ASAPM Moderators position on Benzodiazepines
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Members, The moderators of ASAPM do NOT endorse the view that benzodiazepines are addictive and are a class of meds to be avoided. We believe that benzodiazepines are probably the most effective class of medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders. We acknowledge there are some that have had problems using benzos, but we believe that amount is small compared to the many people that have been greatly helped by these meds. All meds, not just benzos, come with risks and side-effects. Each of us with the help of medical professionals must weigh the risks against the benefits. Never stop your benzo cold turkey and always consult your doctor for advice on how to discontinue a benzo. We ask the posters that have had issues with benzos to remember that their experience is just that and is not a predictor of how others will do on them. While we acknowledge that some have had problem with benzos we do discourage posts that use generalizations and personal experiences to demonize this class of meds. Doing so has the potential to frighten posters against using this proven treatment. Please be respectful of others’ experiences and we recommend the use of disclaimers such as "your mileage may vary", and "in my experience" in controversial subjects. It’s important to find sites that offer balanced information regarding benzos. Anti-benzo sites such ashttp://www.benzo.org.ukvilify what can be…. and is for many people, an effective and safe medication. Below is what we believe to be some balanced info regarding benzo addiction and dependency. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/benzosbasics/a/addiction.htm http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa082797.htm Even though this link is about discontinuing xanax, there is other good info on xanax and benzos in general.http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html Most importantly, educate yourself about addiction VS dependency so you can make informed decisions regarding the treatment of your anxiety disorder. We highly recommend the book "Panic Disorder" by William D. Kernodle, M.D. Chapters 12, "The Misunderstood Benzodiazepines" and 13, "The Role of Benzodiazepines in the Treatment of Panic Disorder", being must reads. Quoted from "Panic Disorder: The Medical Point of View", by William Kernodle, M.D. "Our society appears to have a phobia concerning benzodiazepines. I believe this fear started many years ago when Valium was prescribed for minor anxiety and patients were not made aware of the potential for developing physical dependence. It is physical addiction that most patients worry about with a benzodiazepine. I believe *addiction* refers to a severe form of drug abuse in which the individual craves a substance despite negative consequences and needs more and more for the same effect. I do not think that patients with panic disorder crave the benzodiazepines for their effect or frequently develop physical tolerance (with the possible exception of substance abusers). It is possible for patients to develop *physical dependence* on the benzodiazepines when used at moderate to high doses over months or years. However, this simply means that the benzodiazepine has to be tapered slowly rather than stopped abruptly to avoid having a withdrawal symptom" (p 115). [alt.support.anxiety-panic.moderated] General Anxiety-Panic Info – Monthly-FAQ] Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The ASAPM Moderation Team — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Amen. Klonopin changed my life. I would have started taking it 15 years ago if I would have known. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Dear Members, The moderators of ASAPM do NOT endorse the view that benzodiazepines are addictive and are a class of meds to be avoided. We believe that benzodiazepines are probably the most effective class of medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders. We acknowledge there are some that have had problems using benzos, but we believe that amount is small compared to the many people that have been greatly helped by these meds. All meds, not just benzos, come with risks and side-effects. Each of us with the help of medical professionals must weigh the risks against the benefits. Never stop your benzo cold turkey and always consult your doctor for advice on how to discontinue a benzo. We ask the posters that have had issues with benzos to remember that their experience is just that and is not a predictor of how others will do on them. While we acknowledge that some have had problem with benzos we do discourage posts that use generalizations and personal experiences to demonize this class of meds. Doing so has the potential to frighten posters against using this proven treatment. Please be respectful of others’ experiences and we recommend the use of disclaimers such as "your mileage may vary", and "in my experience" in controversial subjects. It’s important to find sites that offer balanced information regarding benzos. Anti-benzo sites such as http://www.benzo.org.uk vilify what can be…. and is for many people, an effective and safe medication. Below is what we believe to be some balanced info regarding benzo addiction and dependency. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/benzosbasics/a/addiction.htm http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa082797.htm Even though this link is about discontinuing xanax, there is other good info on xanax and benzos in general. http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html Most importantly, educate yourself about addiction VS dependency so you can make informed decisions regarding the treatment of your anxiety disorder. We highly recommend the book "Panic Disorder" by William D. Kernodle, M.D. Chapters 12, "The Misunderstood Benzodiazepines" and 13, "The Role of Benzodiazepines in the Treatment of Panic Disorder", being must reads. Quoted from "Panic Disorder: The Medical Point of View", by William Kernodle, M.D. "Our society appears to have a phobia concerning benzodiazepines. I believe this fear started many years ago when Valium was prescribed for minor anxiety and patients were not made aware of the potential for developing physical dependence. It is physical addiction that most patients worry about with a benzodiazepine. I believe *addiction* refers to a severe form of drug abuse in which the individual craves a substance despite negative consequences and needs more and more for the same effect. I do not think that patients with panic disorder crave the benzodiazepines for their effect or frequently develop physical tolerance (with the possible exception of substance abusers). It is possible for patients to develop *physical dependence* on the benzodiazepines when used at moderate to high doses over months or years. However, this simply means that the benzodiazepine has to be tapered slowly rather than stopped abruptly to avoid having a withdrawal symptom" (p 115). [alt.support.anxiety-panic.moderated] General Anxiety-Panic Info – Monthly-FAQ] Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The ASAPM Moderation Team — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
