![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 55 to 79 of 119. Go back in thread:
Posted by FredPotter on December 30, 2002, at 20:54:56
In reply to It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!! » worrier, posted by HIBA on December 29, 2002, at 1:49:55
I know the hell very well. I've been taking benzodiazepines on and off for 35 years, but never once have they given the desperately needed relief from anxiety and depression that you mention. I take them because they're all I have and are better than nothing. I used to use alcohol. Now there's a dramatically effective drug for you! But I had to stop as it was making my condition MUCH worse over time.
None of the ADs seem to help, nor Lithium. I've never tried anything illegal, except pot a few times which actually caused a panic attack on two occasions.
So of course I get rattled and defensive when it looks like the only thing that helps is going to be taken off me
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 30, 2002, at 22:00:47
In reply to Re: It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!! » HIBA, posted by FredPotter on December 30, 2002, at 20:54:56
Posted by worrier on December 30, 2002, at 22:36:44
In reply to Re: It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!! » HIBA, posted by FredPotter on December 30, 2002, at 20:54:56
>Maybe it's time we all stop and take a deep breath. Maybe John really does have a problem with benzos and shouldn't be taking them. We must all remember that we aren't inside his head. I only hope he isn't trying to tough out his anxiety disorder without help. Maybe it did just go away and now he does have an addiction problem. I'm sure it can happen. I tried bunches of antidepressants for my anxiety/panic disorder feeling that they were somehow safer,better, not addictive drugs for weak people,etc. (Mind you, this was after almost 20 years of no treatment because I thought I should just be able to deal with it.) Finally after ending up in the ER after following my GPs orders to keep increasing my paxil dose and not to take xanax, I got myself to a competent psychiatrist who saw my problem for what it was and prescribed xanax. I was resistent...still take too low a dose to really feel normal because of that drug fear. But I do know that this med has made me decide I probably don't need to die...something that was debatable while on the other meds. I doubt that my panic disorder is going to just magically go away one day...most research seems to indicate that is unlikely...it is a real physiological disorder and for me benzos treat it. The diabetic/insulin analogy is very apt. If I have to take benzos for the rest of my life, so be it. At least I can get up in the morning, go to work, have a conversation, read a book,etc. I don't feel stoned,addicted or like I'm "sleepwalking through life".Just as we should not judge John for his decisions however, he should not judge us for ours. Some of us have fought a lot of fear just to be able to take these meds. We don't need scare tactics to make us doubt what we know is working. I hope John finds something that works for him...I hope we all do. Accepting that you have a problem and need meds is hard.Accepting that you might need them for a long time or forever is even harder. I hope that's not what John is doing, but lets all remember,only he really knows. I'm babbling now, so I'll stop. But lets try to help each other, not judge and scare each other. Good luck to all, worrier.
Posted by syringachalet on December 31, 2002, at 7:52:47
In reply to Re: It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!!, posted by worrier on December 30, 2002, at 22:36:44
worrier,
You are sound like someone who has finally starting to come to terms with her illness and take control; not the other way around.
You and I both know that we are all going to have days when it seems that nothing is going right or you wonder why you ever got out of bed that day, but just caring enough about yourself to know that the person who knows youre needs best is YOU.
'I have known scores of people who until they acknowledge their mental illness and took an active part in their own treatment and recovery, lived in denial and frustration. They also robbed themselves and those they loved and cared about from the joy of having them in their lives to the fullest.Benzos and any other medication, when prescribed and taken with descretion...knowing the benfits and the risks.. have changed so many peoples
lives that forty years ago they would have have had no life at all.Knowing your personal strengths and limitations while enjoying life in whatever you do is what doing this 'dog and pony show' everyday is all about...
IN SHORT.. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
syringachalet
Posted by gabbix2 on December 31, 2002, at 18:01:45
In reply to Thanks! BlackSheep and Gabbix2 (nm), posted by Mr.Scott on December 30, 2002, at 22:00:47
Posted by worrier on January 1, 2003, at 14:52:59
In reply to Re: It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!!, posted by syringachalet on December 31, 2002, at 7:52:47
>Thanks for your reply. It's a new year...maybe it will be better than last year. I think I am finally coming to grips with my problem, recognizing it for what it is and that it's not my fault or some huge weakness. It is my hope that we can all find some measure of peace and comfort, whatever it takes. There is a buddhist compassion prayer that I find very helpful (I'm not a buddhist,but I don't think it matters).I pray it for myself and for everyone else out there often. " May I be safe.May I be thoroughly safe.May I have physical ease.May I have mental ease.May I have comfort and well-being."That is my wish for us all in this new year. By the way, that came from a great book you might want to read called "Healing Lazarus" by Lewis Richmond. Regards, Worrier.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 2, 2003, at 0:19:31
In reply to Re: It is idiotic benzophobic syndrome!! » syringachalet, posted by worrier on January 1, 2003, at 14:52:59
> By the way, that came from a great book you might want to read called "Healing Lazarus" by Lewis Richmond.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
But I don't mean to be pushy. Did you deliberately not use it to link to Amazon? If so, I'd be interested in why, over at Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by worrier on January 2, 2003, at 20:24:30
In reply to Re: double double quotes » worrier, posted by Dr. Bob on January 2, 2003, at 0:19:31
Dr. Bob, no reason, just wasn't aware of the feature. Thanks, Worrier.
