XANAX, ATIVAN, KLONOPIN, VALIUM, great info here

[windysan]

Watcha say Barto? Good to see you again.

Careful with the cashews and almonds on the UK board.

[Arura]

...xXx...

[mikiglen]

first of all apologies, but i can't read through this whole thread right now....just a question..i am on day 19 opiate free, day 2 of benzo free after a xanax taper (i ended up not really tapering right...i took none wed-fri, then 5 sat-sun, then quit)
anyway, i have been going through the night sweats, the excessive fatigue, the back pain....it feels just like an opiate detox...is this benzos?
i have also been sick, so maybe that's it. just can't figure out why i felt so well last week, then hit with a hammer again this week...
thanks for any opinions
mis

[Ten Chips Down]

Damn Mis

So you're doing the dual-detox thing? Opiates and BZDs. Wow.

That's impressive. Mightily so.

"day 2 of benzo free after a xanax taper (i ended up not really tapering right...i took none wed-fri, then 5 sat-sun, then quit)"

Heh :tongue2: That sounds like me! I can't STAND the intense Zannie w/ds when they come on, my LORD. It's tough, and I haven't strung together any days completey Zanny-free, but I sure have just collapsed and taken 2 or 3mg when I was down to .5mg. Then, back to the strict regimen again.

It's tough.

"anyway, i have been going through the night sweats, the excessive fatigue, the back pain....it feels just like an opiate detox...is this benzos?"

Yup, sounds like your opiate detox; yet like you said, it's been 19 days. So that doesn't jibe.

i have also been sick, so maybe that's it. just can't figure out why i felt so well last week, then hit with a hammer again this week...
thanks for any opinions
mis

Well, ok. Strictly opinions then, ok? Could be onset of a new cold? Flu? (Hope not.)

Yet it all times with your complete Xanax-cessation. So, who knows? I wouldn't rule it out. I've now heard of flu-like symptomatology associated with a tough BZD detox, and I (once) didn't think that made any sense.

Differential diagnosing over the damned net by a bunch of lay-persons like me. LOL I guess that's the best you get on here, eh?

Wishing you the best in the coming days. Hell, wishing me the best. I need it too!!!

Ten

[EricPaul]

The Benzodiazepines
Toxicity, Cognitive Impairment, Long-Term Damage
& The Post-Withdrawal Syndrome
Dr R F Peart BSc, PhD
December 2000

Abstract
There is a great deal of misinformation, mythology and ignorance surrounding the benzodiazepines, their uses and problems. The attitude of denial by many has a severe impact on patients trying to get help from doctors, treatment for dependency, DLA and other benefits, and help for legal actions.

This paper is an attempt to bring together apparently diverse aspects in a format that hopefully will be informative and a source of further information for those seeking help and compensation for the destruction of their lives.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Elimination Half Lives and Accumulation

3. Individual Variability and Dependence

4. Toxicity

5. Adverse Reactions and Events

6. Toxic Poisoning

7. Medical Literature

Section A - Cognitive Impairment/Long Term Damage - Reference List and Extracts

Section B - Long-Term Damage/Post Withdrawal Syndrome - Reference List and Extracts

^^ back to top
1. Introduction
Any drug acting upon the central nervous system (CNS) whether it is an analgesic, stimulant or depressant has a potential for causing toxic side effects, cognitive impairment, neurological disorders and dependence.

The benzodiazepines are depressants of the CNS and have five major therapeutic actions, anxiolytic, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, antiepileptic and amnesic i.e. they are very non-specific drugs. Recipients of these drugs will be subject to all of these actions, whether required or not, and to adverse reactions associated with each therapeutic action. Over 500 different adverse reactions to the benzodiazepines have been reported to the MCA (UK) and the FDA (USA) and not surprisingly many are directly linked with the therapeutic actions e.g. rebound anxiety, rebound insomnia, musculoskeletal problems, epileptic fits and severe memory problems. Because of the wide range of therapeutic actions, and the fat-soluble nature of the benzodiazepines few parts of the body and brain are exempt from adverse reactions. Some patients have dozens of these adverse reactions occurring at the same time or over a given period. No wonder many are mis-diagnosed as having schizophrenia, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or muscular dystrophy. It seems that they will enhance any psychological or physical problem existing prior to ingestion of these drugs, in addition to the many new problems they create.

2. Elimination Half-life and Accumulation
Accumulation of the benzodiazepines in the body and brain is a severe problem with long-term use of many of the benzodiazepines -- e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepam, chlordiazepoxide, flunitrazepam and flurazepam. This is a result of long elimination half-lives of up to 250 hours and of the formation of active metabolites giving levels for diazepam about six times the daily dose in two weeks and eight times in four weeks. For a given drug the half-life can vary by up to a factor of three between individuals. Metabolic changes in the elderly with kidney or liver problems cause much slower elimination rates -- e.g., for diazepam half-lives of 400 hours have been measured leading to very high accumulation levels (x20). The benzodiazepines without active metabolites can also produce significant accumulation levels -- e.g., nitrazepam and lorazepam with half-lives of 18 to 57 hours and 12 to 34 hours respectively producing levels of about 4 and 3 times the daily dose respectively with an ingestion period of one week.

A severe consequence of the accumulation of and toxicity of benzodiazepines is the effect on babies born to mothers who have ingested these drugs. They readily cross the placenta and allowing for the measured levels in the umbilical cord, the increased bioavailability, and the weight of the foetus, the level of exposure per unit weight of the foetus is many hundred times that of the daily dose level of the mother. It is not surprising that many babies are born addicted to these drugs, suffering from floppy infant syndrome and other problems. There is sufficient evidence to postulate a causal link between benzodiazepines (and some other drugs) and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome although the authorities are very quick and keen to deny such a possibility.

^^ back to top

3. Individual Variability and Dependence

There is a wide variability in the patterns of response to benzodiazepines among individuals, in both therapeutic and adverse reactions, both wanted and unwanted. Individual variability is determined largely by genetic programming of drug metabolism and responsiveness. A clear-cut example of these phenomena is the 30-fold variation in plasma concentration in patients given the same oral dose of diazepam. This variability is dependent on both genetic and environmental factors such as race, sex, age, smoking, disease and concomitant drug treatment. Wide inter-individual response to these drugs was frequently recorded in research studies and clinical trials in the 1960s, but has seldom been commented upon in recent decades.

