Benzo withdrawal - constant anxiety coupled with air hunger and exercise intolerance

Hello everyone,

I’ve been on 2mg of Lorazepram since 1/2015 and starred tapering 9/23/17. I’m down fln1.25 per day. Let’s just say it’s been one hell of a ride. I used to be just fine exercising, but now, since I’ve been house bound and very stressed since all of this occurred, any little bit of exertion ramps up my anxiety, air hunger, head compression/lightheadedness, insomnia, the list goes on.

Does anyone else feel they are exercise intolerent due to anxiety?
Does anyone else feel they have air hunger due to anxiety?
Has it gotten better for anyone?

In the past 6 months I have been to the ER countless times, cardiologists, ENTs, PCP and therapists. And ALL of my physical tests have come back normal (blood work, multiple EKGs, Echos, chest X-ray, stomach X-ray the list goes on.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

Hello and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear of all you are going through. I know how difficult dealing with anxiety and the physical symptoms is...so know that you are understood here.

It is hard to say whether you may have tapered your first step down too quickly as Jennings mentioned above...

...or if you are simply having acute anxiety as a result of not having the full dose that you were accustomed to for a significant length of time.

Hopefully you are discontinuing with the help of your doctor, and he/she can help you discern between these possibilities.

Also, do you have a plan in mind to help you 'replace' the tool that you are giving up? When discontinuing an Rx that has helped you to manage your anxiety...there should be something there in place, such as therapy and or self help...or perhaps another Rx choice such as an SSRI/other A/D as the new regimen.

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main form page here for great coping skills/self help material that you can get started on right away...

...and do talk to your doctor ASAP about those other possible treatment options if you've not already.

Post with us anytime for anxiety support if you find it helpful! We are here to listen anytime.

Scaredy Cat

try benzobuddies.org. you will get help there