Benzo Tapering and Withdrawal 11
I made another cut two nights ago. It hit me hard the very next day. It may have been psychological since it hit me so fast, but it could also have to do with the fact that you really have to slow down on the taper at these very low dosages. I’m feeling better today but I can still tell I made another cut. These heart palpitations that I’m hoping are just part of the detox are really, really scary at times. Like every 3 beat is a skipped beat when they are happening. I’m sleeping better than when the insomnia was in full force, but still not feeling completely rested when I wake and I wake much earlier than I used to before the tapering process.
I’m keeping my family informed and staying active in the support group and those things definitely help. Tapering and detoxing from benzodiazepines is a long, uncomfortable process. I’ve heard from people whose doctors are rapid tapering them, as in an unnecessarily and dangerously rapid taper. One person said their doctor is rapid tapering them from 4 mg of klonopin (clonazepam) to nothing in only 4 months. That is insane. Others have reported that their doctors have informed them that they will no longer prescribe the meds and essentially creating a cold-turkey situation which is extremely dangerous and, in my opinion, malpractice. To people in situations like these, I can only say find another doctor ASAP or go to an emergency room because it is, in fact, an emergency. Cold turkey quitting benzodiazepines is an extremely dangerous and, in some cases, life threatening situation.
I am fortunate that I have a good doctor who understands the seriousness and difficulty of tapering off and withdrawing from benzodiazepines. Without this good doctor, my family, and my support group I really don’t think I could do this. Moving away from the oppressive state of Texas has helped me more than I could ever explain too. Tapering and detoxing is no joke and, honestly, I don’t know how people who have sorry, uninformed doctors and no support at all do it. There are times when I don’t know if I can do it and I’m already at a dose so low it isn’t even a child’s dose. Technically, I could jump from where I’m at. But, I don’t want to make things harder on myself than it already is and since I have a good doctor who is knowledgeable I don’t see a reason to make things harder on myself.
If you have any advice for me or others who read this blog, I’d love to hear from you. If you are one of those who have a terrible doctor who isn’t helping you, please find some quality care, I know there are indeed good doctors out there.
Thanks for reading!