How Long Do Benzo Withdrawals Last?
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- Опубликовано: 20 янв 2021
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Benzodiazepine aka Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be quite painful and even life-threatening at times. Let's discuss the Benzo detox and withdrawal timeline.
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#benzo #withdrawals #benzodiazepines
Here you can find more videos on Benzodiazepines: ruclips.net/p/PLvvylY4ajkHo9vn8bg-bb5T0OoeLFZFp3
Thanks for the information Doc👍🏻❤️
Thanks for the information Doc👍🏻❤️
Much appreciated Dr. B
Doc can u help benzo sufferer to wean off?
Hey doc I get prescriptions for subutex and Valium. I’m supposed to be on a taper for benzos and it was working until I started to get bad anxiety again and I started to seek Xanax on the streets. I got myself into trouble because I didn’t know withdrawals were this bad. I told my doc what happened in an email and he hasn’t responded. I’m afraid he’ll cut me off entirely. What can I say to him to get him to agree to start the taper over? I can’t be going around these people anymore to get pills and I’m ready to listen to my docs instructions. I’m lucky he gives me 45 (5mg) Valium a month. I feel dizzy and I feel like I can’t breathe. It’s scary and I just want to feel normal while I taper. He will give me all the subutex I want but not enough Valium. Even when I buy pills off the street I take them modestly. I never exceed 4mg of Xanax a day.
Benzo withdrawal was the most horrific suffering Ive ever endured. Beyond description.
You made it tho? Well done. How are you now? I'm still hooked. ☹️. Fed up tho, that's why I'm here. I stopped the booze 13 days ago. Benzos next. I dont think you can rush these things tho. Good luck. 👍
@@colspiracy8326 Oh well Im happy to say Im 100% fine now. For the first few years it was withdrawal attacks every day. It took A LONG TIME about 3 years but now I dont have ANY anymore. You brain will heal with time. Takes time for those GABA receptor sites to upregulate. The good news is you can recover but it will take a lot of time. Far more time than any other drug. SLOWLY decrease your booze intake. Dont stop cold turkey. Get a LOG and parcel out what youve been drinking and log it in the book. Consider what you drink normally as a "dose" how much alcohol is in it is what matters. You have to decrease dosage slowly over time week by week. Try 10% reduction each week. If thats too hard do 5% but just keep the dosage going down and you will get there. You can do it, I know you can because I did!
i relapsed and i need help
@justendanen7013 I live a benzo nightmare, life. I know how hard it is. Get help brother. I do. It does help a bit. Iv got a drink problem too but im 7weeks sober (tomorrow). Not that I'm counting lol. Day48. Don't give up. Good luck brother. Do you take Baclofen? It's meant to help with anxiety but it's not a benzo. It's actually for MS or something. It has useful side effects. Get help. Good luck. God bless you ❤️🙏
@@colspiracy8326 thank you no I haven’t but I will look into it
Benzo withdraw last as long as it takes your CNS takes to repair the damage the drug has done. No one can give you a definite answer on how long it lasts, because it's all individual. This drug should be banned.
I agree
Does it get repaired eventually? I have terrible fibromyalgia like symptoms. I feel excrutiating joint pain... why do I even get joint pain? Why do benzos cause joint pain?
I agree. They are more harmful than they help in the long run. My experience was horrific including a 3 day stay in the hospital. I regret letting the doctor talk me into taking them. At the very least there should be serious warnings associated with taking them.
You can't ban drugs you don't like.. millions of people with acute anxiety have found relief due to benzos.. it should be regulated into oblivion tho
Banned?? Stfu. I’m sick of shit being taken away from us just because some people can’t control themselves. I don’t have a problem and Xanax has helped me for years and I use it 3-4 times a month. Not my fault certain people can’t learn self control
I remember feeling as though I was being burned alive inside and out for months. I remember feeling like fire ants were stinging me all over my body. I remember my mouth and teeth burning. I remember the feeling of bugs and worms crawling on and under my skin. I remember the losing the ability to talk. I remember not being able to drive anymore. I remember having psychosis. I remember not knowing who I am or where I live. I remember thinking I was being held hostage. I remember being terrified to go anywhere. I remember when I couldn't walk. I remember crushing anxiety. I remember when I could not stop pacing for 4 1/2 months 12 / 14 hours a day. I remember hugging myself crying out all night long begging for someone to help me. I remember always saying please help me. I remember crawling in the yard not knowing what was happening to me. I remember being in a different dimension than the rest of the world. I remember laying on the floor kicking my legs and arching my back as my family watched and could do nothing. I remember laying on the floor for 6 months. I remember learning to sleep in a bed again. I remember losing my job. I remember feeling forsaken. I remember feeling like I was laying in cactus all the time. I remember being submerged in the bath with only my nose out of the water trying to stop the burning. I remember nothing helps. I remember being terrified and not knowing why. I remember losing bodily functions. I remember thinking I would be this way forever. I remember wanting to die. I remember praying to die. I remember the hissing Jet airplane inside my head. I remember my feet feeling like they were being boiled in water every day. I remember not sleeping for six days. I remember being up all night every night. I remember the Doctor that told me it should only take two weeks. I remember being in agony for 9 months. I remember my scale. I remember tapering.
I REMEMBER 60 MONTHS AGO THAT I WAS FINALLY FREE FROM 13 YRS OF BENZODIAZEPINES. I WILL FORGET ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I WILL NOT BE RULED BY FEAR ANYMORE. I WILL NOT BE HELD CAPTIVE BY A DOCTOR ANYMORE. I STILL SUFFER.
This is absolutely true and not an exaggeration. I still have permanent CNS damage. My feet and legs burn constantly to the degree that there are times I would rather not have feet then to have them feel like standing in boiling water most of the time. The tinnitus has gotten some what better and is not as defining. The withdrawal is not the hard part... the misery of the brain damage is! How can Benzos remain on the market? I know that I am not the only person this has happened to?
Are you drinking alcohol yet
@@billybarr7443 What kinda question is that?