There is one area where this variability has a strong impact -- i.e., the probability of an individual becoming dependent on these drugs. It can readily explain why some become dependent in a few weeks (shortest recorded case - seven days) and others on similar doses may take more than a year or more. This pattern is no different than that for dependence to other drugs acting on the CNS, but the speed of onset for benzodiazepines appears to be quicker than most, especially alcohol (5 mg diazepam = 2 units of alcohol).

In essence, chronic dependence is the repeated taking of the drug to alleviate the adverse reactions caused by that drug. In everyday terms it is taking "the hair of the dog that bit you". Those who are more sensitive to unwanted adverse reactions will become more quickly dependent on these drugs especially if the link between the drug and adverse reaction is not recognised by the patient and the doctor (as happens very frequently). There are "101" reasons why individuals start taking drugs and continue to take them prior to chronic addiction, but only one to explain how dependence occurs with drugs having widely different and sometimes opposite therapeutic actions. /In other words - pharmaceutical actions cause adverse reactions - therapeutic actions alleviate adverse reactions./

Resort to half-baked ideas like personality traits and characteristics is not necessary or appropriate. Such an explanation will be less than satisfying to the members of the medical profession and the drugs industry whose thinking is rooted in the 19th century, and revolves around mental and moral issues. It is however far more acceptable to the 13,000 BMA members dependent on alcohol, prescribed drugs and hard drugs (BMA conference, Birmingham 1998).

4. Toxicity

The toxicity of drugs can be related to total dosage -- i.e., the larger the dose the greater the toxic effects; e.g., overdose and death. Most drugs can produce toxic reactions in the normal or therapeutic range, especially those that accumulate in the body with repeated doses. Toxic effects due to overdose are generally a harmful extension of the drugs normal pharmacological reaction and are largely predictable and preventable. Toxic reactions that occur with normal doses are often unrelated to known pharmacology and are responsible for most of the adverse reactions reported for the benzodiazepines.

Toxicity resulting from a drug may be divided into four types (Spilker B., 1992):

Type 1. Toxicity results from an excess of an undesired pharmacological effect. Many of the benzodiazepines adverse reactions are in this category because in general they are presented for only one of the main therapeutic actions e.g. if diazepam is prescribed as a muscle relaxant then the dependence, withdrawal, memory problems, fits, anxiety, etc. are of this type.

Type 2. Toxicity results from an excess of a desired beneficial pharmacological effect for which the drug is used e.g. hangover effect for hypnotics.

Type 3. Toxicity results from effects not observed at therapeutic doses. These are generally predictable and observed in overdose e.g. coma. The safety index of a drug is defined as the ratio between the minimum toxic dose and the maximum effective dose, the larger the ratio the greater the safety. The barbiturates generally have a higher value than the benzodiazepines (but not as high as the blown up estimates of the drug industry) but the individual variability of the benzodiazepines has caused deaths at a few times the therapeutic dose.

Type 4. Toxicity is unexpected (paradoxical reactions). These are idiosyncratic events and often may be the opposite of the intended and anticipated response. For some drugs these occur at low rates but for the benzodiazepines they occur relatively frequently -- e.g., rebound anxiety, rebound insomnia, muscular tension, aggression and hostility. These occur so frequently that they can no longer be
described as unexpected.

^^ back to top

5. Adverse Reactions and Events
Adverse reactions include any undesirable effects that occur, e.g.:


1. Physical symptoms
2. Psychological symptoms
3. Physical signs
4. Laboratory values from tests and biological samples
5. Laboratory values from tests on the patient's EEG etc.
6. Other factors relating directly to deterioration of the quality of life and social interactions


The frequency of toxic adverse reactions is not given in data sheets or literature in the UK. Their frequencies are given in some international data sheets e.g. the Spanish data sheets (data supplied by the drug companies) give a wide range of adverse reactions for many benzodiazepines. These reactions include:


Greater than 25%: drowsiness, confusion and ataxia.

From 10 - 25%: sedation, depression, disorientation, dysphagia, dysarthia, poor concentration, trembling, changes in libido, incontinence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and hyper-salivation.

From 1 - 9%: hepatitis, dermatitis, urticaria, puritis, leucopoenia, anterograde amnesia, paradoxical excitation, changes in vision, diplopia, nystagmus, hearing changes and eosinophilia.

Less than 1 %: respiratory depression, hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia and palpitations.


6. Toxic Poisoning

It is interesting to note that the most frequently reported adverse reactions in Canada (about 50% of adverse reactions for single benzodiazepine ingestion) is encephalopathy i.e. organic brain disease. One of the manifestations of this illness is toxic psychosis or toxico mania which the World Health Organisation has defined as a chronic state of intoxication produced by repeated consumption of a drug harmful to the individual or to society.

The characteristics are:

1. Uncontrollable desire or necessity to continue consuming the drug and try to get it by all means.
2. Tendency to increase the dose.
3. Physical and psychic dependence as a result.


Many long-term therapeutic addicts will readily identify with toxico mania, especially those addicted to long half-life benzodiazepines. This aspect of the benzodiazepine problem which put simply is toxic poisoning produces an altered state of consciousness with an altered state of perception of self, others and one's environment and relationships. In many ways this syndrome is similar to that produced by chemical poisoning -- e.g., organo-phosphates. The lack of self-awareness can take many years to change, often requiring much information, knowledge and counselling to achieve it. /*nb after discontinuation of drugs many have an enduring personality change./

7. Medical Literature

The medical literature contains thousands of papers on toxic effects and resulting adverse reactions and effects. Listed below are some of the topics in the VOT archives with the number of papers in brackets:


1. Dependence and withdrawal (500)
2. Adverse reactions, side-effects and paradoxical reactions (220)
3. Cognitive impairment, memory and brain problems (140)
4. Pregnancy, neonates, infants (120)
5. Toxicity, poisoning, suicides, deaths (100)
6. Driving problems, accidents, injuries (80)
7. Elderly (60)


Many of these papers were published in the 1960s and 1970s and they contain most of the information on benzodiazepine problems that has only recently been accepted and included in data sheets and patient information leaflets. Some problems are still not included. On the other hand, most information was published in overseas adverts, journals and data sheets.

^^ back to top

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sections A and B contain a selection of extracts from representative and key papers on cognitive impairment, long-term damage and the post-withdrawal syndrome.

