Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs)
Sometimes called “benzo’s”, benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs which enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA which results in increased sedation, hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant action. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms and withdrawals from alcohol and other prescription drugs.
Benzo’s are considered to be generally safe and effective for short term use but are too often prescribed for long duration “maintenance programs” which can cause severe cognitive impairment and eventually lead to increased symptoms which the drug was originally intended to handle, i.e, severe insomnia in patients who originally took the medication in order to sleep.
Some common Benzo’s are:
Atarax, Ativan, Buspar, Halcion, Klonopin, Librium, Paxipam, Reapam, Restoril, Valium and Xanax.
Common withdrawal symptoms can include:
Tremors, Insomnia, Nausea, Agitation, Fear, Muscle Spasms, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Seizures.
Common side effects:
Aggression, Agitation, Amnesia, Anxiety, Confusion, Depression, Disorientation, Epileptic Seizures and Death, Fear, Hallucinations, Insomnia, Muscle Tremors, Nausea, Nightmares, Psychosis, Sexual Problems and Thoughts of Suicide.
Pretty much all directions are to prescribe and use benzodiazepines for short-term treatment only. Their use beyond two to four weeks is not recommended due to the risk of dependence and the onset of other symptoms. But unfortunately this is not what is being followed in our current medical industry. And hence why approximately 1/3 of our client base consists of people wanting to detox from benzodiazepines.
There is definitely an increased withdrawal period with benzodiazepines. But it is still possible to safely do so within a matter of a few weeks even in severe cases. Pür Detox can help you do just that and has had many successes doing so. Contact us at 877-394-3646. We can help.
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Success Story
I came to Pür Detox from a different treatment facility sick and filled with fear. The previous facility had not known how to properly detox me off of Benzodiazepines and so I was in worse shape from having been at the previous facility. Pür Detox ‘s program, staff, and doctor knew how to properly care for me and get me back on track on my progress off of the Benzodiazepines I had been on for 12 years. They truly showed me care and I felt safe and secure and will miss them and appreciate the life changing help that I received thru the program. – L.H. April 2011
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Success Story
I came to Pür because I couldn’t find anywhere else that I had any confidence could help me detox off Xanax. I had tried and failed at home, and no help from the “medical community” to get off the medication they so readily supplied. I knew it would be a battle, but I am so pleased with my entire experience here. Even on the worst of days, I felt safe, comfortable and taken care of; which is exactly what I needed. Having reached the other side, I feel I finally have my body, mind & spirit back. I had time to reflect on decisions made, someone always to talk to when I needed an ear and no judgements past. I very much feel I am leaving not only clean mentally & physically from the substance, but with a feeling of freedom and well being. Thank you to all that guided and travelled down this path next to me. – A.O. June 2011
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