@@zoosolo4779 I'm six years off a low dose for insomnia and have no life. A hundred symptoms..my burning was in small areas. I think it's gone. Just feel like I'm dying today. It's not ending anytime soon. Are you healed now?
you are EXACTLY the one who WILL be held captive. Did it ever occur to you to find out what you were taking and how to interact with it? You do realize that there are many other people who have successfully stopped taking this medication for one reason or another and had NOTHING like this happen to them? You do understand that they ask you at the pharmacy if you have any questions about this medication as well as include a very comprehensive informational package with the medication right? How could you ingest something for 13 years and not know what the fuck you were taking? Jesus Christ man... You have to do shit for yourself unless you prefer to go through that. I mean you could have even asked someone like "Hey, thinking about getting off of these, whuddaya think" No trophy for you
I can't explain to you how nice it is seeing a doctor acknowledge protracted withdrawals. Was the most painful experience of my life by far. Thank you for recognizing this.
how long it took
How did u heal from protracted withdrawals?
I relocated and my new Dr said "I'm not writing those for you" not a word about helping me get off them. They don't care.
I’m always amused when I hear that one should withdraw from benzos “under medical supervision,” when many, perhaps most doctors, don’t recognize protracted withdrawal as a real phenomenon. Short of finding a sympathetic doctor, you’re on your own - for years!
True, went to the ER like many say on here and it was a waste of time. They gave me adderall and a anti depressant to taper off of benzos? Wtf. Of course I never filled the prescriptions. Seemed like it was just adding fuel to the fire.
Exactly!!! I was on Klonopin for over 30 years and a new doctor took me off. I only took it as prescribed! Now, I'm living in hell on earth. Good luck to you! 🙏
@@charlydavis9242 oh my you are so brave, it’s so hard! I was in klonopin for over 10 years when I got pregnant and had to pretty quickly come off. I was struggling so bad I would take like 1/4 of a klonopin once/week or so just to take the edge off. Then while breastfeeding I was most off of it except taking the 1/4 like once/week. Then after nursing my daughter I got right back on my 1 mg/day prescription. I call my doctor ‘dr. Feel good’ because she’ll prescribe me pretty much anything o ask for (I have chronic fatigue syndrome amd fibromyalgia, so lots of disabling symptoms.). I swear I’ll need to go to treatment or rehab, I don’t feel addicted like I did with alcohol (I have 10 years diver in AA) to get off of it. Supposedly getting off benzos can have a lot of benefits for energy, cognition, mood, etc. I want as ll the benefits of getting off the benzo, while still being able to sleep, and without the freaky withdrawal process thee we t met last years. Which is worse, the negatives being on Ben is or getting off and having your original anxiety & insomnia back along with continued CFS/fibro plus now horrible withdrawal for ab unknown amount of time. I prob need a good doctor to help me ween off super slowly.
@@wendyroberts3363 I'm in a support group called 'Benzo Warrior Community'. This is an amazing group! They're so supportive. I wish you all the best! 💞🙏
I forgot to add that this group is on Facebook. 💞
Finally a doctor that knows what he’s doing! Not many like him out there.
🙏
No there aren’t!! Thanks for this video Dr. B 💜
If you could have some Success Stories for this community it would be deeply helpful 💙 thanks for what you do.
@@joeymarino7 Amen!
@@DrBAddictionRecovery I'm in hell!
I wish there were more Doctors like you. I'm amazed that so many doctors don't understand that withdrawals can last for years.
And by the way THIS DUDE IS THE GOLD STANDARD how ALL DOCTORS SHOULD BE !!!!
I agree 100%
@@SpeedSyko 🤝
What about the quacks that say xanax is not addictive?
@Kevin Hall It’s obvious you don’t know what you’re talking about . I’m not gonna argue with someone that is UN-educated about the situation so my reply to you is simply....... OK
I was in klonopin 9 years, detoxed in 2012. It was terrible. Only thing I could do is lay there in my own misfortune, psychosis, and nerve pain.
Well, I’m 10 years off, and I’m healed! Around month 16 is when I took a turn for the better. You will get through this! I’m not a strong person either, just made it through humbly.
Thanks
I took Klonopin for 16 years! I wanted to stop.. So winged my self down in November 2021..im in major nerve pain pls tell me it will stop i have to work been a waitress all my life never been in pain like this does the nerve pain go away??
Dude. You cant say your not a strong person! Going through that withdrawal takes a tremendous amount of courage, hope and strength. God bless you
Take care
Fair play
You have to go at your own pace. I appreciate that this guy understands this when so many don’t. A feeling of personal empowerment and control / safety is important for the individual looking to make a full recovery. Great video.
Dr. B seems like he is one of the best doctors, who deals with not only addiction but also addresses the best way for a person who needs to be on some of these medications to manage and take them the correct way.
Thank you so much for posting this. I really needed to see it. If I ever get enough money I’m coming to you for help. I’m so mad my insurance won’t take you. You seem to be one of the few doctors that understand all of this. Too many doctors prescribe these medications like they are candy and just leave people on them. Hopefully one day I can get off them.
Some doctors have alot to answer for.
Dr B does a great job of putting a lot of complex issues into laymans terms that are u derstandable to most of us.
Why aren't their meds to help you get off this hell like opioids? This is a far greater hell than opioids!!! The pharmaceutical company needs to be sued for making such a horrible drug!
C'mon, these drugs, along with opioids, have saved my life. Thanks goodness they exist.
Better than pesticides
Oh wow… a doctor who actually acknowledges that tapering should have different time frames depending on how long and dosage the person used? Also, openly admits that “we need to realize that some people will be on it for long term or life but at a safer dose.” Need more docs like you.
Yes dear if the case is of severe enxiety person has to take since he died. It's okay if he operrates day to day routine benzo is not bad things rather than lying in the bed for the whole day
I'll be one that takes it long term on the lowest dose. I'm elderly and I can't expect to go thru all this and lose what life I have left. plus it's probably already causing alzheimers.
Great information Dr. B
Wish there were more HONEST Dr's such as yourself!
Best video I've seen on this topic.
Sober from alcohol since 2012, narcotic pain meds since 2016, heard benzo withdrawals even worse. God bless all ❤❤
Well done❤, off booze, off narcotics , off antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers, just 10mg diazepam daily and a sleeping tablet to go, good luck all
Please keep doing what your doing.. Great channel for benzo WD 💯
The way you talk Doctor radiates confidence and interest in the subject of investigation. It seems you're not the kind of doctor who is willing to shoot out perscription left and right, which is noble. Keep up the Good work, much love
I CAN'T BELIEVE this is the first medical professional I have encountered in my 16 years of X dependence who actually knows how hellish and hard it is to get clean. A quick taper is hell, I tried, almost lost my mind entirely. But all the psychiatrists and docs I've seen suggest such a taper (2 or 3 weeks). It literally takes years, or you risk losing your mind, committing suicide, a stroke, etc.
