Xanax detox and suppliments.

[tropicalsoul]

I've read several other boards that say to stop all suppliments while detoxing from benzos.  WOuld anyone know what type of suppliments are detrimental to benzo detox?  I take a multi-vitamin and some other herbal suppliments but they are all natural.  

I just wonder how many other people are out there wanting to get off of benzos and have no idea how to do it because their doctors wont help them?

This detox thing is so confusing?

[abby10]

That's scary about your doctor. I know what you mean about just keeping your mouth shut when your'e sitting in front of him/her. "My doctor" "a medication management specialist" knew how to give me 8mg xanax (plus other's) a day, but she didn't even know that valium came in 2mg tablets.

I have read many times that the b-vitamins can rev-up your nervous system. There are some b-vitamins that are particularly bad. I know the b's are generally very good to take, but I wouldn't risk it while in benzo w/d.

I stopped taking them completely during the worst time of the w/d's, but since I was hanging off the ceiling with my fingernails at the time, I couldn't tell you if it made any difference or not.

abby

[RubyWitch]

I remember writing to you before when I read that you had gone off Xanax cold turkey. I think your post was asking if, after 6 weeks, you should be done with any w/d side effects.

I don't know what to say about your doctor's response to the side effects you talked to him about. If they aren't typical for benzo w/d, then what ARE they "typical" of? Did he tell you that?

I am happy to hear that things are improving for you. That you are looking and feeling better. I'm glad you realize that going cold turkey was, perhaps, not the greatest idea, and I think you were lucky (?) that all that happened was apparently 6 weeks of feeling like h*e*l*l*
You say you still have stomach problems, so maybe a referral to a gastroenterologist is in order to rule out acid reflux (GERD) or ulcers. Very common for those of us with anxiety issues. And since you are still having panic attacks, why not give therapy a shot? You have anxiety for a reason, you found out the pills don't "cure" it, so you need to find what IS causing it and deal with it. Which you CAN do without drugs...........no one can force you to take medication.
I wish you the very best and please let us know how you're doing, OK?
I hope you stick around and share your hard won knowledge with others who are fighting to get off benzos.
Peace
Greenlydia

[tropicalsoul]

Hy Lydia,
Sunday will be 6 weeks cold turkey for me.  When I decided to quit I was not thinking clearly...I just wanted off these evil pills.  Hindsight does tell me that I did this the wrong way.  My doctor was truley AMAZED that I did not want a refill on my xanax and when I told him about the side effects I was having he quickly informed me "I am the doctor here and those are not typical side effects of benzos."  I did not argue with him but knew better.

The reason I decided to quit xanax was one morning I looked in the mirror and did not recognize the person looking back at me.  I had lost 15lbs, lost my muscle mass and was confused and could not concentrate.  This is when I began researching the side effects of benzos.  Once I confirmed my problem I decided to quit right then.

When I started xanax they worked wonderfully.  I work out every morning and at my peak was 200lbs with 4% body fat.  Not to toot my own horn but...."beep beep."

The morning I looked in the mirror I was 183lbs, had no appetite, bags under my eyes, eyes were always blood shot and tired looking.  I looked like walking death.  Now almost 6 weeks later..my weight is at 192lbs, my muscle mass is returning, my appetite is coming back and the bags are almost gone.

I still have stomach problems and the occassional panic attack but I am starting to learn how to deal with them.  

Thanks for your reply and concern.  The more I study and research benzos and the medical establishment the more SCARED I become.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[RubyWitch]

If your doctor is not actively helping and supervising your w/d from a benzo, or is unwilling or, more likely, incapable of answering these questions for you, please run as far and as fast as you can away from this particular doctor. There ARE doctors out there who DO understand benzos. You need to find one of those. But why isn't your doctor helping you? That he/she doesn't have a clue would be my guess. (AND my fear!)  

I can't answer your question because, quite simply, I don't know the answer. I have often told people that BEFORE they begin taking any kind of herb or supplement to discuss it with their doctor or, preferrably, a pharmacist. The MYTH that just because something is "natural" it can't hurt us is very wrong! It can, in fact, be lethal.
But you are talking about STOPPING these supplements..............I personally don't understand the reasoning behind that, but again, I must plead ignorance. (I'd be interested to know why these other sites say you should stop them)

So, to recap..........I haven't answered your question at all. I CAN answer the one about how many people don't get any help from their doctors, especially concerning benzos, and that would be.........MOST. Withdrawl from a benzo is not really all that confusing when a proper taper program has been set up for you. (Please note that I did not say it was going to be easy!) Finding a qualified professional to divise and supervise it is your problem at the moment.
You might try calling your local physcians referral service and tell them you need a doctor well versed in benzo w/d. They SHOULD be able to recommend at least a few in your area.
Parting words of advice.........Please do not quit cold turkey! I don't know what you're on or how long you've been on it, but almost every benzo out there must be slowly tapered. My totally non-professional advice is to keep taking your meds until you find a doctor who can help with your w/d.
I wish you the best.
Peace
Greenlydia