Symptoms: Brain zaps, emotional blunting, cognitive impairment, insomnia, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, severe anxiety/panic, muscle/joint pain
I was prescribed oxazepam during a burnout, hoping it would bring me calm and help me sleep. Instead, after a few weeks, everything became worse. I developed intense anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, tinnitus, muscle pain, brain fog, and a constant feeling of inner restlessness.
I no longer recognized myself. I felt trapped in my own body, overwhelmed and exhausted, yet unable to relax. At times, I even questioned my sanity.
The hardest part was feeling so alone and not understanding what was happening to me.
Now, I have started sharing my experience on Instagram (Benzovrijsamen) and I see how many others are going through the same. That realization has been both heartbreaking and comforting.
Only later did I understand this was linked to the medication. I am now slowly tapering, and step by step, I am finding my way back.