No such thing as duct tape fix for benzo abuse

[stormsandy]

It's a good commentary on why long term, chronic use of benzos is not a good thing.

It's best to 'take a break' and see how you do without them (if you can, not everyone can medically speaking, for example Bi-polar's need Klonopin for manic episodes although not all BP's are of the same variety).

The first article does not mention WHAT benzo she was on, or the amount she was taking.

The second article mentions clonazepam, but not the amount.

I would be most curious to learn what the amounts were.

A small (5 - 10 mg a day) long-term dose, is not hellish to get off of.  Amounts in excess of 5-10 mg a day for over 4-6 months (or longer), definitely is (ESPECIALLY if it is a benzo with a short half-life), and therefore a careful, monitored and supported taper is necessary (including dietary changes, epsom salt baths, walks and a lot of rest).

I am only speaking with the experience of helping patients get off of LARGE amounts of benzos, especially those in the 'short elimination half life' category.

Withdrawal symptoms tend to occur earlier with benzodiazepines with short elimination half-lives, than those with long elimination half-lives.

Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, muscle tension, and irritability.  Less commonly, patients may also experience nausea, malaise, blurred vision, sweating, nightmares, depression, muscle coordination problems, and muscle twitching or spasms. In rare cases, hallucinations, delusions, seizures, and ringing in the ears may also occur. Risk of withdrawal seizures is higher with high benzodiazepine dose, long treatment duration, and concurrent use of medications that lower the seizure threshold.

Since the first article the writer seems to experience quite severe symptoms of withdrawal, I would suspect she was on quite a large amount of a short-half life benzo, perhaps even in conjunction with an antidepressant.  

I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, and I do hope members will read the articles and learn that playing with these medications is not a game they want to be in.

Cheers and best wishes.  CL

---

EDIT:   I meant what amount of Ativan she was on, or if she was on another medication at the time.

My fingers work too quickly.

Thanks again for the very insightful article on benzo abuse.

Great post -Thanks so much for sharing.