Anne_33 (everybody) --
What I'm about to post, you may already know...but if you don't, it may be very enlightening (and a MAJOR key to your situation right now). This is information that is very "unknown" to most folks (unless they themselves or a relative have experienced it). For those of us that assist others on Curezone, this information is imperative.
It's known as "benzodiazepine tolerance/withdrawal" (Xanax is one of THE most likely benzodiazepine sedatives that this happens with). And what it means, is that you can be experiencing ALL the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, even when still taking the Xanax, or even after you've upped the dose (benzodiazepine withdrawal is HORRIBLY BRUTAL and can affect EVERY part of the body, 24 hours a day). I'm going to give links when I'm finished explaining.
This can happen a mere 4-8 weeks after taking one's first benzodiazepine.
So when you said: >>>take benedryl and xanax constantly<<< I immediately became extremely concerned.
From your list, here's the ones that could/can be DIRECTLY correlated or by/with benzodiazepine tolerance withdrawal:
--allergies to everything grass/pollen/mold/trees. ('tolerance withdrawal' makes allergies MUCH worse, or causes all KINDS of "allergic reactions" that wouldn't normally happen)
--crawling sensations in the face/sinus area upon ingesting
Sugar or simple carbs (any and all symptoms of 'skin crawling' is VERY common)
--extreme dizziness that comes and goes. (yes)
--diagnosed with allergic asthma (same as "allergic" above - especially if this were not an issue before starting the Xanax)
--pain above eyebrows -- too sore to touch (weird, unexplainable pain ANYWHERE is typical)
--nasal congestion -- congestion anywhere
--swelling of hands and feet (very typical)
--anxiety / mood swings sometimes violent (the MOST common)
--bad PMS (especially if it wasn't there before the Xanax)
--intolerence to beer or caffeine and
Sugar (yep, ESPECIALLY
Sugar & caffeine)
--take benedryl and xanax constantly (of course, you're trying to treat the symptoms, and benedryl is also an anti-anxiety agent)
--hypoglycemia - until I quit sugar ("hypo" anything, you'll understand later)
--lethargy/extreme tiredness (backwash from the constant anxiety)
--arthritis symptoms (again, especially if it wasn't present before the Xanax
--imflamation everywhere (common, and ditto above)
--acid reflux and constantly burping (extremely common and ditto above)
--multiple allergies to meds esp
Antibiotics (same as "allergic" above, but many people have reactions to
Antibiotics )
What is "tolerance withdrawal"? Throughout the body we have what are known as GABA receptors - these are throughout every system, muscle, skin and part of the body - not just the brain. These are our "natural calming filters"...they keep EVERY system/muscle/ligament/brain/skin - everything (!) in it's natural state of 'calmness'. When we hear the phone ring, we don't jump out of our skin like we do if we hear an unexpected blast of sound , because the GABA receptors are working properly - they perceive something and if it's nothing to be excited about, they calm you down.
When we take a benzo, the reason it makes us feel calm (all over!) is because the benzo "chemically jolts" ALL the GABA receptors and forces them to produce a state of calmness that it's absolutely impossible for them to achieve without being "chemically jolted". Let's say the normal range of calmness they can produce is 1-10, with the benzo "jolt" they can achieve 15+ (calming you down or making you sleep when there's NO possible way that could have been done naturally). What happens is that after even a small amount of time (as little as 4-8 weeks), the GABA receptors can be brutally damaged. They USED to be able to create "1-10" calmness, but now (without the "benzo jolt") they can only produce an 8 or a 5 level of calmness :( So what happens? we need more benzos to achieve the same effect...and if we don't get "more"? Our body experiences what is known as "tolerance withdrawal". Even though we're STILL taking the benzo, we're actually experiencing physical withdrawal...because the same amount of Xanax we took before, will no longer stimulate the GABA receptors to the same point (because they've been damaged by the Xanax)...and because now they've been "jolted" so much, they can only can produce 1-5 or 1-8 level of calmness on their own - and a LESS amount of calmness with the drug. And so the cycle viciously continues - more anxiety, more physical symptoms of the body not being able to calm itself (all OVER the body), so we take more Xanax, which damages the GABA receptors further, which requires more Xanax... And this really can happen in just a few weeks or months...sometimes even less :::sigh:::
So, when the GABA receptors in the skin can no longer 'calm themselves' one experiences 'skin crawling'; a digestive system that can't calm itself produces burping & belching; one's "allergy system" can't calm itself so allergies appear or worsen; one's joints can't calm themselves so they constantly ache; sugar & caffeine stimulate, so they ALWAYS make it worse; various parts swell up/closed and get congested, any system can go "hyper" (or "hypo"), it really is almost unbelievable what these tiny little pills can cause. And it's even far more unbelievable that virtually no one 'allopathically' OR naturally seems to know about it. (Of course, mostly that's caused by doctors/patients thinking that their anxiety is simply worsening, so the docs up the prescriiption until that no longer works, and then they blame the patients...and the patients start down the all-too-frequent "hell road". This road leads to thousands of dollars worth of testing (all yielding virtually no results), the patient being blamed, and all kinds of various treatments that cause more money to be spent and more hopes to be dashed...many times ending in suicide. Because there is NO test that will show this is happening. And if this is the situation you're in Anne, you'll notice that even the QXCI didn't catch the CAUSE...and you can treat 'benzo symptoms' forever, but they'll never go away until you go through an organized, completely understood & learned about structured withdrawal program.
