Benzos — It's More About Proper Use

Greg Sacramento

Member
Author
Benefactor
Hall of Fame
May 16, 2017
3,754
Tinnitus Since
04/2011
Cause of Tinnitus
Syringing + Somatic tinnitus from dental work
Benzos can be helpful if used properly.

@Greg Sacramento I understand your experience. I hope when I can get back here later today you will understand my experience.

It is an important topic and I hope we can keep it going without having to be right or wrong. But more as a choice.
It is my experience that severe tinnitus anxiety is miss diagnosed as depression and unnecessary AD's are unfortunately prescribed.

The important thing is as you wrote to use this method properly like I posted elsewhere with a doctor's supervision.
 
@Starthrower I don't think that we disagree with thoughts per tinnitus anxiety and depression. I do think that tinnitus has neutron brain involvement and that can mess with our emotional well-being. It's also been shown that those with TMJ, dental, mouth or facial concerns have high stress associations. I don't think that there's one personality type for those with tinnitus, but a history of stress could accompany tinnitus.

My neuro said that those with tinnitus are sometimes risk takers and don't want to listen to those smarter than themselves. He also said those with stress involvement are often very intelligence, but don't take on risk. That they do want input from others, but not medical professionals. I'm very impressed with a newer poster @Lane as I think this person is very intelligence. Just to mention, I didn't just work in an ER, I worked with children and in other areas.
 
@Greg Sacramento :huganimation:

Sigh..for some reason I feel so....uncomfortable bringing this subject up here. It brings back so many horrible memories that I had forgotten. I think it really upsets a lot of members especially my buddy @Jazzer.
I feel like it brings me back to a time I don't want to remember or something.

There is a thread about being ashamed of telling people you have tinnitus. That is how I felt and still feel at times. I try to be strong and explain my path to getting better but it is so unacceptable because it involved using this medication. I am even ashamed that I wrote about it now.

I just remember when I was counseling with a friend at OHSU and one guy refused because he was afraid of addiction and all the other things written. I tried to assure him. It didn't work. I remember specifically he asked me if I knew of anyone who committed suicide because of tinnitus. I lied. I said no. People say don't ever talk about it.

So I don't.

But I wonder if Joe had listened and not feared what he read on other boards...I wonder if this one medication would have made a difference. I wonder if I had been honest and said yes to his question...

So many are filled with shame and blame and frightened. Some are not tough enough to follow the tough love type of advice.

I don't know what the answer really is Greg. I just feel so uncomfortable inside because I spoke out about it.
Maybe it is best not to mention this. I don't know.

I read about your pain issue. God, I am so sorry you are going through that. And you still come here to check on people. I am sure the work at the ER and with the children makes a big difference.
 
Benzos can be helpful if used properly. If not, then problems can develop. What I have seen in a trauma level 1 ER over a 28 year period. To a few that this may interest - @dayma @Starthrower @Jazzer


http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/22/xanax-related-er-visits-double-in-6-years/

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/the-other-prescription-drug-problem-benzos#1

***proper withdrawal***
https://drugabuse.com/library/benzodiazepine-withdrawal/
Funnily enough when I went to the ER once when I was sure I was having a heart attack and after doing some tests, they gave me my first benzo - Xanax. It helped and so I went home and slept properly for the first time in weeks. It turned out to be post surgery stress that then led to panic attacks.

I agree if they are used carefully they can be beneficial, but I think any drug that loses effectiveness quickly, requiring upping dosage to get the same effect, should be avoided for long term use.
 
@Starthrower @Gman Thank you for the thoughtful responses. My neuro told me that I'm had been a risk taker. Sometime I will talk more about that. Gman and myself have had many valuable conversations. Starthrower, I relate well to your thoughts above - thank you.
 
@Starthrower , @Gman ,
@Greg Sacramento ,

Star - you are incapable of upsetting me - I know who you are you see xx

When my anxiety really kicked in I tried the Benzo route for perhaps a month, before reading a warning which worried me.
Overnight I adopted the deep relaxation/meditation option instead.
(Which I had learnt previously.)

I am not sure whether many sufferers give meditational techniques a really concerted try.

As you enter a meditational state, you hear your customary 'sounds' of course. Unavoidable.
But then as your 'tummy' breathing takes you deeper, and deeper, you leave the sounds behind you, and the anxiety with it.
Like saying to "T":
'yes I hear you, but I am relaxed.'

