Psychopharmaceuticals
- Thread starter Jiri
- Start date
Member- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
That's fair enough and so do I. No hard feelings. Like I said before, I'd actually be very happy if someone gave evidence that benzos and other psych. drugs can't cause protracted, post-witdrawal symptoms where tinnitus is one of them.
Minority, but still her estimate is 10 - 15%.
Reference:
- ASHTON, Heather. BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS, ACUTE AND PROTRACTED: PROTRACTED WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. Benzo.org.uk [online]. 2013 [cit. 2018-05-15]. Retrieved from: https://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha03.htm.; 1991 Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 8,19-28.
Allow me to do my bit. The fact that the US is a vicious capitalist private health care system - from here all the problems begin. It is beneficial for the doctor to have more sick patients - from this he will get more profit.
That's why I've always been terrified of American psychiatry. Since American doctors are putting people on tranquilizers to get money for recipes, it's insulting.
BUT! If everything is done wisely and with a sense of proportion - then psychopharmacology is a help for many people with tinnitus. Just use benzodiazepine tranquilizers (xanax, diazepam, clonazepam, etc.) as an "ambulance", take them no more than 2 times a week at moments of desperation as needed.
The antidepressants of the SSRI group can also help - but you need to choose the most modern with the least side effects. I can not say about antipsychotics - but some people take them.
That's why I've always been terrified of American psychiatry. Since American doctors are putting people on tranquilizers to get money for recipes, it's insulting.
BUT! If everything is done wisely and with a sense of proportion - then psychopharmacology is a help for many people with tinnitus. Just use benzodiazepine tranquilizers (xanax, diazepam, clonazepam, etc.) as an "ambulance", take them no more than 2 times a week at moments of desperation as needed.
The antidepressants of the SSRI group can also help - but you need to choose the most modern with the least side effects. I can not say about antipsychotics - but some people take them.
- Mar 1, 2018
- 871
- Tinnitus Since
- birth/ recent spike 2/2018
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Born with ETD, several acoustic traumas, most recently ETD
First, can you show me where Acute or Protracted withdrawal symptoms as a diagnosis occurs in this manual: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)? I went through it since I have it, and couldn't seem to find it. It would be great to know, I would let our partner insurance companies know they could bill our patients for it. But I can't seem to find it.
I would suggest you do more research about Ashton. Possibly even a literature review. She often disagrees with herself, changes statements, and makes identical claims about different drugs. The exact claims she made about benzos she also made about marijuana. She is only renowned on benzo communities because her advice which is basically "stay on benzos and taper as slowly as possible" and to basically describe every symptom under the sun and blame it on benzos to make people feel better. She made numerous false and unscientific claims through out her career, and is widely disregarded in the medical community. In fact, she did the exact same thing about marijuana. Luckily the MJ community wouldn't have it.
For example: She claimed marijuana led to psychosis i.e. schizophrenia type behavior. Eh, we all know by now that isn't true. She wrote entire articles and books comparing marijuana w/d to heroin and opiates. Again, eh, we know better. There is a reason every website claiming her to be a world renowned expert has benzo in the URL. Also you can't cite your source as the source.
The day Heather Ashton published a randomized double blind placebo controlled study, then I will agree. But, that is just not going to happen. She has made her business model clear.
- May 16, 2017
- 3,754
- Tinnitus Since
- 04/2011
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Syringing + Somatic tinnitus from dental work
There's hundreds of reports where quick withdrawal has increased a person's tinnitus. It may not be brain related, but there are many physical connections to the nervous system from quick withdrawal. There's hundreds of conditions involving nerves and muscles in the jaw, face, mouth, neck and throat that can cause or increase tinnitus. With deep study research, many articles will say that dysfunction, hypesthesia or spasmodic changes in nerves and muscles can be due or increased from quick withdrawal of a drug.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
Thanks for chiming in. Yes, I agree. Dr. Breggin talks about it a lot, both in his publications and online videos. "Good for the drug's business, great for your psychiatrist & prescriber, terrible for you." Sadly, it's not just the U.S. doctors.