The nutrients recommended by the QXCI may indeed be what your body is needing - but it's possible that the symptoms you're experiencing have very little to do with nutrition. If that's the case, you'll get no relief from the recommended supplements and protocols (but of course, you will make your body healthier and better equipped to handle the withdrawal and your GABA receptors would restore themselves quicker).
The GABA receptors WILL heal themselves eventually, but they can never do it why they're constantly being jolted brutally by the benzo. Anne, I hope this isn't the case for you, but if it is (and it truly sounds like it might be to me), then there's all kinds of links and support you can get below my sign off. The fact is, if you have taken Xanax regularly (or semi regularly) for more than 4-8 weeks, this IS a distinct possibility. :(
- Here's an "offical list" of possible withdrawal & tolerance withdrawal symptoms (this list is the first link you'll find here:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/
AFTER you scroll down the list at the left hand side and click on the word 'Symptoms', and you'll also find plenty more links to other "official lists").
Why so MANY possible symptoms? Because EVERY area of the body has GABA receptors and if they've been damaged and can't do their job, then the possibilities are truly, endless.
Benzodiazepine Symptoms List
More Symptoms Lists
1. ACUTE
2. PROTRACTED
3. PARADOXICAL
4. TOLERANCE EFFECTS (including toxicity)
5. SIDE EFFECTS
6. CATEGORIES OF SYMPTOMS
1. ACUTE:
- aggression
- anxiety
- agoraphobia
- apathy
- ataxia
- breathlessness
- chest discomfort and tightness
- choking
- constipation
- convulsions (muscle usually)
- dental pain
- depersonalisation
- depression
- derealisation
- diarrhoea
- distortion of body image, misperceptions
- dry, itchy skin
- "electric shock" feelings throughout the body
- dysphoria
- excitability
- fasciculations
- flushing
- formications
- head sensations
- heart palpitations
- hyperacusis
- hypersensitivity to stimuli
- hyperosmia (sensitive sense of smell)
- hyperpyrexia (overheating)
- hyperventilation (overbreathing)
- insomnia
- intrusive thoughts
- irrational rage
- irritability
- jumpiness
- metallic taste
- nausea
- nightmares
- obsessions
- panic attacks
- perceptual disturbances and distortions
- photosensitivity
- psychotic symptoms (usually transient and
confined to rapid withdrawal)
- restlessness
- seizures (on abrupt discontinuation)
- sensory disruption
- scalp burning
- sore tongue
- sweating, night sweats
- tinnitus
- tremor
- vomiting
- weakness, "jelly legs"
- weight gain
- weight loss (this may be quite rapid)
Cold Turkey
Symptoms usually confined to 'cold turkey' or rapid
withdrawal from high doses of benzodiazepines:
- confusion
- delirium
- fits
- hallucinations
- psychotic symptoms
- seizures
2. PROTRACTED:
- abnormal muscle tone
- anxiety
- aching joints
- ataxia
- allergic reactions
- back pain
- blepharospasm (eye twitching)
- breast pain
- apathy
- constipation (often alternating with diarrhoea)
- cravings
- dehydration
- dental pain
- depersonalisation
- depression
- derealisation
- diarrhoea (often alternating with constipation)
- dry, tickly cough
- dysphagia
- fluctuations in blood pressure
- "electric shock" feelings throughout the body
- fasciculations
- formication (sensation of bugs crawling over skin)
- gait disturbance (the ground seems to move underfoot)
- gastritis
- glassy eyes
- hair loss
- heartburn
- heart palpitations
- heavy flu-like symptoms
- hyperacusis
- hyperaesthesia (sensitivity to stimuli)
- hyperosmia
- insomnia
- iris colour changes
- kakosmia
- joint pains
- leukonychea (whitening of nails)
- libidinal changes
- malabsorption
- menstrual irregularity
- muscular cramps
- muscular rigidity
- muscular spasms
- muscular (and bone) weakness
- myoclonic convulsions (muscle/nerve spasms)
- nausea
- neurological problems (topical nerve anaesthesia)
- nose bleeds
- oedema (especially of ankles and face)
- oesophagitis
- paraesthesiae (numbing, burning and tingling; pins and needles)
- poor concentration
- poor short-term memory
- perspiring, night sweats
- severe headaches
- sinusitis
- skin insensitivity
- sore, itchy eyes
- spine (burning sensation)
- stomach cramps
- thirst
- thrush-like symptoms
- tremor
- tinnitus (ear buzzing, popping, ringing, hissing)
- tiny pupils
- urinary problems (bladder either 'all on' or 'all off')
- vertigo
- visual disturbances (blurred, double, vivid)
- vomiting
- water retention
3. PARADOXICAL:
- acute hyperexcited state
- agitation
