Benzo Stories: Amy

Amy shares her story of benzodiazepine harm and healing for our #BenzoStories series.

This video has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This video does not substitute professional medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed through the video. This video is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This video has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This video does not substitute professional medical advice and no doctor-patient relationship is formed through the video. This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[brettwilson]

This took me 1.5 years to heal. I still have PTSD from the withdrawals I went through. I had phychosis to the highest degree. Had a single word repeating itself over and over again all day every day every moment for months. I couldn't work, i couldn't function just wanted to die. It was beyond insane. It was torture to the highest level, I can't believe I survived it.

[kencabeen]

Thank you, Amy. The most evil drug ever invented, by a long shot. Benzo withdrawal makes quitting heroin, fentanyl, and the rest look like a walk in the park on a gorgeous summer day. It's the most horrifying experience one can endure, and I see why so many people choose to just stay on them indefinitely. My heart goes out to all who are courageously battling this monster. Just remember, it will get better, but the only way out is through. God Bless you all.

[mgray]

Drug is listed for 2 for 4 weeks! Are there no Drs that know this! I've been there going on 22 years now. I'm so glad you realized it sooner than later and God bless, I feel for you.

[giannisrevealer]

Unfortunately I was put on Benzodiazepines when I was 16 without any warning from the doctors.. Now i am 41 and I have switched from Alprazolam to Clonazepam.. 4mg every day. I tried to taper slowly and when i reached 2, 5mg last February i ENDED UP in the ER with Confusion, Tremors, Muscle Twitching and AKATHISIA.
My Blood Pressure was 22 over 14..
26 years on these poisons. My faith in Psychiatry is 99, 9% gone..
Shame shame shame.... They have destroyed thousands of lifes...

[PenelopePeriwinkle]

I was on a Benzos for 5 years after a traumatic event that left me with PTSD. Getting off the Benzo is a living hell. She was much more eloquent in saying that it is inhumane. I got off them for a second time and it was far far far worse than the first time. I will never ever take them again. It's not worth it. Tolerance withdrawal caused me to have my muscles tense all the time with tics, rebound panic attacks all day, stomach problems, acid reflux, constipation, full body jerks that were painful... and that was before I got off them. Think before taking this horrible drug.

[GCT]

So glad she was able to get past this ridiculous and painful withdrawal/recovery process. When people say the symptoms are endless... They mean it. I had 128 symptoms within my first year. It's a nightmare beyond horror

[erikaoliviak]

Wow. Was thinking i really needed to get on Ativan or something, but after doing some research... nah. Thanks for sharing your story.

[yvettex]

Its been 20 months since cold turkey xanax & antibiotics. I suffered tremendously from brain injury, many months of pain and suffering, loss of sleep, depression etc. The worst experience of my life. I am getting better. Way better than before. Thanks to the most high that our bodies can heal from injuries 🙏

[mikestephens]

Bless your heart, Amy. Am in the thick of it now. I so UNDERSTAND. I hope you’re healing more every minute. I wonder often if I will make it to the other side. This is brave testimony. It will help others!

[JohnAdams-rmzm]

You can do it ✊ I’m 13.5 years free from Xanax after 10+ years of taking as prescribed 2mg for sleep. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy, but anything worthwhile takes effort. I’m grateful everyday to not have the Xanax handcuffs holding me back. Keep on keeping on ✊🤙

[Skoopyghost]

I have done alcohol, weed, but the benzo are out of my system, but still I get shivers till this day. I am still recovering since 2019. It's inhumane.

[hadarshimon]

you are so beautiful, im dealing 2 years now, still tapering k, bedridden all this time. i have severe dpdr and more symptoms. not functioning. pray to god this hell will over.

[lonestarstate]

Thank you for your story. I was previously on 6mg of Lorazepam daily, currently working my way down and am at 2mg now..under the guidance of myself. The withdraws are very real, suicidal thoughts as well...i appreciate your words of hope 🙂

[KMT]

Amy. I am so sorry for your suffering.
I am also on the the same path. Xanax. Low dose. Not off yet. It's hard. Thank you for hope.

[WTB_Acts]

These videos always make me more nervous during my taper

[dustygatrell-rutg]

I can hear the pain in your voice. I hope your doing better now. I've been suffering badly fir almost a year an it's just horrible. I may never be the same after this.

[cjw]

Yes. I am going through the same thing. Xanax tolerance withdrawal. I'm in my 2nd week of following a taper plan, but it is very hard. Intense anxiety, skin burning, benzo flu, , hair loss. Insomnia. A little aka, especially in my toes for some reason. I've been home for i think 3 weeks. I feel like I missed the entire summer..
Thank you for sharing your story.

[anxietylife]

On the journey now and trying to document it.

[frederikdemoor]

Strenght, with anxiety I got sipralexa and xanax for 3 years. I understand the hell you go through I lost everything and noone understands it. Keep fighting guys

[kevk]

I do wish there was a shift to saying “We all improve” because that is more accurate a description for what occurs. The “We all Heal” mantra can make those who don’t feel like they failed. I’m 20mths out with chronic akathisia and painful dystonia. I also have TD in my face and tongue.

Admittedly, my first year was absolute, deathly madness. That has improved but I firmly believe this is a life long affliction. I’ve met enough survivors to learn this to be the more accurate truth. It might be just under the surface but it’s something we will half to spend the rest of our lives guarding against.