No doubt. Moderation is the key, in my opinion. It should still all be done under the supervision of an experienced psychiatrist under whose supervision you have put yourself and have confidence in.
I am sorry, I don't think I understand. It's all there and well explained. Also, with further readings to Medical Journals, Journals of Substance Abuse Treatments etc. etc. I am registered with benzobuddies too and this manual has helped plenty of people and it's regarded as a great source of information not only by the admins there. I'd not disregard her life's work just because someone couldn't find double blind placebo controlled studies. She has earned her qualifications and respect. Again, why don't you try to find a study, paper or whatever that'd disprove her work? Only by you claiming that "99 percent of other medical professionals don't agree with her" (really curious as to where u got this number from) and "bec it's convenient" doesn't prove much either. If nothing else, she has set up and ran a benzo clinic for over a decade. That itself is pretty self-explanatory. What about the Dr. Breginn (a medical expert in dozens of lawsuits against drug companies, appointed by a court in Indiana) and the Icarus Project, they all talk about psych. drugs (not only benzos) creating multiple chemical imbalances in brains that do not have any. Moreover, a lot of people with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis are taking more than just benzos - antidepressants, antipsychotics and others.
It is worrying, really. You know what, though? I tried to see it from your point of view. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'd be super happy if you were right - benzo's and other psych. drugs were safe, and I was wrong. I'll try to search for some evidence that it is, in fact, safe to be on those kind of drugs. Unfortunatelly, so far I've had no luck finding one.
Absolutely. Youtube and forums dedicated to psych. drugs are full of such reports (evidence). At first, I didn't want to post it here but this is just one represenative example of what a benzo withdrawal could look like. Warning: It is sad, and for some it could be disturbing to watch, so hit the play button at your own discretion. She summed it up pretty well: @2:21 "Ringing in my ears"; @3:57 This is a neurological brain damage. These are neurotoxins.
And here, a brave lady who had to "suffer it out" and talks about her own experience - very well explained.
All in all, it's not just tinnitus. You may feel heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stress, tremors etc. etc. that can all contribute to worsening of your tinnitus and/or hyperacusis indirectly.
Seriously, I do not wish to scare anyone out. I myself am trying to taper from a lot of psych. drugs on my own and it is not easy. I am worried myself pretty much tbh. If this thread has a "happy ending" that there's min. risks involved in taking these drugs long-term, then I think it's surved its purpose well and we can all calm down and put neurotoxicity aside.
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- Mar 1, 2018
- 871
- Tinnitus Since
- birth/ recent spike 2/2018
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Born with ETD, several acoustic traumas, most recently ETD
@Greg Sacramento I certainly don't dispute that benzo withdrawal can cause an increase in your ancillary systems that can cause tinnitus to fluctuate. Indeed that is the same pathway it can make T seem quieter. But that is different from than "doing damage". Can drinking too much water to quickly cause extreme vomiting potentially damaging your jaw and neck leading to T? Yes. Can withdrawing from Benzo's faster than what a Dr. recommends cause issues? Yes. I agree. I believe there is an important distinction.
- Mar 1, 2018
- 871
- Tinnitus Since
- birth/ recent spike 2/2018
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Born with ETD, several acoustic traumas, most recently ETD
The DSM manual lists illnesses that are recognized as being real. PAWS does not exist in there. Therefore, the medical community has not recognized it as a real illness. Follow?
Dr. Breggin? I think he is the same doctor the National Alliance on Mental Illness filed a lawsuit against. The lawsuits were filed against him. The same one that advocates for peace, love, and therapy for curing mental illness? No thanks.
I can find videos of people who have consumed too much cinnamon, water, coffee, tea, and all suffered from it. Are these substances neurotoxins and causing brain damage? No. You are not a doctor, and tricking people into believing this stuff is dangerous and has caused there T when it could be saving lives is reckless.
Maybe, we should advocate for controlled usage? And reasonable withdrawals. What the medical community recommends. People using anti anxieties don't need more anxiety.
Dr. Breggin? I think he is the same doctor the National Alliance on Mental Illness filed a lawsuit against. The lawsuits were filed against him. The same one that advocates for peace, love, and therapy for curing mental illness? No thanks.
