Posted by Viridis on May 17, 2003, at 3:49:20
In reply to Re: Ridiculous, Irresponsible PDOC!!!, posted by Stacey fu on May 16, 2003, at 2:45:06
Hi Stacey,
I'm sorry to hear about all that you went through. I don't doubt that addiction to benzos like Xanax occurs; I was trying to make a distinction between addiction and dependency. I'm sure some anxiety sufferers do abuse benzos, but most don't. In your case, it sounds like you increased the dose beyond what the doctor prescribed and ran into problems, and that probably would constitute addiction. Regarding the withdrawal, did you taper off gradually or stop suddenly? If it was abrupt, I'm not surprised you had problems -- after using benzos for a while, you have to get off them very slowly. My pdoc was very emphatic about this, even with the relatively low doses I take.
I'm no expert on benzo withdrawal, and I recognize that these drugs have the potential to cause problems. I've seen it in a couple of people I know, who just kept using more and more, getting multiple prescriptions etc. But most anxiety sufferers who benefit from benzos don't increase the dose once the appropriate amount is identified (as I mentioned in a previous post, using more just makes me sleepy). And, most people who go off them have little difficulty if it's done gradually, although the anxiety may return.
I hate to see such a useful class of meds demonized just because they aren't right for some people. There are lots of horror stories on this board about withdrawal from ADs like Paxil, Effexor, etc., yet many people benefit greatly from these drugs. Similarly, my brother is allergic to penicillin, but that doesn't rule out its use in everyone.
I'm not trying to attack you, and given your terrible experience, I can understand your concerns. But benzos have been life-changing meds for many people, some of whom take them for long periods with no problems. They're an important option for a lot of us, and I hate to see them relegated to the status of "dangerous' and "addictive" without consideration for individual cases.
poster:Viridis
thread:225902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227178.html