Dr. Nicole Beurkens recently shared her experiences about benzodiazepines on the blog: Say NO to Benzodiazepines for anxiety!
In my experience as a clinical psychologist benzodiazepines do patients more harm than good. While it is appealing to think that a pill can quickly and effectively remove symptoms of anxiety, panic, and/or insomnia, the reality is that there are significant negative long-term consequences for most people who use these medications.
It is not uncommon for me to have patients on multiple psychotropic medications, including benzos, due to symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health issues.
Patients can quickly become dependent on these medications, and they are often prescribed higher doses over time with diminishing returns.
Some patients reach a point where they are not having symptom relief with the benzos, but they cannot function at all without them.
This issue is fresh in my mind because I have a 24-year-old male patient who is entering a rehab program next week due to addiction and substance use issues. The gateway drugs that led to these addiction issues for him were Ativan and Adderall prescribed to him since he was 14 years old. He now sees that these drugs have done a significant amount of damage, but we are having to admit him to a long-term treatment program to get off of these medications (and other substances) safely.
I maintain that if prescribers fully informed patients of the risks involved with these medications most people would never start taking them. We need to do more to educate patients and practitioners about the realities of these medications, as well as safer alternatives.
I am now devoting a significant amount of time and attention to this issue not just for benzodiazepines, but psychiatric medications in general. Especially where children are concerned, parents and professionals needs to have appropriate facts about these drugs and understand the many non-medication options that are available. I’m writing about this and providing resources at my site http://www.DrBeurkens.com for anyone who is interested. Thanks, Trudy, for getting this information out to more people!
As she says, it’s so important that we need to do more to educate patients and practitioners about the realities of these medications, as well as safer alternatives. Here is a recent blog post where she does just that: Beware the Rush to Prescribe
I appreciate that Dr. Beurkens is now devoting a significant amount of time and attention to this issue not just for benzodiazepines, but psychiatric medications in general. Her motto is to provide “Solutions to End Overmedication of Children with Developmental or Mental Health Concerns.”
Please don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Benzos can also make it possible for people to function normally, so they can actually live a life and not spend their entire time worrying about having a panic attack, or having to cancel or pull out of major events.
I don’t think they should be the only tool in the box. For me, food intolerance and thyroid disorder have been the major causes of my anxiety, so avoiding those foods and treating the thyroid condition has been vital. I also use aromatherapy and meditation and vitamins to help myself, both for daily support and acute intervention (chewable vitamin C works in 5 minutes for anxiety caused by food intolerance), but sometimes, a low dose of Clonazepam is what helps me when I otherwise would stay awake all night, not be able to go to a meeting, not go to the dentist, or manage emotionally under very severe life stress.
I have taken them daily for up to 4-6 weeks without any problems or any increased tolerance/diminished effect.
I work in holistic health care and often see the vilification of Western medicine. I think Western medicine is limited in it’s scope and highly profit-driven, and often unsafe, but it can also be highly effective and saves lives every single day.
Arwen
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about benzos. While they are effective I feel the negatives outweigh the positives and find that there are nutritional approaches that can achieve the same results without the side-effects and withdrawal issues.
It’s good to hear how you’ve addressed food intolerances and your thyroid
Trudy,
Thanks for taking the time to educate the public. About 50% of people who take a benzo for more than a few days will experience tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are very dangerous as they cause brain damage. I was damaged very badly by the drugs. I know run a private benzo withdrawal community and I have a website and blog at benzowithdrawalhelp.com I also blog for addictionblog.com
The drug companies have known for decades that ALL benzos are addictive and dangerous. Many of us are doing our best to have these drugs taken off of the market for long term (more than a few days) use. People are being harmed and killed by these drugs. P
Just because someone doesn’t have tolerance today, doesn’t mean that they won’t tomorrow. Getting free from these drugs can take years and cause tremendous suffering. I know. I’ve lived it.
Thanks Trudy. Dr. Jennifer Leigh
Dr Leigh
Thanks for sharing! The support that folks need during withdrawal is so important. I’m sorry you had to experience the effects but we appreciate you doing what you do!
I took a quick peek at your site http://www.benzowithdrawalhelp.com – wonderful! I look forward to connecting to see how we can help more folks
Hello,
Where is your medical evidence that they cause ‘brain damage’ I am a professional scientist so please link to me any peer-reviewed research. I stopped benzodiazpines after 10 years use no problem – I stopped because a psychiatric nurse-practitioner (not a real doctor) was convinced I was a drug seeker. All that happened is my baseline anxiety is where it was pre-use. Who are being harmed and killed by these drugs? They have done far more good for me than bad.
Hi John
Here is a paper published Jan this year linking benzo use to dementia: The Benzodiazepine-Dementia Disorders Link: Current State of Knowledge. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26715389
Many people are being harmed – just read the comments on this blog.
I am sorry to hear you still have anxiety. I encourage you to read my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (http://amzn.to/2c3X1Wj) and consider a nutritional approach. This blog is also a wealth of information as are the interviews I do on all the health summits. I speak again next week on the Medicinal Supplements Summit and you can tune in at no charge by signing up here https://qt247.isrefer.com/go/SUPP16reg/trudyscottcn/
john go on facebook and go to the benzodiazepine recovery site. you will read about the suffering people are going through coming off of these drugs. I am one of them. I was put on colozepam for anxiety caused by too many antibiotics. in two months I reached tolerance where the dosage was not working any more. so I went up a little, kept going up because again tolerance. I was getting withdrawal symptons, I was sick. until I was switched over to a long acting benzo and tapered off, I was tapered off fast. I still suffered withdrawal symptons while tapering and when I was finally off the drug. I still suffered. I am slowly healing and never want to ever use a benzo again. there are underlying causes of anxiety that the medical community refuse to seek out, but instead give you a pill. the benzo worked, or yes it did, but in the end cause the worse suffering imaginable. I know been there done that.
