[Nike007]

Hello. I am not saying I agree or disagree with this information, but I wanted to post it here so people can read it. It's just some information on different benzos. Hope this helps anyone .

Here is the link to it:
The Hidden Dangers of Benzodiazepines | Dual Diagnosis

[eeyorestail]

Hey Nike! This is an interesting chart, and while I do agree that benzos can be addictive and dangerous, we should also consider the source. This website is run by a company that owns a bunch of drug rehab facilities. It is in their interest to scare us. But, as I said--when abused, yes, benzos can be dangerous.

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[jacky8807]

I don't think they are trying to scare so much as get the info out there
Now if it was done by scientology that would be different lol
I was on benzoate never addicted but just being on here and knowing some pPl personally it definitely is a problem

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by eeyorestail

Hey Nike! This is an interesting chart, and while I do agree that benzos can be addictive and dangerous, we should also consider the source. This website is run by a company that owns a bunch of drug rehab facilities. It is in their interest to scare us. But, as I said--when abused, yes, benzos can be dangerous.

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When they're used long-term, even if not abused, withdrawal can be life threatening and the worst sickness, extended, of one's life.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by eeyorestail

Hey Nike! This is an interesting chart, and while I do agree that benzos can be addictive and dangerous, we should also consider the source. This website is run by a company that owns a bunch of drug rehab facilities. It is in their interest to scare us. But, as I said--when abused, yes, benzos can be dangerous.

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As stated, I didn't agree nor disagree with the information. But what I have read from people here is that withdrawal is really bad. Like, extremely terrible.

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[Nike007]

Originally Posted by jacky8807

I don't think they are trying to scare so much as get the info out there

Now if it was done by scientology that would be different lol

I was on benzoate never addicted but just being on here and knowing some pPl personally it definitely is a problem

It's good that you didn't get addicted to them. I am not sure about them. I prefer not to go on one.

And yes, if it was done by scientology I would have not posted it, but it wasn't so.

It's good that you weren't addicted to it. And yes, I have read about a lot of other people being like that.

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[-jimi-]

What doctors does not inform the patient when prescribing this??? Then it should be the patient's choice what to take, just like any other med.

My friend is on a medication for her physical stuff that really helps but might cause severe infection, pneumonia, lymphoma and leukemia. She still takes it, why? Because it HELPS. It gives her quality of life.

The same benzos help me, I get some quality of life back. There are risks sure, but for me I made the informed choice that it was worse to be unmedicated. I'd rather live a shorter life where I can actually live some days, than a long one where I just exist day by day, in mental anguish.

Everyone gets to make their own choice.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

What doctors does not inform the patient when prescribing this??? Then it should be the patient's choice what to take, just like any other med.

My friend is on a medication for her physical stuff that really helps but might cause severe infection, pneumonia, lymphoma and leukemia. She still takes it, why? Because it HELPS. It gives her quality of life.

The same benzos help me, I get some quality of life back. There are risks sure, but for me I made the informed choice that it was worse to be unmedicated. I'd rather live a shorter life where I can actually live some days, than a long one where I just exist day by day, in mental anguish.

Everyone gets to make their own choice.

I don't agree nor disagree with this information. If it helps you and your friend, that's great. I applaud you.

Anyways, it was just a statistics thingy and I liked the picture design. That type of picture design I love for statistical information. Maybe that's why I was interested in it. Thanks for the response .

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[-jimi-]

I don't mind the info really. It's just that many people talk about this certain matter like if there is something morally wrong with benzos.

Most people do not inform about the extremely brutal withdrawals some antidepressants can have (and sadly the docs do not either), I simply think it is because there is not moral stigma attached to those meds.

Still, I lost a friend to Effexor withdrawals. I went through them myself. Horrific. Still I rarely hear warnings. I'm not criticizing the OP, I just wonder why.

