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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 7:57:25
Hi.
Does anyone know how to differentiate between the withdrawal syndromes produced by the discontinuation of SRI antidepressants versus benzodiazepines?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 14:08:11
In reply to Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 7:57:25
Is this too simplistic? I read your question and it was the first thing that came into my mind. When I get off an SRI too fast, I get depressed. And when I get off a benzo, I get anxious! (Conversely, when I ramp-up on an SRI too fast, I get anxious, and when I take too much benzo, I get depressed.)
I'm sorry if that seems a sorry-*ss repsonse.
Minnie
Posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 23:46:39
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 14:08:11
> Is this too simplistic? I read your question and it was the first thing that came into my mind. When I get off an SRI too fast, I get depressed. And when I get off a benzo, I get anxious! (Conversely, when I ramp-up on an SRI too fast, I get anxious, and when I take too much benzo, I get depressed.)
>
> I'm sorry if that seems a sorry-*ss repsonse.Not at all!
Thanks for the insight. It sounds pretty good to me.
- Scott
Posted by 4WD on May 26, 2005, at 16:47:14
In reply to Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 7:57:25
> Hi.
>
> Does anyone know how to differentiate between the withdrawal syndromes produced by the discontinuation of SRI antidepressants versus benzodiazepines?
>
> Thanks.Scott,
This doesn't sound like a question you'd ask. I figured you'd been through all that before.
Anyway, I've done both. Withdrawal from benzo (ativan 5-10mg h.s. for 10 years): Starts pretty much the first day without. Gets worse very rapidly. Fifth day is probably the worst. Total insomnia for days, 2-3 hours to fall asleep for weeks, over an hour to fall asleep for months or even years. Extreme jumpiness and hypersensitivity to unexpected sounds (screaming when the phone rings, etc.) Terrible fear and anxiety. Fear you're dying. Fear you have cancer or TB. Chills. Can't eat at all. Muscle tension. All your senses on hyper alert. Jumping at the least physical sensation, like being touched. Crying. Ability to orgasm vastly increased.
SSRI withdrawal. Happens more slowly - over a week or two. Except for brain zaps which start pretty quick. Weepiness. Ability to orgasm vastly increased. Very easily frustrated and irritable over small things ("OH, NO, I'm almost out of toothpaste. Just great. Now I have to buy more. Just great.")Slow downward slide into sadness, apathy and no energy. Lack of motivation becomes lack of energy to get to the bathroom even. Hopelessness. Despair. (I guess this is actually a return to major depression). Insomnia or hypersomnia (depending on drug and on your reaction while being treated).
Hope this helps.
Marsha
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on May 27, 2005, at 8:53:17
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » SLS, posted by 4WD on May 26, 2005, at 16:47:14
Thanks, Marsha. That was very helpful.
I have been through both types of withdrawal, but it has been so long since I had to suffer them (I've become good at avoiding them), I don't trust my memory enough to make the connections. You did a great job of it.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2005, at 18:33:35
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » 4WD, posted by SLS on May 27, 2005, at 8:53:17
Marsha, That was pretty scarey!. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on May 27, 2005, at 18:44:39
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » SLS, posted by 4WD on May 26, 2005, at 16:47:14
>Ability to orgasm vastly increased.
Yep, I'm familiar with that one. When I came off Effexor (without tapering) I started having orgasms when I didn't even have an erection. Sorry, that was a bit gross.... too much info!
Ed.
Posted by 4WD on May 27, 2005, at 21:08:52
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2005, at 18:33:35
> Marsha, That was pretty scarey!. Fondly, Phillipa
Yeah, that's why I'm so afraid to take Klonopin on a regular basis even though I desperately need it. I remember all too well what it was like coming off Ativan. Right down to what I was wearing - a white terry robe- on the fifth day when it was the worst. And exactly what I was thinking -- I was afraid to smoke a cigarette because I was convinced I had TB. (And that was in 1986.)The only way I got through that day was by taking half a Halcion tablet which let me sleep for an hour and a half. I still can't believe I managed that with my full bottle of Ativan and a bottle of Halcion right there in the medicine cabinet. I must have been young and strong. Or actually, I guess, just desperate. My doctor had told me it was the Ativan causing my depression and I was so miserable I was willing to do anything to get better.
Of course it wouldn't be that bad if you tapered. I didn't. I wanted to "get it over with."
Marsha
Posted by linkadge on May 27, 2005, at 23:13:17
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » Phillipa, posted by 4WD on May 27, 2005, at 21:08:52
Benzo withdrawl just makes me a little anxious, SSRI withdrawl makes me want to kill myself and anyone who looks at me the wrong way. SSRIs ARE addictive.
Linakdge
Posted by linkadge on May 27, 2005, at 23:35:22
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by linkadge on May 27, 2005, at 23:13:17
That is exactly what I feel too. After SSRI withdrawl I constantly have all sorts of hellish convulsive like activity.
Linkadge
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:59:55
In reply to Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 7:57:25
they seem so distinct and yet I'm without words.
