains are gone for now. I've got a little over a month left now before I head off to Taiwan to start a new life and I'm trying to finally get up to NJ before I leave to see some friends I haven't seen in almost fourteen years. One step, one victory at a time.
I believe that my doctor offered me Effexor when I was complaining about Paxil withdrawal. I've heard that it has a particularly brutal withdrawal. I'm sure that the tinnitus will get better, though, so just keep managing it in the meantime with background noise like fans, music, etc. Also, too much caffeine and alcohol seemed to make it worse for me, so moderation on those fronts is essential. Take care.
I’m just starting the taper, but at night is the worst. I can’t sleep and I experience what I can only explain as dreaming while I’m awake. Endless racing thoughts and then “dreams” and I am not asleep. Does anyone have this? It’s horrible.
I spent a lot of time with racing thoughts as I was trying to sleep. I can remember this especially when I was trying to nap after work (which never really worked out). Anyway, eventually that will give way to true sleep!
my last withdrawal is from methadone,im nearing the 4 month mark now and still have paws near daily but i was on it for 14 years and a peak of 188mg, it took 4 years to taper then i leaped off at 5mg. not to discourage anyone because my gf jumped off same dose and was all better and back to work in a month,zero paws but she was on 22mg peak and on it for 5 years
Thank you for this. Have you given any thought of doing a video on the subject of getting loved ones to believe that what we are experiencing is real? 🙏🏾
That is a great idea for a video. That particular issue really was a challenge for me, and I enjoy what I would consider a pretty supportive family. However, even the most supportive among our loved ones have a hard time understanding withdrawal, mostly, I think, because it is something that is misunderstood and flat out denied by the medical establishment and popular media. Just keep explaining it as best you can, and also show them how you are trying to be proactive in healing. Eventually, the people who really love you will simply listen and offer support.
Just keep explaining it in your own words, Ty. And point them to any useful information you find about withdrawal (not the horror stories online, though; those just cast a dubious shadow over the whole discussion because of how loony the sources often seem).
Thank you! I’ve also found that your videos don’t induce more anxiety compared to others. I’m about 5 months off Klonopin and thought I was getting better but just got hit by a huge wave. Feels similar to the first month off, but not quite as bad. It also doesn’t help that I’ve been reading comments of others being anywhere between 3-10 years off and still experiencing symptoms. Have you found that you have any lingering effects after being considered healed?
Devin, remember that the healing process if very individual (and unfortunately nonlinear as well), so try not to base expectations for your own scenario off the negative comments and stories shared by others. We never know what the whole picture is in someone else's life, so take all such comments with a grain of salt. What I've discovered as I've moved further and further away from the medications is that I can't "run myself into the ground" and still feel okay like I used to. That means that perhaps I'm a little more sensitive than I used to be to too much alcohol or too little sleep or too much stress, but that might also be, in part, due to the fact that I'm 41 now and was 21 when I started the medications (can't really compare those two ages, because we are a bit invincible at those younger ages). Bottom line, I guess we have to practice balanced living to find ongoing well-being, but is that really much different from anyone else? Take care.
@@TheLovelyGrind Thank you so much for replying. I started taking 0.5 once a day when I was about 18 and then got as high as taking two 1mg per day by the time I got off cold turkey at the age of 23. I took them like I was supposed to and never not once took more than I needed to unless it was an absolute emergency. I'm still fairly young and in good shape so I'm hoping I can recover quickly and then live a normal life afterward. I'm glad you're doing a lot better and I commend you for making it a personal mission to help others without scaring them away like a lot of TH-camrs do whether it be intentional or not. My only main worry is " healing " and then having to monitor everything I do in order to live a happy life. That alone can cause pressure and stress that nobody should have to deal with at any age. 5 months out, the highs have been high and the lows have been extremely low. But nonetheless, I'm seeing progress. Just hoping I can eventually live to enjoy my 20's again and not be a slave to the after effects of benzos. But, again, thank you so much. Keep spreading the hope and easing people's minds.
@@dnunn9475 I push myself all the time. I run 8 or more miles at a time, lift weights, work hard, etc. But I no longer have the "magic" effects of the medications to cover up for living on autopilot when it comes to self-care. So, for example, if I drink too much alcohol, it affects my sleep and I feel hungover (whereas years ago the benzo meds might have mitigated such negative effects). And if I don't work out for a couple of days, I feel irritated and less than inspired. I can get emotionally low if I don't get the sleep I need, the exercise I need, and the downtime I need. I think you are worried about living with some sort of permanent plague of disability in the future, but it isn't like that.
