Posted by jujube on September 24, 2004, at 18:30:12
In reply to Benzos are a deal with the Devil, posted by TomV on September 23, 2004, at 15:15:12
It's just a suggestion (and I am certainly no expert on natural supplements - just someone who is trying to educate themselves on alternative remedies for my anxiety), but why don't you try some amino acids along with a B-Complex supplement. I have been reading about aminos and have seen some discussions on the Alternatives board. I would appear that Gaba is a good for anxiety as is Taurine. L-Glutamine produces GABA, I think, and could be combined with Taurine perhaps. A natural substitute may help you with the withdrawal and could provide the relief you need for the anxiety issues, without the worry of dependency. I, too, worry about dependency and that is why I have started looking for a reliable natural alternative. I use Xanax, but really have to be careful (I am an alcoholic with 8.5 years of sobriety). My doctor will only give me a very small prescription once in a while (10 - .25 mg) to be used in emergencies. Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Take good care.
> I know benzos help a lot of people with a lot of different ailments, but if you take 1/2 mg or more for more than 3 months it's nearly impossible to get off the drug, in my opinion.
>
> In my case I've tried quitting so many times that I've almost given up the thought of trying again. I've been taking a little over 1mg of xanax (after switching from klonopin to ativan to xanax) for almost 6 years, and every time I drop even the slightest amount I start feeling physically ill within a couple days. I've read in the literature that a benzo withdrawl can even cause a Grand Mal seizure, which is kind of what I thought I was experiencing. But my doctor blew me off about that theory when I explained to her what was going on during my withdrawl. One more thing, don't get me wrong; when I needed the benzos back a few years ago they were very helpful. I got immediate relief. But now I feel that they're harming my mood (I also have PTSD and treatment resistent depression) and there isn't a thing I can do about it.
>
> Anyway, this isn't a cry for help. I'm just venting I guess.
>
> Tom
poster:jujube
thread:394171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040921/msgs/394676.html