Weren't you a nurse? ;) Its about the risks vs. benefits becaues yes, long term benzodiazepine use can result in physical dependence and tolerance.

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/benzos.asp

If that's how it's prescribed, then I'd say, it's not an addiction. I'm sure, if there were concerns, your doctor wouldn't have placed you on these meds, no?

No clue about this particular case but just because it is prescribed does not mean it is appropriate. I see medication regimens on a daily basis that would curl your hair. :(

The difference really is what someone considers addicted/addiction vs. physiologically dependent or increased tolerance. What is very important to know is that benzodizaepines should be tapered with a prescriber's supervision as the withdrawal can be dangerous as is combining them with alcohol.

My neuro wants me to get off the lorazepam I've been taking for sleep every night for the past 5 years. I started before I found him, partially because of anxiety due to the diagnosis. Yikes. I was at 1.5 mg. Now I've dropped to 1 mg plus 5 mg of Ambien. Then it's on to .5 mg of lorazepam and 10 mg of Ambien. Then ultimately it's off all lorazepam.

He told me benzodiazepines are the absolute WORST for sleep because they don't allow you to go into a deep REM sleep. He said that's not a problem with Ambien and when he gets people off benzodiazepines they come back and say I'm now dreaming all the time. And his response is "well that's normal because now you are getting deep sleep!" Benzodiazepines don't contribute to healthy sleep and they can exacerbate depression and cause cog fog and memory issues apparently.

He really believes sleep is almost more important than diet or exercise. He found that what many people thought was MS fatigue was actually bad sleep. When they started getting good uninterrupted sleep the fatigue improved significantly.

So that's my #1 goal -- fix my sleep. I also got a lecture about how the sleep you get during daylight hours is not as good as the sleep you get during the time the sun is down. I was told to stop going to bed so late and getting up so late. :D

In general my neuro's goal is to find medication that helps with bladder problems at night to minimize interruptions, advise drinking less water before bed, and keep pets from bothering your sleep and even snoring spouses! And the bedroom is only supposed to be for sleep or sex, nothing else.

All of this is referred to as sleep hygiene.

Once upon at time I was a really good sleeper - I have always been a night-owl, but 8-10 hours of quality sleep? Not a problem. Then I had open brain surgery, and it all stopped. I was no longer able to turn off my brain, with racing thoughts every night and usually no more than three-to-four hours sleep per night for about a year after my operation - I was a total zombie.

Things have improved a lot since then - still a night person, I do still have trouble falling asleep but nowhere near as much. Now, my problems come from burning legs and feet, and not sleeping due to stress from knowing that I am behind in my work because I can't seem to process or concentrate as well as I used to, which in turn reduces my productivity.

Given the opportunity, I could sleep for ten hours a night these days. I just always seem to have work (marking or lesson planning or whatever) to do until late at night - which I am sure, explains why I can' sleep.

I never sleep more than 2-3 hours at a stretch. Day or night. I have pets that like to eat once during the night and I guess I'm "programmed" to get up for that. It doesn't seem to bother me. I can nap during the day if I feel I need more sleep. I've never needed alot of sleep, though. I've always done well with about 5 hours of sleep total......meaning it's not consistent hours! :rolleyes:

Excellent points and be very wary of the Ambien also as it is another medication that ideally is only meant for short term use. Ask your physician about including melatonin.

Hi Jules, I also take Melatonin which gave me much more restful sleep. Ultimately I'd like to get back to pre MS days when I only took prescription sleep aids on an as needed basis and stick with melatonin every night. :)

Its funny because I never really though Melatonin would be so helpful but I love it! Its like bladder training, never thought it would work but I gave it a try and my life is so much better for it....wait thats another topic, lol. :)

Whether it's appropriate, it's between the patient and doctor, in my opinion. Of course, people can build up physical tolerances to such meds.

It is very important, with any med like that, to taper off, if coming off, under a doctor's supervision. I agree, with that.

Was someone coming off a benzo here? Not under supervision?