Prolonged benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

[Cyanoide]

I've recently gone through benzo detox (clonazepam/diazepam) and the worst physical WD symptoms are gone, but I'm having many annoying and strange symptoms. I've now been benzo-free for 2 weeks with the exception of one relapse.

Some symptoms I have:

- My ears are ringing very loud, I have tinnitus but this is much louder.
- My visual field is filled with minor distortions that look a bit like small snowflakes
- Extreme oversensitivity to light
- Sleep paralysis
- Poor memory, I have problems remembering what I did yesterday
- Problems concentrating on anything

Have anyone experienced these symptoms? Is there any remedy? How long have they lasted? My doctor said that I shouldn't expect them to start easing until next year.

 

[T. Calderone]

What your doctor said might be true. I had gone through a nasty withdrawal from xanax and it was worse than opiates. That was nearly 5 months ago and it's only been 2 weeks for you. My memory's shitty and still having trouble sleeping.

 

[Pagey]

It's not at all uncommon for benzo withdrawal to drag on for a very long time. It's been about seven months for me but my memory and concentration still aren't back to normal and I still get regular brain zaps. I think a lot of it depends on the duration and intensity of the addiction...so unfortunately your symptoms could go on for a very long time, but they will get lighter and easier to deal with as time goes by.

 

[Cyanoide]

I used benzos for 9 years, 4 different ones (oxazepam-> alprazolam -> clonazepam -> diazepam). I hadn't had a single day without benzos those 9 years. My doses varied but were as high as 8 mg alprazolam / day some years ago.

What is your opinion on drinking alcohol while recovering? I'm not talking about being heavily drunk every other day.

 

[Pagey]

Mmyeah well considering how long you used them for, unfortunately I'd expect some of your WD symptoms to last a very long time :/

Uh my opinion is no, don't. Too much risk of trading one addiction for another.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

It sounds like you're experiencing PAWS. Best of luck Cyanoide, and congratulations on discontinuing benzo usage.

 

[RobotRipping]

i experienced those same symptoms. most will taper off after the first month, by 6 months you'll be back to your regular self, it gets better each day though.