I actually did lose my mind from cold turkey xanax withdrawal. I was forced by evil doctor. I had a phychotic break, full blown man. I literally was bat shit crazy for one month, didn't think I was ever gonna come out of it and therefore wanted death every second. I also had insomnia for a whole month which exacerbated the symptoms. What a nightmare that month was. The only way to describe it was like living in the torments of hell, every minute felt like a day, every day a week. No escape from my own mind, not even for a second. No reprieve.
@@brettwilson7680 how are you now?
@@benberkovic I'm doing quite a bit better thanks for asking. I still have the tourettes of the brain or the intrusive thoughts but they aren't as bad or as frequent. Seen a phychiatrist last Wednesday. He put me on Seroquel for the insomnia and phychotic symptoms and Lexapro for the overall depression that I've had since coming off the xanax. Seroquel has been real nice for the insomnia. It's been a crazy couple months though but I'm glad I endured the cold turkey withdrawals because everyday is getting better and better. Mornings I still have symptoms and my brain fog comes and goes. I am twitching when I go lay down at night which is weird. My brain still feels like it's got a lot of healing to do. How are you doing now?
@@brettwilson7680 hey man... I'm happy to hear you are doing better. :) Maybe we will forever be scarred by the many years we were heavily taking X, but... I ENVY YOU!! for not having to take it anymore.
As for me brother... I am still taking it. I think it's been about 15 years now that I have been taking X. I am absolutely, without a doubt completely addicted to it, my world literally depends on my X pills. I tried CT'ing, and almost ended up in the ER. I tried weaning of slowly, tapering, and that also didn't work.
My main problem is that I don't have enough free time to concentrate on tapering down and getting off of X. Whether I taper or CT, I will most certainly lose my job, you know why, and... I can't afford to lose my job, my only source of income. So... I keep taking X every day. Cause without it I'm not normal.
I've been working on investing in some projects that would leave me less dependent on a 9 to 5 job, and give me more freedom to concentrate on getting off of X, so... hopefully I'll somehow get off of X before I die. :)
@@benberkovic I understand your situation. I would have never quit taking it cold turkey if I hadn't been forced. It can definitely kill you and if you don't die you most certainly will want to. Those short acting benzos are exceptionally dangerous when going cold turkey. To me it's also impossible to dose down effectively off x. You need to switch to a long acting benzo like Valium and see a specialist who is in it for the long haul to see you dose down safely. It can be done if you do it that way, but it's not a quick fix. If you have been on it for 15 years, even if you started to dosing down now, I'd imagine it's going to take some years to dose down. My psychiatrist told me today that his x patients that have been taking it everyday for over 10 years will most likely be on it the rest of there lives. I would also stockpile the shit out of Xanax and or Valium or both if I were you.. If there was national disaster which caused are system to shut down for awhile it would be real bad, it would be hell for millions of people, a lot of them could even die. A lot of them that don't die will be completely unable to do anything. I know I was completely useless, mind and body when I was suffering from the withdrawals. Anyways, I hope that things work out for you and that you will find the time and have the situation financially to be able to taper. I know I would have lost my job for sure. I had to take FMLA.
I think the worst part for me of the withdrawals was the psychosis. Worst thing ever and still going thru it after a year off benzos. I had to be hospitalized over five times due to the psychosis. I just hope to feel like myself again and be free from the psychosis
🙏🕊
I hope you’re better now
50 days free today. I still feel horrible but my mind is clearer and i don’t have panic attacks anymore!!! which is huge. however i just feel so restless and irritable. also i was taking between 2-4 bars everyday for 2 years! if you’re going through hell, you’re not alone you got this!!!!
glad to know
I’m on 4 bars a day and 4 8mg subutexs a day I have 100 of each then I’m OUT what’s ur recommendation to stop the most comfortable
I should say I got myself comfortably down to2 of each a day though
excellent and honest assessment of benzo detox / withdrawal and protracted withdrawal and underlying conditions. I practiced helping people taper off benzos with LOTS of assistive therapies.
You described this better that my required addiction studies book. Subscribed
Thanks for educating everyone with ur knowledge!
Same!!
I got a bit better about the 3 week mark but really felt more like myself again around day 28. I hope this info is helpful. If you need someone to talk to, you're not alone
I’m coming to week 3 it’s awful but I’m getting better 😢
May I ask how long you’ve been using it?
You were one of the very lucky ones...It took me about 3 years to start feeling better.
It's been about a month and today was the first day I ate anything. Or slept. It's truly been hell
I’ve been off benzos for five years now, but I will never be the same again. It does irreversible damage to your brain, completely alters your personality , mostly in ways that are hard to even notice. Took me about two years to fee back to normal after a 4 month taper
Dr. You are absolutely awesome!!! I always watch your videos
Thank you everyone for all the comments it made me realize and remember what I went through coming off klonopin and suboxone after many years on high doses. I did a 30 day stint in jail cold turkey before I finally got off completely and almost died. I had several seizures and could barely talk. I could barely tell the doctor what year it was and who the president was.. I was trippn balls!! I will never ever forget that experience and thank you God I recovered from that.
This is my biggest fear
I’ve had 8 different seizures from Xanax withdrawal. I remember being in the ambulance and then asking me questions and I couldn’t answer them really strange feeling. Felt like I had no brain juice and I was just dog tired.
Getting locked up without valium?
@@derekomeara getting locked up while on medication you know they def are not gonna give you in jail so yea, biggest fear is withdrawal from the sub and xanax combo. I couldn't imagine.
@jason, it ain't cool. You get a green tablet here and you are on the toilet for 3 days.. Horrible!
The dangers of these drugs need taught in school. I'd love to be part of a short doc, film, visual piece of someone going through benzo withdrawal. It could be a very intense experience for the viewer and educate. 2 half years out and I STILL have nervous system, brain issues that I know no-one could ever diagnose me. They are 'Satan's Sweets.'
@@craiglyles4755 its very very hard to get I remember trying. Its primarily for opiate withdrawal but I always felt it may work for benzo healing. Does it work when people are in acute withdrawal or post acute withdrawal? I'm doing OK now although still have issues however I think things will improve rapidly if I quit smoking. Smoking can rev up tremor and tinnitus. Nervous system. I think its the chemicals. Thanks..