I can find videos of people who have consumed too much cinnamon, water, coffee, tea, and all suffered from it. Are these substances neurotoxins and causing brain damage? No. You are not a doctor, and tricking people into believing this stuff is dangerous and has caused there T when it could be saving lives is reckless.
Maybe, we should advocate for controlled usage? And reasonable withdrawals. What the medical community recommends. People using anti anxieties don't need more anxiety.
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- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
Ok, two things:
Now I'm left with drugs, under no supervision and have to search through internet to find help and support. My GP and I are currently searching for a new psych. that I'd have a trust in. In this country, it's got to be a psy. GP can't supervise.
I'm not gonna go into all what you said here before. I think your points are clear (or maybe not) to everyone who has been following this thread.
Go to page number 1. and find attached those manuals, helpful links, watch videos and then decide for yourself, but stop forcing smth on me that isn't true. I want well for people. I've said this in my introduction post as well. Not happy with this thread? Think it's dangerous? Report it and delete it. Let's get it over and done with then.
Meanwhile, I'll try and find a happy ending for this thread and look for evidence that those drugs I have been taking, and others are taking, aren't really as dangerous as those professors, and Dr. claim to be.
I'm out.
- I never claimed to be a medical doctor [though, I'm friends with some (university setting, u kno)], and discussed it with them - perhaps u should talk to them. I guess the convo would've ended in like 2 mins.
- I certainly am not trying to trick anyone into anything! Remember that. A false accusation.
Now I'm left with drugs, under no supervision and have to search through internet to find help and support. My GP and I are currently searching for a new psych. that I'd have a trust in. In this country, it's got to be a psy. GP can't supervise.
I'm not gonna go into all what you said here before. I think your points are clear (or maybe not) to everyone who has been following this thread.
Go to page number 1. and find attached those manuals, helpful links, watch videos and then decide for yourself, but stop forcing smth on me that isn't true. I want well for people. I've said this in my introduction post as well. Not happy with this thread? Think it's dangerous? Report it and delete it. Let's get it over and done with then.
Meanwhile, I'll try and find a happy ending for this thread and look for evidence that those drugs I have been taking, and others are taking, aren't really as dangerous as those professors, and Dr. claim to be.
I'm out.
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- Jan 25, 2013
- 3,576
- Tinnitus Since
- 2008
- Cause of Tinnitus
- TMJ disorder, airplane barotrauma, noise exposure.
Benzo withdrawal sucks, more than any other drug I've ever done. When you have insomnia and anxiety problems, life is worse without them. So try and keep the dose low and use them in moderation for chronic use.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
Let's hope it's not snake oil. I'll try look more into it.
I will second that.
Just found out that one of the reasons why user's fishbone tinnitus got worse was due to benzos.
A complete opposite of what I was told by M.D.s. I hope not all is lost.
- Jan 25, 2013
- 3,576
- Tinnitus Since
- 2008
- Cause of Tinnitus
- TMJ disorder, airplane barotrauma, noise exposure.
This person had tinnitus from Ambien withdrawal:
DarinFebruary 4, 2018, 12:54 pm
I received a 2 week supply of generic Ambien 10 MG from my Doctor in November against her wishes. That is only 14 pills. I allowed myself to only take one Ambien every five days which made the 2 week supply last around 83 days. That assured me 8 hours of sleep every 5th day.
I did not want to ask for a refill, and ran out last week. I am experiencing Ambien withdraw symptoms for the last 3 nights; can't sleep, high anxiety, heart pounding fast, crave for more Ambien, dizziness and ringing in my brain, etc. Can 14 pills stretched out for 83 days cause Ambien withdraw symptoms? What should I do?
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Does Ambien (Zolpidem) Cause Tinnitus?
There are a number of adverse side-effects which can come about from using Ambien, including temporary bouts of tinnitus. Other side-effects of Ambien include hallucinations, anxiety, and depression. The reaction which people have from Ambien differs greatly and not everyone experiences tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
Those who have problems with tinnitus after taking Ambien perceive different types of sounds or nothing at all depending on the individual. Many people who have tinnitus experience problems with sleeping because of the noises which they perceive. Ambien is a powerful sleep aid which can help in getting to sleep, though it does come with a significant number of negative side-effects.
