Posted by Elizabeth on February 11, 2002, at 12:22:15
In reply to Re: withdrawing from sleeping pill addiction at home? » Elizabeth, posted by lou pilder on February 11, 2002, at 10:13:43
Lou,
You might want to read up on the chemistry and molecular and clinical pharmacology of benzodiazepines vs. zolpidem (which is not a benzodiazepine). There are similarities, including a partially shared mechanism of action, but they aren't the same thing. It cannot be assumed that a statement about benzodiazepines also applies to zolpidem. Of particular relevance, zolpidem doesn't generally cause serious withdrawal symptoms; some people have rebound insomnia upon discontinuing zolpidem, but even this is generally mild. The main serious symptom that is (occasionally) associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal -- seizures -- is not seen with zolpidem at all (this is unsurprising, since zolpidem is not an anticonvulsant). Zolpidem withdrawal symptoms are often absent altogether, and if they are present, they are generally milder than benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
It is true that benzodiazepines can be difficult to discontinue and that it can be dangerous to stop taking a benzodiazepine abruptly after long-term use, but hospitalization is probably not necessary for most people. Decreasing the dose very gradually is the most effective strategy.
Try to be a little more careful about making generalizations, okay? Sharing your experience is one thing, but telling someone else that she will have the same experience as you did is not at all reasonable.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:93431
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93744.html