My meditation this morning was so good, I didn't want to come back.
Just before I return to full consciousness I give myself a positive affirmation, to be repeated as necessary throughout the day.
This morning it was:

"Easy Dave - let it be...."

Finally, I would never criticise anybody for using some medication that could help them, and may save them from further pain.

We are all in the same boat folks,
and I love my travel companions,
so there...!!
Dave
Jazzer
xxx
 
@Starthrower
I think it is brave if you go share parts of your story and there is nothing wrong with having used medication to help you survive and make it through. I'm so glad you didn't have a difficult time with the medication and it worked so well for you. I know how you feel when you say you feel ashamed about having tinnitus. I feel that way and I can find no help.

However, This whole thread illustrates absolutely how completely trapped I feel about medication. I'm paralyzed and deteriorating, I'm afraid. If I don't take medication, my anxiety will worsen tinnitus and destroy me. If I do take medication, my tinnitus could worsen which would clearly destroy me. Those are my choices.

My anxiety and agitation are extreme and depression and despair not far behind. I can't live like this anymore. And yet, I can seem to tolerate the noise. I feel like self-harming because of the anxiety, the agitation, the despair, the feeling of being so completely trapped with no way out....
 
Thanks guys. I am sort of in a PTSD state which isn't anyone's fault at all. Once in a while this happens and I write and write and write things I keep to myself. Markku knows - but I am not able to talk about that yet.

When this happens all the back memories are in my mind like a silent black and white movie and you can hear the click click click of the film in the reel and the memory the experience is in my mind over and over and over and over.
It is brutal. I have my husband who understands and keeps encouraging me to be here because he knows and went through it with me and almost lost me.

It has been a long time a lot of ups and downs but finding this board is helping me open up more. I left it all in the past for a few years. I left the ATA. I left the internet boards. I wanted to get away from one person who is not on this board but basically has always terrorized any internet board and uses people and used me and my pain.

It is fucking insane. But here in TT there is a reason to feel safe because of the admins and owners.

I am shaking and crying and going to go outside and work in my garden. I know how to handle this situation.

Love to all you guys.

@TracyJS

If I don't take medication, my anxiety will worsen tinnitus and destroy me. If I do take medication, my tinnitus could worsen which would clearly destroy me.

When I took the protocol in the other thread to my doctor we started my recovery. My tinnitus did not worsen. My anxiety slowly eased up. That was all I needed before I started my other therapies like guided meditation mentioned by Jazzer and also hynotherapy. One step at a time using the best option after discussing things over with your doctor.

I need some time be breathe....you are like jazzer. A buddy soul mate. You do not have to suffer from anxiety.
 
In my opinion - in order to make it through with Tinnitus - we have to accept compromise.
Our health has been compromised,
Our silence (quiet) has been compromised,
Our way of life has been compromised.
Our employment often has been compromised.

It is counter productive to insist that our health, silence, lifestyle, employment must come back just as it was before.
Realistically we know that it will not happen.

We have to find the very best way to live our lives, while accepting that things are different now.

Examine all the options that are open to us:
psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, psychiatry, meditation, relaxation methods, better exercise, better diet......etc.....
I will not accept that we are helpless.
I will never take a negative route.

I do not tell myself 'I can't live like this anymore,'
or any similar negative and damaging image.

I tell myself,
"Easy Dave - let it be - you can do it buddy!"
love
Dave
xxx
 
This whole thread illustrates absolutely how completely trapped I feel about medication. I'm paralyzed and deteriorating, I'm afraid. If I don't take medication, my anxiety will worsen tinnitus and destroy me. If I do take medication, my tinnitus could worsen which would clearly destroy me. Those are my choices. --- My anxiety and agitation are extreme and depression and despair not far behind.

Dear @TracyJS,

I'm so sorry to hear how difficult a quandary you feel you're in. Your predicament is prompting me to go outside my comfort zone, and post about some things that might help you--even though they're things that are often not only frowned upon, but sometimes aggressively attacked online as being "non-scientific".

I'm taking heart from some of the courageous comments by @Starthrower however, and have decided to share a bit more on some of my extensive experiences with energy medicine, including homeopathy. My own experiences and perspectives tell me that you have more choices than you may realize, if you're open to various kinds of energetic therapies.