Posted by micky301 on January 2, 2003, at 23:57:23
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES DESTROY LIVES!!, posted by BlackSheep on December 30, 2002, at 14:16:50
I lost my living self do to a Benzodiazepine.
HOW DARE some of you compare a benzo to insulin. I doubt very many people have died of panic attacks, even though you feel like you can, but insulin is Physically needed, not klonopin. I have lost my job, become agoraphobic, and very depressed after two weeks of Xanax use. I was in Hell until I had to go back to a benzo, which was K. Now im addicted to Klonopin because my body just does not know how to function anymore without a Benzo. I wish I was never given this drug. Some of you got off the drug smoothly , good for you. Guess what, thats not the norm. Almost all of the doctors that I talked to at the Emergency Room I went to (walking from my house on my knees practically) said this is something they see everyday.
Posted by Mr.Scott on January 3, 2003, at 0:58:36
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by micky301 on January 2, 2003, at 23:57:23
By definition ER doctors only see the worst case scenarios which account for 1% of benzo users I'd guess.
Anyways...you're right... benzo's aren't the answer...We all know that I think. Not my answer, but a decent band aid until we are graced with "the answer". But where is this answer?
Is it praying to God? Alcohol? Effexor XR at exactly 172.4 mg every 16.5 hours?
Do you know? Until then I see few alternatives.
Posted by viridis on January 3, 2003, at 1:16:39
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by micky301 on January 2, 2003, at 23:57:23
People compare benzos to insulin because both can cause medical dependency and should not be stopped suddenly, due to the physiological adjustment that has occurred as a result of of their use. It's true that people don't usually die from panic attacks, but for some with severe anxiety disorders, life is hardly worth living -- hence the high suicide rate in this group. Add to this the long-term health consequences of relentless anxiety, and use of benzos such as Klonopin is certainly justified for some from a purely medical perspective.
Some people have trouble getting off them, but most don't if they discontinue use gradually. And some people need them for life (in several senses -- as in long-term use, as in being able to live normally, and as in making the decision to keep living at all).
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience with benzos, but the weight of evidence suggests that this is the exception (although I'm sure very real for you) rather than the norm.
Posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 11:24:39
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER » micky301, posted by viridis on January 3, 2003, at 1:16:39
It seems that a lot of people here have had
many different experiences with the use of benzodiazepines.When I talk with my patients to whom have had a benzo or any other medication prescribed for them by either their reg MD or their PDOC, I ask them,
What do YOU expect these meds to do??
Will taking the meds make your family or friends nicer to you?
Do you think it is a 'magic bullet' that can 'fix' whatever is causing frustration or sadness in your life?
Do you think that denial or pretending the problem doesnt exist will make it go away?If you think so, you are setting
yourself to fail.Meds are a simply tools to help you help
yourself. No different than therapy, reading
self-help books, or hyponosis...BOTTOM LINE = only YOU can heal YOU....
What I tell my patients is that these 'tools' are there to help the emotional part of your brain slow down and your computer part of your brain catch up. With both parts of your brain working at the same slower speed...and maybe you can make some sense of your life.
I have seen hundreds of people whose lives were made better by taking the benzos, often in combo with othersmeds and thearpy.
Maybe they will never be what they once thought they could aspite to be.
Maybe they wont be exactly their parents hoped they would be. But they are still alive and sharing their lives with those whom care about them.
And most have a better grip on what is
realistic for them and their futures.Mental illness is a chronic illness and yes, it is similar to diabetes. You live with it 24/7.
Its there...in your face...and it isnt going away
no matter how much you wish it would.
so I guess what we all have to decide is...Who is going to be in control.. you or your illness???
With that control comes responsiblity and accountability for ones actions.
Having control over your illness and the
freedoms to do some of those things in your
life that are important have to be balanced
with responsible behaviors that do no harm
to you or others.When I have to help with a psych unit admission, the patient asks me, "When am I getting out of this place?" I tell them when you can prove to the doc that you can handle BOTH the freedom and the responsibility of your own actions/behaviors.