Thanks, Michael. It’s like no matter how much reassurance you get you can never keep your mind off the symptoms at hand. On top of that, I’ve been bedridden for the past 5 days due to dizziness and panic and of course family keeps suggesting I go to the doctor or that I might have another medical condition. They are shocked because of how well I had been for the first 6 months off the pill and are now concerned. I appreciate your thorough response, I feel a little better knowing that things won’t be like this for the rest of my life.
Hi Michael. I’m at month 28 off Clonapin and I don’t feel any better. Sometimes I get very short minor windows but the mental symptoms are by far the worst. Did you experience brain issues like feeling like you were on LSD all the time or mood changes constantly? I have been to so many doctors and have had so many tests and all my issues are ‘mysterious’. I suffered for years after taking a fluoroquinalome many years ago and was placed on benzos 16 years ago. I don’t know if my brain can even get better after so many years. Thank you for your videos.
DrLivelovelaugh do you not feel any better at all? Did you taper or cold turkey? Seems like 24-36 months is more realistic type timeframe after talking to bunch of people.
DrLivelovelaugh yeah I basically stopped CT as well... what dose were you on? It’s crazy it takes so damn long but it really seems like 3 years is what we’re looking at. Obviously everyone is different but it is what it is for us... hope you get some relief soon
TFemm44 I was up and down from .5-1.0 mg. Never consistent for very long. Took it for sleep. I was apparently in tolerance withdrawal for years because I never really upped the dosage.
After all the headaches dizziness insomnia rage/irritability i was left with suicidal depression the crashes where i would just drop down into the deepest darkest sadness crippling scary dread of hopelessness with crying spells over and over, was this one of your withdrawal symptoms ? Also short term and spatial memory loss was that one of your symptoms and if so did that improve ? I had recently (2 weeks ago) reinstated the escitalopramat a tiny dose .5mg because the withdrawals were so bad. Before that a month previously i tried 2.5mg and it made things worst so i stopped abruptly. At .5 mg i noticed that it brought symptom relief within 30 minutes of taking it. Now it had been 2+weeks of reinstatement and a lot of the most terrible sumptoms have leveled off. The most prevalant symptoms im feeling now are heavy depression symptoms, dysphoria, lack of motivation,lack of ability to feel pleasure,heavy fatigue,negative moods etc. It is so easy to confuse the symptoms of depression with the symptoms of withdrawal. I can only differentiate the 2 because i know i dont want to feel like this and im doing everything i can to get better so why would it be depression its so tricky
I was curious if you had a symptom where you had a hard time creating visual images in your mind. Like trying to picture an image of a past memory? I can describe it as my mind’s eye going blind. I would assume you had this on some level during your withdrawal. Thank you and I look forward to your next video.
Did you experience dpdr? Now I am 6 months benzo free, but feeling severe dpdr. It's like not connecting my inner self to myself when I see myself in mirror. Sometimes I feel so disconnected to my bidy and myself, and the environment. It's so frightening, feels like living a fake life. Have you or anyone ever experience this? Will it go away with time?
Connection to God, spirituality, exercise, nutrition, setting goals, pursuing your dreams - those are such fundamental and underrepresented aspects when it comes to benzo withdrawal and healing. I think it is more helpful to watch positive videos like yours than to obsess over horror stories. As you mentioned before, they're like car accidents we are prone to watch but there is nothing uplifting about them.
Hi there how are you? I've watched a load of your videos as I'm going through valium withdrawals.... I've symptom thats probably one of the lesser symptoms but it's driving me crazy and was wondering if you had this symptom to... I can't stop peeing..lol every 5 minutes and won't stop... never had it before withdrawal... I could get outside more if it wasn't for this.. if you had it..does it last long? Thank you.
@@TheLovelyGrind lol OK thank you..... I've been watching alot of your videos and they are really inspiring and would like to say thank you for the hope and kind words.... Thomas...glasgow .. Scotland.
I would say that most people aren't at a "stable" place when beginning a taper. I know I sure wasn't. In my mind the term "stable" in this context can be a bit of a misnomer. The meds aren't going to bring a person to a stable place, that will come rather by seeing a taper through and getting off the meds completely (along with working on other wellness measures).
