Posted by Elizabeth on June 30, 2001, at 0:02:55
In reply to Re: Addictive meds }} Elizabeth, posted by Alan on June 28, 2001, at 23:56:22
Alan,
Thank you for your compliments. They are much appreciated.
> What is your take on those that suffer chronic anxiety disorders and have been on a benzo to treat for periods of perhaps 10 or more years?
> Do you feel that long term constant treatment with no escalation has any downside, even if there are no plans to discontinue and efficacy has been proven?No. Some people do develop (or perhaps, come to notice) cognitive problems with long-term benzo use, and in this case it may be better to taper off the benzo gradually. The scenario you've described is not uncommon, and there is no good reason for going off a drug that continues to work and is well tolerated, especially when going off it has the potential to be seriously disruptive (and discontinuing benzos, especially after long-term use, can be very disruptive, not only because withdrawal symptoms are to be expected, but also simply because the anxiety disorder will return).
> Also, have you ever heard of mediating the effect of fluctuating levels of a shorter acting benzo through the use of acheiving a steady state (lower) dose of Neurontin? How would this make sense - or not - in light of complaints of interdose withdrawls?
I would think it would make sense to switch to a longer-acting benzo. Klonopin and Tranxene are my favourites. Neurontin is relatively short-acting itself.
BTW, to get " > > Elizabeth" in the title of your reply, just check the "add name of previous poster" box under the Subject: line.
best,
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68439.html