In a sense, I am trying to empower them to help them help heal themselves..to take back that control/responsibility..and function independently as much as their capacitites and safety will allow.
In summary, benzos dont do anything more than
what their chemical components allow them to.When someone is ready to start the job of
taking back the control of his life, the meds will be in the 'tool box'...just dont use the pliers as a hammer... they dont like that much and dont work worth a damm...
syringachalet
Posted by johnj on January 3, 2003, at 12:06:39
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 11:24:39
"Meds are a simply tools to help you help
yourself. No different than therapy, reading
self-help books, or hyponosis..."Sorry to disagree, but I don't know what profession you are in exactly, but I can guess you have never had a panic attack or a major depressive episode by your statements. All the empowering yourself talk will not help if your brain chemistry, assuming that is what is happening, is out of whack. When I was in the depths, which came crashing like a dark wave, it happened it 2 two days. One day I was making dinner for my girlfriend and two nights later I was having a panic attack and free falling into depression.
Therapy can serve to bring up emotional times in our lives that may or may NOT have anything to do with the illness. In some cases, abuse, PTSD, etc., there might be an emotional trigger, but many times it comes as thief in the night that steals ones soul. IMHO, No therapist or doctor can understand the pain, unless they have been there. Therapy can talk TOO much in my opinion, and pdoctors can just sit back and prescribe and say "see how this works, Next" The brain is a wonderful organ, but so little is known so we treat the best we can.
Posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 12:31:40
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER » syringachalet, posted by johnj on January 3, 2003, at 12:06:39
dear johnj,
Perhaps you havent had the time or the interest to read any of my past postings.
If you had you would know that I HAVE been
on benzodaizepines myself(in the past).
I went through 13 ECT treatments and was hosptialized for 13 months in a state owned
psych hospital.
I have also busted my ass to heal myself
enough to be able to earn a four year
nursing degree and a two
year degree in behavioral science.
I also had to prove to my local governemntal
board of nursing that I had healed myself
enough to be a competent registered nurse
for the past 20 years....I think you should do your homework before
you judge others.....syringachalet
Posted by ZeeZee on January 3, 2003, at 13:07:18
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 12:31:40
Syringachalet,
Although I'm sure your post that johnj objected to was well intended, your lack of self disclosure in that post (and others) makes me feel "talked down to".
Had you personalized your message he, I and possibly others would have been able to better relate to your message.Just some feedback to be helpful.
Regards,
ZeeZee
Posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 13:23:04
In reply to I agree with johnj » syringachalet, posted by ZeeZee on January 3, 2003, at 13:07:18
ZeeZee,
You and I have never had the opportunity to
know much about our presonal pasts.
I have, however, posted several times about
it here at PSB.I dont continue to bore readers about my
sorted past.
I ask only that before they sit in judgement
of me, they read some of the many posts I
have shared my personal past.I know I cant fix my past. I can only try to learn from it and work on today and the future.
syringachalet
Posted by ZeeZee on January 3, 2003, at 13:28:37
In reply to Re: I agree with johnj, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 13:23:04
I'm not judging you. I'm telling you the feeling tone *I* and possibly others may get from reading your posts. You don't have to bore others or repeat your history to personalize your messages.
Posted by gabbix2 on January 3, 2003, at 14:41:45
In reply to Re: I agree with johnj » syringachalet, posted by ZeeZee on January 3, 2003, at 13:28:37
I agree, cognitive therapy may well help one
learn to live with it, may even prevent a relapse, still one is filtering the information
through a depression "lense", and the results are going to reflect that
To help ones self during a depression sounds great, however when the depression becomes a fungus which has become entertwined with the entire plant you have very little of your original 'self' to help.
What I percieve, is a great part of "me" and when my perception is negatively altered I still feel I'm seeing the truth. I can't talk myself into thinking I'm not anxious, or terribly depressed any more then I can convince myself the apple I'm eating tastes like roast beef. Its the way my brain is wired at the time.
Benzodiazepines are not an 'answer'to everything I don't think anyone claims they are. They have
however saved me from indescribable anxiety which would only have pitched me headlong into another depression, reducing my sense of control even further. Until there is an answer I'll take it.
Posted by johnj on January 3, 2003, at 15:24:03
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 12:31:40
Sorry I havent' had time to read all of your past post, but did you read all of mine?