[vonmoxie]

How are they showing zero ER visits for Temazepam? It's the most dangerous among them, having hypnotic effects that can put a person into a coma given enough overuse. It's not as much of a problem in the U.S. as it is in the U.K. and Australia where it is among the most highly abused drugs (pardon the pun), but I still find this hard to believe. I guess "N/A" here means "didn't research this one". That alone makes me question the veracity of this infographic, to be honest.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

I don't mind the info really. It's just that many people talk about this certain matter like if there is something morally wrong with benzos.

Most people do not inform about the extremely brutal withdrawals some antidepressants can have (and sadly the docs do not either), I simply think it is because there is not moral stigma attached to those meds.

Still, I lost a friend to Effexor withdrawals. I went through them myself. Horrific. Still I rarely hear warnings. I'm not criticizing the OP, I just wonder why.

I don't think there is anything wrong with benzos, but with what people have read that when they want to go off it, it's not a fun experience. I'm not saying it isn't helpful and should be banned, but I don't think benzos are for me. Maybe my mind will change in a year or two.

I have not heard of withdrawal to some antidepressants so I guess I may fit the majority of people. I am on Lexapro, and I left my medication at work because I am very forgetful and a long story behind that, but I haven't had any withdrawal yet. I shouldn't have anything because I'm going to have it tonight.

I'm sorry about your friend. That must have been hard. And I'm sorry you had a terrible withdrawal.

And wonder why AD aren't shown as dangerous in withdrawal? Is that what you mean?

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[Nike007]

Originally Posted by vonmoxie

How are they showing zero ER visits for Temazepam? It's the most dangerous among them, having hypnotic effects that can put a person into a coma given enough overuse. It's not as much of a problem in the U.S. as it is in the U.K. and Australia where it is among the most highly abused drugs (pardon the pun), but I still find this hard to believe. I guess "N/A" here means "didn't research this one". That alone makes me question the veracity of this infographic, to be honest.

I am not sure. They posted their sources at the bottom, so maybe they only got information from certain sites that were official or something. I am not sure where this information is from, but I assume the US.

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[*Laurie*]

I'm currently trying to come off of, or at least reduce, Klonopin. I've been on it for 20 years. So far I have dropped my daily dose by half and I feel absolutely awful. Awful.

The problem is, yes: benzos have the potential to cause a lot of problems. But they also work. They do the job they're supposed to do. I've never found any psych med that works as well as Klonopin does, and I've been on at least 25 psych meds. I believe pdocs need to stop pulling patients off benzos until a successful replacement is available.

[coyotee]

I was just recently prescribed Xanax. I was told to take it as needed and thats what I'm doing. One or two pills maybe each week when I absolutely need something chemically to help ease up. I really feel like this (in combination with my welbutrin) is a good choice for me and I feel like since my use is very limited and my dose is the bare minimum, it should be generally safe.

Does long-term but occasional use come with any sort of chemical danger? I've been trying to research that but I can't find an answer.... just seeing that long-term with daily use can carry addiction.

[coyotee]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

When they're used long-term, even if not abused, withdrawal can be life threatening and the worst sickness, extended, of one's life.

Oh I somehow skipped over this post before. This comes close to answering my question above ..

But is that long term use dangerous for even occasional use or just for someone who takes the minimum amount daily?

I don't want to hurt my body, but this is really helping me, and I don't want to have to really go on another hunt later on to find something to replace it.

[ChipperMonkey]

If you're only taking it once or twice a week, your body isn't going to get addicted. It's daily use (no matter the dose) that has the potential for dependency and addiction.

[Ocean5]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

When they're used long-term, even if not abused

That's the problem. Old p-doc gave me Xanax for "use as needed" for panic attacks. I rarely used, and no issue. It's just an insurance policy to stop panic attacks. I was told "not" to take daily.

Same p-doc several months later gives me Klonopin daily. Even when I questioned p-doc about developing dependence. Told not to worry. I was very new to any medicine at that point. Listened to p-doc. What a mistake! And I was on small dose.