Ambien is often times prescribed to those who suffer from insomnia, often times those who happen to have tinnitus. Whether or not Ambien will cause tinnitus to occur depends on the individual and is subject to a number of factors, though it is usually mild and only temporary. The severity of the tinnitus which is experienced by a person taking this medication varies.
Some of the other noteworthy side-effects which a person taking Ambien might expect to experience include vomiting, rash, dizziness, and headache. The side-effects of this medication vary greatly from person to person with tinnitus being one of the less common of them.
Tinnitus can range from being very mild and barely noticeable to being extremely severe when taking Ambien. Many people with tinnitus that have trouble sleeping can benefit greatly from Ambien, as it is a very effective sleep aid that usually works well for most people who take it.
Although it is recommended that tinnitus sufferers find healthier more natural ways to get to sleep at night, Ambien is one of the few medications that can work effectively, even with the number of side-effects it comes with.
DarinFebruary 4, 2018, 12:54 pm
I received a 2 week supply of generic Ambien 10 MG from my Doctor in November against her wishes. That is only 14 pills. I allowed myself to only take one Ambien every five days which made the 2 week supply last around 83 days. That assured me 8 hours of sleep every 5th day.
I did not want to ask for a refill, and ran out last week. I am experiencing Ambien withdraw symptoms for the last 3 nights; can't sleep, high anxiety, heart pounding fast, crave for more Ambien, dizziness and ringing in my brain, etc. Can 14 pills stretched out for 83 days cause Ambien withdraw symptoms? What should I do?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does Ambien (Zolpidem) Cause Tinnitus?
There are a number of adverse side-effects which can come about from using Ambien, including temporary bouts of tinnitus. Other side-effects of Ambien include hallucinations, anxiety, and depression. The reaction which people have from Ambien differs greatly and not everyone experiences tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
Those who have problems with tinnitus after taking Ambien perceive different types of sounds or nothing at all depending on the individual. Many people who have tinnitus experience problems with sleeping because of the noises which they perceive. Ambien is a powerful sleep aid which can help in getting to sleep, though it does come with a significant number of negative side-effects.
Ambien is often times prescribed to those who suffer from insomnia, often times those who happen to have tinnitus. Whether or not Ambien will cause tinnitus to occur depends on the individual and is subject to a number of factors, though it is usually mild and only temporary. The severity of the tinnitus which is experienced by a person taking this medication varies.
Some of the other noteworthy side-effects which a person taking Ambien might expect to experience include vomiting, rash, dizziness, and headache. The side-effects of this medication vary greatly from person to person with tinnitus being one of the less common of them.
Tinnitus can range from being very mild and barely noticeable to being extremely severe when taking Ambien. Many people with tinnitus that have trouble sleeping can benefit greatly from Ambien, as it is a very effective sleep aid that usually works well for most people who take it.
Although it is recommended that tinnitus sufferers find healthier more natural ways to get to sleep at night, Ambien is one of the few medications that can work effectively, even with the number of side-effects it comes with.
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- Jan 25, 2013
- 3,576
- Tinnitus Since
- 2008
- Cause of Tinnitus
- TMJ disorder, airplane barotrauma, noise exposure.
@Jiri, I was put on this med at ER visit 2 days ago. Do you have any experience with it?
Posted 7 months ago (10/14/2017)
Rated Vistaril for AnxietyReport
Best med I've ever found to help me with anxiety, it stopped my panic attacks completely! Been on it now almost 5 yrs. I only take 25mg at night. It took 17 yes of hell and 20 diff meds to find out what helped me. Not saying it will help others too. Just speaking from my own experience.ut on
Posted 7 months ago (10/14/2017)
Rated Vistaril for AnxietyReport
Best med I've ever found to help me with anxiety, it stopped my panic attacks completely! Been on it now almost 5 yrs. I only take 25mg at night. It took 17 yes of hell and 20 diff meds to find out what helped me. Not saying it will help others too. Just speaking from my own experience.ut on
I am currently in benzo withdrawal and my tinnitus is spiking badly... I am very worried because there is not much positive you read about this subject.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
@just1morething No, I don't. I only have experience with Clonazepam, Brintellix/Trintellix, Pregabalin/Lyrica and Risperidone.
