I have suffered from social and generalised anxiety all my life, and recently stumbled across this forum and all the wonderful stories of those who found that Baclofen completely eliminated the anxiety that led them to drink. That struck a chord for me - I'm not a classic 'alcoholic' in that I can go through a whole week (or longer) without a drink, but I have always used alcohol in social situations as an incredibly effective way of eliminating my social anxiety.
As I had some stressful situations at work coming up, I was very worried about my anxiety getting in the way, so I immediately ordered some online, without having done nearly enough research into the darker side of Baclofen.
I started about two and a half weeks ago on a dose of 30mg per day, then went up to 50mg after three days, and 70mg after another three days. I did have a day about 4-5 days after that where I took about 9 or 10 (I lost count during the day, terrible as that is!) but then dropped back to 7.
I realise this is almost certainly too fast - I was following what I read was Dr A's titration schedule, but I see that most people recommend going more slowly. However, I felt OK up to and including my first couple of days on 70 - some days of heavy tiredness, but some other days where my anxiety was reduced to zero and I felt very positive. But about 3-4 days ago, I had a terrible night of horrendous nightmares, buzzing in my ears, and poor sleep, after which I felt like a wreck at work - incredibly hard to stay awake or make normal conversation. Sadly I have remained in that state ever since - I have slept a bit better but still feel awful during the day - and the positive effects have disappeared altogether.
Thankfully it's now Saturday, but what I am dreading is the fact that I have to start a new job on Monday - and I really don't feel in a state where I can handle normal social interaction, let alone a new job. I had hoped that if I stuck to 70 for a while I would stabilise, but that has not happened.
I feel trapped in a nightmare of my own making - I would love to stop taking this poison immediately, but I am terrified of the withdrawal effects. My plan was to take just 50mg today (dropping down from 70) and see how that goes for a couple of days, then if all is OK drop to 30, then down from there.
After just two and a half weeks do you think I am likely to suffer withdrawals? Could I stop taking it altogether (without titrating down) as I've been on it such a short time, or should I titrate? Am I going too quickly?
I realise I have been stupid and hasty in diving into this, and going up so quickly, and believe me, my self-flagellation is at an all-time high. I would be incredibly grateful for any support and advice you can give me, particularly those who have experience of stopping after taking for such a short time.
I also realise this medicine is a miracle for many of you, so my intention is not to knock it at all - it just wasn't for me.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Comment