So many lives are being ruined by these meds....mine included. Keep the information coming.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I hope you’re on the path to healing

@fhkazm

Ай бұрын

@EmmaHames Thanks Emma. I appreciate your kind concern.

@seven430

Ай бұрын

Right there with you

@incognito595

29 күн бұрын

60+ YEARS OF DESTROYING PATIENTS' LIVES. I PROBABLY, ALONG WITH MY FATHER HAD TO PAY PROBABLY IN EXCESS OF $300,000 DUE TO THE HELL ON EARTH OF SUFFERING CAUSED BY THOSE POISONS.MANY MILLIONS HAVE HAD THEIR LIVES ALSO DESTROYED, IF THEY ESCAPED DEATH, BY SOME GREAT GOOD LUCK.

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

16 years for me!! I've been tappering for 4 months now. Started at 1mg daily now on .25 The side effects so far are0: nausea VERTIGO severe fatigue Nausea has subsided but the fatigue is horrible!

I was on Xanex for 28 years I just ended a 10 month taper 6 months ago, Keto/Carnivore diet and fasting has helped more than anything, I feel like i am truly getting better. 🤞

@robin5408

Ай бұрын

I'm also at 6 month off 25 year as prescribed clonazepam and find being in therapeutic level of ketosis (1-3 mmol/L) a tremendous help with symptoms. As does daily meditation practice.

@TrentAdam

Ай бұрын

Ya why the hell would you take that for 30 years? That's your own fault. not the meds.

@user-fn3tw7wp1z

Ай бұрын

@@TrentAdamwhy would you say that to someone who is trying to get off

@apocalypta3620

29 күн бұрын

Yes, I ate a lot of meat as well. Brain food.

@davidkruse4030

28 күн бұрын

@@TrentAdamyou sound ignorant. People want to come off meds. The problem is when they do it causes hell like symptoms. Did you watch the video?

Short term long term these meds are toxic. May this film help break the dam!!! The human spirit is amazing in what it can endure.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

🙏

Medication induced delirium first hospitalization from negligent prescribing. 3 failed rehabs poly drugged, akathisia. Unable to function. 5+ dx’s of dementias Neurologist dx neurotoxicity encephalopathy. 2 yr successful taper at my own pace. Compounded traumas including multiple betrayals. Slowly healing through weight training, swimming, healthy diet.

@penelopehill9710

Ай бұрын

Wishing a healing light shines all around you

@kathleenneff

Ай бұрын

You are a true hero. Thank you ❤

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I’m so sorry you’ve been through all of this. Swimming has helped me a lot too. Glad these things help and I hope can help others reading your message!

@sarahmurphy-nf4yl

25 күн бұрын

Sounds like what happened to my mother. Shenhad completely come off benzos and was off for several months and doing great whrn my sister not knowing any better renewed a prescription for benzos foe my mother and they both hid it from me. Then her consultant not knowing she was back on benzos put her on morphine ORAMORPH.. The combination on her elderly body caused delirum then she was put on anti depressants anti psychotic etc and all mayhem happened for her. Only when I took her home and paired down to necessary meds eg heart medication etc did she start to recover ..not a 100% but far better than the guinea pig 🐖 the hospital made of her. I think many doctors unknowingly do MAJOR HARM whrn the people who know the patient have better instincts of what is and not working for their loved ones. 😢 🙏 💔 ✝️

I was watching an interview with Celine Dion last night. She said that while trying to perform amid her battle with stiff person syndrome, she was taking 90 mg a day of Valium. She mentioned that her doctors tapered her off. I can’t even imagine what that was like.

@dalefrank3713

Ай бұрын

WTH is stiff person syndrome?

@shan4145

Ай бұрын

Ooh I got to watch that!

@caffrey1100

Ай бұрын

@@Gabesvaultexactly I wonder if they are keeping it hush hush - that’s what started her illness to begin with - 90mg is high level you can’t taper that fast - so when did she start this taper ??? Wouldn’t be surprised at all if it didn’t cause her illness to begin with

@Sears111

Ай бұрын

@@Gabesvault She says she started taking it after she was diagnosed. Benzos don’t cause stiff person syndrome. 🤦🏼‍♀️

@Sears111

Ай бұрын

We’d love to hear some success stories Dr. Josef. These stories are important but we could use something happy once in a while. Hearing these stories on a regular basis can make one not even want to taper. I quit watching these.

Thank you so much Dr. Josef - this was an incredibly comfortable, enjoyable, engaging interview to be a part of. Thank you for all that you’re doing in this space - and for giving us the validation and platform to be able to talk about this. You’re very much appreciated!