Benzo withdrawal causes me irritability, tension (in my intestines too), insomnia, muscle aches, nail biting, exaggerated startle response, increased worrying and obsessing, increased depression or a general dysphoria and a horrible sense of dread!
SSRI withdrawal causes me mild brain zaps, and I never thought about it as withdrawal, but I do get more anxious and eventualy more depressed. Sometimes I actually feel euphoric if I just cut out Zoloft for a day.
Scott
Posted by ed_uk on May 30, 2005, at 7:39:26
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » SLS, posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:59:55
I'm like you, I've never found it difficult to come off SSRIs. Sadly, many people are not so lucky.....
Ed.
Posted by Mr.Scott on June 1, 2005, at 18:05:05
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » Mr.Scott, posted by ed_uk on May 30, 2005, at 7:39:26
Some people don't get withdrawal from benzos, and some seem to get it mildly.
Sadly not me...
Posted by TerraJo on June 8, 2005, at 9:50:30
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » ed_uk, posted by Mr.Scott on June 1, 2005, at 18:05:05
described perfectly. interesting that i get the "brain zaps" when i need to increase my AD dose.
ativan is awful to get off of, so i understand that one. have had xanax w/o having any trouble at all, but ativan once i got off i swore i would never get back on.
t.
Posted by lushkins on June 11, 2005, at 6:32:21
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » SLS, posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:59:55
>
>
> they seem so distinct and yet I'm without words.
>
> Benzo withdrawal causes me irritability, tension (in my intestines too), insomnia, muscle aches, nail biting, exaggerated startle response, increased worrying and obsessing, increased depression or a general dysphoria and a horrible sense of dread!
>
> SSRI withdrawal causes me mild brain zaps, and I never thought about it as withdrawal, but I do get more anxious and eventualy more depressed. Sometimes I actually feel euphoric if I just cut out Zoloft for a day.
>
> ScottHi everyone, after the downward spriral which a few talk about with SRRI withdrawl do you EVER find that you gradually perk up, even if its just a transient lift in the mood? Or is it downhill from there?
I am withdrawing from remeron which people say doesn't typically cause withdrawl but I am certainly expereicing it. Its just the insomnia that I don't like no sleep in the last 3 days at all. Cant sleep, feel sick, and depressed but not much more than usual. I wasn't a great sleeper before tapering the remeron but this is beyond a joke.
Posted by Jazzed on June 21, 2005, at 21:14:17
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » 4WD, posted by ed_uk on May 27, 2005, at 18:44:39
> >Ability to orgasm vastly increased.
>
> Yep, I'm familiar with that one. When I came off Effexor (without tapering) I started having orgasms when I didn't even have an erection. Sorry, that was a bit gross.... too much info!
>
> Ed.We can handle it Ed, but sorry that you have to go through it.
Jazzy
Posted by ed_uk on June 22, 2005, at 11:14:56
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » ed_uk, posted by Jazzed on June 21, 2005, at 21:14:17
>We can handle it Ed, but sorry that you have to go through it.
Thanks Jazzy, I'm back to normal now! ;-)
~Ed
Posted by missamor on June 22, 2005, at 11:49:53
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » Jazzed, posted by ed_uk on June 22, 2005, at 11:14:56
when i first began taking klonopin, over 3 years ago, i went out of the country and ended up staying for much longer than expected. and i just quit taking 1 mg a day of klonopin when i ran out. i did not have withdrawl, i dont remember having it. so is that any indication of how i will be able to ween myself from klonopin, say if i get pregnant or something. not planning to, not planning to ween myself anytime soon. but if it were neccessary would i be able to and hopefully not have these horrible withdrawl experiences? by the way now i am taking 1.5mg per day and have been constantly for 2.5 years. i was only taking a short time when i traveled to india, if it makes a difference. and this is the only medicine i take, besides vitamins and stuff like that. just wondering what to expect. thank you!
Posted by 4WD on June 22, 2005, at 23:21:44
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos » Jazzed, posted by ed_uk on June 22, 2005, at 11:14:56
> >We can handle it Ed, but sorry that you have to go through it.
>
> Thanks Jazzy, I'm back to normal now! ;-)
>
> ~EdI'm so sorry.
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on June 22, 2005, at 23:24:16
In reply to Re: Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by missamor on June 22, 2005, at 11:49:53
> when i first began taking klonopin, over 3 years ago, i went out of the country and ended up staying for much longer than expected. and i just quit taking 1 mg a day of klonopin when i ran out. i did not have withdrawl, i dont remember having it. so is that any indication of how i will be able to ween myself from klonopin, say if i get pregnant or something. not planning to, not planning to ween myself anytime soon. but if it were neccessary would i be able to and hopefully not have these horrible withdrawl experiences? by the way now i am taking 1.5mg per day and have been constantly for 2.5 years. i was only taking a short time when i traveled to india, if it makes a difference. and this is the only medicine i take, besides vitamins and stuff like that. just wondering what to expect. thank you!
I think you might need to taper it if you decide to go off it. Since you've been on it much longer now, it wouldn't be a good idea just to quit it abruptly. Why suffer if you don't have to?Marsha
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