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Summary
A caregiver’s story of her husband’s dependence on Xanax and the struggles to find any doctor who would help them with his taper.
Details
Key Topics: Caregiver, Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants,
Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-bad-guys-anger-aggression-depression-and-obsession-bfp013
Content Warning
Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. If this is a concern for you, please refrain from reading any further. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Opinions stated are those of the author only. See our disclaimer at the bottom of this post for more information.
Mary’s Story
I just discovered your podcast.
I am supporting my husband who is going through withdrawal. As since this is not my story to share, I would like to remain anonymous.
He is a short-time user who developed symptoms in less than a month of use (Xanax). You stated in your podcast that people should do the taper with medical assistance. We were unfortunate to not have found a supportive doctor.
He would not listen to what we had to say about Ashton. He threatened to drop him as a patient if he didn’t take the new meds.
We started the taper on our own while trying to convince the doctor that we were not comfortable using the added Rx meds he was strongly pushing (antipsychotics and antidepressants). He would not listen to what we had to say about Ashton. He threatened to drop him as a patient if he didn’t take the new meds.
I researched the benzo boards and websites. One had a doctor close by, but he had been retired for years. Another site had no doctors at all in the state of NY.
This journey started in March of 2018. We downloaded a chart to help with the dosages of a liquid taper. As of October 19, 2018, he is benzo-free.
The taper was quick and the mg of valium Rx he was given was not equivalent to the Xanax. It was a very difficult road and his symptoms are still going strong. He will most likely miss the graduation of our children later this year. I am currently looking for a job prescribing therapist to try to help him. His agoraphobia is a hurdle, but I’m hopeful.
It’s a very helpless feeling to watch him go through this knowing there’s nothing I can do to help him, besides keeping him fed.
It’s a very helpless feeling to watch him go through this knowing there’s nothing I can do to help him, besides keeping him fed. Family members and co-workers don’t believe that he is so sick. They Don’t believe it’s from the drugs. I cringe every time I hear about someone taking these pills.
In the emergency room last year, we were in the curtain next to a woman who was given Valium (as well as pain meds) after a fall. Prescribed as a muscle relaxer. I wanted so badly to tell her not to take them!
So many argue “I’ve been on them for so long and I’m not having any problems.” People just don’t want to know. They trust their doctor (as we did – and as you did). It’s a really sad thing.
I am comforted that at least my children are informed. They weren’t able to discourage their friends from taking them, but at least they will not suffer like this themselves.
I wish us all good health and a pain free future ahead.
Mary
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Disclaimer
All stories shared on Easing Anxiety are done so with the author’s permission. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect those of Easing Anxiety or its founder. Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. While provided as an informational resource to our community, some stories may not be beneficial to those who are sensitive to their content. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal or BIND, most people can withdraw safely, successfully, and without serious complications if they are informed and have a solid support system. Many of the stories shared on Easing Anxiety are extreme and should not be used to create any expectations of one’s individual experience. Please read the Ashton Manual formore information and work with your doctor. Withdrawal, tapering, or any other change in dosage of benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), or any other prescription medication should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. View our complete disclaimer for more info.