@SalwaSamra

Ай бұрын

Hello, I’m from Melbourne, Australia. Watching your interview was very close to my journey. However, I was placed on a Benzo after teeth surgery complications. First it was Xanax, then Oxzapam, finally Valium. It’s been the most horrific 8 year journey. I can’t explain the terror, horror, torture, torment, trembling, chest pains, leg pains, etc. Last year I started weaning off 20mgs of Valium. Each wean was 2.5mgs. I didn’t tell my Dr, I felt this compulsion to do so. It’s my Christian faith that has kept me alive, I don’t say that lightly. The indescribable torture I’ve endured has been inexplicable. Therefore, on April 4th, 2023 I reduced down 2.5mgs each time I felt compelled to and let my Dr know. We would always have zoom appointments. I’m now currently at 3.5mgs and it’s so cruel. The thing is, as you shared, I get 2 good weeks where I can function, and I’m forever grateful for them, although, then I get another episode of the horrific symptoms. I’m a published Author, Poet and Writer. I use to have a website. There’s been so much loss in my life over the last 8 years it’s been a learning journey and a journey of deep sorrow. I closed my website down because I haven’t been able to work for 8 years. I got off many social media platforms, however, remain on FB, Instagram and KZread. I use to be a health and fitness advocate. I would fast 3 times a week, without food and still workout 6 days a week. That’s all ceased. I have hope through my faith that this journey will be turned for good and helping other people. Personally, I believe benzos should be illegal. There’s so much to my story, however, I simply can’t share on here. I’m very opened to you responding to my comment and maybe we can have a chat. You’re so blessed you’re nearly out the other side. Wishing you a lovely day in London. 😊

@rachelkinney5243

Ай бұрын

I recognize you Emma from the support groups. Thanks for sharing your story! I’m over four and half years tapered off.

@Blu6556

Ай бұрын

Thank you for making a film on this. I am interested in doing something similar but a slightly different focus-the legal aspect of psych drug harmed pts and forced treatment in North America. I’d love to bounce ideas off you. If interested can I contact you. I want to take what happened to me and help others.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

Thanks Rachel! Likewise! Massive congrats on the taper success 🎉🙌

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

@Blu6556 - absolutely, would be great to chat. Probably best to email via our website and we can go from there

Thank you for this interview. I'm a benzo surviver. As much as I hate hearing about others pain it also validates my experience. I went all the way though it with no medical help, thankfully that meant I was not put on another med. When people say it is hell, not an exaggeration in my experience. I have found for myself that a lot of animal fats help. If I start to feel bad, believe it or not a bite or two of butter can help. Of course your digestive system as to be brought up to speed to handle extra fat (not vegie oils). Our brains and nervous systems need the animal fat (plus the protein). I feel so bad for everyone going through this and wish them well and healing.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Thank you. Yes protein and an animal fats - I craved them so much over the years and still find they help. Himalayan sea salt too to help regulate the adrenals that are running in fumes whilst recovering from this. Nutrition is an absolute key component in healing for sure

@shannonoconnell8954

29 күн бұрын

Have you tried making homemade bone broth? It's like pure collagen and has the consistency of jello. I heard that high cholesterol also helps brain health a lot. I sleep pretty well at night if I drink a frozen raw liver smoothie. I make it with banana and frozen mango with milk.

The amount of negligence in medical treatment is ASTOUNDING!!!!

This sounds so much like my own story. The cold turkey and the pain and confusion afterwards. I remember these doctors appointments where I was told that everything was fine. I felt like I was losing my mind. I am in year 8 now of my recovery and I still have ways to go. PS: Feel free to contact me for your movie. 🙂‍↕️

@seven430

Ай бұрын

7 years here. Had the same experience and also still not right

I remember Emma from the support groups. As a fellow severely protracted, I would like to thank you Dr Josef for giving us the space to tell our stories. Generally, severely protracted people are not always accepted in the withdrawal community, because of the fear our experience invokes, but the truth is it happens, and it's important to compile this information from all timelines.

@Butterflywishes-rf9dt

27 күн бұрын

Van u help what do u do if you tell your Dr. ...they still tell u to keep taking them? ...and add more SSRI's .....essentially making you feel worse off? How do you cope....with thee symptoms of withdrawal the intense heat and nervous system on fire? numbness tingling night sweats. etc....muscle spasms .....etc? 🙏 plesseplease help is there anything I can take to remedy symptoms? suffering so badly....plesse help❤ ....Anyhelp I will take...

@terrybullard7377

23 күн бұрын

Telling us the symptoms are NORMAL is in not helpful in any way. It sounds dismissive.

