I am addicted to benzodiazepines,I have been on them for about
4 years now,I have tried to stop them,but I am too addicted to them.As I have anxiety,they are very helpful. I am so dependent on them.I have not told my GP. Has anyone got any advise or info?
2006-12-11 08:25:50 · 10 answers · asked by DollyFan 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
cold turkey is the best way
2006-12-12 11:30:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is it you haven't told your GP? That you are on them or you want to quit? If you want to quit, see your doctor...you must get off of them slowly. I would also look into an anxiety support group while you are trying to get off of them, and also seek some counseling from a qualified person about the cause of your anxiety and what can be done besides benzodiazepines. You are addicted if you take more than prescribed, go to several different docs for the pills (and none of the docs know you are seeing other docs for this) and/or you are taking several different ones at the same time. If you are addicted, you need rehab.
2006-12-11 17:12:50 · answer #2 · answered by Cheryl C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to take them. They are evil really. Whatever you do don't stop cold turkey. They cause all sorts of nasty side effects when you stop taking them overnight. You should cut down gradually. Only thing i can suggest is to have acupuncture as a means to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. And DO tell the acupuncturist that you are addicted to Valium. The acupuncture won't make your addiction go away though, stopping is up to you. But it will help you feel a lot better as you get clean. Good luck.
2006-12-11 22:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by Part Time Cynic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your GP will know you are addicted to them. He/She has been prescribing for 4 years. Ask to be weaned off them with a possible alternative. Ask to be referred to a therapist who can give you support and methods to deal with any anxiety in a constructive way through behavoural therapy. So many GPs prescribe drugs without actually getting to the root of your problem. Invest time in finding out what has/is causing your anxiety. Drugs should always be short term. Drugs mask the problem not solve it. Have you thought about hypnotherapy? Cognitive behaviour therapy?
2006-12-11 18:48:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Withdrawal from this class of drugs can produce a wide range of physical and mental symptoms. It's often similar to alcohol withdrawal. You've been using them for a long time so DO NOT quit cold turkey. You could have severe withdrawal symptoms such as delirium, seizures and hallucinations. They need to be withdrawn gradually and you need to talk to your doctor about it. You may need to do it under medical supervision so they can treat any severe symptoms that may arise. I know it's scary but you need to be honest with your GP. Good luck, you'll be fine.
2006-12-11 17:24:54 · answer #5 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go slowly. Take 3/4 the regular amount till you no longer have side effects. Probably about a month or so. Then cut down to half the amount. Then to 1/4 amount. And then, don't stop there. Then just take crumbs and less and less crumbs till you're all done.
2006-12-11 18:28:16 · answer #6 · answered by happymommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have severe anxiety disorder also. I take benzo's too. Is your anxiety under control to the point that you think you no longer need meds? Or, is it just that you dont want the benzo's anymore? Whatever the case may be, you have to come off of them slowly. Wean yourself off. Actually, you may need to talk to your doctor and explain your situation to him. He can prescribe something else for you to take while you come off them. That makes it alot easier on you. Otherwise your anxiety is likely to come back really bad without the pills you're body is used to. Good luck to you.
2006-12-11 16:32:04 · answer #7 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a referral to your local drug service from your GP you will need to be reduced gradually with supervision and support. I you try and go it alone you run the risk of replacing it with another substance to reduce the withdrawl symptoms.
Benzo withdrawl is difficult and you will need help
2006-12-12 09:07:29 · answer #8 · answered by Litmus180 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take them as well. You will need to wean yourself off of them, but this could take a long time. Why exactly do you want to get off of them if they are actually helping you? If you get off of the medication you risk having terrible axiety relapse. If you really want off, talk to your doctor about the best way to handle. 4 years is a long time to be on a medication - please do not quit cold turkey.
2006-12-11 16:36:10 · answer #9 · answered by Dawn Rocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHY STOP ST THAT'S DOIN U GOOD, STILL BETTER MEET A PSYCH...I'VE BEEN ON THEM FOR MORE THAN 6 YRS N MY LIFE WAS HELL BEFORE THAT
2006-12-12 21:54:48 · answer #10 · answered by Osama bin Laden 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