Posted by 4WD on May 26, 2005, at 16:47:14
In reply to Diagnosis - Withdrawal from SRI vs Benzos, posted by SLS on May 25, 2005, at 7:57:25
> Hi.
>
> Does anyone know how to differentiate between the withdrawal syndromes produced by the discontinuation of SRI antidepressants versus benzodiazepines?
>
> Thanks.Scott,
This doesn't sound like a question you'd ask. I figured you'd been through all that before.
Anyway, I've done both. Withdrawal from benzo (ativan 5-10mg h.s. for 10 years): Starts pretty much the first day without. Gets worse very rapidly. Fifth day is probably the worst. Total insomnia for days, 2-3 hours to fall asleep for weeks, over an hour to fall asleep for months or even years. Extreme jumpiness and hypersensitivity to unexpected sounds (screaming when the phone rings, etc.) Terrible fear and anxiety. Fear you're dying. Fear you have cancer or TB. Chills. Can't eat at all. Muscle tension. All your senses on hyper alert. Jumping at the least physical sensation, like being touched. Crying. Ability to orgasm vastly increased.
SSRI withdrawal. Happens more slowly - over a week or two. Except for brain zaps which start pretty quick. Weepiness. Ability to orgasm vastly increased. Very easily frustrated and irritable over small things ("OH, NO, I'm almost out of toothpaste. Just great. Now I have to buy more. Just great.")Slow downward slide into sadness, apathy and no energy. Lack of motivation becomes lack of energy to get to the bathroom even. Hopelessness. Despair. (I guess this is actually a return to major depression). Insomnia or hypersomnia (depending on drug and on your reaction while being treated).
Hope this helps.
Marsha
>
> - Scott
poster:4WD
thread:502642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050519/msgs/503259.html