@THXx1138

19 күн бұрын

@@terrybullard7377 I would say "typical" - not 'normal'. There is absolutely nothing normal about any of this.

@wsurjec6414

8 күн бұрын

​@@Butterflywishes-rf9dtHey friend have you heard of kratom?

One of the better interviews yet. Thank you for being a strong voice & validation for those of us still struggling through this massive hell, Emma. 🙏❤

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, this is a very kind message ❤️⭐️

I was prescribed xanax after a 10 minute visit, 8 months later l felt like the medication itself was causing me anxiety, l abruptly stopped and ended up in three different psych wards. I stopped eating and sleeping and at my worst l walked into my garage and grabbed a heavy electrical cord l wrapped it around the door frame and put my head in it, l put my weight on it and was ready to end it, the thought of my wife finding me dead was unacceptable. l vowed to white knuckle the withdrawals. Today 3 years later l'm still tapering off Seroquel. Not out of the woods yet but at least I'm not on Benzodiazepine medication.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

So glad to hear you fought through it. It is an insanely hard thing to endure but the farther out we are the more the worst is behind us - and the closer we are to that life of freedom. With more resilience, gratitude and perspective to fully embrace all the good things in life again. Thank you for sharing your story 💚

It's truly scary how uninformed most people are about these drugs. I was prior to my whole ordeal. I was listening to a guy talk on a podcast the other day and he was talking about opiates. Then he came out and said benzos don't have any real withdrawals besides psychological symptoms.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Informed consent absolutely needs to happen. It’s a public health crisis in most industrialised countries. Not widely known yet

Tapering off of benzodizapine drugs now....... complete hell and I have an excellent doctor working with me on the tapper..... very, very, very slow tapper. Still hell

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

So glad you have a great doctor. The hell will be in the rear view mirror one day, hang in there

@jasonludwig300

Ай бұрын

@EmmaHames .125mg is the difference between able to function vs. crawled into a corner. The doc who started all of this for me should have his license pulled!!!

@THXx1138

19 күн бұрын

We still do not know the 'best' way to get free of these drugs. Slow tapers could be as harmful as a quick taper. We just do not know.

@jana25402410

18 күн бұрын

Hang in there! It does take some time but it does get better.

Thank you for sharing your story and for making a movie exposing this abuse by medical world. Thank you Dr Josef.

@EmmaHames

17 күн бұрын

🙏

Incredible story. So sad for this beautiful lady.❤

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

❤️🙏❤️

Thank you for your work Dr. Yosef.

29:27 I've been listening for some benzo episodes now but this is the first time I hear you saying that panic and anxiety was one of the most common symptoms coming off benzos

Wow your story is so similar to mine. So happy to hear youve made it out mostly ❤

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I’m sorry you’ve gone through this too! Thank you, I hope you’re also on the road to recovery 🙏

@eleanahanelly6462

Ай бұрын

@EmmaHames slowly but surely I hope :) I am only a year off and still low on two antidepressants but there have been some okay times lately!

@EmmaHames

27 күн бұрын

Sounds like you’re on your way 💚

Thanks Man your channel is a lifeline to be honest month 10 off benzos, starting to climb out of this hell seeing glimpses of hope 👍

I’ve taken Clonazepam on and off for years. I never exceed 1.0 mg x 3 p d. I use as needed and take drug holidays regularly, taper off, taper back. If max dose doesn’t work, it’s time to take drug holiday. I’ve never gotten addicted. No, not a miracle drug, but it does get me over rough patches.

Ty going on 7 years here. ❤

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

MASSIVE congrats on enduring 7 years - I am sure you are close to turning huge corners if not happening already❤️

Can relate to her story so much. Felt so alone and dismantled and in tons of pain (still).

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

If it’s any help it’s a totally normal reaction to a totally abnormal situation. The healing can feel overwhelming at times (mentally as well as physically) but step by step..

@h2ostorm703

Ай бұрын

@@EmmaHames Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to us benzo injured.

@Blu6556

Ай бұрын

@@EmmaHamesI’m finally at the point where (at times) I can think of the symptoms as healing events. Not terrifying painful signs that something is horribly wrong. Just-oh that’s painful but that means I’m healing there! It helps me.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

Yes! I started to view things that way too. I think it was a post in benzo buddies about how the brain rebuilds itself - and how that can be painful but healing, that led to the beginning of that understanding. Not easy in many ways but reassuring in others. Glad it’s helping you too :)

@EmmaHames

16 күн бұрын

@@h2ostorm703 deeply humbling to know that - thank you. Wishing you so much healing x

I am so grateful that after ten years of benzo use, it only took me four months to taper off. Tinnitus is my lasting injury.

