Terrible conundrum

[Carolss]

I have drug induced cerebral ataxia. Benzos. Been taking them for about 20yrs and am totally addicted. Stopping them and going thru withdrawal is really not a choice. I've read and spoken to drs etc. I could die, suffer excruciating pain, hallucinate, etc. I recently found out all this from a tv show talking about benzos. I take attivan . I was told not to stop or change amts as it could cause me to go into withdrawal. I'm 80 yrs old. Appreciate any thoughts

[Veteran250]

Hi Carol.

80 years old and been taking tablets for twenty years, why stop now my lovely, I would say carry on.

I’m 76 and been taking various tablets and insulin for 17 years now, and couldn’t live without them.

Although I take all of this medication, and I am disabled, I still lead a fully active life, so I say Carol, keep on taking the medication.

😀😘👍 Xx

[wobblybee]

🤔 Is there a possibility of reducing the prescribed dose, or changing to another medication prescribed for the same symptoms.

Ativan is a potentially addiction-forming drug; however, a person who uses Ativan in strict accordance with the prescribing doctor's orders is unlikely to develop an addiction. But there is the possibility that a person with a legitimate prescription of Ativan will develop what clinicians call a sedative use disorder.12 Sep 2019

americanaddictioncenters.org › ...

Ativan Addiction Symptoms - American Addiction Centers

[Carolss in reply to wobblybee]

I take an anti convusive which 1 side effect is ataxia. All anti convulsives. And the lorazapam for sleep, which no longer work. But the side effect as ataxia. I can't quit either. If i coul stop taking both my ataxia might not progress. But the risk of stopping is too big

[wobblybee in reply to Carolss]

🤔 Initially, I had Deja vu and 1 seizure. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy and prescribed medication. My symptoms increased but not in line with Epilepsy. After chronic eye symptoms and falls, I was given an MRI which showed Cerebellar Atrophy, the diagnosis of Epilepsy was dismissed and I was taken off medication.

[Carolss in reply to wobblybee]

I have 2 drs that write that prescription. Neither ever told me about the risks or side effects. It is not supposed to be taken fir more than 2 wks. If i get off of it i could possibly die. It would be too much for someone my age to go thru the horrible withdrawal

[nycgeordie]

Carol, given your circumstances you may not meet the criteria but there are many global trials currently underway to treat addiction, and at least one in the UK.

Have your doctors research psilocybin and review this link:

hopkinspsychedelic.org/

[Carolss]

Im in californis