Section A: Cognitive Impairment and Long-Term Damage
The many papers published in the 1960s and early to mid 1970s on this subject were largely single dose therapeutic dose studies or low-dose studies for periods of a few weeks. They showed a range of deficits in cognitive function, psychomotor performance and short-term memory problems with no development of tolerance. It was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s (when therapeutic dose dependency was belatedly accepted), that cognitive function and other tests on long-term benzodiazepine users (up to 10 years) were studied both during use and in acute withdrawals. From the mid-1980s to mid-1990s there was an increasing number of studies looking at damage after long-term use and at follow-up periods after discontinuation of up to six years. Several of these studies involve CT scans of the brain looking for structural changes.

Summary

1. Benzodiazepines produce impairment of cognitive functioning and psychomotor performance e.g. reaction time, vigilance, arousal, judgement, reasoning, speed and accuracy of information processing, visual spatial ability, co-ordination, short-term and post drug long-term memory, 'blackouts' and
learned tasks.

2. These effects are independent of abuse, dependency, non-dependency, normal, healthy, young or old subjects. Impairment increases with chronic use. Development of tolerance to these effects is very slow.

3. CT brain scans show a difference in ventricular cerebral spinal fluid space dimensions between benzodiazepine users and non-users, and also between high and low benzodiazepine users.

4. The functional brain damage causes increased morbidity, increased mortality and social deterioration.

5. Subjects are generally not aware of their reduced capacity or the fact that they are not functioning well in every day life.

6. In general much of the impairment is slowly reversible. Some aspects show improvement after six years, some are semi-permanent or permanent.

Key papers: 1, 4, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 37, 38, 40.

^^ back to top

References and extracts

1. Di Mascio A. et al. (1968) Behavioural Toxicity of Psychotropic Drugs Connecticut Med. 32, 8, 617-620. Reaction time, judgement, concentration and visual acuity are impaired by benzodiazepines.

2. Kleinknecht R. (1975) Review of Effects of Diazepam on Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance. J. Nerv. Mental Dis.161, 399-411. 23 studies (1970-75) Mainly young healthy volunteers after a few days ingestion showed impairment in 6 areas of cognitive function.
3. Liljequist R. et al. 1978 Effects of Diazepam and Chlorpromazine on Memory Functions in Man. Europe J. Clin. Pharmacol.13, 339-343. Single doses, 2 weeks treatment. Impairment of acquisition, reaction time, co-ordination and memory. Impaired transfer from short to long term memory.

4. Grant I. (1978) Organic Impairment in Poly Drug Users, Risk Factors. Amer. J. Psychiatry,135, 2, 178-184. Extensive use (up to 10 years) of CNS depressants (incl. Benzodiazepines) causes neuropsychological impairment detectable 3 months after cessation of drug taking and may be long lasting.

5. Lucki I. et al. (1980) Chronic use of Benzodiazepines and Psychomotor and Cognitive Test Performance. Psychopharmacology, 88, 426-433. Behavioural and cognitive tests on chronic users (5yrs) gave results that are similar or worse than a control group with diagnosed anxiety disorders (no pills). /[So much for the effectiveness of benzodiazepines - RFP]/

6. Hendler N. et al. (1980) Comparison of Cognitive Impairment due to Benzodiazepines and Narcotics. Amer. J. Psychiatry,137, 828-830. Cognitive impairment due to benzodiazepines is marked, no effect due to narcotics at clinical doses.

7. Bergman H. et al. (1980) Neuropsychological Impairment and Exclusive Abuse of Sedatives or Hypnotics. Amer. J. Psychiatry,137, 2, 215-17. Chronic use for 5 to 10 or more years. Tests 3 to 10 months after withdrawal showed significant decrease in neuropsychological performance and intellectual impairment compared with a control group.

8. Scharf M. (1982) Lorazepam, Efficacy, Side Effects and Rebound Phenomena. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 31, 2,175-179. Lorazepam (4mg) used in 18-night sleep study with insomniacs. Rebound insomnia, rebound anxiety, severe hangover and impaired functioning, including anterograde amnesia.

9. Petursson H. et al. (1983) Psychometric Performance during Withdrawal from Long-Term Benzodiazepine Treatment. Psychopharmacology, 81, 345-349. Chronic use of benzodiazepines results in selective and chronic psychological deficits including fine motor control and co-ordination. Rebound effects measured during withdrawal. Likelihood of cerebellar damage.

10. Block R.I. et al. (1984) Alprazolam and Lorazepam Effects on Memory Acquisition and Retrieval Processes. Pharmacol. Biochem. and Behaviour, 20, 233-241. Both benzodiazepines produced marked memory impairment of acquisition and retrieval for long-term memory (pre-drug). /[This study supports the anecdotal reports of hundreds who claim that their retrograde memory was impaired for many years after stopping the benzodiazepines - RFP]/

11. Romney D.M. et al. (1984) A Brief Review of the Effects of Diazepam on Memory. Psychopharmacol. Bull., 20, 313-315. Review of about 30 papers. Supports memory loss being due to a consolidation process of impairment -- i.e., short- to long-term memory transfer. Queries use of psychotherapy whilst patient is on diazepam.

12. Lader M. et al. (1984) Computerised Axial Brain Tomography in Long-Term Benzodiazepine Users. Psychological Med., 14, 203-206. Benzodiazepine users have larger ventricular brain ratio than control group.

13. Angus W.R. (1984) Effects of Diazepam on Patients Memory. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 4, 4, 203-206. Has detrimental effect on short-term and long-term memory. It interferes with consolidation process of information transfer -- i.e., short- to long-term storage. Dose 5-30 mgs/dly, patients 21-74 yrs.

14. Mac D.S. et al. (1985) Anterograde Amnesia with Oral Lorazepam. J. Clin. Psychiatry, 46,137-138. Young healthy volunteers, 2mg Lorazepam, single dose. Deleterious effect on short-term recall of verbal information.

15. Lucki I. et al. (1985) Psychomotor Performance Following Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines. Psychopharmacol. Bull., 21, 93-96. Chronic users (6 yrs) for 5 different benzodiazepines on equivalent of 10-30 mgs. dly of Valium, compared with a group of anxious patients not on benzodiazepines. Very little difference except for impairment of delayed recall for Benzodiazepine users. /[Benzodiazepines ineffective - RFP]/

16. Pomara M. et al. (1985) Increased Sensitivity of the Elderly to the Central Depressant Effects of Diazepam. J. Clin. Psychiatry, 46, 5,185-187. Groups of old and young healthy volunteers. Single 2.5 mg dose. Impaired immediate and delayed recall memory and psychomotor performance for elderly is much greater than for the young.

