Posted by terra miller on July 20, 2001, at 0:05:27
In reply to FLASHBACKS:now realize I get 'em-what helps?, posted by Janelle on July 19, 2001, at 21:51:19
> Anyone out there had any success with any med(s) to control or STOP them? Any responses greatly appreciated.
> -Janelle
Hi, Janelle. This is my personal philosophy just so you know *s*. I think flashbacks, though scary, are actually extremely helpful to let you know there's something in there that needs considered and mastered and healed or understood. I consider flashbacks as my friends which help me learn what I need to work on which I was previously amnesiac about.But, if you want to medicate them away I think that is possible too. Some antidepressants can make you "unfeeling" which can mean decreased flashbacks. Some benzos do that as well. You can use benzos to effectively handle anxiety that flashbacks can produce. But I have also personally found that benzos longer term use made me feel less and flashback less... to the point that I felt stalled in therapy and going off the benzos brought so much up that I've been working my tail off (which I consider a good thing since I'm going to have to heal sooner or later, so it might as well be now so that I can get done with this pain stuff.)
Long answer to a short question. I guess it depends on your motivation. I do believe there are times when you just need to regroup and keep the flashbacks at bay so you can rest, and in those circumstances I have found ativan and ambien, a sleep aid, to help calm me down to rest up for the next round.
-terra
poster:terra miller
thread:70972
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010714/msgs/70996.html