After weaning, I’ve been off the drug since Nov 1, 2022, which is 25 days as of this writing. Now I’m going through the so-called “acute phase,” after the drug is completely discontinued, as so many systems of the body are trying to readjust and heal.
Benzos downregulate the GABA system, which impacts the brain and central nervous system, GI tract and muscles. So while taking them, as well as during withdrawal and the acute phase after discontinuation, the effects of benzos continue to alter the brain and the functioning of nerves that feed vital organs, the muscles, digestion, etc.
This acute phase often lasts anywhere from 3-18 months. People often have symptoms of dysfunction of just about ANY bodily function, and often many at once.
I’m being hit right now with incessant nausea, bouts of violent itching all over, feet on fire. The nerve pain from every small movement, the bouts of sobbing. And this is par for the course, as I’ve talked to many others going through this.
Apparently, there has been very little medical research done on benzos since Dr. Ashton’s work first published in 1999. Big Pharma isn’t interested in them anymore, as they’re not blockbuster drugs as they were decades ago.
So it’s heartening to see independent research being done in the various online support groups, and people sharing insights from their personal experience with these drugs. Connecting with those resources has been lifesaving for me.
waves and windows 