17. Curran H.V. (1986) Tranquillising Memories. A Review of the Effects of Benzodiazepines on Human Memory. Biolog. Psychology, 23,179-213. Review of 1973 - 1985 papers, about 90 papers on 20 different benzodiazepines. Most studies are short-term of single dose. All show amnesic problems and cognitive deficits.

18. Cole S.O. (1986) Effects of Benzodiazepines on Acquisition and Performance: A Critical Assessment. Neuroscience and Biobehaviour Revs., 10, 265-272. Review of up to 100 papers. Benzodiazepine produced impairment of learned tasks (behaviour) as well as an acquisition impairment of different (new) tasks.

19. Brosan L. et al. (1986) Performance Effects of Diazepam During and After Prolonged Administration. Psycholog. Med., 16, 561-571. Repeated doses for 3 weeks. Reduced performance while on drug and for 3 weeks afterwards e.g. reduced reaction time and reasoning.

20. Borg S. (1986) Dependence and other Long-Term Effects Associated with Benzodiazepines. Lakartidningen, 83; 321-326. Withdrawal symptoms occur after 1-2 weeks of benzodiazepine ingestion, 15% become dependent with short term use (weeks). Benzodiazepines cause functional brain damage similar to that seen with alcohol abuse. Increased mortality and marked social deterioration. Whether brain damage is permanent requires further research.

21. Borg S. (1987) Sedative Hypnotic Dependence: Neuropsychological Changes and Clinical Course. Nord. Psyhiatr. Tidsskr., 41, Suppl.15,17-19. Neuropsychological impairment present in patients, independent of abuse, dependence or non-dependence. Impairment still present after abstinence of 1, 4 and 6 years.

22. Smiley A. (1987) Effects of Minor Tranquillisers and Antidepressants on Psychomotor Performance. J. Clin. Psychiatry, 48, Suppl.12, 22-28. Review of studies of the effects of benzodiazepines on tracking, reaction time, vigilance and divided attention. Diazepam clearly impairs performance for several hours after dosing. No evidence of tolerance for up to 3 weeks. Effects are the same for groups of anxious and normal subjects.

23. Golombok S. et al. (1987) A Follow Up Study of Patients Treated for Benzodiazepine Dependence. Br. J. Med. Psychol., 60,141-149. Examination of patients from 1-5 years after discontinuation, 54% had withdrawn successfully in spite of continuing psychiatric symptoms.

24. Schmauss C. et al. (1987) Enlargement of Cerebral Spinal Fluid Spaces in Long-Term Benzodiazepine Users. Psychological Med.,17, 869-873. Large difference in CSF spaces between high- and low-dose benzodiazepine users for 5-6 years.

25. Lader M. (1987) Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use and Psychological Functioning. The Benzodiazepines in Current Clinical Practice. Roy. Soc. Med., 1987, 55-59. Patients perform poorly on tasks involving visual spatial ability and sustained attention. They are not aware of their reduced ability. Only after they have withdrawn do they realise that they have been functioning below par.

26. Larson E. et al. (1987) Adverse Drug Reaction Associated with Global Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Persons. Anns. of Inst. Med., 107, 169-173. Patients on long-term/long half-life benzodiazepines diagnosed with dementia. After discontinuation 30% re-diagnosed -- i.e. no dementia after 1 year follow-up.

27. Lavender S. (1988) Psychophysiology and Anxiety: Current Issues and Trends. Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety, 145-51. Benzodiazepine-induced neurophysiological impairment, in worst cases permanent.

28. Golombok S. et al. (1988) 'Impairment in Long Term Benzodiazepine Users' Psychological Med., 18, 365-374 Patients on benzodiazepines not functioning well in everyday life and not aware of reduced ability. Recognition of below par functioning after withdrawal. Cognitive impairment greater with chronic medication.

29. Bergman H. et al. (1989) Dependence on Sedative Hypnotics, Neuro-Psychological Impairment, Field Dependence and Clinical Course in a 5 yr Follow Up Study. Br. J. Addiction, 84, 547-553. Cerebral disorders present 4-6 years after drug discontinuation - permanent? CT scans show dilation of ventricular system in brain.

30. Danion J.M. et al. (1989) Diazepam Induces a Dissociation Between Explicit and Implicit Memory. Pharmacology, 99, 238-243. Healthy volunteers, double blind study. Diazepam impairs explicit memory (new events/recent information) but not implicit (knowledge-based memory). Organic Amnesia-like Korsakoff's Syndrome.

31. Penetor D.M. et al. (1989) Triazolam Impairs Learning and Fails to Improve Sleep in a Long-Range Aerial Deployment. Aviation, Space and Envir. Med., June, 594-597. Ability to recall recent verbal information impaired 8 hrs after ingestion of triazolam.

32. Curran H.V. (1991) Benzodiazepines, Memory and Mood: A Review. Psychopharmacol., 105,1-8. Effect of benzodiazepines on anxiety, cognitive function and arousal. Detailed discussion on memory processes affected by benzodiazepines. Slow tolerance to memory impairment, i.e. tolerance not fully developed.

33. Lader M. (1992) Benzodiazepines and Memory Loss: More Than Just Old Age. Prescriber, 3,13. Benzodiazepines cause memory losses, or 'blackouts'. They impair speed and accuracy of information processing.

34. Slazman C. et al. (1992) Cognitive Impairment Following Benzodiazepine Discontinuation in Elderly Nursing Home Residents. Intl. J. Geriatric Psychiatry, 7, 89-93. Group of patients on short half-life benzodiazepines for 18 months. After 1 year discontinuation impairment in short-term memory and alertness. Impairment slowly reversible.

35. Bowen J.D. (1993) Drug Induced Cognitive Impairment. Drugs and Ageing 3 (4), 349-357. Benzodiazepines have a high risk of cognitive impairment. A common cause of delirious and a confounding factor in dementia.

36. Anon (1993) Learning and Memory Impairment in Older Detoxified Benzodiazepine Dependant Patients. Mayo Clinic Proc., 68, 731-737. Benzodiazepines have an accumulative effect on memory that did not necessarily diminish with time after detoxification.

37. Moodley P. et al. (1993) Computed Axial Brain Tomograms in Long Term Benzodiazepine Users. Psychiatric Research, 48,135-144. Differences in the density of some areas of the brain between benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine users.