@@craiglyles4755 Thanks. I hope in the not so near future proper natural medicines become available wide-spread in order to help heal people. Its not something I would consider now unless under the guidance of somebody knowledgeable although i will still investigate. I'm doing pretty good now. If I quit the smokes and increase exercise I think that will help. I'm well well over the worse nearly 3 years now. Cheers Craig il look into it. We have all the answers in Nature.
@@craiglyles4755 Thank You Very Much! I really appreciate that.
@@craiglyles4755 that's a great channel!
Satans Sweets??? OMFG HAHAHAHAHA your killing me with this shit. better stay away from the devils lettuce too
Thank you Dr. B ! You hit on several very important points in this video that so many of Us are going through due to either being cut off a Benzo or not being tapered slowly enough. Many wind up in Protracted Withdrawal for months to years and it is inhumane. It's not living. Pure Hell.
Very informative video.
Thank you Doctor for truly understanding it's REAL !!!
✌️✌️
BevAnn. You are right on. I am dealing with PAWS as we speak. Did a fast taper by a so called Dr. No reason for this torture!!!
@@rebeccascott8404 I'm so sorry you're going through the hell of PAWS. The most miserable feeling to experience and Nobody understands unless They have been through it. I know Dr. B does understand and believes Us. As much as I hate knowing what this poison does, I've reinstated on it after over 3 years of Hell !!! I couldn't find a Doctor who believed Me or would prescribe. After being on 8mg. Xanax for 23 years and being ripped off it. How much more inhumane can you get? I'd completely given up on life. Prayed daily that I wouldn't wake up. I understand many people don't want to take this drug class again but after this long, My brain doesn't work without it. So, the only solution for Me personally was to reinstate once I found a Doctor who was willing to help Me.
I pray you can find what the answer is for you. Either way, know that you are not Alone. Your brain can heal but it could take a long time depending on your body/brains ability to heal.
So many variables involved sadly.
@@BflyMom_212 Thank you BevAnn ... I think I am going to try to find a psychiatrist to see if he will prescribe klonipin for me. I think, like you , It will take me a loooonf time to feel good again without it. Wish me luck!! Kudos to you!
BevAnn did u feel fatigue
Honest and frank information on BW, one of the few doctors out there who truly understands.
I am full of hope and trust! Thank you dr.B 😊
Your a champion and your going to walk right through this Francois. You can't be stopped.
Dr. This needs to go to the board of medicine. This needs to be a priority. I've been going through this for two years and saw someone in the ER last weekend and knew exactly what they were going through. In a word.... Sucks.
Update... Found out why I'm going through this for so long. I have pain from a cyst in my spine that's pushing on my nerve. I was sent to pain management and was given hydrocodone. This knocked me back about 2 yrs. I keep telling my Dr and they say no. I'm actually getting blown off. I've stopped the hydrocodone and am getting better. I'm getting a new Dr
Thank you Dr.B
I am on a final stage of a benzodiazepine taper from a prescription I received for anxiety when I was 18 years old. I am 34 now and will be done a diazepam taper within a little more than a year. I have already had hard time cognitively and psychologically with work and school. I know this experience will get tougher but I thank you for putting this content out for all that fight this battle. I have been researching to be as prepared as possible for when the protracted withdrawals come. I also battled opiates for years that battle is over but this one is worse. This has inspired me to keep a journal of this journey it won’t be a pretty story but worth something in the end.
Did you do the taper plan with a doctor or on your own? Me I have terrible insomnia.
How are you doing now?
I worked with an addiction specialist to taper over the last 2-3 years. I am doing alright now on the last 3 months before end dose of taper.
Thanks for the video dr. B I appreciate it my friend
So many doctors that don't Even Know, Benzodiazepine Syndrome, Great Video ! You just can't stop or ween too fast, I was locked up & the jail almost killed me, I'm lucky to be alive, I have permanent damage 12 years later.
Hi Dr. B,
I have watched all of your Video Logs over the past 28 days. I have just finished a Valium taper ending a 24 year addiction.
Thanks for your interest and help around benzodiazepines, the taper off is not a process one would wish upon their worst enemy! But it gets better as the week's pass & the sleep improves accordingly.
Keep up the good work
How long did it take you for the side effects to go and can you function out in the community without debilitating anxiety without it?
@@leeibbertson1184 Hi Lee, the full effect of the taper stopped 12 weeks after I took my last dose. I am ok outside and in crowds. I have A.S.D, diagnosed since I finished. Yep, I get anxious, but not over a lot of things. Way better being off them by a long shot!
@@derekomeara Hi Derek Would you mind telling me what you mean by, the full effect of the taper stopped? I'm not familiar with all this. I've tapered from 4mg daily of xanax to 1mg daily over the course of a year and will be lowering again shortly. Therefore I would be interested in what you mean.
@@jenniferaudet3446 I meant that 12 weeks after I finished my last dose on the taper, everything started to improve!!
@@leeibbertson1184 I'm in month 3 of taking my last 0.2 after a short taper. I used to take , 4 to 6mg of Klonipin daily for 8 years. The first 3 weeks were hard, panic, anxiety, paranoid,brain fog. Weaknesses. I can safely say, that for me a good diet, lots of fluids, exercise will help. I'm in month 3 since taking my final bit of Clonazepam and I'm now finally starting to get excited about getting back to work, and back out in the world.
I HAVE NEVER WENT THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE COMING OFF VALIUM, I'M ON A 2yr COME OFF CODEINE TOO! 53yr TERM I AM A CHRONIC PAIN PATIENCE MY DOCTOR DROPPED ME FOR NO REASON TO COVER HIS OWN SELF SAD BUT TRUE LATER DR B THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR RETURNING MY TEXTS AND ETC.David,OH.
what
Thank you for sharing this information with me.
DR.B!!! I just found you today & automatically subscribed.
I’m preparing to slow taper. This isn’t my first rodeo detoxing from Xanax, but this will be the worst. 1 mg most days twice a day. 7 years now. I’m scared, but need to rid this thing off my back. So happy I found your channel.
Hello I just found this channel also. I'm really scared 😱 myself I been on these things for 20 yrs I'm 3 days without anything. I haven't had a seizure yet. Thankfully.