@@TheLovelyGrind Thank you for your response. Since I don't "stabilize" how do I know when to make my next cut? My doctor has pretty much left it up to me to find out how to taper. Thank you for your help.
@@barbararay8578 You can look up taper plans online, there are many, and the Ashton Manual gives a good starting point. But ultimately I would just try to make it methodical. Give yourself 2-4 weeks between cuts or whatever you decide on and then stick with it to keep moving forward. Adjusting slightly as necessary. Really no hard and fast rules here ...
@@TheLovelyGrind Again, thank you. There are so many horror stories. In your opinion, would you say most people experience years of PAWS? That scares me! I apologize for asking so many questions. I appreciate your help
@@barbararay8578 Too many different individuals out there to generalize on anything like that. I wouldn't think too far ahead. Worry about life off the meds when you get to that point. The first step is getting there. Just focus on your taper for now, and on what you need to succeed in that goal! One step at a time.
Yes, that can be a pretty common symptom, and it can result from fatigue and anxiety (which are also symptoms of the process). Try not to focus on it too much. Try some breathing exercises to help get the system back to regular breathing in the short term as well. Take care.
Thank you so much for your respond! Ive had panic attacks, anxatiy attacks, feeing i was dien , electric shocks in my head, contacting in my brain , felt like my brain was shrinking, my head feels as its on fire, personalization derealization , confusion, sometimes I say things and think things don't make sense, racing thoughts, i need to keep laying down through out the day for naps because i get light headed, dizzy, i cant drive because i have lots of fear now. its has been a terror!! I just want it to be over!!
The Lovely Grind Michael, how do you know when you are thru acute withdrawal? I read a lot of people making references to their acute timelines, don’t understand how to know what’s acute and what’s paws, etc. Keep making great videos. Could you do a video on people being forced CT by doctors that are not knowledgeable? This seems to be an all too common occurrence lately.
I had the usual batteries of blood panels done. I can't recall everything that those tests generally look for, so I'd have to look back through my files to check on that part.
You are one of the few who can explain stuff about the withdrawal without making me more anxious. I watch your videos in bad times, just to give me a reality check. What you say is very true. Symptoms come and go, and I always start obsessing about them, thinking this new symptom will never leave.
I'm so glad that my videos are able to give you some comfort. Please keep watching them whenever you feel low or overwhelmed. And remember, obsessing about symptoms is just one of the great tricks of withdrawal. Whenever you get too worried about a new symptoms, just keep perspective by remembering a few of your symptoms that have already disappeared or improved. That helps. Take care and stay connected here!
@@TheLovelyGrind yeah i took the medicine because of obsessive behaviour so for me its extra hard to not obsess about this whole withdrawal thing. For example the social anxiety i experience turns into an obsession about me never being able to conversate normal again. Or not sleeping transforms into an obsession about sleep and never being able to sleep again.
@@TisjeboyDavid - Please come back and tell us how you're doing now.
Going through this now after 3 years on antipsychotics. The headaches are everyday. Please tell me this ends soon x
Thanks as always for these Michael... this is a very scary time for us all
You're welcome, Tom. Try not to give in to the fear. Just keep pushing forward with faith, knowing that things are getting better in regular increments. Take care.
How are you now
Thanks for the video Michael.
Very helpful information. I’m nearly 16 months off of Ativan CT. It’s been the worst experience of my life. I’m just starting to see some progress in my healing, this is national crisis and people are dying. I’ve lost all respect for the medical system, there should be help for people going through this hell.
Thanks again for your excellent videos.
Andrew Norbury I’m 15 months off and in the same way man... this totally sucks but Michael is so helpful
TFemm44 yeah. He calms you down, it’s better if you make videos after you’ve healed. There’s some real suffering out there!!
@@andrewnorbury2519 how long was you on benzos total time?
Ty green I’ve been on and off them 3 times over the last 5 years. The first 2 times the symptoms were fairly mild but the 3rd time the symptoms were disabling, I’ve been housebound or bedridden for 16 months. I’m hoping things start improving between 18 and 24 months. The worst thing about this ordeal is not knowing when it will end.
@@andrewnorbury2519 thanks for the response. How long did it take to heal the first time??