You say judging, but I just plain disagree with what you said. It would help if you would not be so vauge about what you do. Since you are a nurse, and have experiences, I am shocked at how you feel. "only you can heal you" is most far from my thoughts. I need a balanced life with meds and help from other people to do it. Also, I do think that you questioning patients about what their doctors prescribe could be damaging to their confidence in their doctor. Again this is MY opinion, which you as well as I, are allowed to have. For me, meds are not equal to therapy, they are better.
Posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 18:07:25
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER » syringachalet, posted by johnj on January 3, 2003, at 15:24:03
dear johnj,(no pun intended)
I think that each of us needs to do what works for us....
Over the years, I and many of my patients have benefited from benzos. I have also had a few that benefited only for a short time and then they need something else.
Again, what worked for them at the time.....As for asking my patients if they understood
why they were taking a certain med, it was to establish a baseline of knowledge/understanding. I needed to know what THEIR expectations were from their meds. This patient education is not usually done in in the initital appt but in f/u appts.Being informed consumers, aware of the
benefits and risks, help them take an active
role in their own recovery...As for only you can heal you..is an issue of personal responsibility...
a broken leg can get better without a patients active coorperation but not a broke soul/mind...The emphasis is to empower the patient to take control of his own life...whatever pace/level
and hopefully restore his self-image and ability to function as indepdently as safety allows.I mean well by my posts and am sorry if my attempts to help somehow irritate someone...
I work with lots of unhappy people all day
long and if sharing the facts/truth with
those here is somehow not to your liking...
I am sorry.I try to maintain a personal philosophy of honesty with caring because sometimes when
you crawl inside someone else problem with
them, you cant remain objective enough to
really help them...Just my thoughts. I will not post again on this topic. Thank you.
syringachalet
Posted by bluedog on January 3, 2003, at 19:27:24
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER » syringachalet, posted by johnj on January 3, 2003, at 12:06:39
John
I know you have your views and syringachalet has her own views on this topic. I happen to aree with things that both of you have said and I also disagree with some of the views that both of you hold.
I myself an not anti-benzo as they help my own anxiety problems immensely so I will continue to take them while they are helping me. I also agree that meds can sometimes be the only answer to whatever mental problems someone is dealing with. But I also agree with Syrinchalet that meds are part of the whole tool box available to assist someone with their problems.
However I feel compelled to refer you to a post recently made by Simcha in this same thread.
==================================================================================================http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133772.html
Simcha wrote
"John> What in the world are you talking about? I never claimed to be addicted or abusing cocaine or heroin in any way, shape, or form. I merely said I experimented with cocaine on a few occasions, yet I did not become addicted. End of story. I am however now addicted to Clonazepam. Why don't you think before you post such nonsense!
I know that Dr. Bob has not warned you about being more civil here on Psychobabble. As a poster I would like you to try to be more civil. Please try not to put down other people when posting. I find it offensive and it reduces my sense of safety on this board.
You are welcome to your opinion about Clonazepam. Please respect other posters when expressing your opinions about Clonozepam.
Very Truly Yours,
Simcha"
==================================================================================================In a more recent post you wrote the following
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134309.html>"Meds are a simply tools to help you help
yourself. No different than therapy, reading
self-help books, or hyponosis...">Sorry to disagree, but I don't know what profession you are in exactly, but I can guess you have never had a panic attack or a major depressive episode by your statements.
John you are making assumptions about other posters. Syringachalet is genuinely trying to be helpful with her opinions. I wish to repeat Simcha’s words. I believe you could have made your point without becoming so personal or making assumptions about Syrinchachalet’s own medical past. Can you please try to be a bit more civil in your posts. Just like Simcha I find such assumptions offensive even though they are not directed at me personally and also reduces the sense of safety that I feel on this board.
It saddens me that in her last post Syringachalet felt compelled to advise that she would no longer be contributing to this topic because I truly value her views just like I value the views of other posters on this board.
Kind regards
bluedog
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 3, 2003, at 22:15:58
In reply to In defence of Syringachalet and civility » johnj, posted by bluedog on January 3, 2003, at 19:27:24
> I can guess you have never had a panic attack or a major depressive episode by your statements.
> I just plain disagree with what you said. It would help if you would not be so vauge about what you do. Since you are a nurse, and have experiences, I am shocked at how you feel.
>
> johnj> I feel compelled to refer you to a post recently made by Simcha in this same thread.
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133772.htmlThat was to john7219, not johnj...
> John you are making assumptions about other posters... Can you please try to be a bit more civil in your posts.
>
> It saddens me that in her last post Syringachalet felt compelled to advise that she would no longer be contributing to this topic because I truly value her views just like I value the views of other posters on this board.
>
> bluedogBut I agree. Please be civil even if you think someone's wrong.