I wish you long luck on your journey.
@@Caretakerh Ate you okay?? You should be slow tapering. 🤍🫶🏻
My withdrawals were the worst the first 3 months. 4 - 5 months in some symptoms got a tiny bit better. By the 6-8 month point, I started to regain some health back to normality but very little and would come and go in waves. From there to a whole year at the 12 month mark I had long lasting psychical and mental symptoms from the withdrawals but I was able to slowly get back to life but it was still very difficult. I'd say my actual withdrawals lasted a whole year. After that initial year, the next two years was left over long lasting effects of the psychical and mental trauma that the experience has caused me. July 2018-2021 it's been tough to get back to the healthy life I use to have, but slowly it gets better. No one give up! I promise over time your body will adjust and you will be free of all the torture this nasty pill brings
How long were you on
@@abbyolivia I was on Ativan .25mg from January 2017 to February 2018 then increased the dose to 1mg twice a day until July 2018 and then tapered off from there and never touched it again so around a year and a half
@@whatwillthydo6470 what taper method did you use if I may ask
Benzos are tricky
Some people don't even experience withdrawal, actually a big percentage, like half abnd half. Like me i took xanax for sleep 1nce at night, most nights, there'd be times i wouldn't take em, but i stopped for 2 days, nothing. I tapered down from there just to be safe
How long and what dose. Also what were you taking please
very true and very understanding of what we go through very very humane thank you
Great info dr. Thank you
Best, most accurate conversation about benzo withdrawal I have ever seen. Thank you Dr.
I really appreciate this video. I’m 51 and have been on Valium for GAD & panic disorder since 1998, or 26 years. I recently decided that I wanted to stop taking it, and had NO IDEA what I was getting into.
Listen to this guy. He tells it EXACTLY as it is. I thought I could discontinue it within a month. Uhhh, no. Not even close. I’ve developed a SEVERE benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. I don’t know if I can survive this.
My heart absolutely pounds out of my chest and is tachycardic as well - all night long. I can’t sleep at all. For over a month, I can only sleep 30-60 minutes a night. I lay in a ball and shake uncontrollably. Nothing helps.
I have strange symptoms too. My own voice hurts my head. Every sensory input from the world is amplified times a million, and these are the easy symptoms.
I’ve had a resurrection of my anxiety, but NOTHING like I’ve ever experienced before. Before was cake compared to this. I hadn’t had an actual panic attack since 2006, and now it’s daily. Actually, it feels non-stop. I’m in a living lower circle of hell. I’m in a state of fear like I’ve never experienced. This is hell. Pure hell.
It’s been a month and a half since decreasing my dosage from 10 mg three times a day (which I rarely use ooo that much, mostly once a day) to 2 mg twice a day. This was too little and had caused this series of symptoms.
Now, I’m have to go BACK UP to at least 5mg three times w day, just to get back to baseline, then taper more slowly.
I spoke to my doctor today, and he said exactly what this guy is saying. It can take a year, at an EXTREMELY LOW
TAPER DOSE.
I have NO quality of life. I’m “existing” until either I die, or my next dose of Valium. I’m also taking a beta blocker regularly, for the heart pounding and tachycardia. But it doesn’t really help, for more than 30 minutes, so here time a day.
So, I get 1.5 hours of a little break from hellish symptoms, in a 24 hour period. I don’t know how I can live like this. But his is pure hell.
I don’t know if I can do it anymore. I think I’ve lasted longer with the WORST SYMPTOMS on earth, longer than most people would. Because I thought it would end. But now that there’s no end in sight, I’m going to be on an A VERY protracted withdrawal.
Also, one last thing. I don’t like the use of the word “withdrawal”
I never abused Valium. I “used” it as it was prescribed. Less, even. I have a “dependency”’in my brain chemistry that’s going to take a really long time, and maybe never. I when to accept that now. Not sure how, but this is WORSE than anything a human should endure.
I only have a small piece of advice for whomever is reading this. Go slowly! It’s not a race. If you’re alive in a year and are at a lower dose, you’re winning.
My doctor told me today, “if you’re on 10 mg three time a day, after a month, go to 9mg three times a day…” This is an example of HOW SLOWLY you must go.
Good luck.
I was on 2mg per day for 2 years. I weaned down for 1 month with some uncomfortable withdrawals but I was functional in my daily life. 12 years later I started having panic attacks again & had to go back on Xanax, but this time, I only took them for 2-3 days, and then none for a couple of days, & then took them a couple days, etc. and when I didn’t need them anymore, I had ZERO withdrawals. For me, truly only taking them every now & then was what prevented my body from forming an addiction. But I swear, if it weren’t for this medicine, I wouldn’t have gotten through some parts of my life.
How did u wean off in a month
🙏 Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge ❤
I tapered for 2.5 years and the withdrawals lasted the entire time and about 18months after that last little bit.
It is brutal but so worth it.
My own experience of benzodiazepine withdrawal has been in relation to tapering off 40mgs of Valium and 7.5mgs Zopiclone. It has taken me 19 months to quit the zopiclone entirely and to reduce my daily Benzo intake down to 2.5mgs. It has been incredibly challenging on a daily basis with little respite from the myriad withdrawal symptoms. I prefer the term Benzodiazepine injury to addiction or dependancy. It truly has injured my body and my brain and in a wider sense my entire life. I expect to continue experiencing withdrawal/injury symptoms for the foreseeable future. Getting off Benzos is my life work right now. Thanks for raising awareness.
Well said anthony, i,m just starting a taper off 40mg of valium, is it possible to do my friend and i didn,t know you could take valium with zopiliclone is that advised by doctors?
Likewise, I pray there will someday be the science to restore natural GABA
Life work as well, 10 years
Benzo injury. Yes.
Thank You Dr. B for using your knowledge of medicine to not only help people but also being understanding and empathetic to his patients and those who are watching for educational purposes.
Thanks for the information, Dr B
Dr. B does really care about the society
Thank you very much for talking about this. Almost no doctor i've sen talks about this, and the majority actually recommend this terrible drug without knowing.
All they know Is that it helps with anxiety. It's just standard practice for them. Someone comes into their office saying they have anxiety then you're walking out with a benzo script.
Dr B you are my personal BADASS!!!