I checked the drug on pdr.net and it says "First generation (sedating) Antihistamines". I was using antihistamines for allergies prior to tinnitus and I had no adverse reactions. It looks good but I saw you somewhere mention that you are also on benzos? I would defo check for possible interactions on pdr.net, drugs.com and webmd.com and also 100% with your doctor and a pharmacist. Better safe than sorry.
I checked the drug on pdr.net and it says "First generation (sedating) Antihistamines". I was using antihistamines for allergies prior to tinnitus and I had no adverse reactions. It looks good but I saw you somewhere mention that you are also on benzos? I would defo check for possible interactions on pdr.net, drugs.com and webmd.com and also 100% with your doctor and a pharmacist. Better safe than sorry.
I'm in my 2nd week both benzo and antidepressant withdrawal. Direct Taper. Terrible.
The withdrawal is giving me cog fog, major depression, anxiety and weight loss... and to top it all off tinnitus is getting louder. I am truly terrified that I end up with increased T like I am experiencing now. As if dealing with T wasn't hard enough. Now I have to deal with this benzo shit, and louder T.
On benzobuddies there are people that say that T went down again long long after their taper but that is just a great IF, and it will take everything I have to get me through this. I also started benzo's when I got T and now there is a big chance it will make it worse I really developed a hate for most doctors and psychiatrist. Well maybe not hate but a very big distrust. I went to them for help and they for now destroyed my life. I know it seems childish to say but life can be so unfair sometimes. All this suffering and for what. I hope there will be a solution for T soon because it is getting the better of me
On benzobuddies there are people that say that T went down again long long after their taper but that is just a great IF, and it will take everything I have to get me through this. I also started benzo's when I got T and now there is a big chance it will make it worse I really developed a hate for most doctors and psychiatrist. Well maybe not hate but a very big distrust. I went to them for help and they for now destroyed my life. I know it seems childish to say but life can be so unfair sometimes. All this suffering and for what. I hope there will be a solution for T soon because it is getting the better of me
Mystery Reader
Member
- Apr 24, 2018
- 217
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Still Under Investigation
@Jiri
Hi JiriH,
This is an informative thread. Thanks for starting it. If you'd rather not answer this, that's fine, but I'm curious as to how many mg per day of the benzo you are tapering from and the length of time it is likely to take. (I see you're also tapering from another drug as well, which may add to the overall time.) I wish you well with this and thanks again for starting the thread.
Mystery Reader
Hi JiriH,
This is an informative thread. Thanks for starting it. If you'd rather not answer this, that's fine, but I'm curious as to how many mg per day of the benzo you are tapering from and the length of time it is likely to take. (I see you're also tapering from another drug as well, which may add to the overall time.) I wish you well with this and thanks again for starting the thread.
Mystery Reader
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
@J.Hartog Yep, we're in the same boat. How long have you been taking your benzo? I also have issues finding a psychiatrist I'd have confidence in. They load you with drugs, and then it felt for me like 'There, now go lead your life as you see fit.. cya.' as if they did not care. My GP can only offer psychological support but that's about it.
You need to find a good 'pro' psychiatrist and perhaps a psychotherapist, or counselor too (is what I was told). Go really slowly with your withdrawal - don't let anyone rush you. Listen to your body. I like the 'Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs' which I attached as a .pdf file in the first post to this thread.
As a fellow traveller, if you're going to need a mental health support - we're here for ya. I'm proly gonna need some myself soon, Idk. Just like in the song: 'I won't ever slack up and all the punks makin' you worries better back up, they try n' play the role n' yo the whole crew'll act up!'
Oh, and make sure you check out "The Ashton Manual" (in 'helpful links', 1st post).