I admit I was in really bad shape with extreme anxiety. So helped for awhile. I "never" took more than prescribed, and always at time of day told to take.

My body became dependent. Withdrawals are hell.

New primacy care and new p-doc both say I'm now in no shape to start reducing after last time I started to reduce. It's destroying my life. I've been taken by ambulance to ER "after" I thought I was through worst phase of withdrawals - or so I thought. Didn't realizes there where phases of withdrawal. I thought I was off finally ---- ended up with severe life threatening seizures in hospital for days.

Doctors even told me they didn't expect I would be able to leave so soon since seizures where so bad.

I want off Klonopin so badly. It affects my thinking skills, and I sleep so much. Left me unable to work. And there is no government safety net for self-employed in U.S. You are screwed.

Originally Posted by ChipperMonkey

It's daily use (no matter the dose) that has the potential for dependency and addiction.

Correct - p-docs should warn patients before being given daily. As should pharmacist. There should be black label.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by Ocean5

That's the problem. Old p-doc gave me Xanax for "use as needed" for panic attacks. I rarely used, and no issue. It's just an insurance policy to stop panic attacks. I was told "not" to take daily.

Same p-doc several months later gives me Klonopin daily. Even when I questioned p-doc about developing dependence. Told not to worry. I was very new to any medicine at that point. Listened to p-doc. What a mistake! And I was on small dose.

I admit I was in really bad shape with extreme anxiety. So helped for awhile. I "never" took more than prescribed, and always at time of day told to take.

My body became dependent. Withdrawals are hell.

New primacy care and new p-doc both say I'm now in no shape to start reducing after last time I started to reduce. It's destroying my life. I've been taken by ambulance to ER "after" I thought I was through worst phase of withdrawals - or so I thought. Didn't realizes there where phases of withdrawal. I thought I was off finally ---- ended up with severe life threatening seizures in hospital for days.

Doctors even told me they didn't expect I would be able to leave so soon since seizures where so bad.

I want off Klonopin so badly. It affects my thinking skills, and I sleep so much. Left me unable to work. And there is no government safety net for self-employed in U.S. You are screwed.


Correct - p-docs should warn patients before being given daily. As should pharmacist. There should be black label.

I've had a very similar experience, Ocean. I wish I had never had to come off of it because I was able to function on them. But ever since I was forced off in 2013, I've been a wreck, and I can't seem to function any more.

[Ocean5]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

I was forced off in 2013, I've been a wreck, and I can't seem to function any more.

Forced off? I'm so sorry! I've read stories how it can affect you for "years" after getting off.

I'm lucky (if you call being given Klonopin lucky.... I call it a curse.) at the moment they keep giving me prescription. Probably because my seizures were so bad. They even tried to increase again. I accepted, but won't take increased dosage.

I don't understand why Docs don't understand, at least for me, Klonopin makes my depression far worse. Wish I was never given it in first place.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by Ocean5

Forced off? I'm so sorry! I've read stories how it can affect you for "years" after getting off.

I'm lucky (if you call being given Klonopin lucky.... I call it a curse.) at the moment they keep giving me prescription. Probably because my seizures were so bad. They even tried to increase again. I accepted, but won't take increased dosage.

I don't understand why Docs don't understand, at least for me, Klonopin makes my depression far worse. Wish I was never given it in first place.

Yes, I was forced off cold turkey and I can't seem to be OK now. It's been years. I almost died at the time. I had to go inpatient after 10 days of no sleep. I have been like a zombie ever since. I don't do anything but sit and lean on my bed.

And I'm agoraphobic now.

[Ocean5]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Yes, I was forced off cold turkey and I can't seem to be OK now. It's been years. I almost died at the time.

Angelique *hug* I am so sorry. One reason I no longer trust doctors.

After I took myself off first time (in same visit psychiatrist told me I could go cold turkey. Then I guess I reminded her "WHY" I went to her in first place. She had bad memory, and kept even worst notes how long she had me on it.) She ended up giving me prescription for even more refills by end of session.