----
> your lack of self disclosure in that post (and others) makes me feel "talked down to".
> Had you personalized your message he, I and possibly others would have been able to better relate to your message.> I'm not judging you. I'm telling you the feeling tone *I* and possibly others may get from reading your posts. You don't have to bore others or repeat your history to personalize your messages.
>
> ZeeZeePersonalizing a message means disclosing more? Thanks for trying to use "I-statements", but please also be careful not to pressure others.
----
> Perhaps you havent had the time or the interest to read any of my past postings.
>
> syringachaletThanks for responding civilly!
Bob
Posted by harry b. on January 3, 2003, at 23:55:54
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER » micky301, posted by Mr.Scott on January 3, 2003, at 0:58:36
Somewhere back in the '80's I began taking amitriptyline for panic attacks. I had been having the PA for years but they were getting worse. I did not even know what they were. I could 'feel' them coming on & I got so that I would drive quickly to the hospital & just sit in my truck, sometimes for hours, sometimes all night, wrestling with the PA & the fear. I never went into the hospital, just sat there, outside. It gave me a bit of comfort.
I finally went to a doc about them & began taking amitriptyline. The PA became more mild & less frequent. OK. Now I knew what I was dealing with.
Unfortunately the amitrip began causing severe 'restless leg' problems. At the same time I began having facial tics. My doc gave me Klonopin.
The K stopped the PA dead in their tracks, I have not had a bad one since. It also helped with the facial tics & there were no more 'restless leg' problems.
My current dosage is 3mg/day. I've been on dosages as high as 6mg/day. My actual daily dose varies. Sometimes only 1mg, sometimes 5mg if I'm feeling too intense.
The K, even at 5mg, no longer puts me to sleep. It would probably take double that amount.
Am I 'addicted'? Er, ah, yes. My Pdoc would like me to quit but I'm afraid of the PA.
I guess the worst thing is the 'dumbing down' effect. I can live with an addiction, if it helps me, but I really do not like having a brain that works at half capacity & in slow motion.
harry b.
Posted by HIBA on January 4, 2003, at 0:03:20
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by micky301 on January 2, 2003, at 23:57:23
BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER
So, what is the answer then ?Those who make such statements have a responsibility to reveal their answers. If you have an answer to all those debilitating psychiatric disorders, If you have an answer to anxiety disorders other than benzodiazepines, please come forward with those unique answers. Antidepressants, CBT ....there could be many answers but none of them exactly match to anxiety disorders. Benzos are not made in heaven, but since we have no effective alternatives, benzos and benzo lovers will survive and exist.
About insulin: Insulin can cause hypoglycemia which is fatal by all means. But if used properly it is a life-saving medication. Pencillin saved millions, but killed some patients too. Even now, penicillin allergy is fatal if immediate medical intervention is failed.But benzos are absolutely safe, much safer than insulin and penicillin. They haven't killed even a single soul in my knowledge, even after intentional overdosing. I have seen a patient who survived after overdosing himself with nitrazepam 1500 mg.(1000 times higher than the normal dose) I can never be that sure in the case of any other medications other than other benzos.
HIBA
Posted by viridis on January 4, 2003, at 3:22:43
In reply to Re: BENZODIAZEPINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER, posted by syringachalet on January 3, 2003, at 11:24:39
I didn't take offense at Syringachalet's post (although I will quibble with a couple of details), and I always seem to be on here advocating benzos for those who need them. My interpretation of her (his?) message was that there's often more to achieving mental stability and satisfaction than just pills, and I think that this is a very reasonable view. For some people, benzos (and other psychiatric drugs) provide a much-needed break from an intolerable state of mind, and the most fortunate ones are then able to make behavioral/lifestyle changes that alleviate the need for drugs. This takes dedication and willpower, and if you can do it, great.
Unfortunately, some of us (like me) really do need the meds on a long-term basis, and I don't think Syringachalet was denying this.
I guess the main statement that I disagree with is the following:
"Meds are a simply tools to help you help
yourself. No different than therapy, reading
self-help books, or hyponosis..."Meds ARE different if you've already made a real effort with therapy, self-help books, hypnosis etc. and your brain still just won't cooperate. For people in this category (like me) meds are a necessity, maybe for life. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything else you can to improve your life too, and the meds can make this possible. They've certainly helped greatly for me, although things aren't perfect (but I'm working on it...).
Overall, I think Syringachalet's message was sincere and made some very valid points -- you have to do all you can to take control of your mind and your life. For many of us, we have to stay with the meds in order to be able to do this long-term, but the meds alone aren't likely to fix everything.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.