What happens to people trying to withdraw from benzos if you get them removed?? Where will they get stock to taper off? It can take years. There has to be supply otherwise people will have another problem to add to an already existing hell. Tony
Dr. Jenn was a lifesaver for me several years ago. She supported me through many months of severe withdrawal since I had to go cold turkey. I had been on clonazepam( or other benzos) for many years and went into a coma. My brain said “Enough”! I was admitted to Mayo and in a coma for a week and stayed there for a month until able to go home. I have no recollection of that whole month. I almost died and have had suffered quite a few long term effects. How can a doctor continue to prescribe these dangerous drugs when the patient usually doesn’t understand the long-term consequences? By the time the side effects show up it is too late and there is an addiction. Thanks again, Dr. Jenn.!!!You are a special person in my life!!
Linnea
So sorry to hear what you went through. Thank you for sharing here. I hope you continue to do well!
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hi Arwen,
I agree that there can be appropriate times for using benzodiazepine medications, but in my opinion those times are very few and far between. The reality is that if someone is having severe anxiety and panic symptoms there are root issues that need to be addressed. The solution is not to be on these medications long-term, even if they are not being used daily. Every person is unique and there certainly are those who do not experience ill effects. However, the vast majority of people would benefit from a treatment plan utilizing other approaches rather than benzodiazepine medications.
What approaches? Phyquisttic medicine is in diapers. If you have not anxiety problems -or not have experienced what is the “have to live AND ACCEPT- you are an anxiety patient better do not get opinion. I have tried ALL, ALL! For. YEARS!!! Workshops, DBT groups, changing my food, reading, Cooking based on PH…, massages, spas, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, crystalotherapy, mediation, mindfulness, yoga, gym, biking, walking, etc (except swimming)… (hope someone get help with swimming and write a book too, LOL..). Nothing has work… instead to talk about the benzo’s damages why don’t you all talk about LIFE (quality, relationships, marriage) ‘s DAMAGE BECAUSE OF “ANXIETY LIVING STYLE”. There is NOT med except ONE antipsychotic which have helped me to Anxiety and ITS SIDE EFFECTS WERE WORSE THAN the GOODS than CLONAZEPAM HAS DONE FOR ME. I take it as I need it, never over 5 mg. And my life is happy and much more easy, I can function normally. If you guys do not have REAL SOTUTIONS DO NOT COME HERE TO PUT DOWN THE ONLY LITTLE HELP WE PATIENTS ANXIETY SUFFERS HAVE. Promote your book in other way, not calling us drugs dependants/addicted. Labeling us is not helping you to increse your book sales.
Giselle
I’m sorry you have not found the nutritional solutions you are seeking. Nicole is simply sharing what she sees clinically as a caution to those who may be considering benzos or are having trouble with a current prescription. No one is being labeled as drugs dependants/addicted – it’s the medication that causes dependency, tolerance and withdrawal issues for many.
I’m glad they are working for you but would still be cautious about longer term use and future concerns about dementia, and say keep looking. Be well!
Arwen,
Before you allow these drugs to trick your brain into thinking you have control of these substances, I strongly recommend that you read my article at: https://www.madinamerica.com/2016/07/falling-through-the-cracks/
I didn’t think they were the root of all my problems at first either until a 4 to six week treatment turned into a 16 year dependency. I am still suffering with PAWS at almost 11 months off the drug.
I can’t urge you enough to get the help of someone that really understands how bad these drugs are. If I had been informed, I would have only taken them for the few days I was in the hospital and then found another way to deal with my anxiety and insomnia.
I wish everyone here the best of luck if you are on this journey. It IS the worst HELL ever!!!!!!!!!
How many of you therapists have been thu benzo withdrawal hell?? While I appreciate your valuable advice it is perhaps that textbook armchair advice which is somewhat disconcerting. This hell is something that unless you have experienced it you are way behind in understanding the patient’s perspective. Ok having said that any constructive advice you may have on alleviating the withdrawl symptoms is welcome indeed. Thanks ❤️Tony
Oh my!What a classic response from a benzodiazepine user-first make statements of greatness then throw a curve ball and mention Holistic, you are a victim of addiction and as you sat and typed your comment you were cozy secure on your benzo and did something common that users do and lie.Holistic practice is not about benzodiazepines at all nor is this class of drug promoted by anyone in this field.We are not suppose to be anxious or have sleep issues-when these things happen something is off in the body-dont cover the problem but fix it entirely and don’t mislead others along the way while you sit with your “false sense of security”.
Mary
Thanks for contributing to the discussion but please remember we like to respectfully disagree with others here on the blog rather than be unkind. It can be challenging for those who have a dependency on a medication like a benzodiazepine to recognize and admit it so we plant the seed for when they are ready. I’m very much in agreement that we are not supposed to be anxious or have sleep issues and benzos do not address the root cause
Oooh but when you have to come off of that klonopin you are going to be in a world of hell and doctors are actually not supposed to prescribe clonzepam for any longer than two weeks
I often see Tryptophan recommended as a calming supplement. However, I do not see amino acid practitioners advising those with anxiety to first have their inflammatory status checked, especially their gastrointestinal inflammation status.
It is very important that Tryptophan not be given without first checking the above because in the presence of inflammatory states Tryptophan will add to anxiety, rather than decreasing it, by going down an alternate biochemical pathway which results in the production of Quinolinic Acid a highly excitatory toxin in the brain.
Regina
If tryptophan (or any supplement) increases anxiety it can simply be stopped. It’s certainly worth a trial.
