Dear Adamo,

I am sorry to hear of this terrible experience you've just been through, and the current situation of chronic discomfort.

First let me say it does not freak me out and and "uninterested" does not apply either. On the contrary, I am quite worried about you. I might not be able to visit NT daily as I have some things going on myself, but I will flit and out every few days to check on you, ok?

Now, on to business. I am afraid -- don't hate me -- that your present situation is far too complex for me to toss numbers out. With rare exception, a benzodiazepine taper is inadvisable in the presence of the symptoms you describe. The big picture needs to be looked at first, and an expert (in psychopharmacology, i.e. a psychiatrist) needs to look at it and make the calls.

I wish I could be of more help but, other than being here, I'm afraid my best advice is to enlist the help of a psychiatrist on this. I realize it must be very scary, but please don't worry about having some mental illness right now. These problems may possibly have manifested because of an inherent illness, or they could have been precipitated by your phsyical illness, the situation, or a medication. It doesn't matter though - what does matter is for you to get better, and I really believe that expert help is required here.

If you have a psychiatrist, put in a call and say you are not sleeping. That usually sets alarm bells off for them. Same if you have to make an appointment with a new one -- it should get you in quicker. Bring in the records from the hospital stay. It will help the doctor to see the precise medications given and to see their documentation on observed symptoms.

Keep us posted and I really hope you feel better soon.

waves

p.s. Are you off the gabapentin now? If not, how much are you taking? I am confused because you didn't mention it.