- aggressive behaviour
- anxiety
- breathlessness
- excitability
- fear
- hallucinations
- hostility
- hyperactivity
- increased muscle spasticity
- irrational rage
- insomnia
- nervousness
- nightmares, vivid dreams
- phobias
- rage
- restlessness
- restless legs, arms
- sleep disturbances
- tension
- tremor
- panic attacks
4. TOLERANCE EFFECTS (including toxicity):
- anxiety
- apnea (night)
- breathlessness
- dyspnea (breathing problems)
- fibrositis
- fatigue
- gait disturbance
- impotence
- leaden heaviness
- lethargy
- libido disturbances
- loss of self-confidence
- menstrual irregularity
- neurological problems
- panic attacks
- phobias
- severe muscle rigidity
- short-term memory impairment
- vasovagal attacks
- vertigo
5. SIDE EFFECTS:
- abnormal behaviour or false beliefs
- aches and pains (muscle tension)
- aggressiveness
- agitation
- agoraphobia and claustrophobia
- anger
- anti-social behaviour
- apathy
- ataxia
- blood disorders (resulting in severe tiredness
and possible infections)
- blurred vision
- bradycardia (slow heartbeat/pulse)
- breast enlargement
- changes in appetite
- changes in libido
- changes in salivation
- chemical sensitivities, allergies
- cognitive impairment
- confusion
- daytime drowsiness
- depression
- diarrhoea and constipation
- diplopia
- dizziness
- dry, itchy skin
- dysarthria
- dysphoria
- emotional blunting
- exhaustion
- fatigue
- feeling afraid
- feeling unreal
- feelings of anger and anxiety
- flu-like symptoms
- hair loss
- hallucinations
- headaches
- hypotension
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- inability to pass urine/holding of urine in the bladder
- impairment of motor co-ordination
- incontinence
- insomnia
- irritability
- jaundice
- jaw pains
- lack of concentration
- lack of confidence
- lethargy
- many people wonder why they have changed from being happy
and outgoing, to being over-anxious and unconfident
- memory loss or forgetfulness
- mild hypertension
- muscle weakness, spasticity, cramps, abnormal tone
- nausea
- nightmares
- numbed emotions
- oedema
- panic attacks
- personality changes
- poor muscle control
- problems with vision
- psychomotor impairment
- rashes
- reduced alertness
- reduced blood pressure
- restlessness
- shivering
- skin problems, rashes
- sleep problems
- slurred speech
- stomach and bowel problems
- stomach upsets
- suicidal behaviour
- thyroid disturbances
- tolerance
- tremor
- urinary retention
- vertigo
- violence
- water retention
- weight gain
- xeroderma (dry skin)
6. CATEGORIES OF SYMPTOMS:
CARDIOVASCULAR:
Fluctuations in blood pressure
Mild hypertension
Shivering, feelings of extreme cold or hot
Heart palpitations
DERMATOLOGICAL:
Allergic reactions
Chemical sensitivities
Dry, itchy skin
Dry throat, sore tongue, and thrush
Formications (sensation of crawling on skin)
Glassy eyes
Hair loss
Leukonychea (whitening of nails)
Nosebleeds
Oedema
Paraesthesiae (numbness, tingling)
Perspiring, night sweats
Rashes, blotches
GASTROINTESTINAL:
Bladder incontinence
Constipation (sometimes alternating with diarrhoea)
Diarrhoea
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Gastritis
Heartburn
Nausea
Oesophagitis
Stomach cramps
GENITOURINARY:
Impotence
Libido disturbances
Menstrual irregularities
urinary problems (continence or incontinence)
Encopressia (faecal incontinence)
MUSCULOSKELETAL:
Aching joints
Blepharospasm (eye twitches)
Formication (sensations of bugs crawling on skin)
Gait disturbance
Jaw, tooth, neck and shoulder pain
Muscle wasting
Muscle spasms
Rapid weight loss
Severe headaches
Severe muscle rigidity
Tremor or feeling of inner vibration
Vertigo
NEUROLOGICAL:
Blurred vision, seeing spots, flashes, vivid vision
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Dysphagia (difficulty eating or swallowing)
Electric shock feelings
Fatigue, leaden heaviness
Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and other stimuli
Neurological problems (e.g. topical anaesthesia)
Severe muscle rigidity
Speech difficulty
Thirst
Tinnitus (ear buzzing, popping, ringing, hissing)
Tiny pupils
Tremor
PARADOXICAL:
Agitation
Aggressive behaviour anxiety
Breathlessness
Excitability
Fear
Hostility
Hyperactivity
Irrational rage
Insomnia
Nervousness
Nightmares, vivid dreams
Phobias
Restlessness
PSYCHIATRIC:
Apathy
Anxiety
Delirium
Depersonalisation
Depression
Derealisation
Distortions or hallucinations
Dysphoria (inability to feel pleasure or happiness)
Fear
Hyperventilation
Hyperreflexia (‘jumpiness’)
Hypnologic hallucinations sleepwalking)
Lack of concentration
Nightmares
Obsessions
Paranoia
