Neuropathy after withdrawal
 

I did an 8 month taper from Alprazolam, lowering my dosage by no more than 10% every 2 weeks (taken from the Ashton Manual), and have been benzodiazepine free for 6 years and 4 months. However, I still have issues with tingling/burning sensations in my feet, hands, legs, arms, face, and sometimes my back. The pain usually happens from stress, or when my body is met with chemicals (from toothpaste, bath products, etc--which means I'm also allergic to these products which didn't happen before getting on Alprazolam).

I reluctantly scheduled an appointment with a neurologist for tomorrow, however I'm looking to see if others have had this issue? Most of the time I don't experience the burning/tingling sensation, but when it does happen, it's distracting and sometimes I can't put in the background.

Hi bs6201

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

I can't directly help you because my PN is a relic of when I used to abuse alcohol. Other members may be able to help you more directly.

I hope that your appointment with the neurologist goes well.

Best wishes.

Thanks, kiwi. I'm noticing through researching on here and other sites that PN doesn't always happen organically, but comes about from alcohol or other outside sources. On another site that I'm apart of (not PN related), they say that healing from benzo withdrawal takes time but does happen, however I'm still left with this possible PN that really only comes up with stress or is a trigger as an allergic reaction to chemicals, and it's been six years since I stopped taking Alprazolam.

Hi. Did your symptoms begin while you were taking Alprazolam? I ask this because I wonder how you decided the drug caused your symptoms.

I had used Ambien at night for many years. Although it's not a benzo it is a central nervous system depressant and a side effect is tingling/burning sensations (I believe when the drug is leaving your system). If my memory serves me correctly, benzodiazepine share that side effect. I have often felt that my SFN, which is identical to yours, was caused by overuse of that drug. I will be interested in hearing what your doctor tells you because all my doctors rejected that theory. I would be interested in any research you found on the subject.