I have seen a number of individuals with high quinolic acid on the OAT and still do fine on tryptophan so I’m not sure how much of an issue it is.
How often have you found it to be an issue?
Your Message I was prescribed Klonopin .5 2 x daily by my Psychiatrist 7 years ago for anxiety after my daughter was born. I took it has prescribed. I insisted on titrating off of this medication two years ago. My Psychiatrist would not agree with me and always said that it was not a good time due to my mental or physical health issues. I basically was immediately at tolerance level, did not increase klonopin, and lost myself and began abusing alcohol. I was no longer myself, I didn’t care about myself, anyone else or anything in my life. I ended up isolating and almost killing myself due to mixing alcohol and Klonopin. I was honest with my Dr. as well as my Psychiatrist about the fact that I was concerned about my drinking and taking klonopin and my psychiatrist began a taper of the same amount of Valium. Everything go 100% worse. I couldn’t live the way I was living, so I had myself convinced that I needed to go to rehab. I checked myself in and convinced myself that I would be okay. The Dr. prescribed ativan and allowed me to leave with my “drug of choice.” It has been 34 days and now I am in the hellish withdrawal, and am considered an alcoholic as well as an addict.
I also had significant health problems due to a suppressed immune system. I suffered with constant sinus infections, thyroid issues, digestive problems, and ultimately a pericardial effusion when my body could no longer work properly. Dr.’s were perplexed and never thought anything of the deadly mix of klonopin, Ativan, antidepressants and alcohol could be the culprit.
I was a mere shell of who I used to be. All that I want is to feel normal again and fortunately after 55 days off benzos/alcohol I am finally feeling like myself after being in virtual hell for 7 years.
BENZODIAZAPINES ruin lives and Dr.’s either should not prescribe this med or need to monitor patients much better when it is prescribed.
Thanks for sharing Angela – I am so pleased you’re finally feeling like yourself
I want to share what I experienced yesterday.
I decided that in order to be able to accept what happened to me and process the information in an attempt to move on with my life with an understanding of how things suddenly got so much worse for me, I met with my Psychiatrist that was treating me through the last couple years during which I now believe I displayed constant and obvious benzodiazapine withdrawal symptoms.
Due to the fact that I did not want to leave anything out and to be as clear as possible, I wrote the following letter to explain. I asked the psychiatrist to read it and respond…
This is LONG, I apologize…
In order to make sure I cover everything I decided to document my situation the way I understand it.
Unfortunately I believe that I have not had complete and adequate medical advice for many years. Only now am I able to clearly look back and analyze what happened to me. The following explanation is the way I see it, I do not place specific blame on anyone but myself. At the same time, it is a shame that I was unable to paint a complete picture of what was going on with me due to substance abuse and the affect that it had on my mind and body.
PTSD history
I have suffered with anxiety and depression starting at a young age due to verbal abuse and feeling unsafe due to the continuous chaos in the home that I grew up in. Of course my parents did the best that they could at the time, I truly believe that and forgive them. My father abused alcohol, had extreme anxiety and depression and as a result was abusive. My mother had extreme anxiety, depression and kept my younger sister and I in the environment which in my opinion caused post traumatic stress that continues for all of us. We are all semi-high functioning, but have always been held back by the way our minds work and the way they processed information
Past Treatment & Medication
I am very sensitive to medications and prone to side effects. I have been seeking help for my anxiety and depression from 1997 to present through cognitive behavioral therapy and psychiatrist’s care. I’ve been prescribed countless anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications prior to meeting you, without much relief and switched from one to another, tried some in combination etc.
Prior to 2005 my main issue was anxiety, prone to stress and anxiety and was working on it. From December 2005 through September 2006 I was medication free during the pregnancy and had a normal response to stressors and felt myself. I checked in with my OB often regarding any recurring symptoms of anxiety, being told that severe anxiety would require medication and would be better than the potential harm to my pregnancy toughing it out without medications. My daughter Veronica was born in 2006 and I was potentially more overwhelmed than most new mothers in my opinion. Anxiety and depression was hightened and did not have a psychiatrist at the time. I asked my GP for help. I was prescribed an anti-depressant, either Lexapro or Wellbuterin and honestly I do not know if it helped or if I simply started to get used to my new reality. There was a constant period of taking meds and titrating around with doses etc.
I was referred to Dr. Hla by my GP in 2006. Dr. Hla decided that it would be helpful to prescribe the benzodiazapine, Klonopin, .05 in the a.m. and .05 in the evening. I knew very little about this drug and it’s addictive properties, potential withdrawal issues/tolererance nor did I recognize the quite obvious destructive side effects that occurred after a couple of weeks of taking the medication.
Between 2007 and 2015 I took I continued to take Klonopin as prescribed. For the first time in my life I suffered significant health problems due to a suppressed immune system. I suffered with constant sinus infections, thyroid issues, digestive problems, and ultimately a pericardial effusion when my body could no longer work properly. Dr.’s were perplexed and now looking back, I think that the fact that I was taking a combination of antipsychotics/benzodiazapines/barbituates when admitted in the hospital on May , not one Dr. amongst teams of them at UCD ever considered the deadly mix of klonopin, Ambien, antidepressants and alcohol as being a problem associated with my health.
Due to “out of character” aggressive behavior, severe depression, severe anxiety, and isolation from everyone and anything, I realized after a few family members voiced concern that the combination of Ambien, Klonopin, anti-depressants and using alcohol was definitely affecting me and actually looked into rehab centers to help with had become a scary mix of medications altering my mind and had a very hard time not self-medicating with alcohol knowing that it was very dangerous. I asked for help titrating off of this medication two years ago. My Psychiatrist thought it was in my best interest to hold off due to my mental and constant physical health issues as well as a VERY compromised immune system.