June 😁
thank u this video actually made me feel a lot better. i’m on week 3 of sobriety off xanax i quit cold turkey not by choice i have been on them for 5 years and the withdrawals will not go away i have panic disorder and insomnia as well as ocd so this shit it wack asf but it’s comforting hearing that some doctors might prescribe a low dose long term. i think that would make a hell of a difference. but it would take A LOT of self control.
Thank you for this video!!! I went through it at 20 and it was torture. Went to a place, all they did was detox me for 5 days and that's it. The next 9 months were HELL. Real torture. Finally got back on them. It was worse than kidney stones, getting shot etc.
Yes it really is worse than all that. Nobody can fathom the torments of it.
After watching tons of videos on the withdrawal and tapering. This is the one answer I've heard that actually makes sense. For someone that has taken klonopin for over 20 years. I tried the taper and experienced the withdrawal. I honestly could not live life in such mental anguish.
Is horrible
What is your dosage
I Love this Dr. I never knew any of this when I started Benzos for my Anxiety .coming off .I lost my Job was unable to work had Grand Mal seizures and still suffering the physilogical almost caused me to commit suicide these meds are life changing and potentionally life threatning
Another brilliant video
I've had to take them for really severe anxiety attacks. Benzo withdrawals are the worst thing you can imagine. Your body shuts down, 1 system at a time. Stomach & digestion, neural capabilities, muscular control and balance, thermoregulation, and then it can slide to oxygen management. Anxiety will rebound like never before; You will be unable to sleep. Trust me, it's something to avoid because even after you come off them, you won't ever feel right again. Tinnitus and vision problems are common as well. I thought adrenal problems were bad. I cold turkey'd 35mg of Prednisone after 18 months. I'd much prefer that because benzo withdrawals can kill you. Just coming down too fast does it. Opiates are actually far less bad.
Absolutely agree 👍thanks for your realistic opinion I have know the folly of withdrawal cold Turkey and its a big mistake, I can't empathize slow tapering and it must be done very carefully god bless you all on this road. 👍🙏
Amazing Dr. Thank you so much for validating my feelings and concerns. I use as little as possible but its been almost 4 yrs. My Dr never listens to me. Idk what to do. I cant stop taking them. Clonezepam. 3xs daily at .5 mg. I try to stay at .75-1 mg. But ive always had underlying panic attacks n other anxiety issues. Depersonilization. Body aches. Its ruff.
Been on Alprazolam for over 4 years now and honestly has caused more damage than my actual problems. I’ve felt the withdrawal symptoms before due to running out but now knowing my doctor has completely stopped it without warning or tapering . Day 2 and My body hurts, heart racing, headache, dizziness cant sleep and I think Im hearing and seeing things. God I wish I never started those. My life hasn’t been the same since and Im only 25 and it feels over.
You will get better... I did, Hang on.
How much time it taken
hang in there - you will eventually be back to normal
I have experienced benzo withdrawal 4 times in my life. I am on my 4th right now day 5 in on 2.5 mg Ativan cold turkey. It really depends on how much you were taking. Each withdrawal was short in duration 2 weeks at most on 2 mg or less. The immediate symptoms (diarrhea, brain zaps, aches, insomnia) decrease after 6-8 days for me then you just get really anxious after that but deep breathing, prayer, meditation and sleep helps. I hope for the best for you
I hope you are doing better? This medication is evil.
This is such an informative video. I’ve been on Klonopin for over 20 years. My psychiatrist who is an addiction specialist and the Director of Behavior Health at Vanderbilt in Nashville saw what I was taking and explained what happened to me. He wanted to wean me off and I agreed. I reduce.25mg at a time. It’s been very difficult but thank God
I have a supportive husband of 44 years. Yes I am in my 60’s and am determined to get off this. I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t indulge in any street drugs. I did start smoking cigarettes again and that ended when I had Omicron. I’m having major withdrawal symptoms that seem to come in waves. I’m a breast cancer survivor and will take one baby step each day to say goodbye to benzodiazepines once and for all.
You are lucky to find a specialist in addiction to help you ween off. You MUST ween extremely slowly. It is absolutely a must. We mean extremely extremely slowly.
If only all doctors were like you.
Still tapering off what was 24mgs of clonazepam a day, did 22 mgs in 11 months in 2019 to 2020 paused due to covid and bad withdrawal symptoms, started again recently, down to 1.75mgs. It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done and has taken the last 3 years of my life from me. At times I wish I was just dead and didn't have to deal with this living nightmare. My dr is very compassionate. He's not the one that put me on that crazy high dose. Almost all the time my heart feels like it's too big for my chest, the sweating Even when it's-20°c outside. These "meds" are poison. I wish I never heard of benzos. This long tapering for the last little bit feels like forever. Just the tinnitus at times us enough to drive me crazy
I appreciate your honesty and clear approach. Respect. I'm a xanax addict and I wish I will be free someday.
We need more docs. like Dr.B. My doctor & many other doctors have no knowledge of Benzo's, and it's effects, I gave a copy of the Ashton manual to my doc. to start on my taper. he didn't even want to look at it. saying I don't care about that book. so I started the taper on my own.
Thank you very much for POSTING this.
I need your help I'm suffering and you're the only person I've come across outside of a FB support group that knows anything about this.
How are you now? I'm 9 days off cold turkey 9 month binge daily. doctor said im past the seizure stage but I still feel scared.
Respects for his understanding!!
The majority of people that suffer benzo withdrawal took them as prescribed. Language is important, it has nothing to do with addiction or substance abuse in the majority of cases. Terms as tolerance effect, dependence and nervous system damage are the ones that describe it.
To get off benzos: dissolve tabs in milk, then reduce the amount of milk by a tiny amount each day. One year per milligram. I went off a longterm 2 mg per day prescription in 13 1/2 months of tapering this way and it was actually a little too fast and I ended up in the ER at the end of the process. In 60 years I have never done anything more difficult than getting off of Klonopin by tapering this way. If you try to stop benzos suddenly you will very likely go insane and suffer terribly. But if you taper slowly and gradually by dissolving the drug in milk, you can do it, and become free of this incredibly addictive drug. Whether you are hooked on Xanax or Klonopin, use this method to free yourself. Getting off benzos 13 years ago was the hardest thing I ever did in my life and also the best thing I ever did with my life.
What percent did you reduce per month. ?? Some doctors reccomend a 10 % reduction per month approximately. Then, the second month is 10 % of 90% ...so the cuts in reduction become less and less,,,staying at about 10%..
