Posted by Paul Smith on June 18, 2005, at 22:50:54
In reply to Flumazenil: an option for Paul??? » Paul Smith, posted by ed_uk on June 18, 2005, at 20:49:15
> Hi Paul,
>
> When you took Valium initially, before you did the slow taper, what was the maximum dose that you took??
>
> Btw, are you on any other medication at the moment?
>
> >Burning skin, paranoia, dizziness, world looks surreal, mild tremor, insomnia, agitation, stange sinking sensations when I take steps, weakness, zero apetite.
> >37.5 mgs Valium.
>
> Did you have all these symptoms when you were on 40mg?
>
> >....to walk with a cane, to "adapt to it" like a quadaplegic does.
>
> I wouldn't ever say that to you.
>
> RE what can I do to get well???
>
> One option would be to withdraw the diazepam and have flumazenil infusions in a hospital clinic.........
>
> Please read my post (and the rest of the thread)............
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050228/msgs/473333.html
>
> 'Flumazenil (FLU).....significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms in comparison with oxazepam (a benzo) and placebo on both self-reported and observer-rated withdrawal scales. FLU also reduced craving scores during the detoxification procedure. In addition, during oxazepam tapering, group B patients experienced paradoxical symptoms (which may be what YOU are experiencing Paul) that were not apparent in flumazenil patients. Patients treated with flumazenil showed a significantly lower relapse rates on days 15, 23 and 30 after the detoxification week. Our data provide further evidence of FLUs ability to counteract BZD effects, control benzodiazepine (BZD) withdrawal and normalize BZD receptor function. The effectiveness of FLU may reflect its capacity to upregulate BZD receptors and to reverse the uncoupling between the recognition sites of BZD and GABA, on the GABA(A) macromolecular complex, that has been reported in tolerant subjects.'
>
> 'Flumazenil has also been proposed as a treatment for protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal, where neurological symptoms persist long after the drug is discontinued. It is thought that flumazenil might be able 'reset' benzodiazepine receptor function.'
>
> Kind regards,
> Ed.The 40 mgs worked pretty good for about 6 weeks Ed, still had some symptoms but was functional, then it pooped out. I then decided to taper off and it got worse. "Paradoxical", I do not know. Just quit working. The other detox method you speak of is cutting edge, doubtful I could get in in the U.S., even with insurance, which I do not have. Best I would get is phenobarb or librium for a few days then forced into AA meetings all day, instructed to "calm down" by lower level nurses when withdrawals hit, perhaps labled psychotic if the wild stuff hit and it probably would, then shown the door after 30 days. In a word, I am screwed. Only other options would involve increasing the Valium dose or crossing over to Klonopin.
poster:Paul Smith
thread:513250
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/515283.html