First and foremost, I believe there's a way to get the benefits of medications--including benzodiazapines--without actually taking them by using homeopathic principles. This can be done by using what's called a "substance biocircuit". Here's a link--BIOCIRCUITS--which will give you a good introduction to biocircuits, what they are, how they came to be invented, etc. (I've got a book on it). The article also demonstrates how deeply healing they can be.

This link--Vibrational healing with Eeman Biocircuits--goes much more in depth, and provides diagrams to give you a better idea of how they work. Biocircuits,--also known as "relaxation circuits"--connect, via wires, different polarity points in the body. Below is a succinct description from this website on how the substance biocircuit works.

"He reasoned that if a healing substance were to be placed in line somewhere in the biocircuit , its influence and qualities would be carried through the whole circuit as well. Years of painstaking research proved him right—and it is all fully documented in his various books, and in books written by some of his co-researchers. Further, he found that just one-tenth of a normal dose of a substance (say, Vitamin C or aspirin) was as effective as a full dose taken physically, say, as a capsule or pill.

I won't say too much more at this time, as I realize only a relatively small percentage of people have an interest in something like this. I will mention however, that I purchased a substance biocircuit a number of years ago, and experimented extensively with many different substances. For relaxation, I tried valerian, and a few other herbs that are purported to be relaxing. My favorite substances ended up being Vitamin C, which gave me a strong sense of relaxation as well as a gentle sense of vitality and alertness.

I used the biocircuits so often that after a few years, they fell into somewhat of a state of disrepair. But writing about it now is feeling like an impetus to dig them out again and get them back in working order. -- I've been thinking more and more that the deep relaxation they provide just might provide some kind of healing effect on our tender ears, brain and nervous system--perhaps especially our discombobulated auditory cortex.

Love & Hugs...

P.S. A simple polarity technique--which is incorporated in biocurcuits experience--is to place your left hand on the base of your head (where it connects with the neck) and the right hand at the base of your spine. It's a bit awkward, but it does have the effect of balancing energies in the body.

P.P. S. -- Just found this at THIS LINK:

The findings of the study demonstrate the superiority of the relaxation biocircuit over a placebo control for producing relaxation under fully controlled double-blind conditions.

KEYWORDS: "Biocircuit," psychophysiology, brainwaves, experiential, relaxation, physiology, placebo, polarity​
 
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I can't live like this anymore.

Tracy - why picture yourself failing like this,
day after day, month after month.
It doesn't help sweetheart.
By using meditation - which you need to learn - and by employing positive affirmations, I have to tell you that there are times in the day when I don't notice my Tinnitus, even though it is
'Effing Loud!'
Have you tried hypnotherapy yet, to put some more positive suggestions into your subconscious mind?
I'm sorry if I sound like a bully.
Love you babe
Dave
Jazzer
xxx
 
Hi @TracyJS ,
Maybe you could ring a support line like MIND or Mental Health just to have a chat about your fear of medication. Sometimes the needs are greater but are not for ever.
Talking therapy is great and helps your mind focus when anxiety makes you feel like your losing a grip on reality.
I know you will get through this and be stronger for it.
We all need to look after our mental health as that is what gets us through life ,learning from tough times and enjoying life knowing we made it.

love glynis
 
Tracy - why picture yourself failing like this,
day after day, month after month.
It doesn't help sweetheart.
By using meditation - which you need to learn - and by employing positive affirmations, I have to tell you that there are times in the day when I don't notice my Tinnitus, even though it is
'Effing Loud!'
Have you tried hypnotherapy yet, to put some more positive suggestions into your subconscious mind?
I'm sorry if I sound like a bully.
Love you babe
Dave
Jazzer
xxx
I have been listening to some guided meditations. So far they haven't been too helpful for my intense anxiety.
Looking into hypnotherapy.
Feeling overwhelmed. It's hard to find the energy.
 
I used to find this little cartoon so infuriating,
but I've come to believe it captures the essence.
A7E6A653-580E-4A76-8FCA-D4B8F7773A36.jpeg

 
@TracyJS
If you can hear it (not listen to it)
and relax with it, then you are almost there.

That's why I always used to mention, a soft mouth, a loose jaw, relaxation using tummy breathing, and meditation.
All techniques that calm you down.
I remember you saying you had real difficulty practicing these things.

I can repost the instructions if you think it's worth a try Tracy, but you mustn't let me drive you up the wall with my suggestions babe.