@EmmaHames

17 күн бұрын

Yeah still here with the tinnitus too. I’m curious what life will sound like without it!!

What a strong woman you are Emma. Thankyou for sharing your story.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

Thank you Susan 💚

Thank you Both for the courage & care. Even just ACKNOWLEDGMENT could help US while navigating our way out of the incomparable living hell.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

🙏

Dr. Josef I’m from Melbourne but have recently found you due to having no success with’ any’ Drs over a 2 year search for answers. This has been possibly the best interview to date along with the Ibogaine chap’s amazing story. I benefit from them all tho! 45 years on Valium 20 mgs for ABI induced tics til inter dose w’drawal became apparent. You taught me to titrate slowly & it’s unpleasant, long but it is working. Thank you so much.

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

Sending you all the best wishes for your continued healing - so glad you found this channel and the guidance to safely handle these. We may be filming in Melbourne - if you’d like to potentially be involved in the film feel free to reach out to us on the site

Ireland is still treating people . with ALL the drugs you mentioned in this video. I know because my mother who died 4 years ago was on all those drugs for YEARSSS!! 😢

Im still going threw this im in pain so bad everyday I hope I get better like you❤❤ thank u

@EmmaHames

17 күн бұрын

You will. The brain is a remarkable and resilient organ

My 81 year old mother has dementia from benzodiazepine use for 40 plus years. It’s been sad to watch her slip away

@taperclinic

19 күн бұрын

Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue, I think it is widely under-recognized.

Thank you Dr. Josef for everything you are doing!!!

This topic is so important to me. I was prescibed Xanax at 14. I stopped taking it, because I didn't like the way it made me feel. It horrifies me that these drugs were/are given to children. To anyone suffering from this condition; I believe you, I tell your stories, and I try spread awareness as much as I can. What was done to you was wrong, but the perservierence you all have to get by every day is something no words can express.

@Q1776Q

Ай бұрын

Sadly I have heard there are a few hundred thousand children under 5 years of age that are taking benzodiazepines.

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

I couldn’t agree more re.prescribing to children. It’s horrific to think about. Thank you for your uplifting words :)

I am So Sorry you were forced to try to work under these horrific circumstances. That is Appalling.

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

Thank you. I do wonder if I would’ve healed sooner without extra pressures. A nurturing, calm, safe environment is pretty key to healing but not always there for people. I’m sure it would’ve been easier if doctors recognised what was going on in the early stages. That’s why (aside from prevention) there needs to be this awareness, for the public and for the medical community. Appreciate your empathy x

I have a story, and it's similar.

It’s encouraging to see that your ok and talking about your experience, I’m tapering off of an awful med called pregab , it’s horrendous and the side effects are frightening, there’s no help here , it gets lonely and feels like it will never end

@colleenevans6894

29 күн бұрын

I wonder if this doctor could help you . There is some notes on the transcript that links to this doctor . I pray 🙏 you find answers .

@sueb7217

29 күн бұрын

@@colleenevans6894 I relate to so much , I’m rebuilding from ground zero , medications after an illness took my marriage, my business, had to give up and I lost my identity

You are so right Dr. Josef. On/off.On/Off. Over and over is EVEN MORE DAMAGING! and causes you the Worst Brain Damage. It's called Kindling.

I was on them for years. I am so glad I got off of them.

Taking benzos, after 10 years and actually learning from you Dr. Josef that there is a protracted withdrawal. Has made my system in utter chaos.

I took clonazapam at high doses for a decade. taken off no taper. it's been 6 rough years and still feels like I'm a long way away from healed

@DavidJones-ib3zy

Ай бұрын

Whats "High Dose" ? If you don't mind . Thanks

@jasonsenator6144

Ай бұрын

@@DavidJones-ib3zy 6mg a day

@ToreMix7400

Ай бұрын

​@@jasonsenator6144That is what I have been doing for more than 30 years. I have tapered down to where I could hardly walk, but having a previous movement problem I have found no alternative solutions that are not purely experimental at this stage, although I lack the broad experience of a clinician. None the less, I have plenty of experience with tapering and heavy withdrawal symptoms.

