Have you heard the term ‘sensory hypersensitivity,’ but don’t really know what it means? Perhaps you should ask someone in benzo withdrawal. Sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can be common. Learn the causes and a few tips on how to cope. In today’s episode, we talk about the withdrawal symptoms of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. These include light and sound sensitivity, blurred vision, dry mouth, thrush, difficulty swallowing, and tinnitus among others. We a

Summary A benzo story of withdrawal from Klonopin via Valium substitution, a failed visit to a detox facility, and a long, drawn out recovery. Followed by an update with a comedy-of-errors tale of dentists, dogs, and anxiety. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Klonopin (clonazepam), Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Detox, Clinic, Cold Turkey (CT), Polydrug, Valium (diazepam), Update, Pets, Travel, Comedy of Errors, Dentist, Isolation Listen on the Podcast (Original Story):.

Most major medical associations, including the American Geriatric Society (AGS), caution against the prescribing of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in the elderly. And yet, this age group consumes these drugs at a higher rate than any other. The numbers are staggering. Over four million senior citizens in the U.S. alone were prescribed a benzodiazepine over the course of a single year. And 25% of all elderly who start taking a benzodiazepine — even if prescribed for sh

Summary A benzo story of struggle with a long series of psych medications including Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Paxil, and others. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Paxil (paroxetine), Menopause, Progesterone, Ambien (Zolpidem), Z-drug, Restoril (temezepam), Prozac (fluoxetine), Klonopin (clonazepam), Remeron (mirtazapine), Suicidal Ideation, Fluoroquinolones Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/p

More senior citizens take benzos than any other age group. And yet, they are also the group most at-risk for complications. What are the effects of this dangerous combination? And what can be done to buck the overprescribing trend? In today’s episode, we look at the stats, the warnings, and the consequences of benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in the elderly. We also shine the spotlight on the website benzo.org.uk, share a story from Grand Junction, Colorado, and discuss anti-dep

That’s a picture of my father. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear, but it’s a fact-of-life for so many. My mother has become his full-time caregiver. It’s a thankless job and her health has deteriorated in tandem. Soon after my father’s diagnosis, a doctor prescribed him a benzodiazepine. As you might imagine, this didn’t go over well with his son who has spent the past five years in protracted withdrawal f

Today is the start of “Senior Week” at Benzo Free. This week, we will focus much of our attention on the group of people most at-risk when it comes to benzodiazepines — the elderly. If you know of someone — a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, a spouse — who is taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs long-term and is having problems with dementia, falls, confusion, or other complications — perhaps benzos are a factor. Be on the lookout for blog articles and a special podcast episod

Can a unique blend of neuroscience, compassion, and spirituality be the secret to success in benzo withdrawal? Jennifer Leigh seems to think so. And so do many of the people she has coached. Our interview guest today is Jennifer Leigh, PsyD. In this enlightened conversation, Jennifer shares neurological insights she has acquired from her doctorate studies in psychology along with lessons from her own personal journey through withdrawal. You don’t want to miss this one. Video

For all those who feel alone in benzo withdrawal, I just wanted to say, “hi.” Benzo withdrawal is an incredibly lonely illness. Even if you have a loved one to take care of you — and I know many of you don’t — you still are the only one trapped in your benzo-addled brain yearning for someone to climb in there with you and help you find your way out. But it doesn’t work that way — does it? So, I just wanted to say, “hello.” It’s just me. I don’t want anything. I don’t need any