38. Tata P.R. et al. (1994) Lack of Cognitive Recovery Following Withdrawal from Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use. Psycholog. Med., 24, 202-213. Modest recovery of cognitive deficits after 6 months cessation of benzodiazepines compared with pre -and post-withdrawal and a follow-up.

39. Binnie C. (1994) Cognitive Impairment - Is It Inevitable? Seizure, 3 Supple. A. 17-22. Most anti-epileptic drugs, including benzodiazepines, cause cognitive impairment.

40. Patten S.B. et al. (1994) Neuropsychiatric Adverse Drug Reactions. From Canadian Adverse Data Base (65-94) Intnl. J. Psychiatry in Med., 24 (24), 45- 62. Over half of all reports (for single benzodiazepines) were for encephalopathy (organic brain disorder).

41. Tonne U. et al. (1995) Neuropsychological Changes During Steady State Drug Use. Acta Psychiatr. Scand., 91, 299-304. Neuropsychological deficits only partly reversible on discontinuation at 1 yr follow up.

42. Anon (1996) Intellectual Impairment and Acquired Intellectual Deterioration in Sed/Hyp Drug Dependent Patients. Dept. of Psychology and Psychiatry Clinic, Stockholm University, Sweden. Every second patient on sed/hyp drugs showed signs of intellectual impairment.

^^ back to top

[EricPaul]

Section B: Long-Term Damage and The Post Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS)
The existence of the post withdrawal syndrome is recognised and accepted for other drugs like the barbiturates, opiates and alcohol. (See references 3, 20, 26). Its occurrence is routine enough for it seldom to be commented upon. Although many alcoholics and hard drug addicts receive primary treatment for four to ten weeks, a minority need and receive residential treatment and rehabilitation for up to 12 months. It would be appropriate if similar opportunities were available to benzodiazepine therapeutic addicts. There is a desperate need for them.

Just as there was (and is) a strong resistance from the medical profession and the drug companies to recognising and accepting therapeutic dose dependence there was (and is) a similar reaction to the benzodiazepine post withdrawal syndrome. There is a strong knee-jerk reaction geared to diverting the blame from the drugs and prescribing practices onto the patients. A range of speculative reasons is offered e.g. the symptoms are a return of the original complaint, latent mental problems exposed by the drugs and the old chestnut, personality disorders.

Contrary to these myths are the following:


1. Few if any studies have actually checked the original records for prescribing diagnosis, most information is anecdotal. The best evidence there is suggest that at least 85% of prescriptions are given for non-psychiatric disorders.

2. There is no evidence that personality traits or characteristics predispose anyone to dependence (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1987). The few before, during and after dependency studies show no correlation.

3. All aspects of drug dependency can be fully explained by biochemical factors (World Health Organisation 1993).

4. The claim that drugs expose latent problems is unprovable, unsustainable and unscientifc. What is provable is that psychoactive drugs cause psychiatric disorders and marked changes in personality.


From the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s there was an increasing number of papers studying this syndrome up to five years after discontinuation of drug taking. These studies were sometimes in parallel with investigations of the nature of long-term damage and conclude that it is an iatrogenic condition. In addition, there is a significant overlap between the syndrome, acute withdrawals and long-term ingestion of benzodiazepines, clearly establishing a link between the post withdrawal syndrome and adverse reactions caused by these drugs.

^^ back to top

Summary

1. There is a very wide range of physical and psychological symptoms for example: paranoia, delusions, shaking and trembling, paraesthesiae, depression, behavioural disorders, unstable mood, headache, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, malaise, poor concentration, gastrointestinal problems,
abdominal discomfort, depersonalisation, derealisation, emotional instability, sensory disturbances, perceptual changes, auditory changes, tinnitus, vulnerability to stress, unsteadiness, neck tension, neuro-muscular problems, "bursting head", phobias, panic, obsessive features and palpitations.

2. The post-withdrawal syndrome is largely responsible for relapse - from 30 to 70% in different studies, up to five years after discontinuation.

3. The studies have established that the PWS is:

Linked with biological abnormalities - up to 3.5 years
Is reversed for short periods by flumazenil, an antagonist, up to five years.
Associated with a non-reversal of tolerance up to 3.5 years.
Linked with permanent changes to the central nervous system.
4. Patients with a history of benzodiazepine dependence are unlikely to respond normally to these drugs after discontinuation.

5. There is a 1:1 correspondence between long-term damage and the post-withdrawal syndrome.

6. Careful management of the PWS is required and should include help from doctors, family, friends, support groups, stress management, cognitive behavioural therapy, knowledge and information - to help the patient come to term with the patients changed life situation.

7. At least 30% of benzodiazepine dependent patients experience the PWS, rising to nearly 100% for long-term chronically dependent patients.

Key papers: 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 18, 24, 25, 27, 28.

Little has changed
"Physicians pour drugs of which they know little to cure diseases of which they know less, into humans of whom they know nothing."

~ Voltaire (1694-1778)

^^ back to top
References and Extracts
1. Tyrer P. et al. (1983) Gradual Withdrawal of Diazepam after Long-Term Therapy. Lancet i,1482 - 86. At six months follow-up 19 out of 41 patients relapsed, three became seriously ill (?), others had developed paranoia and delusions.

2. Ashton H. (1984) Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: An Unfinished Story. British Medical Journal 288,1135-1140. Patients assessed every one - two weeks in withdrawal. Wide range of persisting symptoms, up to at least six months.

3. Jaffe J.H. (1986) Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse. The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Edit. New York, McMillan 1985 chapter 23, 532-81. Depressive states, unstable mood and insomnia are common during the months following withdrawal of alcohol and opioids.

4. Ashton H. (1986) Adverse Effects of Prolonged Benzodiazepine Use. Adverse Drug Reaction Bull., 118, 440-443. Acute withdrawal is followed by a prolonged period (many months) of gradually diminishing, mixed psychological and somatic symptoms. The illness produced by the protracted syndrome may be more severe than that for which the benzodiazepines were originally prescribed.

5. Ashton H. (1987) Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Outcome in 50 Patients. Br. J. Addiction, 82, 665-71. Patients assessed from 10 - 42 months after withdrawal. 48% had slight symptoms, 22% had moderate symptoms, 16% had severe symptoms interfering with life, 6%
were polysymptomatic and on other medication, 8% had relapsed on benzodiazepines.