@nwicconsultants6640

Ай бұрын

Really don't know what to say. That's a high dosage for a long time and then to abruptly stop was a recipe for a complete train wreck. I am so sorry that you have and continue to go through this suffering. Words are hardly helpful but maybe knowing someone out there feels bad for the pain you have had to endure is in some way a little comfort. 6 rough years can feel like an eternity....I am personally getting close to that mark also so can somewhat relate. Length of time on clonazapan was similar but the dosage never quite that high. From what I'm hearing we will eventually come out the other side. Please stay strong. Don't know if you are religious or not but either way...will say a prayer tonight that you will find more and more days of healing and comfort. Best wishes for your healing.🙏

@Davido50

22 күн бұрын

​@jasonsenator6144 Thats a high dose indeed. Stopped 1.5mg for 8days.. an felt like was dying. It's no joke. God bless all! -NW Ohio

5 yrs after Kolonopin CT, doing soooo much better but still struggling so I was happy to see that I’m not alone. Thank you! I have never, ever heard a doctor who admits this is an issue or express any interest or concern until today. All they do in the US is suggest that you get back on your Benzos. It cost me my career, the house I built, my family, my freedom, almost my life and it cost me myself. 5 yrs out… still struggling, microdosing has helped, but this too shall pass. Could you put Emma’s info and link Toxsick in the description, pls?

I’d travel at my own expense to assist with Emma’s movie if she needs any help. I’m also a pro musician who can no longer play at all. Valium has destroyed my existence but I won’t fail. I’m articulate & halfway thru my journey of recovery.

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

🎉🙌 big celebration on being halfway through the recovery! It would be great to chat music and movies for sure! I think I mentioned it before above but if you email us via the website we can arrange something

Thank you so much for sharing.

@EmmaHames

17 күн бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

Neuroplastic retraining is how I recovered from protracted withdrawal from benzos. It took about 6 months to recover at about 65%, and another year to recover fully. I don't think I'd be alive today if I hadn't learned how to retrain my brain and reset my limbic system.

@nomalie

25 күн бұрын

Please share more details

Knowledge from these sites is the only way to cope and continue the hellish journey.

THERE IS NOTHING THESE PATIENTS DON'T LOSE, DR. JOSEF. FOR ME, EVERYTHING, AND PROBABLY FAR IN EXCESS OF $300,000.00.

Took me two years to get my life back in order after klonopin

BRAIN DAMAGE DOES THAT TO YOU. PLEASE CALL IT WHAT IT IS, DR. JOSEF. "BRAIN DAMAGE."

@allencollins6031

28 күн бұрын

Yep. At some point it's not about "withdrawal." Its damage. Period. Fortunately healing happens.

@EmmaHames

27 күн бұрын

I do agree with this - although personally prefer “brain injury”as I think it’s important to keep the hope alive at every stage of this. The brain is very neuroplastic - I believe in healing, but it doesn’t detract from the severity and horror of this. I guess it’s a medicine-induced TBI, in my opinion!

@allencollins6031

27 күн бұрын

@@EmmaHames That's a good and positive way to look at it. Thank you. And glad you are healing. I watched the entire interview.

@EmmaHames

25 күн бұрын

@@allencollins6031 💛

Just so much human misery , its terrible, crime against humanity, damm , how the govmt. allows this to happen to people.

It's crazy how Benzo WD & Taper can vary person to person . On Xanax 4 mg a day taken 2 X a day for 18 years & I don't have inter-dose WD but ? After 16 or so hours W/O dosing Ill sometimes feel like I'm bitten by a Fire Ant here or there when busy . ( It was about 5 bite feeling in 3 hours 'last Friday ' on the back of my neck & on my left Calf ???? God Bless all who are coping with this issue .

@DavidJones-ib3zy

Ай бұрын

+ I'm 95% sure I have Benzo Belly , I had Hernia / Re-flux Surgery last Oct & That only helped by 40 % . My stomach pain is mostly upon waking or even naps . + Have a history of Stomach ulcers but they have healed Thank God.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Gosh that sounds awful! It can vary so much from person to person. I hope that dissipates soon!

@newjerseydevil6115

Ай бұрын

​@@DavidJones-ib3zyI had the hernia before the withdrawal. It's painful & extremely difficult to eat. Now I need dental surgery. 😓

@newjerseydevil6115

Ай бұрын

I never had a paradoxical effect. I was fine until I was CT'd. My doctor doesn't know how to wean, so I was tapering myself off very gradually. It was a corrupt hospital that CT'd me. It happened once before and reinstating helped. By no means am I advising anyone to stay on benzos but I think it's important to be stabilized before being tapered.

@DavidJones-ib3zy

22 күн бұрын

@@newjerseydevil6115 I had all my teeth pulled years ago , ( most here and there to get pain pills ) then had the last 7 done all at once . I been toothless for almost 9 years , I'm on SSIDA & they don't cover dental ??? If I could chew more fruits , Veggies & nut's I'd be better off in the tummy area IMO . Good Luck & thanks for the comment .

