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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
Question for the Board. I have been taking librium for 6 years. I switched to it from a almost 10 year period of xanax. It kinda just dawned on me that I have been on benzo's for a long, long time. I would like to taper off, now that I am back on Zoloft. Problem: I would be niave if I didnt realize that this many years of benzodiazopines has not been accepted by my brain and body as the norm. What should I do? Any studies done on possible damage done by this many years on a benzo? Thanks in advance BF
Posted by Phillipa on October 30, 2012, at 17:25:38
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
I've been on benzos different ones at different times for over 40 years. I've tappered down a lot. I figured my brain also was used to them. How high is the dose? I remember my first benzo was valium but switched to librium long time ago. I found it wasn't as strong as valium. Right now seems I can cut back and still sleep. Phillipa
Posted by rjlockhart37 on October 30, 2012, at 17:45:40
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
if you've been on a benzo a long time...its not that bad...i've read of much longer periods...but the thing is all with the GABA nuerotransmitter...when you stop a benzo the regulation will get off...because tolerance has created it to where the GABA activity only happens when you take all the benxos...it makes irrtiblity, anxiety, horrid stuff....but from what I know there are some options but your going to have to convince your doctor on them...
Depakote- which uses gaba to increase
Gabatril - reptake inhibitor for G
Nuerontin - really good if your forced to go off benzos which is the same situation that happend to me.
Lyrica - enhanced form it nuerontin.
Campral - may not be much help, but it used to treat alcoholism, which is not the case here.a scan espcially PET scans can see if there damage of abnormalites...its just their alot of money and you somethings have to see a nuerologist.
For down to earth advice...keep taking it, and ask the doctor to move around on meds. Mental Anxiety Techiques i've tried there not 100percent to work...but hypnosis is a vary good technique to rid anxiety with suggestions into the mind.
don't think about it all the time...causes OCD thoughts...I know what its like feel to have fear of a similar situation, in my particular case doctors thinking im having delusions of sickness in my body and then when it turns out to be real they still act skeptical...professional idiots with a degree and wise in their own vain eyes... its a hard thing to deal with. I've asked my doctor to have a full body CT scan but its going to take along time of persuasion with docs, you have to think how they think like playing chess....
keep us updated...
r
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 30, 2012, at 18:27:25
In reply to Re: Librium » Buckeye Fan, posted by Phillipa on October 30, 2012, at 17:25:38
Hey. I can't cite any studies off hand, but from what I recall, its a lot like drinking. I seem to recall reading that higher potency benzos are worse than low potency ones, such as Librium, but that may be dosing...docs will give out Klonopin @ 2+mgs/day (I think that's about 40mgs/valium), but they don't usually Rx the weaker ones at the same level.
Anyway, on the plus side, librium should be relatively easy to taper from, at least compared to ativan, xanax, or klonopin. Relatively mild, long half life. Almost like it tapers itself!
I hope it works out for you. I hope the SRI works well.
Posted by phillipa on October 30, 2012, at 19:12:43
In reply to Re: Librium, posted by Christ_empowered on October 30, 2012, at 18:27:25
What CE says is true in rehab usually alchohol first it's high doses of benzo then it decreases as the levels have built up until zero. Then is continues to leave your body. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 30, 2012, at 20:07:33
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
Most people can quit quite easily with a slow taper - in your case, I'd taper off over a few months
Google the Ashton Protocol for advice on how to taper.
What dose are you currently on?
Long term use is unlikely to result in any issues other that temporary withdrawl symptoms for most people, though a few do experience long term problems.
Posted by phidippus on October 31, 2012, at 22:55:20
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
>What should I do?
Ween yourself slowly off the Librium. Rebound anxiety is a given, but it should subside.
>Any studies done on possible damage done by this many years on a benzo?
You would have known by now if any permanent damage has been done.
Eric
Posted by Hugh on November 1, 2012, at 16:51:16
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
I saw a study that benzos caused cognitive impairment in the elderly, but I believe this can be reversed once they're off the benzos. Your brain is probably fine. BenzoBuddies has a lot of information on tapering. Many of the people who belong to BenzoBuddies have benzo horror stories, but most people are able to taper off of benzos without too many problems, as long as they go very slowly.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 1, 2012, at 20:02:19
In reply to Re: Librium, posted by Hugh on November 1, 2012, at 16:51:16
You've hit on it Hugh - the people that post on the net about the horrors of benzo withdrawl are a self selected group - the ones who had an easy withdrawl DONT post about it on the net, thus, the impression is given that everybody has a bad time withdrawing.
Infact 30% of people will have no withdrawl symptoms, some with have some withdrawl symptoms, and the other third will have a hard time of it.
Cut back by 5mg of Librium every 2-4 weeks and it should be relatively easy
Posted by phillipa on November 1, 2012, at 20:20:49
In reply to Re: Librium, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 1, 2012, at 20:02:19
Jono so true back in 74 yes that's not a typo I had first episodes of panic and when I say panic I was crawling out of my skin and cried all the way from living in Florida back to CT where from. Somehow I saw a doc when benzos were not considered bad who started me on valium 5mg TID and miltown 400mg I think. I also drank three beers a night. After a while wasn't long felt better. But I think I continued with the miltown for over a year. Then one said I don't need this anymore and just stopped it. No side effects none what so ever. I remember seeing the doc and he was speechless that I just stopped the miltown. Never took it again or needed it. This way way before a person questioned a doc or had internet access so explain this to me? All I know is this what my experience was. Been since then that I've taken a benzo some short periods of time when just didn't want or need them. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 2, 2012, at 23:18:54
In reply to Re: Librium » jono_in_adelaide, posted by phillipa on November 1, 2012, at 20:20:49
Same Phillipa, i went from 3mg of Xanax to 2mg of Xanax a day with no discomfort atall, and from 2mg to 1mg to 0.5mg to none with only minor dscomfort. i restarted it again after a while because the panic attacks came back, but it was good to kniow I could stop it when circumstab=nces allowed
Posted by phillipa on November 3, 2012, at 20:41:44
In reply to Re: Librium, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 2, 2012, at 23:18:54
Still ocd anxious but if it doesn't work why take it? Phillipa
Posted by schleprock on November 9, 2012, at 20:56:25
In reply to Librium, posted by Buckeye Fan on October 30, 2012, at 15:01:32
Isn't that the stuff that Captain America's shield is made out of?
This is the end of the thread.
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