6. Higgit A. et al. (1988) The Natural History of Tolerance to the Benzodiazepines. Psychological Med. Monograph Supple.,13 Cambridge University Press. 'It is no longer debated that tolerance develops over periods of 6 months! Tolerance is still present in patients off benzodiazepines for 5 - 42 months. Low single dose challenge to patients precipitated withdrawal symptoms. It is unlikely that patients with a history of benzodiazepine dependence will respond normally to these drugs'. The presence of permanent changes to the CNS is indicated.

7. Marks J. (1988) Techniques of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal in Clinical Practice. Med. Toxicology, 3, 324-333. Post withdrawal syndrome of many months consists of a fluctuating malaise, poor concentration, abdominal discomfort, depersonalisation, derealisation and emotional liability. Management of the PWS requires various forms of help to come to terms with the patients' life situation, e.g. help from doctors, family friends, support groups and stress management.

8. Busto U. et al. (1988) Protracted Tinnitus after Discontinuation of Long Term Therapeutic Use of Benzodiazepines. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 8, 359-61. Sensory disturbances of long-term duration are among the most distinctive clinical features of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Tinnitus present 1 year after discontinuation.

9. Montgomery S.A. et al. (1988) Benzodiazepines: Time To Withdraw. Journal of the Royal College of General Practioners 1988; 38: 146-147. After withdrawal patients remain vulnerable to stress for at least 6 months. 10. Higgit A. et al. (1990) The Prolonged Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome; Anxiety or Hysteria? Acta. Psychiatr. Scan., 82,165-168. PWS is a genuine iatrogenic condition. 30% of dependent patients get it. Tests point to biological abnormalities. Patients discontinued and tested after 5 to 42 months.

11. Roche Products Ltd. (ca.1990) Benzodiazepines and your Patients: A Management Programme (Sent to prescribers on request). The post-withdrawal syndrome can manifest itself as fluctuating levels of malaise, lack of concentration, abdominal discomfort, depersonalisation and emotional liability. If post-withdrawal symptoms occur good support from the general practitioner over at least the first year reduces the risk of relapse.

12. Holm M. (1990) One Year Follow up of Users in General Practice. Danish Med. Bull., 188-191. First time users more likely to discontinue in one year (55%) than long-term users (12%).

13. Holton A. (1990) Five Year Outcome In Patients Withdrawn from Long Term Treatment with Diazepam. BMJ,1241-1242. High level
of relapse (75%), taking benzodiazepines for insomnia, anxiety and stress.

14. Ashton H. (1991) Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms. J. Substance Abuse Treatment, 8, 19-28.Persistent symptoms may last for many months and are related to long-term benzodiazepine use. Delayed or slow reversal of tolerance may account for some protracted withdrawal symptoms. The possibility is that benzodiazepines produce slowly reversible functional changes in the CNS and cause structural neuronal damage.

15. Lader M. (1991) Benzodiazepine Problems. Br. J. Addiction, 86, 823-828. Persisting symptoms - unsteadiness, neck tension, 'bursting' head, perceptual distortion, muscle spasm, anxiety, phobias, panic, obsessive and depressive features.

16. Rickels et al. (1991) Long Term Benzodiazepine Users - 3 Years after Participation in a Discontinuation Program. Am. J. Psychiatry,148, 6., 757-761. Anxiety and/or depression in patients who had discontinued benzodiazepines for 3-5 years was less than that (but still significant) in patients who continued to take benzodiazepines /[benzodiazepines cause depression and anxiety - RFP]/.

17. Tyrer P. (1991) The Benzodiazepine Post Withdrawal Syndrome. Stress med., 7, 1-2. Feelings of tension, threat, bodily feelings, unsteadiness, shaking, palpitations, gastrointestinal symptoms, agoraphobia. There is a considerable overlap between symptoms of the post withdrawal syndrome and the acute withdrawal syndrome.

18. Lader M. (1992) Pilot Study of the Effects of Flumazenil on Symptoms Persisting after Benzodiazepine WithdrawaI. J. Psychopharmacology, 6. 357- 363. Patients off benzodiazepines for 1 month to 5 years had persisting benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms significantly lessened. Symptoms include clouded thinking, tiredness, muscular symptoms, neck tension, cramps, shaking, pins and needles, burning skin, pain and sensations of bodily distortion and mood disorder. The benefits lasted several hours to several days.

19. Higgit A. et al. (1992) Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines and the Persistent Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome. In Granville Crossman (ed) Recent Advances in Clin. Psychiatry: No. 8, London, Churchill Levingstone,1992, 49-59. 30% of patients experiencing acute withdrawals continue with the persistent withdrawal syndrome. Cognitive processes linked to high risk of PWS. /[Impaired cognitive processes induced by benzodiazepine ingestion - RFP]/.

20. Landry M.J. et al. (1992) Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal, Identification and Management. J. Amer. Board Fam. Pract., 5(2),167-75. A prolonged sub-acute low-dose benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can last for months or even years.

21. Eduards R. (1993) Benzodiazepines and Dependence. Statens Offentliga Utredninger, 5,135-140. Duration of withdrawal phenomena; recent figures of over 1 year have been proposed. It is well recognised that withdrawal syndromes from barbiturates, narcotics and other psychoactive drugs may also be similarly prolonged.

22. Lader M. (1994) Anxiety or Depression During Withdrawal of Hypnotic Treatments. J. Psychosomatic Res.,18, Suppl. 1,113-123. Hypnotic withdrawal. Persistent withdrawal syndrome dominated by anxiety (generalised, phobic or both), phobic behavioural disorder and panic attacks. Many of the litigants involved in the UK court case suffered form prolonged disabilities of this type.

23. Geller A. (1994) Management of Protracted Withdrawal. Amer. Soc. of Addiction, Ch.2,1-6. Persistent symptoms - impaired concentration, derealisation, depersonalisation, headaches, sleep disturbances, tension, irritability and lack of energy.

24. Ashton H. (1995) Protracted Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines; The Post Withdrawal Syndrome. Psychiatric Annals, 25, 174-179. A substantial minority of patients have a PWS including perceptual symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms gradually receding, lasting at least one year and occasionally permanent.

25. Ashton H. (1995) Toxicity and Adverse Consequences of Benzodiazepine Use. Psychiatric annals, 25, 158-165. Some symptoms decline more slowly merging into a period of increased vulnerability to stress lasting many months. Protracted symptoms include prolonged anxiety and depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, tinnitus, neuromuscular abnormalities and paraesthesiae.

