Benzodiazepines

Guest · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:04 am Post subject: Benzodiazepines

I was wondering if anyone here from Australia has been prescribed a benzodiazepine for their anxiety. Was the drug difficult to get?

I need something to help me in situations like oral presentations and job interviews, and I am considering seeing a doctor.

guest · Guest

Well, I live in the US, so I don't know much about getting Benzos where you are, but I was perscribed Xanex .25mg for my anxiety. Like you suggested, it is great for taking the edge off of things like oral presentations, job interviews, first dates, and any other anxiety provoking activities. I usually take 1 or 1 1/2 tablet when needed (my Dr says I could take up to 4 if needed for something really bad, like flying in my case). It usually takes about 20 minutes to kick in, and lasts a few hours. The only side effect I have ever expereienced is sleepiness, but only if I was tired to begin with. I highly recommend you see your Dr to get some. Good Luck!

annie · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:40 am Post subject:

I live in Melbourne Australia and it depends how your doctors practices. If he/she dishes out meds like their lollies, its easy...but then I don't have any respect for those kinda doctors.
Benzo medication is addictive..why set yourself up for more problems in the long term?

Anyway that is my opinion.

annie

Guest · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:05 pm Post subject:

Thanks to the other guest poster for that information about alprazolam (xanax). I have read that xanax is quite short acting... that would make me paranoid that the effect of the drug would suddenly stop. It seems like diazepam (valium) is a better drug. I will see a doctor soon and try my luck.

annie - my merck manual claims that benzo addiction is actually quite rare and is most common among people who are already drug abusers (and go looking for something to supplement their herion/cocaine etc).

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:03 am Post subject:

While I agree benzos are addictive, you'll only get addicted to them if 1) you have an addictive personality, and/or 2) you take them on a regular basis. IMHO they're fine if taken only occasionally and responsibly to overcome foreseen crises. Their use should be closely monitored by your doctor.

Unfortunately, for every legitimate user there's an abuser, which is what gives certain meds a bad name. 30 30mg tablets get me through a year.

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:06 am Post subject:

BTW that's 30mg oxazepam in the above post.

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:38 am Post subject:

benzodiazepine addiction isn't rare, that's why they are only meant for the short term use of anxiety. Doctors are reluctant to prescribe them in the uk due to this, and it's not necessarily drug addicts that are addicted to them.

annie · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 12:28 pm Post subject:

"annie - my merck manual claims that benzo addiction is actually quite rare and is most common among people who are already drug abusers (and go looking for something to supplement their herion/cocaine etc)."

Guest are you sure your merck manual does not say 'is actually quite common". What state do you live in mate, Tasmania?

I work in the mental health industry and so many people with anxiety are put on benzos such as Xanax and valium and are addicted to them. I was a victim of this myself. I put my trust in the doctors who I thought would help me instead years later I am seeking help from organisations such as TRANX to help me get off them. You don't want to go through xanax withdrawal, believe me.

annie

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:52 pm Post subject:

Annie - to be clear, I'm not touting benzos. You have to know yourself beforehand when considering them, and assess the risk entailed. If you feel unsure, then they're probably not for you. For me they're lifesavers.

(Too many 'guests' here (I'm the oxazepam one); guess some med-takers want anonymity Wink

)

loucat · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:16 pm Post subject:

i wrote the post benzodiazepine addiction isn't rare - i,v never been on them myself but have been on prozac. i also work in the mental health industry and have seen first hand the effects of benzodiazepine addiction, and also the hell people go through when withdrawing. That's why i stress that bnzodiazepines are only effective in the short term treatment, long term use leads to all kinds of problems