Posted by ed_uk2010 on January 9, 2015, at 10:31:58
In reply to Re: How strong is Clonazepam really? » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk2010 on January 9, 2015, at 9:47:29
>rebound seizures on attempted withdrawal....
As an aside, rebound seizures on withdrawal are mainly a problem in epilepsy with benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Other drugs don't normally produce more seizures on withdrawal than occurred before treatment unless they are withdrawn very abruptly. Benzos and barbs are rather unique in causing an incidence of withdrawal seizures in non-epileptics. Other meds rarely cause this problem, including other antiseizure drugs. The risk with benzos is mainly when high doses have been used long term and the drug is not tapered very gradually. The DSM-4-TR mentions an incidence of 20-30% for grand mal seizures when sedative drugs are stopped rapidly and without treatment, after physical dependence has occurred. This is much higher than the incidence of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. Less serious but highly distressing symptoms are much more common, of course. There is a high risk with the likes of Xanax, Ativan and clonazepam. Although extremely unpleasant, such serious problems do not occur on withdrawal from opioids and stimulants.
I don't doubt that some people can stop potent benzos such as clonazepam without a problem. Just that problems are common and often highly distressing... and sometimes very serious.
poster:ed_uk2010
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150102/msgs/1074998.html