So, like the 3rd month would be about 10 % reduction of 82 % of original dosage. Please answer.
Thank you.
Could you please explain a bit better, why milk and how did you do it🙏🏽
@@tequilabumbum4373 great question. Us victims of doctors neglect are needing exact information to ween off of dangerous benzodiazepines .. we need precise tapering programs to be free. And we know it could take years and years, but long term it is better for our minds and bodies.
I've been on benzos a total 12 years they started me on valium then they put me on Xanax and now I'm on 0.5 mg of Klonopin three times a day my doctor informed me last week that's why I'm here that he's going to start me on Tuesday for a couple months and then one a day and then none I am absolutely terrified I am diagnosed and on disability for a cute panic disorder and agoraphobia and this seems to fast to me he also wants me to start taking an antidepressant to keep me level which I am not going to take them I read the side effects I don't know what to do I'm absolutely terrified
@@blairsterling6141 I've been on benzos 20 years Klonopin 0.5 mg three times a day my doctor told me on the 1st of August he's cutting me down to two a day and he said that I will only do that for 2 months then one a day and then none he also wants me to see a psychotherapist and get on antidepressants I looked at these antidepressants and the side effects are awful and ironically they say they're for short-term they said I'm permanently disabled I just think he's trying to go too fast I'm absolutely terrified I don't know what to do
I'm at month 12 and I can't even believe the physical things that have happened in the last year.
I was on alprazolam and opioid for over 4 years and goes cold turkey a week ago. I had the worst anxiety attack coupled with extreme insomnia, had gone without any sleep for 6 days straight. I was losing my senses and had seizure two days ago. I was hospitalized, prescribed a pill of pregabalin, nortriptyline with some vitamins and minerals. It did wonder, i slept 10 hours straight. Today, i feel good and rested and starting to hope for better days.
Thank you doctor. Such an extensive explanation of this epidemic. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines can be helpful, yet destructive at the same time. I’ve been struggling with benzos myself. It’s a long journey, but I’m staying positive. Much love from Michigan!
I did a slow tamper following the Ashton Manual method. Took 2 years. Never take a benzo going thru withdrawal is beyond hellish
How are you doing now?
i'm still surprised how many general practitioners and psychiatrists are unaware of this and are prescribing benzos long-term.
I was prescribed this in 2015 for panic attacks at work (teacher for students of the lowest of socioeconomic status in the state). Diagnosis PTSD and GAD.
After years of counseling and tapering, my Dr is giving me the go around, trying to pass me off, even though every other psych reminds her that she has been in control of my dose and taper for almost 8 years.
Recently, she aggressively cut my dosage in half without telling me, and went into severe withdrawals upon realization for the new Rx.
It has been the worst 3 weeks, part of me thinks I just need to go to the hospital for documentation.
Thoughts?
I'm working with someone who detoxed from Benzodiazepines, then went into acute withdrawal and had no assistance or supervision with the withdrawals and the hospital did not offer support for the withdrawal phase. They sent her home and eventually she went on the Benzodiazepines again. Fast forward 1.5 years and she has suffered from severe akathisia and debilitating nausea since. Doctors are telling her that her symptoms are neurological, there's nothing they can do, and there is no one telling her that these may be related to the Benzodiazepines.
It sucks for me because I may have to take Clonazepam for the rest of my life because it works with Lamotrigine which I take for my Grand Mal Seizures. I’ve never experienced any of the other symptoms mentioned when I tried to taper off the benzo. I can’t go more than 3 days without taking a Clonazepam pill or else I get a seizure and I’m afraid I might be on the road when that happens.
I'm 25 started benzo at 16 and already went through several benzo withdrawal some of them cold turkey or/with extreme dossge.
I screwed up every times and went on benzo again to deal with my anxiety and many other things. Hard to see a way out of this nightmare.
I wish I never took theses pills...
Same situation. I have come off them twice. Swore the second time I'd never take them again, that was in 2016. Stayed off them til January 2022 when my Lexapro wasn't working great for me and I thought I could control myself by taking it As needed. That did not work. So now I get to do this a 3rd time and I swear I will never go back again. Worst drugs ever made.
Your the best x
Thank you excellent excellent advice
When my doctor cut my Lorazepam dosage in half, I suffered mild withdrawal symptons for a few months. Then it was over. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones.
How much were you taking?
I took my father's Bromazepam for about a week and a half 1.5mg every 2ish days due getting over a panic attack hangover. Now I stopped and even though I took so little for not much time, I feel as though I'm going through withdrawal symptoms. 2nd day I had burning sensations around my body, day 3 now and I had a minor panic attack in the morning. Can't believe people have to go through this for months or years on end. God bless you all and I wish you all very much to get better some day soon
How are you?
@@hearme4581 it's day 4 for me now and I am feeling a bit better each day. I don't have the nerve pain anymore or it's rare. I still feel anxiety, especially in the morning. I also get light headed very easily in the morning until later in the afternoon. The symptoms seem to taper and go away in the evening then get bad again in the morning.
Did you have anxiety before taking this? Vaping cause me a lot of anxiety issues which is why I took Ativan
@@hearme4581 on and off.. I never had anxiety issues until this year. Not sure what triggered it but I just randomly one day had a panic attack. I began exercising and eating well afterwards and it went away until 6 months later. Turns out I had pneumonia and it was increasing my anxiety. Got better after antibiotics but took a while to get my gut back to health. Ended up getting another really bad panic attack induced by keto a few months later which had me taking my dad's bromazepam for 2 wks while my mind and body recovered. Little did I know my body wasn't recovering as fast because the benzos kept giving me rebound anxiety after a while off them.
Same here!! Lorazepam, only 0.5mg three times over one week, and I am sick as a dog right now. Worse panic than before, trembling, hot flashes, etc
Hi Dr. B. I want you to know how truly valuable your channel is to me. I have been on high doses of Benzos since 1994. For about 20 years, I was talking Xanax 6mg's. I asked my doctor to change me to Klonipin. I'm now on 2mg 4 x's a day. As far as generic Klonipin goes, I've tried two different types because I'm trying to find what works best for me. I've tried Teva and I'm not sure what drug company makes it, but it had an odd shaped V on one side. Neither one seems to be working very well. All over the internet, everyone say the Teva is the best, but every person who wrote about it was only talking about the 1 mg. Would you be able to recommend a generic brand that your Patients say work the best. Thank you very much. God bless you.
