4 replies to this topic

[QueenTimely]

Hi all -
Well, some of you know after my father died and I found out that I'd been left entirely out of the will, the anxiety that was already bad from my withdrawal became much worse. First, I tried Prozac on the theory that that was an easier way to finish weaning, but it actually, in my case, only made me worse. It was very activating for me and made me even more anxious. I tried a few Valium that my husband had lying around, although this is something I'd never have done normally, and realised that benzos could really help me now.

A strong recommendation from someone I trusted was that I try lorazepam, which I've been taking for a few days now. Both helped bring my only bad withdrawal effect -- horrible anxiety -- under control, and now I've had four days off Cymbalta. I am not recommending benzodiazepines to people at large, but, my God, it's made all the difference for me. Which is good, because last Monday, my step-father died as well. The lorazepam has really taken the edge off the crisis level of anxiety, and I'm feeling like I can manage again, at least to begin dealing with all the grief and begin the process of leaving Italy and returning to Australia. I know that benzos have their own addiction/ withdrawal problems, but there's no way I was going back onto Cymbalta which never worked well for me to begin with, and I just don't have the psychiatric support to find another solution while I'm here. So at least, for today, I can manage. I know I'm not an addict -- I've already reduced my Lorazepam dose. And I'm off Cymbalta.

[cookie]

Dear QueenTimely:
I am so sorry about your father loss (and being left entirely out of the will) and your step father loss.
Yes, Prozac gave me anxiety too. It is good that you have found meds to help your anxiety in this bad moment (valium , lorazepam, benzos). But please be careful not to become dependent. Use them only in this hard times, but try to quit them as soon as you get better.
Hugs
Cookie

[MaureenV]

Hi all -
Well, some of you know after my father died and I found out that I'd been left entirely out of the will, the anxiety that was already bad from my withdrawal became much worse. First, I tried Prozac on the theory that that was an easier way to finish weaning, but it actually, in my case, only made me worse. It was very activating for me and made me even more anxious. I tried a few Valium that my husband had lying around, although this is something I'd never have done normally, and realised that benzos could really help me now.

A strong recommendation from someone I trusted was that I try lorazepam, which I've been taking for a few days now. Both helped bring my only bad withdrawal effect -- horrible anxiety -- under control, and now I've had four days off Cymbalta. I am not recommending benzodiazepines to people at large, but, my God, it's made all the difference for me. Which is good, because last Monday, my step-father died as well. The lorazepam has really taken the edge off the crisis level of anxiety, and I'm feeling like I can manage again, at least to begin dealing with all the grief and begin the process of leaving Italy and returning to Australia. I know that benzos have their own addiction/ withdrawal problems, but there's no way I was going back onto Cymbalta which never worked well for me to begin with, and I just don't have the psychiatric support to find another solution while I'm here. So at least, for today, I can manage. I know I'm not an addict -- I've already reduced my Lorazepam dose. And I'm off Cymbalta.

So sorry to hear of the further bad news - I know you were close to your step-father.

Sounds like at least the latest attempt has worked better for you - good to hear.

keep us informed,


regards, Maureen.

[QueenTimely]

Thanks for your support. Saw my doctor again today and am shifting from the Lorazepam drops to the tablets which he thinks may hold out a bit longer and have fewer side effects. It so eases the anxiety. And yes, you can all be confident that I'm off at the first possible opportunity. Thanks so much.

[Debbie M.]

Like you told someone else on another post, you just do what you need to do right now. ITs going to be laright. You just need some time to get used to your new situation.

God Bless,
Deb