over 10 years ago I was put on benzodiazipens and imipramine for agoraphobia and it works. I have not upped the dose of either one. But the drugs help me. I still have problems sometimes with new places etc. But I have gotten some very good therapy and would like to try a drug free exsistance. I know after more than 10 yrs. I am very addicted to the benzo's. I don't need a run down on what that means. But I am terrified to try and come off them (i guess it would be detox..right?) VERY terrified!! I can stay on the drugs or try and see how life is without them, but first I would have to do the withdrawal thing. What would you do? REALLY???
2007-10-08 21:03:04 · 6 answers · asked by OhWell (Kiss my cute furry feet) 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi there,
I just answered a very similar question on benzo withdrawal and tapering so I'm pasting part of my reply here:
Benzodiazepines should never be stopped suddenly. They should be tapered (preferably in a primary healthcare setting) slowly and with the help of your pdoc/psychiatrist. The duration of the taper would depend on how long you have been using benzos and at what dose.
In general, you would have to substitute whatever benzo you are taking for a long-acting one like Diazepam (Valium). The diazepam is then gradually tapered down over a period of weeks/months. Here are some examples of tapering schedules:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm
Although diazepam is the preferred substitute, my colleagues have used both Librium and Clonazepam in tapering their patients off. Also, if the benzo in question is alprazolam (Xanax), it too can be tapered slowly without having to switch to diazepam, although rebound anxiety can be an issue, in which case you may want to try various herbal supplements for anxiety such as Valerian, Chamomile, Fennel, Ashwaganda, Kava Kava etc.
Feel free to contact me if you need anymore help. (It would be helpful if you could tell me which benzo you are taking, and at what dosage)
AJ
NB: It wouldn't be right for me to tell you what to do as I don't know your entire history. But if you wish to taper off the benzos, please do it slowly and at your own pace. The first thing I would suggest would be to sit down with your doctor and discuss your feelings with him/her. Also, try and keep a journal/diary of your thoughts, feelings, fears etc. This would be very helpful for your psychiatrist/psychologist.
If I may ask, why do you want to get off the benzos since they seem to be helping you?
Personally, I don't like benzos because I find that they interfere too much with my thought processes, but that's just me. But for quite a number of people, benzos can be a lifesaver. Perhaps you could try a dose adjustment (please check with your doc first) and see how you feel. Take it one step at a time.
2007-10-08 21:24:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, do not try and stop the benzo's cold turkey! Trust me, I have seen this first-hand and it nearly resulted in a stroke. If you plan to try and withdraw, please consult a medical facility that specializes in withdrawal/detox with psychological support.
2007-10-09 04:14:06 · answer #2 · answered by Trauma31 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is really between you and your doctor...maybe he/she feels you are not ready to come off of it yet, but if you bboth decide you are, the doctor will take you off slowly, like 1/4 of a pill at a time and see how you handle things. it is a gradual process. i have been put on and taken off many medicines, so i know it is a process. for ex. i was taking 4 tablets (I forget of what it was at the time)...we went down 1/4 of a tablet every other week, until i was ready to cme off of it. you and your doctor may also want to consider other medicines. this is something you really need to speak to your dotor about.good luck
2007-10-09 04:08:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to the doctor who has prescribed the medications for you about this. If he/she says you can try going off of them, he/she will also give you a plan that will help you do this with the least chances of side effects.
2007-10-09 04:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your very addicted, i wouldnt even try and come off them straight away, i would go to the doctor and disscuss a safe way to reduce them and gradually come off them so the symptoms wont be as bad.
Well done by the way
2007-10-09 04:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
try it.....
2007-10-09 04:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by Sandy B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