Posted by Mr.Scott on December 29, 2002, at 17:37:01
In reply to BENZODIAZEPINES DESTROY LIVES!! (nm), posted by john7219 on December 28, 2002, at 23:53:15
John,
I know many instances have ocurred where psychiatric drugs in general have messed up lives, it's a terribly neglected and impreceise science. Sometimes they just don't work, just cause side effects, and yet the illness continues. But far far more often I think psychiatric illness ruins lives. Until we have better tools to treat these illnesses, benzodiazepines remain one of the better tools we have in my opinion. They are unrivaled for quick relief of terrible symptoms, and when other treatments fail they can often bring some semblance of relief to people for longer periods of time. There's no panacea out there for those of us who wake up every morning staring into the abyss. In exchange for the ability to have relationships or some productivity or the escape from horrible overwhelming emotions, we often have to make sacrifices. Be it sexual functioning, weight gain, or a illness induced dependence, there is no right way to navigate psychiatric illness and certainly no way to do it unscathed.
I have over the years gone back and forth on the issues. I have studied the literature on both sides of the argument for benzodiazepine use as well as all psychiatric drug use like a prophet seeking to interpret religious scrolls. You will not find the answer in the generalist writings of those who believe in 'either or' philosophies. What may work for you will almost certainly cause problems for another.
I would, having both experience and understanding suggest not starting patients out with benzodiazepines 'if something clearly better or more appropriate exists.' That said who really cares what gets you through the night so long as you can get through it with a little dignity and peace of mind.
This board (I think) does not consist of too many people who have successfully gone to a general practitioner for Celexa or what have you and lucked out with a simple solution. Those people are blessed. I think the people on this board often times have suffered long and hard. They take what they can get and have tremendous strength to face what each day brings.
If you are having uncertainty about whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for long-term benzodiazepine therapy, that is fine. I think it's good to experiment and to find your own truth. But there is no good in making sweeping statements that carry only half truths.
I do hope you work out your conflict.
Scott
poster:Mr.Scott
thread:133201
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133706.html