By that point I think she disliked I had started doing my own research. Meeting ended with, "you have prescriptions. Take as you feel you need to."

WTF How much are you being paid by hour???

I tried what I thought was slow reduction. After hospitalized for seizures new doctor and new psychiatrist both said I could not stop Klonopin. Even primary care said I was risking my life.

I thought I was doing a slow reduction on my own. Was I ever wrong. But my thinking became clearer, and I was becoming more stable, so I figured I was on right track.

Yet I am worst off than before I ever took Klonopin. I am more agoraphobic than ever. And now I know I risk seizures. Making me more afraid to leave apartment. Like you bed is safest place.

It just seemed to make ptsd much worse.

Can you get a new psychiatrist, then start a more very gradual reduction plan? What I was advised.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by Ocean5

Angelique *hug* I am so sorry. One reason I no longer trust doctors.

After I took myself off first time (in same visit psychiatrist told me I could go cold turkey. Then I guess I reminded her "WHY" I went to her in first place. She had bad memory, and kept even worst notes how long she had me on it.) She ended up giving me prescription for even more refills by end of session.

By that point I think she disliked I had started doing my own research. Meeting ended with, "you have prescriptions. Take as you feel you need to."

WTF How much are you being paid by hour???

I tried what I thought was slow reduction. After hospitalized for seizures new doctor and new psychiatrist both said I could not stop Klonopin. Even primary care said I was risking my life.

I thought I was doing a slow reduction on my own. Was I ever wrong. But my thinking became clearer, and I was becoming more stable, so I figured I was on right track.

Yet I am worst off than before I ever took Klonopin. I am more agoraphobic than ever. And now I know I risk seizures. Making me more afraid to leave apartment. Like you bed is safest place.

It just seemed to make ptsd much worse.

Can you get a new psychiatrist, then start a more very gradual reduction plan? What I was advised.

I'm so sorry you've had such an awful time trying to get off of it. Yes, I'm completely agoraphobic. It left me with peripheral neuropathy, electric zaps, jerking limbs, terrible tinnitus, dizziness, extreme anxiety, terrible agoraphobia and extreme apathy. I'm not the person I used to be, I'm nothing but an invalid now.

I've been trying to fight the agoraphobia but it's so hard! I just can't seem to keep myself going.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Nike007

As stated, I didn't agree nor disagree with the information. But what I have read from people here is that withdrawal is really bad. Like, extremely terrible.

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I had no negative withdrawal effects and was prescribed benzos over a 20 year period off and on. That is why all this latest fanfare truly confuses me. It may be a minority who experience such extremes. In comparison, what about withdrawal from SSRI's? Brain zaps??? Almost everyone reports some really bizarre withdrawal effects. Am glad I'm off all this stuff.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

I had no negative withdrawal effects and was prescribed benxos over a 20 year period off and on. That is why all this latest fanfare truly confuses me. It may be a minority who experience such extremes. In comparison, what about withdrawal from SSRI's? Brain zaps??? Almost everyone reports some really bizarre withdrawal effects. Am glad I'm off all this stuff.

If you take a look at the benzo buddies site, you'll see that suffering harsh and sometimes fatal benzo withdrawal is the majority of cases. You are in the very fortunate minority.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

If you take a look at the benzo buddies site, you'll see that suffering harsh and sometimes fatal benzo withdrawal is the majority of cases. You are in the very fortunate minority.

I don't know. Where are these figures coming from? I would like to see impartial clinical studies. But even then, how can these so-called statistics be trusted? SSRI clinical trials have been misrepresented from the beginning. Personally, I have heard more horror stories from SSRIs then I have heard from benzos. Having said that, yes, I am glad I am off all these drugs even though there is a certain amount of anxiety now (as some on this thread have also reported) that is hard to live with when not medicated. But I am willing to try the holistic route.