I'm just an 21 year old idiot who thought it would a good idea to try half a pill of ecstasy a month ago, and I have been experiencing a comedown ever since. There seem to be some parallels between the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawals and ecstasy comedowns. This video is calming and made me feel better, so thank you for making it!
Yes, I believe there would be a whole lot of parallels in that situation because of how they both involve changes/temporary drops in key nuerotransmitter levels. But both are temporary, so don't be afraid! Take care and keep watching.
You shouldn't have this happen from just a half a E pill? Sounds like you had somthing else going on?
Such a great, encouraging video Michael. Thanks so much!! Love your videos. It's helpful to list symptoms because sometimes, we get so scared of new ones popping up, that we can think the worst. Thanks again.
You're welcome, Brooke. Just remember that one day in the not too distant future, your life will no longer revolve around the symptoms and the worry about them. Hope you're having a good day. Talk soon.
Thanks again Michael. I’ve been watching you a lot lately.
Back in the summer I became addicted to a med called Zopiclone. It was an old refill I filled for sleep, but sadly I was unaware of its dangers and once I became addicted to it, after only two weeks of use, it stole my sleep. I used to sleep great then I couldn’t sleep without it. The most terrifying experience of my life. I’m 52.
I’m now on a taper program which includes seroquel. The withdrawal symptoms are very real (burning eyes , malaise and headaches). But it’s the repeat insomnia that is the hardest to bare. I hope to be off the zop by new year and learn how to sleep again naturally (if it’s possible).
I’m trying to be more positive and spiritual, but the negative thoughts always tend to creep up on me.
Thanks again for your positive outlooks
So glad you've been enjoying the videos. Yes, it is possible to sleep naturally. Trust me, I've been through major sleep struggles but that didn't last forever. Fresh air, vitamin D, activity, physical exercise, and finding peace of mind and new experiences will all help that (along with all the usual "sleep hygiene" stuff). Just keep at it, and don't give into negativity. Hopefully my channel helps to uplift and encourage you on your journey! Take care today!
So reassuring to hear these symptoms are all normal withdrawal symptoms, I've got 90% of the ones you mentioned.
Yes, you're not alone by any means, Cheryl! Many have walked this road before you and have found healing. It will happen for you, too. Take care!
@@TheLovelyGrind could I ask please for my own reassurance...
Did you have a tight feeling in your chest area with breathing problems?
Thank you for sharing your story man
@@louisscd I had tightness and pains in a lot of areas, and that can be a byproduct of all the increased anxiety/stress response that comes with the withdrawal. It can be a common thing.
I have consumed alot of internet articles and forums discussing horror stories about tapering and withdrawal..i have so much health anxiety before all of this and i get to bedtime and i worry about not being able to sleep, and im over analysing every sensation in my body. This is awful but your channel is really helping x
So glad you found my channel and I hope it continues to be a source of encouragement, positivity, and common sense!
Thank you for your help. My Life Partner is going though this. To help him though this your video are helping me understand what his is go though.
So glad I'm able to help a bit in your situation. Glad you found my videos. Take care and keep watching!
Thanks Michelle for making such helpful videos.
I am 4 months off xanax, and having terrible mental and physical symptoms, they
keep on changing every single day, in nature and intensity. I had my blood work test two months ago,( normal) but head scan was not done as I believe that when my head symptoms are keep on changing and on and off, they must be of withdrawal.
Do you think that mental symptoms also fade away with time? they scare me that I am going to be out of mind.
Thanks, Michael. Great presentation as usual.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Going through some waves and windows now after finally stopping the lorazepam last Tuesday. I was fine for two days but then the worst pains and insomnia hit me hard before the weekend. It leveled off but again, they come and go and it really sucks. I know they will pass eventually but it's just real tough right now having finally come off the last med. Thank you for all your videos Michael. I continue to watch your material regularly to give me comfort and assurance that we do heal. I have a major life change coming soon (moving overseas again) and I'm praying I am strong enough to head into it and continue to heal because it's something I've been working towards for over three years now.
Fantastic, fantastic. You've made such great progress, and things will get better. Don't let any current "bumps in the road" throw you off track. You've worked hard and it will pay off. Just stay steady and move forward with courage, and you will see more and more improvements!
@@TheLovelyGrind Thank you so much for responding Michael. The insomnia is still a big issue but at least the withdrawal pains are gone for now. I've got a little over a month left now before I head off to Taiwan to start a new life and I'm trying to finally get up to NJ before I leave to see some friends I haven't seen in almost fourteen years. One step, one victory at a time.
