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1. I heard coming off benzodiazepines is difficult so why do I need to stop taking my pills? (back to top) You may experience withdrawal symptoms even while still taking your pills. You may need more to have the same effect as your tolerance to the medication increases. Eventually you may find that however much you take it no longer manages your initial problem. In some cases your medication may now be making the initial problem worse. 2. Why wasn't I told benzodiazepines are addictive? (back to top) The risks involved in benzodiazepine use continue to be underestimated. 3. How can I use benzodiazepines safely? (back to top) Benzodiazepines are used for certain medical procedures on a one off or short term basis and as a pre-op medication. They may also be used on a short term basis for acute alcohol withdrawal. They can be useful for anxiety, insomnia and tension related symptoms such as headaches on a short term basis. Intermittent use is safer than regular use. A time frame of 2-4 weeks only is suggested. 4. I take my pills at night to sleep. Why do I feel like I am going crazy every day? (back to top) Some short acting benzodiazepines will be effective for 1-3 hours only, although they may be in your body longer than that. If you are addicted you will be in withdrawal soon after taking them and until you take the next dose the following night. 5. Who can take benzodiazepines on a long term basis? (back to top) In a few cases the risks of taking benzodiazepines may be considered to be outweighed by the advantages. 6. Why don't I just stop taking them? (back to top) The severity of withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person. There is a possibility that symptoms could be extremely severe especially where there has been long term use, resulting in seizures and even potentially fatal. This is why a gradual reduction over time is recommended. As a general guideline we suggest a month of gradual reduction for each year of use. For example, if you have a twenty year history of using benzodiazepines we would suggest a reduction over twenty months. 7. How long will I continue to get withdrawal symptoms when I complete my |
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There is no answer to this question. The length of experiencing withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person and is unpredictable. The same applies to the severity of the symptoms. 8. What can I take that will help withdrawal symptoms? (back to top) There are no other drugs that can be used in this way. A gradual reduction is the most effective way to manage withdrawal symptoms. Some specific symptoms e.g. pain, nausea may be helped with painkillers or anti-nausea agents.
9. How will I
manage my anxiety/insomnia/depression without my pills? Medication treats symptoms of these conditions without looking at underlying causes. Often people decide to withdraw because they have found the medications is less effective in managing these symptoms anyway, and in some cases the medication is making these symptoms worse. However, counselling alongside your reduction programme will help you find alternatives. 10. Can I become addicted when I am only taking a small amount?(back to top) Yes, especially if you have been taking it regularly and for a period of time.
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