Benzodiazepines
 

I'm confused. (Duh) I thought benzos were only for short-term use, and contraidicated for certain people. I know someone with COPD that's on a benzo. I know someone who has been on Librium for at least two or three years. And I know someone who has been on Ativan for years. And no, their doctors aren't dodos. :confused:

Out of curiosity, I did a little researching, and what I came up with varies from possible issues to dire consequences. Anybody have experience with benzodiazepines? What advice were you given?

I've been on a benzo, Klonopin, for years. It helps with the MS tremors and anxiety issues. I have never had to up my dosage. I haven't had any bad experiences with it at all.

Some folks build up a tolerance and have to up their dosages to get the desired results. Lucky for me, I haven't had to do that. :).

I have been on and off benzos for years now. Xanax was my drug of choice for a very long time, and it helped immensely while I was doing my original flare. After it all settled, I was easily able to give them up.

Fast forward 5 years, and I start really flaring and got my dx. I went back on Xanax and Whew! it really helped. It seems that anxiety is one of my issues instead of depression with this disease, and I was wrecking myself. The hug is really bad on me and I asked the MD about it. He wanted me to try klonopin, but it was too strong. He put me on Ativan AND I still take my Xanax. it makes a HUGE difference in me. It really helps the hug, and I have had many many many less episodes of anxiety attacks, and worry fits.

I was told that once you start these things that its probably either A. for short term relief, take one as needed, or B. for life time long term use and will require them for the rest of my life if that is the road I choose to go. Neuro MD said he would not mind me being on them for the rest of my life, since I WILL have MS for the rest of my life, and they have provided such benefit for me. Since Xanax and Ativan both help in the same way, but do different things, he doesnt mind me being on both at the same time.

I must admit, its been wonderful to not be so tied up with worry, or anxiety that I cant get out of my own way.

I have given a bazillion of them for a variety of reasons some warranted imvho and some perhaps not so much but my overall opinion of Benzos is that they are like steroids: a blessing and a curse

There are pros and cons so it is up to the patient and their Doctor to figure out what works best for them with the caveat that they can be very habit forming and difficult to withdraw from.

I took Valium for anxiety and spasms, but way too addictive. Actually had hangovers from it!:eek:

I dropped it when I went on Paxil/now Prozac.

I've been on Klonipin for the past few years. It helps with spasticity, tremors, and nystagmus issues. My neuro is of the opinion that it is helping me and isn't worried about addiction because I will probably need it forever. However, he would get concerned if I had to keep adjusting the dosage, but I've been basically on the same dose this whole time.

He did increase my bedtime dose when the 40 mg of Baclofen that I take at bedtime were not enough to keep me from waking up with my legs stuck in a position. I never even really take the daytime dose unless my eyes are moving so much that I get motion sickness just sitting at my desk, though!