You need to find a good 'pro' psychiatrist and perhaps a psychotherapist, or counselor too (is what I was told). Go really slowly with your withdrawal - don't let anyone rush you. Listen to your body. I like the 'Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs' which I attached as a .pdf file in the first post to this thread.
As a fellow traveller, if you're going to need a mental health support - we're here for ya. I'm proly gonna need some myself soon, Idk. Just like in the song: 'I won't ever slack up and all the punks makin' you worries better back up, they try n' play the role n' yo the whole crew'll act up!'
Oh, and make sure you check out "The Ashton Manual" (in 'helpful links', 1st post).
@Jiri I had the script since 2013 I then used them only sporadically. Since last december I have used 1mg lorazepam daily for a month and then went CT because I felt better BIG MISTAKE. Then all anxiety hell went loose and didnt understand benzo's really yet, I had to up my dose first from 1 to 3 mg of lorazepam daily quickly till february. Then my psych doc switched me in one day to 15 mgs of valium which is too low 3mgs lorazepam is 30 mgs valium and too quick a crossover should take much more time and I woke up that night gasping for air and in major panic and spent some time in a psych ward and I then went to 5 mgs + 50 mgs seroquel XR at night. In this time I also tried an SSRI which made things worse so like you they threw meds at me from left and right and they all make me worse. Well at least the seroquel makes me sleep but god knows what its actually doing to me and I cant stop that untill I finished my taper.
I tapered now back to 2.75mgs of lorazepam in about 2,5 months, my last cut was 0.5 which I think was way too big. It was a 15% cut so 5% more than what the Ashton Manual reccomends. I was doing so well I thought I could handle it I was in a good window but in hindsight it was too big. Now that I am experiencing a T spike I am back to hell and I am very scared again.
+ 50 mgs seroquel XR at night. In this time I also tried an SSRI which made things worse so like you they threw meds at me from left and right and they all make me worse. Well at least the seroquel makes me sleep but god knows what its actually doing to me and I cant stop that untill I finished my taper.I tapered now back to 2.75mgs of lorazepam in about 2,5 months, my last cut was 0.5 which I think was way too big. It was a 15% cut so 5% more than what the Ashton Manual reccomends. I was doing so well I thought I could handle it I was in a good window but in hindsight it was too big. Now that I am experiencing a T spike I am back to hell and I am very scared again.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
Hi @Mystery Reader I'm glad you find this thread informative! Thanks. I felt like this forum needed a small combo of benzobuddies and survingantidepressants mix for t. & h. sufferers.
To answer your question, I do the "10% method" Direct Taper. Every 2 weeks I try to lower my dose by 0.25 mg of clonazepam (0.5 clonazepam is approx. equivalent to 10 mg valium). At this rate, if everything goes well, I should be done with my benzo withdrawal possibly in August 2018. The other drug is Brintellix & I might stop taking it next week.
I have no problem sharing my medical history since when my T started. It's attached to this comment now (you can notice the clonazepam withdrawal intensity - really unprofessional and dangerous).
Cheers,
J.
To answer your question, I do the "10% method" Direct Taper. Every 2 weeks I try to lower my dose by 0.25 mg of clonazepam (0.5 clonazepam is approx. equivalent to 10 mg valium). At this rate, if everything goes well, I should be done with my benzo withdrawal possibly in August 2018. The other drug is Brintellix & I might stop taking it next week.
I have no problem sharing my medical history since when my T started. It's attached to this comment now (you can notice the clonazepam withdrawal intensity - really unprofessional and dangerous).
Cheers,
J.
@Jiri Those seem like big cuts too, I see you are going pretty fast too, you were on 6mgs of klonopin in december and are now at 2mgs by looking at your chart.
1mg of clonazepam is 20 mgs of valium according to Ashton isnt it? So by you making a 0.25 cut its 5mgs of valium. Thats exactly my last cut and I regret it now.