It is my opinion that I was at tolerance level soon after I began taking Klonopin. I did not increase the dose or ask my Dr. to give me a higher dose. I feel that I lost myself and began abusing alcohol somewhere during 2009 on. I was no longer myself, I didn’t care about myself, anyone else or anything in my life. I ended up isolating and almost killing myself due to mixing alcohol and Klonopin. I was honest with my Dr. as well as my Psychiatrist about the fact that I was concerned about my drinking and taking klonopin and my psychiatrist began a taper of the same amount of Valium. Everything got 100% worse. I couldn’t live the way I was living, so I had myself convinced that I needed to go to rehab. I checked myself in and convinced myself that I would be okay. The Dr. prescribed ativan and allowed me to leave with my “drug of choice.” It has been around 60 days and have endured a hellish withdrawal, and am sad to say that I am now considered an alcoholic as well as an addict.
I have scared myself and my family and now looking back I’m very lucky to be alive. There were many nights when I could not woken up and breathing was suppressed which was incredibly dangerous. FOR THE MOST PART I COULDN’T SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE TIME which was unbelievably scary. My husband is actually saying, I finally have my wife back.
I was a mere shell of who I used to be prior to starting benzodiazapines. All that I want is to feel normal again and fortunately I am only recently beginning to feel like myself again, going forward I want to make sure that I never have to go through anything like this again.
After reading the above the Psychiatrist told me: 1. that I should try mood stabilizers, specifically Depakote, revisiting the potential of me being bi-polar. 2. told me that I should write a book. and 3. not once did she acknowledge that benzodiazapines paired with alcohol and ambien could cause any of my issues. She did not deny anything, but told me that I seemed better than she had ever seen me…I added a great deal of research regarding side effects of klonopin and withdrawal symptoms as well.
feedback?
Angela
Thank you for sharing this – I’m sorry to hear what you have been through. But it is wonderful that you are beginning to feel like yourself again! Continue to nourish yourself, support your adrenals and address any nutritional deficiencies (low D, low omega-3s etc have been seen to be issues with PTSD).
I would look into food based solutions for bipolar type symptoms before Depakote. This blog discusses a few of the many possible ones https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/bipolar-disruptive-mood-or-gluten-and-junk-food/
I love the book idea – it could be very healing and hopeful! Re this comment: “I am sad to say that I am now considered an alcoholic as well as an addict” – I say don’t think of addiction as a moral thing but as something biochemical. There is no shame.
Benzodiazepines on their own could cause many of the problems, but paired with alcohol and ambien, may be much worse. I discuss some of this in my webinar https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/say-no-to-benzodiazepines-for-anxiety-webinar-replay/
You’re brave to go through this process, Angela. Many people don’t because it’s difficult and uncomfortable. Wishing you continued progress with your health and well-being!
Thank you so much Nicole.
I have been taking .5 grams per night since 1994 for insomnia. The doctor didn’t inform me that it was addictive. Now that I’m 65, I’ve decided to wean myself off of it, as I’ve recently learned of the dangers.
My question is how do I do this without too much emotional and physical pain? I recently read about liquid titration. Do you agree with that or is there a better way? And other therapies concurrently, such as diet, supplements, etc.?
Hoping to hear back from you or hope you mention it during the webinar.
Hi Ginger
As Angela says benzobuddies and The Ashton protocol (slow taper specific for your benzo) are excellent resources. I will share more about these and other resources in the webinar today. Keep in mind that you may hear that diet and supplements make no difference. For some sensitive individuals this may be the case but many people do benefit.
I forgot to say which medication I am taking. It’s clonazepam .5 mg per night since 1994.
Ginger,
Goto Benzobuddies.com, There is a wealth of information about safely titrating off of klonopin. It is called the Ashton method.
I have taken .5 mg of Clonazepam since 98 for insomnia. In April/May I weaned off using Valium. I did pretty well for the first month but the last 2-3 months have been really rough. I’m hardly sleeping and my anxiety is through the roof. Would love to hear about support for anxiety and insomnia. I keep telling myself I want to be dig free, and feel determined but I’m having trouble functioning. Thank you!
Mary, I had great help to sleep and reducing anxiety with an aromatherapy blend I make (and actually sold in large numbers, so I know it works for most people). Blend 1 oz of a carrier oil (almond, or jojoba – it doesn’t go rancid) with 10 drops each of ylang ylang and frankincense oils, 7 drops of bergamot oil, and 5 drops of lavender oil. Blend well and apply to your pillow when you lie down at night, or inhale or diffuse whenever needed.
If you buy the oils and mix it at home, make sure you do it at night, because you’re going to be very calm afterwards! 🙂 Put the caps back on the bottles between every operation.
Love this recipe and sleep solution! thanks for sharing Arwen!
PS. I personally like lavendar and neroli (not together) so I think it’s matter of finding what works best
Mary
Sorry to hear this. For sleep and anxiety issues look at low GABA, low serotonin, gluten, low blood sugar, high cortisol, parasites, low progesterone, low zinc and vitamin B6 – and of course the basics (real food, no caffeine/gluten/sugar, blood sugar control)
I am feeling similar getting off of Xanas. Today I talked to the pharmacist and she said she would work with me in reducing the dosages with smaller pills. From the 1 mg..to .5…to .25 and then eventually off. I am nervous about this whole process. I don’t know what to supplement with after the taper is complete as sleep has been elusive the last half of my life without the aid of drugs. I know nutrition and supplements play a big role but will need guidance on that as well. Thanks for listening.
Mary
Educate yourself and make sure your pharmacist knows about the Ashton protocol for tapering.
