Posted by Squiggles on February 5, 2007, at 12:37:50
In reply to Re: Ashton Rocks! » Squiggles, posted by Quintal on February 5, 2007, at 12:22:54
> >The only difference between the Benzo group and the mainstream group is that doctors in the Benzo group think it's a good idea to stay away from benzos, while mainstream doctors prescribe them as needed. Ideally, imho, benzos should be administered as needed, and when needed, and if needed, AND monitored during discontinuation.
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> I think the main difference in Heather Ashton's view and those of most doctors, is that she thinks benzodiazepines are often over-prescribed and people are often given repeat prescriptions without proper review long after the original crisis has passed. In fact most doctors in the UK actually share her view, but they argue that long-term benzodiazepine dependence is an unfortunate clinical reality given the demands and restrictions placed on them in practice. Heather Ashton is a mainstream doctor.
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> Q
>They are overprescribed, and worse, doctors and
patients are often unware of the consequences of stopping them or interrupting them or reaching tolerance. Dr. Ashton has provided professional help for people who don't know what the *** hit them. (Clonazepam is still a puzzle). I know from experience that I waisted 10 yrs. of productive life on what i call "inter-dose withdrawal", though the high thyroid hormone may have been a co-variable. It was an embarrassing and futile experience, at a time when in North America at least, benzos were not considered major drugs.I think we have a problem in our society, not only with benzos but all medications, esp. antidepressants which require closer and more careful monitoring. We just don't have enough drs. To make things worse, the drug companies have not cooperated with this problem by say, opening up clinics, but rather cloning existing classes of drugs for the sole sake of profit.
As for Ray, what can I say -- he's a born-again Christian with a medal in his pocket. :-) But you can't help but like the man.
Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:729587
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070201/msgs/729999.html