1mg of clonazepam is 20 mgs of valium according to Ashton isnt it? So by you making a 0.25 cut its 5mgs of valium. Thats exactly my last cut and I regret it now.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
You quit CT? Man, I'm so sorry to hear about all you have been through. Another reason why this should all be done under supervision of a medical professional who really cares + as I recently learned, it's always better not to follow any advice blindly but to do your own research too. Again, that Icarus Project guide. Heaps of helpful advice.@Jiri I had the script since 2013 I then used them only sporadically. Since last december I have used 1mg lorazepam daily for a month and then went CT because I felt better BIG MISTAKE. Then all anxiety hell went loose and didnt understand benzo's really yet, I had to up my dose first from 1 to 3 mg of lorazepam daily quickly till february. Then my psych doc switched me in one day to 15 mgs of valium which is too low 3mgs lorazepam is 30 mgs valium and too quick a crossover should take much more time and I woke up that night gasping for air and in major panic and spent some time in a psych ward and I then went to 5 mgs
I tapered now back to 2.75mgs of lorazepam in about 2,5 months, my last cut was 0.5 which I think was way too big. It was a 15% cut so 5% more than what the Ashton Manual reccomends. I was doing so well I thought I could handle it I was in a good window but in hindsight it was too big. Now that I am experiencing a T spike I am back to hell and I am very scared again.
Yeah, those were big cuts. My (ex)psychiatrist told me to. Just like that.
Mystery Reader
Member
- Apr 24, 2018
- 217
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Still Under Investigation
@Jiri
Thanks for sharing that. I've been on 0.5 mg clonazepam for five months, and am two weeks into a taper. I came up with my own schedule as my MD said I was on a low dose and could just stop, but I have no intention of doing it that way. I have begun to taper, basically using the following: 3/4 pill for a month, 1/2 pill for a month, then planning quarter pill for a month, then 2 weeks of 1/4 pill every other day, and then stopping. Had some good input from others on the forum, as well. I have noticed a slight spike in the t, but I think this isn't unusual when tapering benzos. It's a shame, because clonazepam is the only thing that helps with sleep and even ratchets the t down a notch or two, but don't want to stay on it too long. Thanks again for your very informative post.
Mystery Reader
Thanks for sharing that. I've been on 0.5 mg clonazepam for five months, and am two weeks into a taper. I came up with my own schedule as my MD said I was on a low dose and could just stop, but I have no intention of doing it that way. I have begun to taper, basically using the following: 3/4 pill for a month, 1/2 pill for a month, then planning quarter pill for a month, then 2 weeks of 1/4 pill every other day, and then stopping. Had some good input from others on the forum, as well. I have noticed a slight spike in the t, but I think this isn't unusual when tapering benzos. It's a shame, because clonazepam is the only thing that helps with sleep and even ratchets the t down a notch or two, but don't want to stay on it too long. Thanks again for your very informative post.
Mystery Reader
- Mar 1, 2018
- 871
- Tinnitus Since
- birth/ recent spike 2/2018
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Born with ETD, several acoustic traumas, most recently ETD
One pathway you could have "temporary" T exacerbated during benzo withdrawal is through increased pressure in your vestibular system. Benzos are often used as vestibular suppressants. If you also notice you have other symptoms associated with an increase in endolymph fluid. You may want to try a diet for Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops (not meniere's). As you go through withdrawal, your brain may be compensating for the lack of the benzo, and thus may be over regulating (well technically under regulating since you have too much pressure).
Just a thought for those struggling with Benzo withdrawal.
Just a thought for those struggling with Benzo withdrawal.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
You did the right thing. Cold Turkeying anyone from a benzo after a longer period of time is hardly ever a good idea. Your schedule makes sense. I hope we'll be able to find a safer alternative to klonopin, e.g. Vistaril @just1morething
Well, they do have their place in the world. As the user @kelpiemsp suggested: "we should advocate for controlled usage? And reasonable withdrawals." Not under an irresponsible med. "supervision" as we see so often nowadays.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 760
- Tinnitus Since
- 11/2017
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise + injury
I got in touch with the State Institute for Drug Control (http://www.sukl.eu/index.php?lang=2) in my country. They confirmed, & highlighted the text in bold what I basically stated in my first post. Your doctor can discuss your medication interactions with a clinical pharmacist which can be very helpful in the next steps of your treatment.
Also, check out this short article:
Also, check out this short article: