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Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a problem that is very dear to my heart. I
was on Valium for 31 years and it took me one year and four months to get off of it. I
want to help and encourage others to get off this drug and get hold of
their life again. I would like to share my story with all those who are interested or
experienced my problem.
The withdrawal symptoms can last months to even years. The worst of the symptoms were the
electrical shocks, and insomnia. I had insomnia for a year and a half. The shocks were so bad that they would lift me up off the bed. Finally after four year of being off the benzos, I can can sleep! I have had tremors, knee jerking, feelings like electricity throughout my whole body, electrical shocks, chills, heart palpitations, diarrhea, insomnia, trouble swallowing, excess sweating, headaches, sharp stabbing pains in my head, extreme anxiety, and bad burning on the top of my head.
Doctors did nothing to help me with my withdrawal symptoms. I have found that
taking any type of stimulants only induces the withdrawal symptoms, especially caffeine and Tylonal PM. I tried anti-depressants and they caused seizures and stabbing pains in my head.
I was very fortunate and it was by the grace of God that I was able to get off of this horrible drug and fortunately, I found Betty Foote on the
internet to help me through this ordeal. She was an answer to prayer, as I didn't know of anyone who had these symptoms. She assured me that these symptoms were not all
in my head, nor was my anxiety returning, but I was experiencing protracted withdrawal symtoms.
Now, after being off the Valium for about 7 years, I am finally sleeping
better and can sleep almost all night. Melatonin has been the only thing that I have
taken to help me to sleep and I take three to six of them at night, sometimes....none.
I am feeling better getting more sleep and doing okay now.
I am working part time now and although I went back to work too early, I think
it was the best thing that happened for me. I was very depressed staying at home and
when I started working, it helped me out of depression. I am doing fine now and very thankful I am finally off of the Valium. Mostly I want to thank the Lord for giving me the strength to over come this addiction. I want to
encourage all of you to at least try to get off of the drugs and if I can be of any
help, please feel free to write to me. I will help you every way that I can.
Support:
As of March 18, 1999, there is a mailing list for people going through
Benzodiazepine withdrawal that you can join online at Groups.yahoo.com.
Signup for the list "BENZO".
If anyone is going through a withdrawal, please
contact me and I will be glad to
help you to join the group. We can exchange information about withdrawal symptoms, as
well as help and encourage one another.
There is now a FAQ that will answer many of your other questions
about Benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal,
please read it for more info.
Visit Dr. Peter Breggin's site
Email me
This page last modified November 21, 2003.
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