Hi, I'm new to this board and have been sober for 22+ months. I stopped taking Paxil in January of this year, and my doctor prescribed Ativan to help "bridge" me over the tough withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. That worked well, but I have this major side effect now: my skin feels squeaky or buzzy, sort of like rubbing two ballons together only magnified many times. I stopped taking the Ativan several days ago and went through a surprising withdrawal (rapid heartbeat, some trembling in the hands). It felt all the world like getting off the booze did. I believe that I'm just about done with the Ativan withdrawal, but my skin still feels very sensitive to vibration (my nose tickles uncomfortably when I talk, just to give an idea of the degree of sensitivity). This seems to be going away very slowly. I'm wondering if anyone out there has experienced anything similar. I'm very happy to be off the Paxil even though I have moments of high anxiety still. I can survive these because the program has taught me that my hair isn't necessarily on fire just because it feels like it is. Thank you for any feedback on this hypersensitivity problem.

I would not think a psychiatrist knowledgeable about additiction would prescribe ativan. Yes it is a benzodiazepine in the same family with vallium, xanax, and klonopin. The withdrawal you described is standard. Benzodiazepines are not ideal for addicts and alcoholics due to them being so addictive in nature. That does not mean they are "bad drugs" or that being prescribed them renders you "not sober." They are often the only thing that will stop a full blown panic attack. So for that...they are sometimes indicated. If anyone else questioning the use of benzos comes here - I would tell them to avoid taking them if there are non-addictive alternatives, ask questions, and be very cautious. Basically, be a smart consumer.

I have had to take a benzo in small doses for panic and anxiety. I have taken it for over 15 years. I never abuse it. It's not ideal and I wish I didn't have to be on it but I do notice when I have not taken it in a day - I start having withdrawal and it sucks. It's been something I really have fought with in terms of what it means to be on it in sobriety. It is what it is though. When drinking, I used to abuse the prescription and pop them like candy. I have decreased off it substantially but the psychiatrist does seem to think its useful for me and it hasn't stopped me from growing and building a strong AA program. I would like to not take it at all and have expressed that to my Doctor. Stopping it cold turkey can lead to a seizure though (as is the case for all benzos). You must wean off them. For a drug like Paxil - the withdrawal is usually minimal. Hence, I'm surprise a doctor would prescribe a drug with worse withdrawal to treat withdrawal from another drug that does not have as strong withdrawal. That part does make me question the doctor.

Wow - I took paxil for years and never had side effects that bad. I had more side effects from it than getting off it.