Starbursts and light sensitivity - has anyone had positive progress with these symptoms?

[yarkadin]

This is a continuation of my post here below:

Unfortunately since I last wrote that, my symptoms again flared up a few days later and I was back to ground zero.  In fact, I had ANOTHER withdrawal type episode of what I can only guess is PAWS, Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, a month after quitting a low dose Klonopin semi-regimen.  It's been a rollercoaster ride to say the least.  I'm stabilizing psychologically, physically, but... my vision has 100% changed since November with more snow, light sensitivity and starburst in lights... and it is not my eyes:  I went to two ophthalmologists last year, one in late December (a surgeon) who saw nothing wrong with my eyes.  I was actually hoping he'd find something wrong.

MY QUESTION: did anyone here on this board see a recovery or alleviation of the starburst phenomena?  I think it's all part of a complex of aggravated symptoms tied to increased floaters, visual snow and light sensitivity and won't just disappear in itself but in the set of symptoms.  I've read in the benzo boards that light sensitivity frequently happens in withdrawal, but I'm wondering how long it lasts.  I've been searching through the whole hppdonline site and I found some people talking about this, it seems experiencing exactly what I am experiencing, but there was no follow-up to see how anyone was progressing.  Please only answer if you have firsthand experienced this!

Here is the positive thing, as far as I am concerned: I had a few days last month where FOR A FACT all of this stuff went down... I felt far better and I saw better in the absence of any meds.  And another positive thing, from my experience: back when I got HPPD in 1999 I did not have these starbursts but I had horrible light sensitivity and that sensitivity went down.  So I have some hope... But with these glints and enhanced colors, I'm in totally uncharted territory.  If there are any veterans here that can provide insight it would be much appreciated!

 

Edited January 6 by yarkadin

[brake]

I don't want to give you advice anymore because it doesn't seem to work for you but for me... Klonopin and keppra combo has been significant in decreasing light sensitivity. I can stare at lights on purpose and not be like totally blinded and paralyzed by them. I feel more resilient and stronger. The after images also decreased in severity. Please don't be mad at me if it doesn't work for you

[yarkadin]

No problem, I was just asking if it gets better on its own.  It's great that you got some success on that combo.  Curious which one is doing most of the work - Klonopin or Keppra.  I have days where I can stare at lights and not be blinded by them without any drugs.  I'm not getting mad at anyone for giving advice

[brake]

1 hour ago, yarkadin said:

No problem, I was just asking if it gets better on its own.  It's great that you got some success on that combo.  Curious which one is doing most of the work - Klonopin or Keppra.  I have days where I can stare at lights and not be blinded by them without any drugs.  I'm not getting mad at anyone for giving advice

For me it seems like the combination is key, keppra alone is not enough and neither is klonopin.

[yarkadin]

Did the actual starbursts, assuming you had them, get smaller? 

Also what side-effects are you experiencing (outside the headache you mentioned when we talked)?  I know everyone is different but I'm curious.

[brake]

16 minutes ago, yarkadin said:

Did the actual starbursts, assuming you had them, get smaller? 

Also what side-effects are you experiencing (outside the headache you mentioned when we talked)?  I know everyone is different but I'm curious.

Hard to wake up in the morning. It's not that the starbursts got smaller but I feel like they have less of an effect on me. And my vision is a little better overall. Definitely not fully cured though. Anyone who is cured from keppra and/or Klonopin or any pill is one lucky bastard though haha.