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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by FredPotter on August 6, 2000, at 19:59:37
It seems to be part of the accepted specialist wisdom here in NZ that long-term benzodiazepine use leads to tolerance. I have taken Xanax for years and other benzos for decades. My dosage of Xanax has not increased, despite my being told that it must have done. I also still feel it to be effective.
If anyone knows of proper studies reporting on tolerance or lack of it, I would be very interested. I think this needs sorting out so people who benefit from benzos can be treated appropriately. I read that Xanax was never intended to be taken long-term, some people interpreting this as more than 6 weeks. If you have to wait 6 months to see a CBT therapist, what is one supposed to do? The situation is made worse by benzophobe doctors who can be seen at the drop of a hat.
Anyway I must keep an open mind
Fred
Posted by Cam W. on August 7, 2000, at 9:36:01
In reply to long-term benzo use tolerance, posted by FredPotter on August 6, 2000, at 19:59:37
Fred - The tolerance that is developed with benzodiazepines is more to the motor symptoms (incoordination, etc.) than to the anxiolytic effects. If I am not mistaken, the benzodiazepine general monograph says this. I do not know of any specific studies that say this, but it should be included in most overviews. Check pharmacology text printed in the last 5 years.
Sorry that I can't help more than that. My brain has been misfiring lately. - Cam
Posted by stjames on August 7, 2000, at 23:55:05
In reply to Re: long-term benzo use tolerance » FredPotter, posted by Cam W. on August 7, 2000, at 9:36:01
I've been taking Atavin, 1 mg, since 1995 and have noticed
no tolerance. Sometimes I take it every day and sometimes not.
I take 60 pills in 90 days ave. and have never had to increase
the dose.james
Posted by FredPotter on August 8, 2000, at 16:19:47
In reply to Re: long-term benzo use tolerance, posted by stjames on August 7, 2000, at 23:55:05
Thanks for your help Cam and St James. It's time this urban legend of benzo tolerance was squashed
Posted by stjames on August 9, 2000, at 1:59:35
In reply to Re: long-term benzo use tolerance, posted by FredPotter on August 8, 2000, at 16:19:47
> Thanks for your help Cam and St James. It's time this
urban legend of benzo tolerance was squashed.James here....
Please remember, benzos taken everyday for anytime
more than a few weeks can show tolerance and withwrawal
problems if stopped at once. It's best to taper at this point.
If you are looking at long term I don't think the addiction is
a big issue if the meds improve functioning. On some days leaving
the house means taking 1mg Atavin or having a really bad day.
In general, try to take a little as possible without taking too
little to really control the problem.James
Posted by Cam W. on August 9, 2000, at 6:55:13
In reply to Re: long-term benzo use tolerance, posted by stjames on August 9, 2000, at 1:59:35
> > Thanks for your help Cam and St James. It's time this
> urban legend of benzo tolerance was squashed.
>
Fred - I agree with James. Benzodiazepines are not risk-free. They can cause problems over the longterm, especially when withdrawing from them (over time you build up more liver enzymes to metabolize the greater amount of benzodiazepine you are metabolizing. You have to decrease these levels slowly by tapering of the drug over 2 to 4 weeks.If you are using a benzo to take the edge off of anxiety, without increasing the dose too much over time, you will probably have no problems. If you are using the benzo to escape or to get a recreational high, you are probably going to run into troubles with addiction.
The media has overplayed the problems with benzodiazepines, but there is still risks involved with their use.
Hope this helps - Cam
This is the end of the thread.
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