I would love to write an essay or send a video to see if you would like to include my story. I’ve never told it. It’s a doozy. Haha. Either one of you. I’m sure you have plenty but I do feel I can add many decades of different age experiences on these and off these medications. I’ve had heart surgery too! Haha Added drama! ❤❤

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

Absolutely! Feel free to get in touch via the website

I was on 50 mg diazepam daily. Now I am on 15 mg daily, I’ve got withdrawals, but in waves. What really helps, is intermet fasting and cardio and fitness, every day at least one hour. The really bad moments are terrible, you can do nothing, but only waiting for better moments (and they will come!). Don’t give up. I hope within 2 months to be benzo free, I do really slow taper on the 15 mg diazepam.

God work 💜

Define life because life is very long and who knows maybe you never die you just suffer for all time without end like the dinosaurs.

Weed is my medicine now unfortunately and I am in hell with venlafaxine withdrawals adverse side effects

Why are normal & gentle comments being removed? Never experienced that before on this channel. What is going on?

Its absolutely unbelievable she is still there as her true self after all that.

I had an acquaintance that started taking these a few years ago. I tried to talk them out of taking it but the doctor won. I'm not in touch with that person anymore. My heart aches just thinking what they're going through.

Had to take numerous types of benzos in 30 yrs but turns out it was an abusive relationship of 29 yrs! Since he is gone no more benzos Everyone look cleverly at your lives and see what it is that’s giving you panic attacks and do your best to get rid of it.

@taperclinic

18 күн бұрын

YES!!!

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

🎯

@user56gghtf

3 күн бұрын

🥺😢♥️🧸

I was put on them when I was 18 against my will in I lreland it's hell even though I am still staying on the same dose withdrawal without reducing I am glad you finally got free.❤

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

I’m so sorry that happened to you!! There will be a way to get free for you too. If you’re experiencing tolerance withdrawal without reducing then it might be worth seeking out safe ways to manage that (obviously recommending Dr.Josef’s channel as a start).

I took klonopin for four months with a one month taper. Still protracted, but way better, after 7 years 😢 I was also paradoxical within a week. But all the doctors said it couldn’t be the drug. It took me 3 months to figure out, through research and the internet, that it was the drug. But by then, four months in, I was screwed.

@djdanzy

Ай бұрын

I feel you. 6.5years here too. When do we heal? I want my life back! Be careful of taking antibiotics

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I hope you’re in the road to recovery - amazing you figured it out so quickly

I do take brazepam 3mg for anxiety. Sybicord for breathing problems.

How long did you have akathisia for? And how did it improve? Windows and waves also? Or just slowly improvements?

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Daily for a couple of years at least - gradual improvement as CNS healed with time. Again, non linear in the micro but healing in the macro. I can still get it if I’m under the weather / stressed / sleep deprived / eat triggering foods (eg. sugar or gluten)

@beautifullybroken1591

Ай бұрын

​@@EmmaHamesI think I've missed the Akathisia part in this video but did you have the movement or the inner? Or both?

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

I had / have both. Much more severe in early stages - I now can actually feel a certain calmness when I’m still. But there’s still a faint “buzzing” in all the muscles I experience, and some spasms (mostly abdomen for some reason) - if I’m sleep deprived / stressed. I believe it will completely go at some point.

@ashleychristie5023

25 күн бұрын

Can I ask if you experienced dpdr/dissociation with all this? If so, when would you say that subsided for you?

Do you have suggestions or stories of people who were prescribed as children and are now adults? I am 30, and was prescribed Paxil at age 7. Have been tapering for 4 years. I was hoping to work with you, but you do not service the state I live in sadly.

Why does no one mention brain damage when talking about recovery or withdrawal? I’m starting to think mine isn’t even withdrawal or recovery related because I don’t have any lung or respiratory problems or heart or body issues except for brain damage/neuron damage and eye damage. It was this exact week two years ago when I was abruptly taken off klonopin after 11 1/2 years.

@AlbaLynxQueen

Ай бұрын

She had lung problems from a viral infection, not from benzoes.

@Carolina_girl86

Ай бұрын

@@AlbaLynxQueen but they’re many ppl saying they have heart problems and lung problems from benzo wd and protracted wd, never brain related issues or vision damage.

@tracymassimo2114

Ай бұрын

​@Carolina_girl86 I think it varies. I didn't have lung or heart problems. Most of my symptoms were brain symptoms.