They just do work for me.
Don't get the impression that I am always upbeat.
I do dip, as you know, but I will not stay down by choice, or for long.
Dave
xx
 
@Jazzer
I can practice the techniques and they can help, but they don't seem to work for me in the way they do for you.
You are capable of really relaxing your mind and drifting away out of consciousness.
Unfortunately, that does not happen for me.
Also, it's the noise that agitates me and causes the anxiety.
I want it to go away, but it won't.
 
@TracyJS

Have you tried going for a walk (in a quiet place or with ear plugs)? I know your body feels so heavy right now but a walk, no matter how far, might help. The worst thing to do when anxiety is getting the best of you is sit idle and let the adrenaline accumulate.
 
@TracyJS

Have you tried going for a walk (in a quiet place or with ear plugs)? I know your body feels so heavy right now but a walk, no matter how far, might help. The worst thing to do when anxiety is getting the best of you is sit idle and let the adrenaline accumulate.
Thank you for the suggestion. I have gone and do go for walks. It can be somewhat helpful. Unfortunately, Tinnitus goes with me.
 
@TracyJS

It's too bad you can't leave it at home. I've tried but with no luck. :(
 
I can see both sides of the debate because I've been on both sides of the fence. I am also presently in a place very similar to @TracyJS where I can't seem to climb out of the rabbit hole. My tinnitus has driven me into a severe depression and state of anxiety. It is difficult to battle 2 demons at the same time.

I think that each of us has to balance the benefit of our treatment of choice against the risks of that choice. When it comes to benzodiazepines then the title of this thread by @Greg Sacramento is very appropriate. I think the danger is when we try to balance the benefit versus the risk on our own.

I've been to benzo hell and back....never want to travel that road again. So I have a doctor prescribing the benzo and a psychologist monitoring my emotional state....and they both have the authority to talk to each other. My psychologist tells me to practice what @Jazzer talks about. Intellectually, I understand it but, like @TracyJS , I'm not able to put it in practice, yet.

So, to keep from going off the deep end, both professionals realize the proper use of benzos to help me till I can get to the point @Jazzer describes. As the meds help pull me out of the rabbit hole of depression, then I can start on the process of habituation or whatever therapy, including hearing aids, that will help me to function again.

I came here several weeks ago at the suggestion of my psychologist. I'm glad he sent me here. For the first time in my life, I know I'm not alone. I can share my story in the hopes it helps someone else. I can see that reading your stories, including this thread, really does make a difference in my life.

Bobby
 
For the first time in my life, I know I'm not alone.

Hi Bobby

First things first.
I know you're gonna be alright because you have a beautiful pussycat - they always look after us, and invariably make us all better.
I hope you can find some positives on this site.
It really has helped me to chat to kind, knowledgeable, clued up folks.
Best wishes,
Dave x
Jazzer
 
@BobbyH I think that you have an excellent plan. For @TracyJS she should consider the same, but the medications may also help with any TMJ stress and tinnitus.

Vitamins do help with stress and stress will lower values of vitamins in the system.
Tracy could have low iron and K levels where this will cause stress - she can increase iron and K with food. Vitamin B1, B3, B12 and a little A & C should also help her.

If she takes magnesium/calcium then there's no chance that her tinnitus will increase by her prescribed meds. Lack of water will increase stress. Gentle exercise like yoga or just moving the arms and legs will help. Walking in a peaceful area. The vitamins that I mention should not be a problem with her meds, but check with a pharmacist to make sure. Any pain meds also need approval when taking other medications. She should say in touch with her doctors - why not - we are only human. With love and kindness as all of here want to give.
 
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Of course, I know that.
Are you making fun of me?

No - not at all Tracy. x

Everybody on this site has Tinnitus.
We all want it to go away - but it won't.

Sometimes, but not always, when I meditate, I am unaware of it.
The reality is that we all need to find the bery best coping methods for ourselves.
We are all trying to help each other, and at the very least, are keeping each other company.

G'night babe,
Dave xx
 
Vitamins do help with stress and stress will lower values of vitamins in the system.

My understanding is the highest concentration of Vitamin C in the body is in the adrenal glands. I can only assume those stores of Vit. C become quickly depleted when under the kind of stress tinnitus creates, especially initial onset tinnitus. I've fouid I need 5 grams of sodium ascorbate a day to maintain my stress response resilience. Nettles tea is also helpful to support stress response--not to mention how good it is for allergies as well. Lots of other things are also very helpful, but I think Vit. C is a key one.​
 

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