10 tips to help patients through benzodiazepine withdrawal

1. Believe your patient

Often symptoms of tolerance and/or withdrawal can result in the a doctor baning a patient. As physicians, we become jaded, but not everyone is an addict looking for a fix. If your patient has been taking their medication as prescribed. Please recognize that physiologic dependence. and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome are real. and can present with a host of symptoms. A little validation of their condition goes towards alleviating the patient’s suffering. buy diazepam online. buy diazepam online fa diazepam prescription onlinest delivery

2. Taper, taper, taper

Please don’t “cold turkey” or send your benzodiazepine-dependent patient to detox. Don’t do it. A certain percentage will be fine. But some will suffer a horrific and debilitating withdrawal syndrome. That can last years. I have many friends that have suffered brutal symptoms for years. A sensible taper could have prevented this needless suffering. Please don’t play Russian roulette with your patients. buy diazepam online buy diazepam online fast delivery diazepam prescription online

3. Consider switching to a long half-life benzodiazepine.

Short half-life benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Ativan can be difficult to taper due to withdrawal symptoms between scheduled doses. A long-acting benzodiazepine such as Valium alleviates this issue. Valium is also lower potency, meaning it’s easier to make smaller dosage reductions. Of course, if your patient is able to taper directly from their current benzodiazepine, this is the simplest course of action. buy diazepam online.

4. Patient-controlled, symptom-based tapers are best.

The process takes as long as it takes, and the key is for the symptoms to remain tolerable by giving patients control of their taper speed. There is no one “right way” to taper, but there are multiple options available. In the end, each patient will need to find their own way out with your excellent supervision, guidance, and support. diazepam prescription online

5. Adjunctive medications are not necessary but may be helpful in some cases.

Unfortunately, the literature is sparse and often anecdotal at best. Very small studies and case reports have shown that drugs such as gabapentin, carbamazepine, and propranolol may help as aids in withdrawal. Trazodone, mirtazapine, and quetiapine may be helpful in some for insomnia. Some patients have reported relief of withdrawal symptoms with the use of CBD oil or medical marijuana. However, not everyone finds adjunctive medication helpful. Depending on the medication, it must often be tapered as well and carries the potential of its own discontinuation syndrome.

6. Encourage coping skills.

These are much needed as the symptoms of withdrawal can be overwhelming. Distraction, meditation/relaxation techniques, taking a hot bath, leaving the house for a short outing and going for a walk can be helpful. Some days are so bad that coping skills provide minimal help. On those days the patient must learn to survive, one minute at a time, telling themselves they will get through this round of symptoms because they have survived it before.

7. Encourage acceptance.

Tapering and withdrawal can be a long process. One of my friends who tapered before me shared his doctor’s words of wisdom, to “get comfortable being uncomfortable” and “learn not to fear the symptoms.” Acceptance isn’t easy. It takes a lot of effort and continued practice, but it is key to surviving this process and ultimately having a successful taper. buy diazepam 10mg

8. Adequate psychosocial support is extremely helpful during benzodiazepine withdrawal.

I know many who are going through this process alone, and I have no idea how they do it. Having family and/or friends who can provide help with daily tasks, understanding of the symptoms and emotional support is very important in this process. Please take time to educate family members about benzodiazepine withdrawal and how they can help their loved one through this difficult season in their life. buy diazepam 10mg

9. Do not fear the internet.

Yes, we all hate “Dr. Google,” but in the case of benzodiazepines, he saved my life. Just spending a little time on the internet, I was able to figure out why I was so ill when many doctors could not. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is often under-recognized and poorly understood, so when a patient comes to you with information about it they have obtained online, please don’t be arrogant. Take the time to read and listen. It could potentially save a life. buy diazepam 10mg

In addition, online support groups such as BenzoBuddies and Facebook groups such as Benzodiazepine Recovery were invaluable resources for me in the beginning of my taper. Through these groups, I made many friends all over the world who understand what I’m going through when nobody else can. With that being said, the forums can be depressing and overwhelming, so patients should use caution in the amount of time they spend on them. Now that I’m further along in my taper, I have developed a core group of friends that I can call or text, and I have less need for the forums. Contact us now

10. Most importantly, provide reassurance.

Let your patient know you will support them through this process, no matter how long it takes, and that they will improve with time. buy diazepam.