I've got akathisia because ov withdrawal doctors stopped me cold turkey
Sorry to hear that. It shouldn't happen like that.
Mine is all from Effexor and I have every symptom you said but tinnitus is the most brutal
Very loud hissing, pulses in left ear, inside of both ears twitch. Also changes pitch if I move my neck in certain direction
Also sometimes one of them will feel blocked or like I go deaf in one ear
I believe that my doctor offered me Effexor when I was complaining about Paxil withdrawal. I've heard that it has a particularly brutal withdrawal. I'm sure that the tinnitus will get better, though, so just keep managing it in the meantime with background noise like fans, music, etc. Also, too much caffeine and alcohol seemed to make it worse for me, so moderation on those fronts is essential. Take care.
JxXPxXZ thank u for your response, I get the same thing too.
@@nyclettetoby2908 same for me how are today?
Good video very illustrativ.
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
I’m just starting the taper, but at night is the worst. I can’t sleep and I experience what I can only explain as dreaming while I’m awake. Endless racing thoughts and then “dreams” and I am not asleep. Does anyone have this? It’s horrible.
I spent a lot of time with racing thoughts as I was trying to sleep. I can remember this especially when I was trying to nap after work (which never really worked out). Anyway, eventually that will give way to true sleep!
I experienced this too
my last withdrawal is from methadone,im nearing the 4 month mark now and still have paws near daily but i was on it for 14 years and a peak of 188mg, it took 4 years to taper then i leaped off at 5mg. not to discourage anyone because my gf jumped off same dose and was all better and back to work in a month,zero paws but she was on 22mg peak and on it for 5 years
Thank you for this. Have you given any thought of doing a video on the subject of getting loved ones to believe that what we are experiencing is real? 🙏🏾
Right my family don't understand.
That is a great idea for a video. That particular issue really was a challenge for me, and I enjoy what I would consider a pretty supportive family. However, even the most supportive among our loved ones have a hard time understanding withdrawal, mostly, I think, because it is something that is misunderstood and flat out denied by the medical establishment and popular media. Just keep explaining it as best you can, and also show them how you are trying to be proactive in healing. Eventually, the people who really love you will simply listen and offer support.
Just keep explaining it in your own words, Ty. And point them to any useful information you find about withdrawal (not the horror stories online, though; those just cast a dubious shadow over the whole discussion because of how loony the sources often seem).
@@TheLovelyGrind thanks I will try my best.
Hey Keith have you finished your taping
Thank you! I’ve also found that your videos don’t induce more anxiety compared to others. I’m about 5 months off Klonopin and thought I was getting better but just got hit by a huge wave. Feels similar to the first month off, but not quite as bad. It also doesn’t help that I’ve been reading comments of others being anywhere between 3-10 years off and still experiencing symptoms. Have you found that you have any lingering effects after being considered healed?
Devin, remember that the healing process if very individual (and unfortunately nonlinear as well), so try not to base expectations for your own scenario off the negative comments and stories shared by others. We never know what the whole picture is in someone else's life, so take all such comments with a grain of salt. What I've discovered as I've moved further and further away from the medications is that I can't "run myself into the ground" and still feel okay like I used to. That means that perhaps I'm a little more sensitive than I used to be to too much alcohol or too little sleep or too much stress, but that might also be, in part, due to the fact that I'm 41 now and was 21 when I started the medications (can't really compare those two ages, because we are a bit invincible at those younger ages). Bottom line, I guess we have to practice balanced living to find ongoing well-being, but is that really much different from anyone else? Take care.
@@TheLovelyGrind Thank you so much for replying. I started taking 0.5 once a day when I was about 18 and then got as high as taking two 1mg per day by the time I got off cold turkey at the age of 23.
I took them like I was supposed to and never not once took more than I needed to unless it was an absolute emergency. I'm still fairly young and in good shape so I'm hoping I can recover quickly and then live a normal life afterward.
I'm glad you're doing a lot better and I commend you for making it a personal mission to help others without scaring them away like a lot of TH-camrs do whether it be intentional or not.
My only main worry is " healing " and then having to monitor everything I do in order to live a happy life. That alone can cause pressure and stress that nobody should have to deal with at any age. 5 months out, the highs have been high and the lows have been extremely low. But nonetheless, I'm seeing progress.