Phobias (hydrophobia, agoraphobia, monophobia,
acrophobia, anthropophobia and others)
Rapid mood changes
Suicidal thoughts
Short-term memory impairment
RESPIRATORY:
Breathlessness
Choking
Dry, tickly cough
Dyspnea (breathing difficulty)
Hyperventilation (overbreathing)
Inability to draw satisfying breath
Night apnea
Sinusitis
These lists are pretty comprehensive and include symptoms reported by members of the Benzo Group. It is mercifully unlikely that any one person will experience all the symptoms recorded here. They are given purely for reference purposes.
Note: It is difficult to determine exactly which symptoms are acute and which are protracted. Everyone's experience is clearly different.
.
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The absolute BEST protocol for safely withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be found here:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/
(The professor/doctor that devised it ran a benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic for YEARS - she is THE leading expert worldwide)
This involves having your practicioner/prescriber switch you to a different benzodiazepine that has a longer half-life than Xanax. Xanax has the shortest half-life of them all (at around 8 hours), but the one you would switch to (Valium) has a half-life of around SIXTY hours. What happens is that the level of benzos in your system immediately becomes FAR MORE CONSISTENT (no rollercoasting up & down) and virtually everyone that does this reports some level of symptom relief. Once one is stabilized and dealing with less symptoms, then it's far easier to begin withdrawal (which should NEVER-EVER be done quickly or without researching it fully). Of course, depending upon the length of time one has been 'jolting' the GABA receptors, sometimes a longer-acting benzo just isn't enough to relieve the symptoms...but it'll always certainly be better than Xanax. At the site above, you can actually download "The Ashton Manual", print it off, and take it to your prescriber (so he/she can understand and have the information needed to cross you over to a different benzo).
Professor Ashton is STRICTLY "allopathic", she doesn't believe that herbs or nutrition will make any difference. (bah humbug) BUT....
The ABSOLUTE BEST nutriceutical support (designed specifically for benzo withdrawal and withdrawal off of other psych drugs) is here:
http://www.theroadback.org/
The Road Back program also offers FREE email and phone support. And they also have timetables for withdrawal, along with a "pre taper" program that helps to ease your symptoms AND prepare your body for the withdrawal process.
And if anyone reading is interested in how I found out about this and how benzodiazepines have affected my mother, you can read all about it here:
//www.curezone.org/forums/em.asp?i=805621
Her story is ALL too typical
Also in the post above is a list of various support groups & benzo information sites on the 'net. This is an old list, so some links might be 'dead' or different.
And one last thing, PLEASE take time to scan quickly through a few pages of the link below.
This is a petition from benzo users to the makers of benzodiazepines to AT LEAST allow this knowledge to be shared with people BEFORE they start taking these insidious, evil drugs. Here's the beginning, just scroll up or down down to the 'view current signatures' and start scanning through the pages...and don't be surprised if you find yourself weeping or enraged.
http://www.petitiononline.com/benzo/petition.html
I hope this has given everyone that reads it the information we need to help someone when they're using benzodiazepines. The last thing in the WORLD any of us want to do when we're assisting someone, is be just like allopathic doctors (who refuse to look at the root cause, and prescribe drug after drug after drug - in our case, supplement after supplement after protocol after protocol) for someone that these things are not just not GOING to help (except to strengthen their body). If we do that, we'd be causing false hope and countless & endless frustration on the part of someone that's already suffering horribly...and if you read through any of the 'stories' at the benzoUK link above (or read any of the signatures on the petition above), you'll understand just HOW desperately these people do NOT need added frustration or false hope. And of course, I *hope* that this insidious evil has not affected Anne_30, but if it has, I want her to have the absolute best advice I have to offer.
Let truth & freedom reign -
Unyquity