26. Okada C. (1995) Treating the Patient with Benzodiazepine Addiction. Hospital Update Sept. 396-401. A small proportion of patients report significant withdrawal symptoms up to 3 years following withdrawal.

27. O'Brien C. P. et al.(1996) Myths About the Treatment of Addiction. Lancet, 1996, 347, 237-240. Addiction drugs produce changes in brain pathways that endure long after drug taking stops. The associated medical, social and occupational difficulties that develop during addiction do not disappear with detoxification. Protracted brain changes, personal and social difficulties put the former addict at great risk.
Treatments for addiction should be regarded as long-term. /[A paper refuting the myths - RFP]/.

28. Roche Products Ltd. (ca.1990) Benzodiazepines and your Patients: A Management Programme (Sent to prescribers on request). The post withdrawal syndrome can manifest itself as fluctuating levels of malaise, lack of concentration, abdominal discomfort, depersonalisation and emotional liability. If post withdrawal symptoms occur good support from the general practitioner over at least the first year reduces the risk of relapse.

[mikiglen]

hmmmmmmmm, guess it is just the plague around here
yep, ten, both for me, lol....went from 5mgs a day to none in two weeks, damn tough, but benzos weren't my drug of choice, more a mental thing
the opiates were the bitch
hope you are hanging in there, you sound really good this am on your other thread!

[Ten Chips Down]

HOLY c-c-c-

You did that fast of a taper from FIVE?

Of XANAX?

Great God that-

Now, see that's helping me. You're an inspiration; you're my hero right now.

Opiate/opioid addiction is foreign to me, but I've read enough on it over the years to have gotten a.... well, an involuntary education on the basics. Yes, I understand it can be a beee-yatch.

Hope you won't hate me for saying i don't envy ya.

Thanks for the encouragement hon.

-Me-

[Arura]

Went diggin for ya...

Bump...

[Barto]

I was not going to post back until I had more to report. However, I feel motivated by the recent benzo posts. I stopped caffeine totally (again), and I was able to cut my Xanax dose in half on the same day without any w/d symptoms whatsoever so far. In fact, I actually feel better already after only a couple of days. I suspect I could have cut by more than half; so another Xanax cut may soon be forthcoming. I will give it a few more days to see how I feel.

Everyone is different, but for me, I suspect total abstention from caffeine is essential to a smooth benzo withdrawal. I mean no green tea, or even decaf coffee or decaf tea (both of which contain caffeine). Keep in mind I was drinking a lot of caffeine; and constantly going on and off of it, which probably made everything worse. Also, I have been doing a lot more twelve step work which may account for my surprisingly good mood.

I’ll post back later, but for now, here is some enlightening (or frightening) info on caffeine and the symptoms of mental illness created by it, including panic and anxiety disorders.

Windy, brother, I am not trying to launch a campaign against caffeine, or ruin anyone’s favorite beverage (especially my favorite SR poster’s favorite morning beverage). Many can enjoy it, and I hope I turn out to be one of them one day. But I am posting this for anyone who suspects that they may be sensitive to caffeine, because, well, medical science appears to be discovering they just might be.

So, anyone trying to cut down or quit benzos, that is simultaneously drinking caffeine, may well benefit from reading the information contained in these links. (I have many more, too.)

http://www.caffeinedependence.org/ca...ependence.html
http://www.caffeineweb.com/
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3115.htm
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p010247.html
http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/caff.htm
http://www.bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine_allergy.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine2.html

[windysan]

Originally Posted by Barto

I was not going to post back until I had more to report. However, I feel motivated by the recent benzo posts. I stopped caffeine totally (again), and I was able to cut my Xanax dose in half on the same day without any w/d symptoms whatsoever so far. In fact, I actually feel better already after only a couple of days. I suspect I could have cut by more than half; so another Xanax cut may soon be forthcoming. I will give it a few more days to see how I feel.

Everyone is different, but for me, I suspect total abstention from caffeine is essential to a smooth benzo withdrawal. I mean no green tea, or even decaf coffee or decaf tea (both of which contain caffeine). Keep in mind I was drinking a lot of caffeine; and constantly going on and off of it, which probably made everything worse. Also, I have been doing a lot more twelve step work which may account for my surprisingly good mood.

I’ll post back later, but for now, here is some enlightening (or frightening) info on caffeine and the symptoms of mental illness created by it, including panic and anxiety disorders.

Windy, brother, I am not trying to launch a campaign against caffeine, or ruin anyone’s favorite beverage (especially my favorite SR poster’s favorite morning beverage). Many can enjoy it, and I hope I turn out to be one of them one day. But I am posting this for anyone who suspects that they may be sensitive to caffeine, because, well, medical science appears to be discovering they just might be.

So, anyone trying to cut down or quit benzos, that is simultaneously drinking caffeine, may well benefit from reading the information contained in these links. (I have many more, too.)

http://www.caffeinedependence.org/ca...ependence.html
http://www.caffeineweb.com/
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3115.htm
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p010247.html
http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/caff.htm
http://www.bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine_allergy.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine2.html

....as windysan cracks open a fresh 16-ounce can of the new Diet Zero Carb Rockstar (berry flavor).

Good luck with it, Bartmeister. Hope you're able to imbibe the sacred caffeine real soon. LOL. Best get off those nasty benzos first though. Glad you are progressing well. Are you doing a xanax taper or have you switched to valium? Hats off to you for your willpower and stamina.....I couldn't do it. I was too much of a wuss.

[Barto]

I intend a smooth withdrawal without undue delay. I intend to cut only when to do so will not interfere with my life in any significant way. This may mean tiny cuts over lengthy periods of time. But, I am focused on total health, physical, emotional, and spiritual. So, perhaps with any underlying issues being resolved, or minimized, my desire for Xanax will be, too. It appears to be working so far. Crazy you say? Duh. Who else but a nut would spend his time posting on this website anyway?

I’ll keep you all posted (pun intended).

Enjoy the RocketStar, Windy! I am a bit jealous. The idea of a cup of strong decaf has me contemplating a slip right now. I think I better go say a prayer and have a cup of herbal tea, in that order.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by Barto

I intend a smooth withdrawal without undue delay. I intend to cut only when to do so will not interfere with my life in any significant way. This may mean tiny cuts over lengthy periods of time. But, I am focused on total health, physical, emotional, and spiritual. So, perhaps with any underlying issues being resolved, or minimized, my desire for Xanax will be, too. It appears to be working so far. Crazy you say? Duh. Who else but a nut would spend his time posting on this website anyway?