Just hoping I can eventually live to enjoy my 20's again and not be a slave to the after effects of benzos.
But, again, thank you so much. Keep spreading the hope and easing people's minds.
@@TheLovelyGrind Sorry, forgot to ask, what exactly do you experience when you feel like you've pushed yourself too far?
@@dnunn9475 I push myself all the time. I run 8 or more miles at a time, lift weights, work hard, etc. But I no longer have the "magic" effects of the medications to cover up for living on autopilot when it comes to self-care. So, for example, if I drink too much alcohol, it affects my sleep and I feel hungover (whereas years ago the benzo meds might have mitigated such negative effects). And if I don't work out for a couple of days, I feel irritated and less than inspired. I can get emotionally low if I don't get the sleep I need, the exercise I need, and the downtime I need. I think you are worried about living with some sort of permanent plague of disability in the future, but it isn't like that.
Thanks, Michael. It’s like no matter how much reassurance you get you can never keep your mind off the symptoms at hand. On top of that, I’ve been bedridden for the past 5 days due to dizziness and panic and of course family keeps suggesting I go to the doctor or that I might have another medical condition. They are shocked because of how well I had been for the first 6 months off the pill and are now concerned. I appreciate your thorough response, I feel a little better knowing that things won’t be like this for the rest of my life.
Hi Michael. I’m at month 28 off Clonapin and I don’t feel any better. Sometimes I get very short minor windows but the mental symptoms are by far the worst. Did you experience brain issues like feeling like you were on LSD all the time or mood changes constantly? I have been to so many doctors and have had so many tests and all my issues are ‘mysterious’. I suffered for years after taking a fluoroquinalome many years ago and was placed on benzos 16 years ago. I don’t know if my brain can even get better after so many years. Thank you for your videos.
DrLivelovelaugh do you not feel any better at all? Did you taper or cold turkey? Seems like 24-36 months is more realistic type timeframe after talking to bunch of people.
TFemm44 unfortunately I got off way too fast. Stopped in about a week. Almost like a cold turkey.
TFemm44 some symptoms are better and others are worse.
DrLivelovelaugh yeah I basically stopped CT as well... what dose were you on? It’s crazy it takes so damn long but it really seems like 3 years is what we’re looking at. Obviously everyone is different but it is what it is for us... hope you get some relief soon
TFemm44 I was up and down from .5-1.0 mg. Never consistent for very long. Took it for sleep. I was apparently in tolerance withdrawal for years because I never really upped the dosage.
How long did your dizziness and tremors last?
After all the headaches dizziness insomnia rage/irritability i was left with suicidal depression the crashes where i would just drop down into the deepest darkest sadness crippling scary dread of hopelessness with crying spells over and over, was this one of your withdrawal symptoms ? Also short term and spatial memory loss was that one of your symptoms and if so did that improve ? I had recently (2 weeks ago) reinstated the escitalopramat a tiny dose .5mg because the withdrawals were so bad. Before that a month previously i tried 2.5mg and it made things worst so i stopped abruptly. At .5 mg i noticed that it brought symptom relief within 30 minutes of taking it. Now it had been 2+weeks of reinstatement and a lot of the most terrible sumptoms have leveled off. The most prevalant symptoms im feeling now are heavy depression symptoms, dysphoria, lack of motivation,lack of ability to feel pleasure,heavy fatigue,negative moods etc. It is so easy to confuse the symptoms of depression with the symptoms of withdrawal. I can only differentiate the 2 because i know i dont want to feel like this and im doing everything i can to get better so why would it be depression its so tricky
I was curious if you had a symptom where you had a hard time creating visual images in your mind. Like trying to picture an image of a past memory? I can describe it as my mind’s eye going blind. I would assume you had this on some level during your withdrawal.
Thank you and I look forward to your next video.
I wouldn't over-analyze or label that one, Rob. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Take care and keep moving forward!
I try not to. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Take care as well and keep making informative content.
3rd week of withdrawals from valium and the cold sweats are so bad. Also agitation and unable to relax. Does it really get better?
Yes it does! Hang in there .
@@TheLovelyGrind did you suffer with cold sweats?
@@scottbays4992 Yes. That will get better.