From Medicine Hat Alberta Canada it nice to have to great its a blessing I found you I’m at my wits end dealing with Anxiety and depression . I wish you were in Canada I would love to meet you in person. I’m a 61 year old Male and are terrified about coming off of Xanax as my Doctor don’t want to prescribe benzo anymore. She wants to start taper it’s very scary time for Me as I live alone but do have family in town . Thank you so much your a Breath of fresh air God bless ❤ 🙏
I wish you all the luck
Can memory loss issues come right or is the memory lose permanent after taking benzo's, thanks.
I did this and it was horrible. Such a slippery slope. Took Xanax for years for panic disorder. Now I just take as needed. Such a love hate situation with benzos. Thank you for this. So many Drs. don’t believe the long term effects are real. 🙏
how did you do it? im down to 1mg but I cant go lower without suffering a lot. help please
@Joe Tomlin when did you jump?
@Joe Tomlin but no seizures right? Oh man, a lot of stuff. Was it xanax?
@Joe Tomlin so if the amount is less than 2mg no seizures! Wow I am happy now. The doctors dont say those things
@Joe Tomlin man.. thank you so much for sharing. I already have some joint pain.
I was on klonopin for a little over 3 years. My Dr. just said to taper it off. He didn't tell me how horrific it was going to be. I cut tablet in halves, then quarters, then every other day, etc...it was still hell. I've been off them for 7 years and I still don't feel normal. I can't say that I wanted to stay on Benzos so I wouldn't have to deal with withdrawal symptoms. My memory and cognition has been affected. I have not felt my normal self since before I took it. I've dealt with my Anxiety and ptsd by other means. I would rather live with having anxiety than ever take any type of anti-depressant or anti-anxiety meds EVER AGAIN!!! And I haven't. This has jaded me with trusting most mental health Doctors.
Dr B - it doesn't matter how slowly you come off Benzos. If you "feel normal again" you probably shouldn't have been on them to begin with. WD from Benzos brings on the same symptoms they were designed to fight. So what's "normal" mean to a person that lives with GAD and the 24/7 feeling of Panic, fright and the uncontrollable acceleration of the Fight or Flight mechanism? I've been on Klonopin for 25 years and have been taken off them twice. After the second time, with no end in sight of what people normally perceive as withdrawal symptoms, I finally realized 3 or 4 months later that I WAS off Benzos and THE HORROR was that this was my normal self without them. Then came the question of "Quality of Life". Was I content with living as a borderline Agoraphobic, with no social life and in a constant state of feeling Attacked by my own self or slipping comfortably away from it all into the ether? I've been there and decided I preferred the latter option. I owe my life to the continued influence of Benzos.
I'm permanently damaged after 3 mg of clanazepam daily for 5 years. I built a tolerance and was forced cold turkey. I'm out 27 months my body is always burning and feels like a pound cake. Destroyed my gallbladder, prostate, bladder to say the least.
I would see a specialist and see what you can do to feel better. Your body and mind are getting used to being without. Remember, this is mad made evil stuff not found in nature. Are body and mind don't know how to easily process or readjust itself after taking it. If you were in it for years, it's going to take time, but it does get better.
I had plenty to ween myself off. I spent nearly a year gradually reducing my dose. 5 yrs removed and looking back it had taken years to shake its influence and effects. I can't imagine what it would have been like had I been cut off stone cold.
I’m subscribed 4 mg a day, I take 6 mg until I’m low then I take 1 a day until My refill. It’s been like this for a year. I think 6 mg is therapeutic for me. I’ve taken 8 mg, it’s too much. They will not give me more then 4mg. It’s better then nothing. I have severe panic attacks, PTSD. I wake up every morning in a panic attack, there is a total emergency. I have to take medicine and hide in the bathroom for 30 minutes to an hour. I have to wake up early knowing this. Then during the day with no triggers, I start having trouble breathing. It’s a nightmare and Ive just become numb to life. It’s a shame this drug works, but is dangerous and I wasn’t told this. Now it’s to late.
Bravo! Very true, Taper works for me. From 5mg/d now to 1mg/d in 6months. I had a very good time, learning step by step my returning clear vision and emotions to love and beeing part of me again. ld say l feel great! Greeting from Suisse🇨🇭
It's been 23 days since I've essentially been cut off cold turkey from a 5 year prescription of alprazolam. This is absolutely horrific. I've never been so ill. I've
absolutely useless cognitively and psychologically & physically than I have been. So far in just 23 days I've had 3 seizures, followed by vision impairment, a host a CNS issues and an inability to even have any clear thoughts or ability to problem solve.
What was originally a miracle medication that has helped with severe anxiety issues has become now what in hindsight was a cakewalk in relative comparison to what I originally started taking the medication for.
I genuinely would not wish this upon My worst enemy. This is an absolute nightmare My friends.
Im getting the exact same symptoms. contact me for support. take care Michael
What dosage and how much have u been taking per week
MrAR how r u now my frd
I'm on .75 mg a day...is this something to worry about if I don't go any higher?
@@priyanevanarnauld5987 hi...I am on .75 mg a day...if I stay there or less am I to worry?
The issue isn’t that people who are sick don’t want help or do not seek help, but that the doctors usually say drink water and send you home. We need more drs like you who understand and hold up to their oaths and helping people not looking down on them and sending them away.
I watched your video and you speak the truth. I'm 55 and been on klonopin for about 12 yrs. I went to a local rehab and they had me off in 10 days in which I wanted to die. I really wanted to die. I realize I have to start a slow taper and after I watched your video I am scared. I had to go back on it was so bad. I'm on 2mg daily and I HATE this shit. I want off but the panic and raw fear was the devil himself. Can u please make a suggestion for me so I can taper. I realize this would only be a suggestion and I would follow my own Dr's orders. You are a very wise man .. and I wanna thank u for your insight!
You will need to see a specialist who realizes that you were taking this stuff for awhile and that you need to dose down carefully and gradually for awhile until your down to next to nothing. This is not something that can be done cold turkey. I just went through the worst 2 months if my life from Xanax withdrawal cold turkey. I lost my mind literally for 45 of those days and the physical symptoms were also torture. I couldn't work at all for two months, I could barely do anything.