Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2004, at 19:23:45
In reply to Re: Lou's reply to mcp-, posted by mcp on November 28, 2004, at 18:04:37
Hello Paul,
If you restart the diazepam it may not be sufficient to treat your anxiety for ever.... but it should prevent your withdrawal symptoms from returning (ever.) Once your withdrawal symptoms are under control you could treat your remaining anxiety by using a different treatment (such as another med or a psychological technique such as CBT etc.) This would mean that you wouldn't need to increase your dose of diazepam.
I know you are frightened to go back to diazepam. You became strongly dependent on it very quickly. I fully understand that you may not want to return to diazepam, I just wanted you to consider the option- it may not be so bad as you think.
If you are willing to use other meds to alleviate your withdrawal there are several options that you could consider...
A low dose of a sedating AD to help you sleep eg. Surmontil, doxepin, trazodone etc. You could also try an antihistamine for sleep eg. diphenhydramine.
Propranolol (Inderal) to help tremor and palps. 'Cardioselective' beta-blockers such as metoprolol(Lopressor) are not generally effective in reducing tremor.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) to reduce anxiety.
An SSRI to reduce anxiety eg. Celexa. You would need to start with a very low dose and increase gradually to prevent an initial exacerbation of anxiety from occuring.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) has also been used to facilitate withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
Psychological treatment could also be helpful. Have you ever seen a psychologist? Perhaps you could consider it.
All the best....
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:420999
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041128/msgs/421538.html