Why are so many doctors and nurses so scared of Benzodiazepines like Xanax,Ativan and Klonopin?

Question

Just to let everyone know, I do take a benzo for what it's intended for and I have a presciption. I'm not a pill head or a pill popper. I have a really bad anxiety problem and I've been on 15 different medications like all the SSRIs, SNRIs ect ... and the BZs are the only type of medication that helps me with my anxiety.
I think people really over react when it comes to BZs. Some peope act like you're no different than a junkie or someone buying heroin off the street and I think that's so stupid. I know they're very addictive, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

I say "dependency" instead of "addiction" because I believe their is a very distinct difference. You are taking the medication for a legitimate purpose, and hopefully not escalating your dosage without prior consent from your doctor. I think being dependent on this medication is a fair trade-off for the relief it brings. 99% people only take a benzo for a short time or as a PRN but unfortunatly sometimes people like me with a severe anxiety disorder have to be on them long-term.

Answer 1

I believe they are afraid to prescribe them because they are not fully knowledgeable in how benzodiazepines work with severe anxiety disorders and they have doubts about their patient using them properly. So instead they play it safe by compromising with a prescription drug that doesn't really do what a benzodiazepine can and tell themselves and their patient that benzodiazepines are "too strong" or "very addicting". It's a wimpy way of practicing medicine, in my opinion and in my own physician's opinion. I have a highly reputable physican who specializes in psychiatry and neurology and over the course of 8 years he has prescribed the three you mentioned and I was able to get the help needed for my recovery without any side effects or dependency issues. It always amazes me the overall negativity towards ANY type of psychopharmacology medication by the majority of participants on this site and the beliefs of addiction even when used short-term for valid medical needs. I've worked as a pharmacy tech for 10 years and it's a pity how paranoid people can get--especially the ones that have been misinformed by friends and neighbors who have no medical training.

Answer 2

Reasons include: High likelihood of dependence and addiction. Tolerance develops quickly. Dangerous withdrawal if not tapered and monitored. Overdose or alcohol use with benzos can cause coma. Dosage usually needs to be increased on a regular basis to minimize the negative size effects during long term use. Long term use is considered > 4 wks.

Answer 3

it is very addictive but Dr are not afraid of giving this meds to very old people

Answer 4

you are so right i take adtvin it just how you take it and not abuse it like most people do that way most doctor dont like to give it out to many people abuse drugs

Answer 5

right on brother

Answer 6

ADDICTION!