For sleep and anxiety issues look at low GABA, low serotonin, gluten, low blood sugar, high cortisol, parasites, low progesterone, low zinc and vitamin B6 (also PMS) – and of course the basics (real food, no caffeine/gluten/sugar, blood sugar control)
Hi Trudy. I’m very interested in hearing this study. I have a panic disorder and have tried everything natural out there and find some relief at times but not enough when it gets really bad. I have no choice at times to turn to a very small dose of klonopin until my system can calm down. I would love to hear of something that could possibly help because I don’t like turning to the benzos at all. I have tried passionflower like you recommend but it doesn’t seem to work well for me. I’m sure it works great for general anxiety but not panic attacks. Thank you for all you do.
Cary
Cary
I hope you were able to tune in to the webinar. I’d love to hear what you have tried that has helped at times – we always want to take advantage of what does work. I don’t typically recommend passionflower – I’m not against it, I just like GABA or tryptophan as a first choice
Keep in mind that the Klonopin itself may be contributing to the anxiety
Mary, have you had your Progesterone level checked? Progesterone is a calming hormone, is essential for tha conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to Free T3, the active thyroid hormone essential to every cell in our bodies. Once my very low Progesterone level was improved with compounded bioidentical Progesterone I began sleeping soundly for the first time in many, many years! Best wishes for health and sound sleep!
thanks for sharing Regina – low progesterone is one to look at for sure – glad addressing this worked for you
Hi Trudy,What are the natural ways to increase progesterone and estrogen levels? My levels are low due to stress, losing 20 lbs, and limiting my protein/fat intake. Will gaining more weight and eating more protein help boost my levels? Also, how safe are the natural progesterone creams? Can they cause blood clots like the synthetic ones do?
Brandy
I start with reducing the stress and adrenal support. Healthy fats and quality protein are always important.
hi, i’ve been on xanax, long with antidepressants and mood stablizers, for two years and i have become increasingly dependent on the xanax. i used to use it just to sleep, and now find myself needing it every 3-4 hours or i start to shake and feel completely anxious. my psychiatrist wants to switch me to ativan or klonopin before starting to wean off entirely bec he said either of those is easier to wean off of then xanax. any idea if this is true? i know i need to get off and really want to be med free. i’m meeting with a nutritionist this week who apparently can help me with supplements, i pray it works. i also just started a bio identical cream with estrogen and progesterone. i’m determined to get off all these drugs. btw, the antidepressents an mood stabilizers are not helping me at all, or don’t seem to be, but i’m afraid if i go off i will be worse, and worse would mean suicidal. right now i’m just surviving
Jenna
I’m sorry to hear this – your symptoms are not uncommon. I encourage you to educate yourself via benzo.org.uk and benzobuddies and make sure your psychiatrist is aware of these approaches too. I’m pleased you have a nutritionist to support you – nourish yourself and be gentle and go slow
oops. I missed the beginning of the webinar, and didn’t tune in until almost a quarter after 5. Is this going to be released for download?
Yes Arlis – I should be able to share the link later this week
I am so grateful to hear that you are going to share the link to the webinar for those of us who missed it! I am hoping to help my daughter wean asap and am prayerful we can glean much from listening to all the wonderful information shared!
Yes please send us the link. I had just gotten in from traveling and saw the email; so I missed it. I have been on 10 mg of Serax/Oxazepam for 20+ years! If I don’t take it I don’t sleep and don’t sleep too well on it. I have never had a desire to increase it. I learned the ‘truth’ about these a couple of years ago:( I was prescribed this for PMS years ago to knock the edge off. the dose was 3 per day which I never took. Thank you for addressing this and your help!
You’re most welcome – watch the ezine/blog for the replay.
For sleep issues look at low GABA, low serotonin, gluten, low blood sugar, high cortisol, parasites, low progesterone (because of PMS?), low zinc and vitamin B6 (also PMS)
Thank you for your reply. I have tried GABA and it made me feel weird. I do like Natural Calm magnesium which has worked great for years. I’m 42 so I had my hormones checked and I’m low in progesterone so tried the Bioidentical progesterone cream and my system was WAY to sensitive to that. Still searching.
I just saw the announcement about the webinar, dang it. I would love to be able to listen to it. I couldn’t sign up at the webinar link- is there a way to do so?
We’ll share the replay as soon as it’s ready
Hi Trudy I am traveling and really wanted to sign up for the webinar so I could get the replay, but could not find WiFi. Could I get access to the replay?
Thanks Kelly
We’ll share the replay as soon as it’s ready
I have been Klonopin free for 1 year and 15 days and it hasbeen a long long journey.I still donot sleep at all.my eye sight continue to get worse and I still have anxiety and good and very bad days.imcreased appetite at night .I was on klonopin for 12 years and have and have had very little sleep in the last ten years and the cycle continues .javr tried sleep studies etc.only Benadryl works but I feel like I have a hangover the next day and I don’t drink.I guess I will never sleep naturally but at least I am off Klpnopin.Do you have any suggest.It hasbeen a struggle .
Antoinette
I’m sorry to hear about this struggle. I would suggest doing the amino acid questionnaire (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/) to see if you could benefit from GABA and/or tryptophan.
Other insomnia cause/s need to be investigated and addressed – low blood sugar, gluten issues/other food sensitivities, SIBO, high cortisol etc and of course the actual medication side-effects/withdrawal effects. Guided imagery, meditation, yoga, exercise, heartmath may all help too
Hi Trudy,
This topic caught my eye because our 7 year old son has Epilepsy. He was recently started on Onfi along with his Keppra to better control his seizures. This decision was not taken lightly, and actually came after a 1-2 week period of emergency non-convulsive status.
