So many symptoms

[lofeoutthere]

Hi! I’ve had so many symptoms I’ve related them all to Ativan withdrawal but now I’m not too sure. I’ve been off afivan and I still have so Many symptoms, wondering if this is all anxiety. Lately for past several weeks I’ve been having this awful feeling build up 1-2 times a day in brain that feels ljke something is wrapped around my brain and I feel really weird then I get anxious. also I’m agoraphobic because the lights and being outside feels to be too much. Anyone else?

[JAYnLA]

Strange head sensations are common with anxiety... I can't know if it's from your withdrawal or not, but urge you not to get caught in the trap of thinking everything is because of your withdrawal.

[lofeoutthere in reply to JAYnLA]

Yes exactly! I’m coming to cave the fact now that I think this is anxiety, that was amplified because I’m not treating it and it’s spirlimg out of control.

[lofeoutthere in reply to lofeoutthere]

Also there’s no amount of yoga, exercise, oils, meditation and diet that is helping me.

[JAYnLA in reply to lofeoutthere]

Well... if you're doing all of those things imagine how you might be if you were not? I imagine it is helping you in some way.

[lofeoutthere in reply to JAYnLA]

Very true! I just can’t belive anxiety can disrupt a persons life this way.

[Agora1]

Hi lofeoutthere, we've talked before on the withdrawal of Ativan. Because I had been

on Xanax for many years before Ativan, it took me nearly 2 years to get off the benzos

and then another year of my brain healing. I expected that and so was able to accept

the weird symptoms that would hit me. Half way through the healing process, I knew

I was going to get better when I had an "aha" moment one day where I felt a rush

of Euphoria. *I just knew I was about to be myself again

While you are going through heightened anxiety more recently, start finding other methods or tools that can help relax your mind. After all that is where the alert that

something is wrong is coming from and then your body responds accordingly.

Affirmations, Mindfulness, Deep Breathing Relaxation Techniques, Meditation etc

can help drown the over sensitized nervous system as your body is going through this

healing process and learning how to make the "good feeling" chemicals on it's own.

Having been Agoraphobic for 5 years, I understand how being outside can over stimulate

our brain and the lights and spaciousness can become overwhelming. xx

[lofeoutthere in reply to Agora1]

Did the over sensory go away and the agoraphobia?

[Kkimm]

You are going through a difficult period and as you say it is important not to see it all as Ativan withdrawal. Are you on any other meds or therapy?

My very best wishes.

Kim

[lofeoutthere in reply to Kkimm]

Iv Beene awful feeling and anxiety stricken since coming off afivan 13 months ago. I take nothing now.

[lofeoutthere in reply to lofeoutthere]

I was in therapy but can’t keave the house I’m agoraphobic now so I don’t know what to do??

[Kkimm]

Really so sorry to hear it.

Do you think antidepressants might help you?

They can be a massive help but you usually feel worse before you start to feel better if you take them

It is so difficult when agraphobic to get to a doctor to discuss this or the possibility of therapy both of which could be helpful to you.

Perhaps you should call your doctor to see what help could be offered.

My best wishes

Kim

[Chloe2018]

I’ve spoken to The Bristol Tranquilizer Project and they said it can take 18 months to 3 years for your brain to heal after a benzo. I was given Clonazepam for a panic attack and it has ruined my life.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Chloe2018]

Benzo withdrawal continues even when the medication has stopped. Unfortunately what we take to help us in the acute stages is changing our brain.

I have read a lot about withdrawal because at some point I will be tapering off my benzo. I'm expecting hell.

Benzos were never meant for long term use. I've been on them for many years.

What I keep saying to myself is I took what they prescribed because I needed it and it worked. Now I will have to work to get off them.