@tracymassimo2114

Ай бұрын

​@Carolina_girl86 also, I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

@Carolina_girl86

Ай бұрын

@@tracymassimo2114 like what kind?

Can sodium valproate cause problems x

Benzos destroyed my life for 20 years

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

Ditto 🙏🙏

Struggling to follow it entirely because I’m in withdrawal and not a native speaker.. what did she do to recover?

gabapentin helped me get off many different unnesessary drugs

@lauramichele5512

7 күн бұрын

Same!❤

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

Yup...I'm on 100 MG Gabapentin 1 or 2 nighly! It has helped tremendously. It helps with restless legg and spasms. I only ONLY take it if it's really bad

I am on 25mg of diazepam and I can't get help getting off them. I feel so stuck and don't know what to do. I guess I'll have to do it myself but I want to do it safely. I have to educate myself and become my own doctor because they don't even know how to taper people off them. I hope you see this comment and can help me and suggest something. I have no choice but to do it myself.

I would love to do an interview with you about my story and I think it would help others too. Was put on huge amounts of benzos at 21 after an abusive relationship. He never told me about addiction or risks but put me straight on 5 lorazepam a day then it went to clonaxepam then it went to diazepam 25mg daily. Im almost 30 now on the same dose.

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

So sorry you’re going through that!! I really hope this channel can help with the guidance to safely manage that 💚

Dr Joseph can you develop tolerance withdrawals on long term antidepressants or is this a phenomenon seen only with benzodiazepines?

@steph7960

Ай бұрын

You get tolerance withdrawals off of ALL drugs you take long term if you dont continue to consistently up the dose?

@Mike_Iz_

Ай бұрын

@@steph7960 do you have a source for this? Not doubting this..but what you are saying is based on what? Lived experience? Anecdotal evidence? At the same time I should mention it’s important to distinguish between tachaphylaxis vs tolerance withdrawal.

You did not say anything about the use of alcohol, even though very small and not often, seemed to trigger benzo withdrawal symptoms. I wonder if people who have innocently taken a benzo that was prescribed by a neurologist will ever be able to drink socially again????

Concerning drinking with friends, alcohol and other drugs especially psychiatric drugs don't mix. Good on you though for being determined enough to move on from such an awful experience. There's a place for benzodiazepines (eg. my mother was given Valium as a pre-med before open heart surgery). But is it safe for long term use ?? Not from what I've found.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I completely agree re.short term vs long term uses of benzos. Emergency 1-off situations only at max, like with your mother. Re. alcohol - doctors had told me it was fine to drink in moderation so again thought it was all ok, nothing dangerous going on. Obviously hindsight is 20-20

@colleenevans6894

29 күн бұрын

No !! Never for more than 1-3 weeks use .

I love having access to benzos.. I'm not able to do things like go shopping by myself which is something for most of my Life by crippling anxiety didn't allow me to do the trick is to only take them for special occasions they're not something that you can eat every day

@EmmaHames

12 күн бұрын

Take care..I know of people that took that very sporadically for flying / occasional anxiety, and ended up in years of neurological injury. In some case 15 years later. These are very dangerous drugs. They should only be used for life and death scenarios (like seizures) as an absolutely short term one off fix.

@EmmaHames

12 күн бұрын

Most people that take them daily I have been told by doctors that’s what’s safe, that’s what’s needed, before they know of the true risks (as was in my case)

Nonlinear is right.

I lost my face due bezos. Today i am a broken face.

❤

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

❤️

Would Lions Main help?

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

Funny how you say that. I started drinking mushroom coffee 2+ years ago and I believe it helps

The old it's all in your mind treatment. 🙄

Benzos are useful in the short term but not long term.

Damn I take 3 kinds for seizures

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Keep yourself as informed as possible and I definitely advocate for working with doctors such as Dr.Josef who understand the true nature of benzos. I’m sorry you have to go through this!

@newjerseydevil6115

Ай бұрын

Be careful because benzo withdrawals causes seizures. I had a patient (social worker) who was unable to abruptly stop 1mg of Valium. You might need to dissolve your medication so you can be tapered extremely slowly.

@TamaraRestall

Ай бұрын

Thank you for the update. A seizure neurologist is the one who prescribes them to me. Probably why I feel so tired Even have heart problems since! You would think I would know better

U can’t be from the USA. I have epilepsy but my neurologists for the past 25 years love to feed me benzodiazepines and new FDA approved drugs which are benzos also. They get compensated for Rx’n me I’m sure. I told my neurologist now that I am done taking the new drugs bc the side effects and she got mad! I’ve been on Topamax and Lamictal for 20 years and periodically Lorazepam for 25. I abused narcotics and benzodiazepines in my 20’s when I partied. The only new drug I have been taking since ‘19 is the Epidiolex. It’s great you talk about this but USA doesn’t care. It’s about $$

Wonder if she suffered from insomnia .