I was wondering your take and experience with Onfi, being a benzodiazepine, for use in epilepsy. We have had to make peace with needing pharmaceuticals at times with our son’s condition, but it still makes me uneasy. Any advice on Onfi from your experience would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Hi Becca
I’m sorry to hear about your son. I’m sure this decision was not taken lightly. I’m not familiar with this particular benzodiazepine but as you’ve read or heard (if you watched the webinar) there are major concerns with these medications, especially long-term use so I’d discuss this with your doctor.
If you haven’t already looked into finding an integrative practitioner with an expertise in this area, I’d encourage this. They can help you explore options like the ketogenic diet (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26301622 and https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet) and the use of taurine which may help some individuals http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23410665.
New research is showing that cannabinoids are promising too http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26282273
This is not an area of my expertise and I hope this helps for now. I’ve reached out to colleagues for additional resources too.
Hi Trudy, I did the questionnaire and I pretty much fit every question in every catagory. Is this odd? What do you start with then?
Also, I desperately want to get off klonopin, but am SO ANXIOUS after reading all the horror stories about withdrawal. I tried tapering this past week and felt terrible. I couldn’t tell if it was because of w/d symptoms or my own anxiety about withdrawing! I ended up caving and going back to my regular dose. Ugh…
I definitely need to address my anxiety before I try to taper again. Is it safe to take GABA while doing so?
Thanks so much!
Amy
It’s not unusual to fit every category. I have my clients start with the calming GABA and/or tryptophan. I can’t consult via the blog and this is a complex issue so I encourage you to get educated. My book The Antianxiety Food Solution is an excellent resource. I also offer training/coaching via homestudy programs and we are offering a special right now https://www.everywomanover29.com/aminosforanxietyhs
I would also suggest joining a support group like benzobuddies.org but be aware that they are likely to say don’t take supplements. I don’t agree as this helps many of my clients.
Each person is different and you may do fine when tapering so please keep this in mind. 3 big tips – very very slow (check out the Ashton protocol) and good nourishment/nutritional support and group support.
Amy, I completed my taper from Ativan/lorazepam about three months ago. You can do it. I read the horror stories also and it made my anxiety and panic worse. But then I read positive stories. Not everyone suffers! You have to remember that our bodies and their sensitivities are so unique and what hurts some of us won’t hurt so much for others and things that help others won’t necessarily help you. Since benzos work on gaba receptors taking GABA can prolong the healing. I always say if it’s natural and it doesn’t ramp up my symptoms then I’ll try it. I’ve tried so many supplements to calm myself naturally and also aide in detoxing. I know for sure that the amino acid blend I took made my detox fairly smooth as far as physical symptoms go. During my detox I always felt pretty lousy the fourth day after I made a cut in my dose. Then it balanced out and two weeks later I made another cut. Some people make micro tapers every day. Try it out and stick with it for a while to see what you can tolerate. Walking and exercise help a ton if you can do it. I don’t have all of the answers that is for sure. But I never thought I could do it and I did. My quest is to be there for others who are being ravaged by these horrible meds. Two months after my taper I was hit with feeling aches and pains and kind of flu like but I can feel myself getting stronger every day. Our bodies are amazing at healing themselves if we let them. Best of luck to you! Oh and by the way, I score high on all of Trudy’s questionnaires also. Also benzobuddies.org has an alternative therapies forum. I like to read people’s experiences but then sift through what feels right.
Jill
What a lovely message of encouragement to send to Amy. You are really sweet to do this – thank you so much!
I really appreciate you saying this “My quest is to be there for others who are being ravaged by these horrible meds” and I love this savvy advice “I always say if it’s natural and it doesn’t ramp up my symptoms then I’ll try it.” And you are so right – some people do fine when they quit.
Our bodies are amazing at healing and I’m so pleased you’re getting stronger by the day!
Thanks Jill! I’m on such a small dose, 0.25mg a day. And as far as I see in Ashton manual it doesn’t have a taper schedule for that amount.
I noticed my symptoms of withdrawal on the 4th day too! I felt like I was going crazy and not in my mind. It was weird and scary.
What supplements/aminos helped you?
That is a small dose. You’re so close to being done! I was on an amino acid blend that had more than ten aminos in it but also took extra glutamine on top of that. The amino blend was from a company that offered micro nutrient support. A nurse there is who told me to take extra glutamine. I ran out of the blend and stopped taking it last month but noticed my symptoms upped a bit when I wasn’t taking them. Ever since finding out about Trudy and her work I’ve been wanting to try individual aminos to single out which ones are the most helpful. So now is a good time. I’m excited to try tryptophan or 5htp as in years past I was on an ssri and didn’t want to worry about combining the two. I’m a big worrier when it comes to my health and all of those side effects of weaning off of drugs make me more nervous than I normally am. Lemon balm tea is nice and gently calming without feeling like a thump in the head. I also take omega 3’s, vitamin D3, probiotics, magnesium and zinc. I also cut out gluten, dairy and white sugar on a regular basis. It’s a strict diet but I’d do anything to feel healthy! I hope I’ve answers some questions for you. You should read to inform yourself more but don’t read too much. It can be good and bad. That’s what I’ve found with benzobuddies, lots of support but a lot of info I don’t need also. I buy most of my vitamins on vitacost and I love reading the reviews of supplements I’m interested in to see what real people have to say. Although as I said before no two stories are exactly alike. The nice thing about natural supplements is if you try a little and it doesn’t fit well then you stop. But if it feels good, hooray! Take care. Sorry I’m really rambling but I’m so passionate about this. I wish I’d known there were alternatives to prescriptions!
Thanks Trudy! I wish I could afford your program right now, it seems like a great deal.
I’m going to look into getting you’re book and giving GABA a try.
Thanks Trudy! I wish I could afford your program right now, it seems like a great deal.
I’m going to look into getting your book and giving GABA a try.
Totally agree that Benzodiazepines should not be used long term.
