Posted by Bob on March 12, 2010, at 20:58:51
In reply to Re: Benzodiazipine maintenance treatment?, posted by ed_uk2010 on March 12, 2010, at 13:32:14
> I think it's fair to say that withdrawal from benzos can be exceptionally difficult and unpleasant, especially if done too rapidly. Benzos are mainly appropriate for the short/medium term treatment of severe anxiety or panic. I do not think that reducing the side effects of antidepressants is a good reason to take a benzo on a long-term basis. Benzos can be useful when first starting an antidepressant but should be tapered after a week or two.
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> If your antidepressant is making you feel very tense and restless, it would be more sensible to consider a substantial dosage reduction or a different antidepressant. Adding drugs to treat the side effects of other drugs can be problematic to say the least.
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> Given that you found clonazepam withdrawal difficult, lorazepam withdrawal is certainly likely to be very difficult if you have taken it for a long period. By all means take lorazepam briefly, but long-term treatment should only be considered if there is no alternative. It is not a decision which should be taken lightly.
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> Best regardsBelieve me, all my med decisions are made with much deliberation and often a heavy heart.
poster:Bob
thread:939261
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100305/msgs/939327.html