benzo withdrawal

[shadyk]

Hi I am new to this board and so glad I found it. I have a very pressing problem. Have been on massive amounts of benzos---ativan, valium --many others I cant remember (part of problem) and quit cold turkey about 3-4 days ago. Just read about gradual withdrawal (another drug librium i was on). I am suffering extreme symptoms--severe memory loss, confusion, extreme visual defects, extreme muscle spasms, extreme heightened sense of smell, hearing. Ive been very hyper in speech and activity but now am getting very fatigued but cant sleep. Question--should I restart at least ativan and do a slower taper off? Is ambien or flexeril damaging?
So very grateful for any help or suggestions.
shadyk

[Hollyday]

I know some people have problems controlling their use of muscle relaxers like soma and flexeril, but in the case of tapering off of benzos I think it would be ok to use them in limited amounts. Your body systems have been depressed from using the benzos so whatever you feel now will seem hyper but eventually you will settle into your "natural state". It will just be a foreign place for you at first! You could try taking a small dose of flexeril for the muscle spasms but if you feel yourself slipping, then throw them out! Since flexeril is a central nervous system depressant, it might lead you back to the other "downers" so be careful.

Good luck!

[dwp512]

ShadyK,

Very dangerous to be doing what you are doing...coming off of benzos should be done SLOWLY and typically with some medical help. I admire your courage to drop these, but CT is STRONGLY discouraged by just about everyone. Be careful.

dp

[shadyk]

Many thanks for replies to my post. I have so much to learn.
shadyk

[mack85]

Yes, I've heard this too. The two most dangerous withdrawls are that of benzos and alcohol if I'm not mistaken. I'm currently trying to come off benzos for medical reasons; never abused but have been on for 2 years. Tapering little by little and I give each taper 2 weeks. Hope this helps.