My sister starting taking low doses of Klonipin a couple decades ago. She went from slight anxiety to full blown panic attacks in the meantime. Her doctor just kept upping her doses and over time I have watched her Cognitive and Social functioning deteriorate. She was a nurse, she is pretty much a shut in now, and spends her days afraid to leave her home. She has frequent falls, and is very forgetful, she gets lost if she tries to drive a handful of blocks from her home. It’s awful to see how this has affected her.
Long term use of any medication that the body habituates to is probably a bad idea. After seeing what happened to her with long term use of these meds, I wouldn’t ever take them.
Claudia
Thanks for sharing and I’m so sorry to hear about your sister and how these meds have affected her. It’s heartbreaking! If she’d be open to considering nutrition and joining a group like benzobuddies.org there is still hope for her.
We have set up World Benzo Awareness Day (W-BAD) to help raise awareness about the risks associated with benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium etc. Please help to spread the word!
http://www.benzo-case-japan.com/publicity-b-english.php
http://www.morningnewsusa.com/exclusive-world-benzo-awareness-day-first-step-end-global-dependency-woes-2374611.html
Wayne
Thanks for sharing this and kudos to you for being instrumental in setting this up! I’ll share via social media and my ezine. Maybe I could interview you too if you’re up for it?
Hi Tudy,
Yes, I am up for an interview.
Please feel free to contact me at the above e-mail address.
Best regards,
Wayne
You can also contact me through the “contact” page on my website
Wondering if you have a list of people like yourself Trudy who will help people like me. With anxiety, etc. I live in Texas USA. I know your practice is full. But hopefully there are others who are awakening to this. And perhaps some who will help via Skype.
Also someone mentioned ‘liquid titration’ when getting off of benzos. Can there be a bit more explanation please. Thank you.
Beth
I’m afraid I don’t but will be training practitioners in the near future.
For benzo info please check out http://www.benzo.org.uk and http://www.benzobuddies.org and other blogs here on my site (just use the search box top right). The key is super super super slow
My son takes Frisim for epilepsy!? Should i reconsider something else? ….. This worries me (has been on it a few months now)
Many thanks
Jane
This is something that you’d need to to discuss with your doctor. I have no expertise in epilepsy and I’m not familiar with Frisium/Clobazam but since it is a benzodiazepine many of the same issues likely apply – as you can read here http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/8298/SPC/Frisium+Tablets+10+mg
If you haven’t already done so I would ask the doctor about the ketogenic diet as an approach for seizures.
Here are a few resources for the ketogenic diet
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26301622 and
https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet) and the use of taurine which may help some individuals (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23410665).
Dr. Eric Braverman writes about seizures and low GABA, low taurine, low glycine with increased aspartic acid and increased glutamic acid in his book “The Healing Nutrients Within”
New research is showing that cannabinoids are promising too (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26282273)
I stopped benzodiazepines after ten years because psychiatric nurse practitioners (fake doctors) started treating me like a drug-seeker. I stopped cold turkey. Now my baseline anxiety is where it was pre-prescription and my quality of life has diminished. For me the good of these drugs completely outweighs the ‘bad’.
I commented above but will share here again. I am sorry to hear you still have anxiety. I encourage you to read my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (http://amzn.to/2c3X1Wj) and consider a nutritional approach. This blog is also a wealth of information as are the interviews I do on all the health summits. I speak again next week on the Medicinal Supplements Summit and you can tune in at no charge by signing up here https://qt247.isrefer.com/go/SUPP16reg/trudyscottcn/
I don’t remember the website. But apparently most people cannot absorb Gaba, because of the fact that it does not pass the blood brain barrier? But there are some people who actually have a leaky blood brain barrier in which Gaba will pass. As I was reading , I came across something called phenibut. I believe it is one of amino acids. This product is used in Russia over the counter and is actually needed to help Gaba pass the barrier.
I have been on clonazepam since 1998 and effexor xr at different strengths during my life. Why they put you on an antidepressant for GAD makes no sense to me. I have had such bad anxiety and panic attacks that I will start crying, just to help relieve the tension. So then comes the antidepressant!
Both antidepressants and tranquilizers will eventually start disrupting your iodine receptors giving you symptoms of a hypothyroid. Making your body temperature go low, causing a sore tongue, etc.
I have done diet changes, everything I can think of. Tried 5htp. Ltheanine,.I was told that you should not use Gaba while on a tranquilizer. I have tried detoxification.
I also realize that a person needs to get out of stressful situations and relationships.
At 57 there doesn’t seem to many choices left. I thought about trying the Fisher Wallace Simulator or something called http://www.chill6.com. Which has phenibut in it. You drink it . it has Gaba plus other amino acids while you tirate yourself off the benzo at about 1/4 the amount you are taking now. It will take some time.
I have spent so much money on natural products . I am at the end of my rope. Stress doesn’t help either. Which in turn causes adrenal fatigue and and an inability to loss desired weight due to so much adrenaline and cortisol pumping through your system.
I have tried True Calm by Now Foods. But it has high levels of b vitamins and other things. But did not help me at all.
I stay away from caffeine. If Gaba has a hard time passing the blood brain barrier and your tranquilizers have Gaba in them, Then why do they work and just plain Gaba has trouble. There is something in the pill that makes it work better. Some chemical that causes the addiction . I never intended to be on these for this long. I know they can cause dementia etc. I take cold pressed coconut oil. My grandmother and mother ended up with dementia and were on benzos. Dr Hyla Cass, Md. Also she said that your Dr can do a blood test to tell which amino acids you are deficient in.
Out of all 50 states in the US , NY state is the only state where you cannot have a saliva, stool testing etc sent to your home and doctors are afraid to do them here. Because they fear they will lose their license!