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

A lot. 3-4 hours average sleep for first year or two.

Low dose oral morphine will solve most of the symptoms she has. A single dose can bring relief for over 24 hours. She can rest on the morphine for a few years then try to get off it and see if the brain damage has improved with all the morphine aided good sleep, diet and lifestyle etc. Maybe it will have healed in that time but realistically she may benefit from morphine for the rest of her life because sadly we know these types of brain injuries seem to not ever really heal

This is why you shouldn't willy nilly prescribe benzos or just psychotropic drugs in general especially to people prone to conversion disorders (ME).

Did your feet get funny.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP USING TABLOID HEADLINES! There is a way to use # and keywords to reach your audience without resorting to cheap headlines. We want to be taken seriously and your work is very important, but why must you do this? If you disagree, ask yourself if a medical professional or family member would take this seriously without watching? They wouldn’t and we need people to believe this.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

I can safely say the title of this vid is accurate

@TE-7302-

Ай бұрын

@@EmmaHames I know that it is worse than hell, but as someone who 100% gets it, I cannot share this with others who don’t. I understand marketing. I understand that it’s the truth, but if you want the medical profession to watch these, they need to be slightly less sensational. As for helping people get off these drugs, absolutely. Maybe this is who these videos are geared towards and that’s fine. I never see comments from other medical professionals or families. I’m so sorry about what happened to you and my comment in no way minimizes the fact you were and are going through hell.

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Thank you - appreciate that. It’s tricky isn’t it. I understand what you’re saying and at the same time it is shocking what’s happening to people - personally when I’ve posted about it I feel like using “softer” language minimises the reality. I think a balance can be struck, and terms adapted for different people but ultimately the more exposure this issue gets..the more lives get saved. If the algorithm monster needs to be fed to make that happen, to get people talking, and for the truth to disseminate then that’s a net positive in my book. Especially when the titles are actually reflective and accurate too

@TE-7302-

Ай бұрын

@@EmmaHames Fair enough. I’m grateful stories like yours are being told.

Im not sure what to make of her story. Lots of contradictions.

@Jannietime1

Ай бұрын

Give one example please.

@shelleywoolf9693

Ай бұрын

Withdrawal can trash your memory.

@laurieclark859

Ай бұрын

@gethelp6271 in what ways?

@EmmaHames

Ай бұрын

Happy to clarify any part

@shelleywoolf9693

Ай бұрын

​​@@Viper-jk2pfThey "confabulate". Memory impaired people do it. They string together memories to the best of their recollection, not realizing where the errors are.

Benzos meant to use for a few weeks max 4 weeks. Read leaflet everything is very simple. It is the patients own fault that they develop addiction.

@EmmaHames

28 күн бұрын

This just isn’t true and it’s attitudes like this that perpetuate the problem. Firstly addiction and dependence are very different things. Also a brain injury can occur whilst still taking the so-called medication, ie following doctors orders. I never “craved” Lexomil after - if anything I was terrified of seeing another pill. Patients are often told by the doctors they need to be on them for longer, when they don’t. I asked to come off them and was refused.every single medication leaflet tells all kinds of horror stories. We all trust in our doctors else no one would ever take medication. I’m grateful for you that you never experienced this first hand, or watched a loved one go through it. But that’s also why your vantage point doesn’t back up your comment, compared to those that have lived through it / witnessed it first hand.

@atomicblonde2180

4 күн бұрын

And how about the prescribing doctor?? No fault there???

Praying you will be available to practice to Nevada residents someday. You are truly amazing 🙏🏻

Yum

Can you do a video on the dangers of Zyprexa and tapering off it as well as w/ Ativan? My daughter's doctors tried to withdrawal the Ativan first (quickly) then either Zyprexa or Risperdone and my daughter keeps "relapsing" [no sleep] and they load her up again w/ drugs.

It’s encouraging to see that your ok and talking about your experience, I’m tapering off of an awful med called pregab , it’s horrendous and the side effects are frightening, there’s no help here , it gets lonely and feels like it will never end

@EmmaHames

29 күн бұрын

I know how scary it is, and it’s somewhat “normal” to feel like it will never end, and to be scared of it. But I hope my story, and others who have started healing helps give some reassurance that it will end, it will improve, and one day this will all be behind you

Weed is my medicine now unfortunately and I am in hell with venlafaxine withdrawals adverse side effects