Did you experience dpdr? Now I am 6 months benzo free, but feeling severe dpdr. It's like not connecting my inner self to myself when I see myself in mirror. Sometimes I feel so disconnected to my bidy and myself, and the environment.
It's so frightening, feels like living a fake life.
Have you or anyone ever experience this?
Will it go away with time?
Did u had akathisia like bugs crawling under skin ?😢
Everyone in withdrawal is agitated and restless, yes I had that. It will get better.
Connection to God, spirituality, exercise, nutrition, setting goals, pursuing your dreams - those are such fundamental and underrepresented aspects when it comes to benzo withdrawal and healing. I think it is more helpful to watch positive videos like yours than to obsess over horror stories. As you mentioned before, they're like car accidents we are prone to watch but there is nothing uplifting about them.
Yes, these are THE most important aspects of healing in my mind. They are real.
It took 7 years to get over the withdrawal???😱
No, not 7 years, Dan.
@@TheLovelyGrind 😅 👌
How did you taper. Did you cut your pill or liquid titatrion?
I cut my pills. It was a little crude, but it did the job in the long run.
Hi there how are you? I've watched a load of your videos as I'm going through valium withdrawals.... I've symptom thats probably one of the lesser symptoms but it's driving me crazy and was wondering if you had this symptom to... I can't stop peeing..lol every 5 minutes and won't stop... never had it before withdrawal... I could get outside more if it wasn't for this.. if you had it..does it last long? Thank you.
Can't really recall monitoring that, I guess I had bigger fish to fry at the time, lol. It should get better just as everything else does ..
@@TheLovelyGrind lol OK thank you..... I've been watching alot of your videos and they are really inspiring and would like to say thank you for the hope and kind words.... Thomas...glasgow .. Scotland.
I went into tolerance and didn't stabilize before i started my taper. I have interdose withdrawal. How can I deal with that?
I would say that most people aren't at a "stable" place when beginning a taper. I know I sure wasn't. In my mind the term "stable" in this context can be a bit of a misnomer. The meds aren't going to bring a person to a stable place, that will come rather by seeing a taper through and getting off the meds completely (along with working on other wellness measures).
@@TheLovelyGrind
Thank you for your response. Since I don't "stabilize" how do I know when to make my next cut? My doctor has pretty much left it up to me to find out how to taper. Thank you for your help.
@@barbararay8578 You can look up taper plans online, there are many, and the Ashton Manual gives a good starting point. But ultimately I would just try to make it methodical. Give yourself 2-4 weeks between cuts or whatever you decide on and then stick with it to keep moving forward. Adjusting slightly as necessary. Really no hard and fast rules here ...
@@TheLovelyGrind
Again, thank you. There are so many horror stories. In your opinion, would you say most people experience years of PAWS? That scares me! I apologize for asking so many questions. I appreciate your help
@@barbararay8578 Too many different individuals out there to generalize on anything like that. I wouldn't think too far ahead. Worry about life off the meds when you get to that point. The first step is getting there. Just focus on your taper for now, and on what you need to succeed in that goal! One step at a time.
Did u get shortness of breath alot
Yes, that can be a pretty common symptom, and it can result from fatigue and anxiety (which are also symptoms of the process). Try not to focus on it too much. Try some breathing exercises to help get the system back to regular breathing in the short term as well. Take care.
Did you have tingling and weakness in the knees fells like there going out?
Misty, I remember a lot of tingling and weakness in general, all throughout the body.
Thank you so much for your respond! Ive had panic attacks, anxatiy attacks, feeing i was dien , electric shocks in my head, contacting in my brain , felt like my brain was shrinking, my head feels as its on fire, personalization derealization , confusion, sometimes I say things and think things don't make sense, racing thoughts, i need to keep laying down through out the day for naps because i get light headed, dizzy, i cant drive because i have lots of fear now. its has been a terror!! I just want it to be over!!
The Lovely Grind
Michael, how do you know when you are thru acute withdrawal? I read a lot of people making references to their acute timelines, don’t understand how to know what’s acute and what’s paws, etc. Keep making great videos. Could you do a video on people being forced CT by doctors that are not knowledgeable? This seems to be an all too common occurrence lately.
What tests did you have done?
I had the usual batteries of blood panels done. I can't recall everything that those tests generally look for, so I'd have to look back through my files to check on that part.
Hair loss
Stress on the body and mind will do that ...