I used to be an RN before I became disabled with GAD and I guess depression. They say anxiety and depression are each others best friends.
I am dedicated to finding the answer. I have even looked up foods that contain Gaba. I have always had a love for holistic medicine. Oil of oregano killed Candida in my gut before it got real bad. Candida will cause anxiety and depression too. We are all genetically different . so what works for one , might not work for the other. I tried hemp but only at 1mg per spray. If you are on a benzo you need a lot higher strength and its very expensive according to mg.
I also want to ask you what you think about biofeedback? I tried tapping ,but it was not successful for me. When I have an attack its bad. Can’t wait for the summit. Sincere thanks , LeeAnn Arnold
I’ve read many stories of very difficult withdrawals from Benzos and have had my own horrible withdrawals from antidepressants.
I’m tossing up whether I should be thinking about stopping Valium or not. I’ve taken a sub-therapeutic dose (0.5 mg) as needed for about 20 years and it’s the most effective medication I’ve ever taken, and I’ve taken quite a few. I’m don’t feel drugged at all, just what I imagine as “normal”. It hits the nail on the head. It enables me to be more social than I would otherwise be, and to actually somewhat enjoy it.
I’ve never had to increases the dose, in fact these days I often halve it, and just naturally stop taking it when my heightened state decreases. I then may not take any for days or weeks until I need it again.
Is it possible that I’m just lucky & can tolerate them?
You can tell I don’t want to give them up, can’t you?
Su
It seems 30% have a really bad time with benzos and another 30% have some side-effects. If it was me I would still try and find the root causes of my anxiety/social anxiety and address these.
Trudy, I was put on Ativan 1 yr ago for severe anxiety after my Paxil 20mg which I had been on for 18 yrs pooped out on me. I started having panic attacks also. My pcp started me on 0.5mg bid. I went to a psychiatrist @ he put me on .5mg tid after I got tolerant. To make a long story short, I’ve been on 1mg tid @.I’m.very afraid, I ‘m 67 yrs old @ I want to get off this drug . He wanted to put me on clonipin, but I refused to take anything else, not even an antidepressant . I wish I’d never taken this Ativan. Thanks
Martha
My blog is a wealth of information and so is my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2kptFWm). It’s important to be have a good nutritional foundation before starting any medication taper. I cover this in this blog on antidepressant tapers (although benzos are different, the same concept applies) https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/
Being part of a benzo support group is often very helpful when you feel afraid and overwhelmed. Keep in mind benzo support groups like http://www.benzobuddies.org will often say no supps at all. I don’t agree with this approach.
I was put in menastop 25 years ago. Doctor didnt think i needed progesterone. I was eaten up with anxiety. So i was given clorazapate .
Now i know all i needed was progesterone. I am in withdrawl now as new doc. Informed me what this “mild”medication i should take “the rest of my life”is.
My question is can i have my hormones balanced while withdrawing?
Will progesterone be ok to use?
Mary
It’s always best to check with the doctor but if a client has low progesterone then yes it should be fine and would very likely make the taper easier. I like my clients to get nutritionally stable BEFORE they start to taper ie real food, no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine, fix the gut, address the adrenals and add zinc, B6, magnesium D, GABA, tryptophan etc based on each person’s needs.
Was looking for articles about versed. My husband was given versed for a cardiac cath. He was drugged beforehand w/ fentanyl to make him compliant. He had already told medical providers no painkillers or versed/benzos but they did it anyhow. Versed is their way of controlling patients and being able to abuse them. Please read our story at Issues4Thought.com It is truly a gruesome story and demonstrates what versed can allow to happen. I think all benzo type drugs should be banned. Jeane
Jeane
I’m sorry to hear what your husband went through. Thank you for sharing here and on your blog so we can create more awareness. You may also want to reach out to Benzodiazepine Information Coalition https://www.benzoinfo.com/ and share your story.
Regarding the PTSD experienced, don’t forget that nutritional support is very powerful for healing https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/nutrition-solutions-psychological-stress-natural-disaster/
i don’t usually comment but i must weigh in. i am a psychotherapist and have done years of my own therapy as well as devoted my entire adult life to holistic living, way before it became popular in the mainstream. i have struggled with intractable, sever insomnia for over 35 years. it has crippled my life and i have learned so much from the dark field of night. i do not like using benzodiazapines but i NEED to use them a couple of times a week to get some relief from my mind, that will not turn off. yes i have taken EVERYTHING naturally under the sun, and multiple combinations. when i take this drug, at a low dose, i bless it and take it with gratitude. it is easy to judge another if we haven’t had their experience … i think that there is a place for this medicine, though quite imperfect, and i for one do not want to be ignorant about the side effects (which i am not) but want to take it withOUT holding all of the fear and concern in my mind as that is also toxic. thanks!
Jules
Thanks for sharing your balanced outlook on this. I’m really glad it works for you. Sadly it’s not feasible or easy for many folks to be able to use benzos like this, hence my post.
I also find that when someone says “I have taken EVERYTHING naturally under the sun, and multiple combinations” we usually find a solution that has not be used – tryptophan, 5-HTP, melatonin, GABA, parasites, SIBO, EMFs, gluten, caffeine, sugar, oxalates etc. So if things change for you and the benzo does start causing issues, keep seeking solutions.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I’m a person who has dealt with neurological problems along with both anxiety and depression almost all my life. I just recently found out that my childhood vaccinations affected my young, developing brain! (Most notably the DPT- Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus!) My research is showing that ALL vaccines have toxic ingredients that are harmful to the brain. People should look into this, if suffering. Thanks for all you’re doing for people that suffer.
Monica
Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear you’ve had these problems for so long. I encourage you to look to nutrition and my work for healing and symptom resolution