I’ll keep you all posted (pun intended).

Enjoy the RocketStar, Windy! I am a bit jealous. The idea of a cup of strong decaf has me contemplating a slip right now. I think I better go say a prayer and have a cup of herbal tea, in that order.

good job, barto. from what i understand....the slower the better.

soon you'll be on the crazy caffeine train.

[jordoncole]

Barto, thanks i didnt think about the coffee. drink about 4 cups in morning. that might help if i quit that too. man, i have to quit everything that ive known for the last 7 years. I quit drinking 4 weeks ago, quitting xanax, and now coffee. I hope you dont say sex and fishing is bad for xanax withdraw.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by jordoncole

Barto, thanks i didnt think about the coffee. drink about 4 cups in morning. that might help if i quit that too. man, i have to quit everything that ive known for the last 7 years. I quit drinking 4 weeks ago, quitting xanax, and now coffee. I hope you dont say sex and fishing is bad for xanax withdraw.

Sorry Jordon but you have to abstain from sex and fishing also.

No breathing either.

[jordoncole]

Im having a hard time quitting coffee. maybe i will do a coffee tapper. ive drank coffee longer than any other addiction ive had. i quit pot in the early 80s, cocaine in the mid 80s, cigarettes in the mid 90s. now xanax, alcohol and coffee. whats left? i guess i just have a addictive personality. it must be the way we are wired because im not just addicted to drugs but i like risk. skydiving, bungi jumping in new zealand, i just made a drive from michigan to florida in 16 hours. thats driving at 120 to 130 mph the whole way. and only got one ticket. ohio sucks. even in business i take alot of risks.. why cant i just be boring? It seems alot safer and less stressful. i just cant stop doing stupid things and im 43. last year i got pulled over by 2 cops at 3 in the morning and i was smashed. the cop asked for ins and reg., i couldnt find. he asked how much i had to drink, i said nothing. what was funny is that this was on a busy 4 lane road in fl. and no cars on the road, just when he was going to ask me to step out another car almost hit him. he and the other cop took off after he thru my license to me and said wait here till i pass you. man, that will make you sober quick..anyway ive never went to jail for anything and dont plan on it. ive been very lucky over the years. anyway i have to calm down for my kids.

[windysan]

I think the problem is that you live in Clearwater. LOL

[Barto]

Caffeine is a bitch to quit. It is highly addictive, yet so socially acceptable that part of me wants to believe there can’t be anything wrong with it. But I know from experience it can be trouble for me. Maybe I am just one of the sensitive ones. However, I am pretty certain it significantly frustrates benzo w/d in most; and I am as positive as I can be that it really frustrates it in me. I slept like a rock last night until I was awakened early this morning. This was the usually unbearable fourth night of benzo w/d – no trouble, nothing, nada! Anyway, I have gone off benzos while on caffeine, so it can be done. Of course I have also gone off of them cold turkey, too. I can’t recommend either method. But everyone is different. Wish you well.

[windysan]

Barto....if you slept well then you are gonna make it through this with flying colors.

I'll have a hot steamy cup of Community Coffee waiting for you.

[Barto]

I can't wait. That gives me something to look forward to.

[Ten Chips Down]

Originally Posted by ccgirl

I have generalized anxiety disorder. I have been on klonopin for about 9 years and I honestly can tell you that addiction has never and continues to not be a problem. I realize addiction potential is strong, and it is not for everyone, but for someone like me whose gene pool in the mental illness department sucks, it, along with lexapro and lamictil have been lifesavers.

Originally Posted by RUNVS

Even the manufactors of klonopin do not recommend taking benzos for more then 4 weeks at most. Remember this is a sober recovery board and not a board for the promotion of drugs.

No, this is a discussion board devoted to mental health, well-being, and recovery from addictions of many stripes. There is absolutely no bar against the promotion of drugs for the treatment of mental health issues. We do it all the time.

I am confident that cc was not promoting with nefarious intent her Klons. I would also suggest that we are NOT an agenda-driven or anti-psychiatry board. We are not anti-benzodiazepine as a legitimate, very effective medication for many, many people.

Want to know why I am so sensitive to those who do demonize all BZDs? Because there exists a demographic of victims highly motivated by personal and/or socio-political reasons. As a website, we are NOT all Ashton students. We are NOT "anti-" or political in any sense. But many of these sites are, and wind up scaring the living crap out of too many people via giving them too much over which to worry and obsess.

In fact, most BZD discontinuations are quiet, frequent, and without undue catastrophic event. But we learn in sociology that it is the nature of humankind for like people to congregate. ["The herd instinct," as noted researcher George Vaillant and AA cofounder Bill Wilson called it.]

Some of these sites exemplify this tendancy of human-nature: You have horror stories aplenty, making what is in fact truly "exception" appear to be "the rule" itself.

True, you have doubtless seen me demonize the short-acting form of Xanax per se by now. LOL Well, that's because I just see so little beneficial use for them long-term and so much potential for detrimental outcome; namely a strong addiction.

However, I have never come out and criticized any and all approved medications with addiction-potential as a class, including benzodiazepines or opiate pain-killers, as each has its own respective, clear benefits and are indeed as cc said, quite the "lifesavers" for so many people.

So, are we clear on my position? SR is not against drugs. Click your heels and say that 3 times. It's not against benzos and has no agenda other than recovery from addictions to pills and alcohol.

Ten

[Ten Chips Down]

Originally Posted by Barto

I’ll post back later, but for now, here is some enlightening (or frightening) info on caffeine and the symptoms of mental illness created by it, including panic and anxiety disorders.

http://www.caffeinedependence.org/ca...ependence.html
http://www.caffeineweb.com/
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3115.htm
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p010247.html
http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/caff.htm
http://www.bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine_allergy.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine2.html

But may have much less to do with neuronal-specific difficulty of w/d'ing from BZDs as one might be led to think. Ibid (clicky).

Ten

[windysan]

Ten,

You're pretty smart for a West Virginian.

[Ten Chips Down]

But not as a West Virginian.

Windy you nut.

I'm from the state of Virginia.

[Barto]

Originally Posted by Ten Chips Down

But may have much less to do with neuronal-specific difficulty of w/d'ing from BZDs as one might be led to think. Ibid (clicky).

Ten

Perhaps, but if it works ...