The Harrowing Journey of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: One Man's Story

💔Lance started taking benzodiazepines due to high stress levels and a psychiatrist's prescription. At first, it seemed to relieve his stress, but he soon became dependent on the medication.

😱Lance experienced severe withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks, derealization, and depersonalization. He also struggled with insomnia and hypnic jerks, which left him sleep-deprived.

🤯During the withdrawal process, Lance faced incessant panic attacks and felt like he was losing control of his body and mind. He also experienced hallucinations multiple times due to sleep deprivation.

💪Lance faced his withdrawal journey with determination, even though he received little support from his psychiatrist. He continues to cope with lingering symptoms like insomnia and blurred vision.

🙌Lance's story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals going through benzodiazepine withdrawal and highlights the importance of raising awareness and providing support for those in need.

What led Lance to start taking benzodiazepines?

—Lance began taking benzodiazepines due to high stress levels caused by caring for his terminally ill mother, managing his job, and raising four teenagers.

How did Lance realize he was experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms?

—Lance experienced panic attacks when he missed a dose of Xanax, which made him realize he was dependent on the medication and prompted him to seek help.

What were some of the most challenging symptoms Lance faced during withdrawal?

—Lance experienced derealization, depersonalization, akathisia, hypnic jerks, insomnia, electric shocks, and non-stop panic attacks, which significantly impacted his daily life.

How did Lance cope with withdrawal without much support?

—Despite the lack of support from his psychiatrist, Lance approached the withdrawal process with determination and sought ways to manage his symptoms. He continues to cope with lingering effects.

What does Lance hope to achieve by sharing his story?

—Lance aims to raise awareness about the challenges of benzodiazepine withdrawal and advocate for better support and understanding for individuals going through similar experiences.

00:00Introduction of Lance, who experienced protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal for 19 months.

02:31Lance shares how he started taking benzodiazepines due to high stress levels and a prescription from a psychiatrist.

09:01Lance describes the severe symptoms he faced during withdrawal, including panic attacks, derealization, depersonalization, and akathisia.

11:00Lance discusses the psychological effects of sleep deprivation, including hallucinations and looping catastrophic thoughts.

12:23Lance recounts his experience of hallucinating and seeking help at the emergency room due to sleep deprivation.

13:55Lance talks about the lack of support from his psychiatrist and how he coped with withdrawal on his own.

16:10Lance emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and providing support for individuals going through benzodiazepine withdrawal.

17:30Conclusion and final thoughts on Lance's journey of benzodiazepine withdrawal.