Benzo Withdrawal

WHAT ARE BENZOS?

Benzos are a synthetic compounds called benzodiazepines. Xanax, the most widely used psychiatric drug in the the USA, is a benzodiazepine. Benzos are highly addictive. Patients also develop tolerance to these drugs, requiring higher and higher dosages.

 

WHEN ARE BENZOS USED?

Benzos are prescribed for symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder.

 

HOW DO BENZOS WORK?

The chemicals in benzos move from the blood stream into the brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier that otherwise protects brain cells from toxins. The act on the central nervous system by attaching itself to GABA brain receptors.

 

WHAT IS GABA?

GABA is a natural neurotransmitter that plays a role in calming the body. It helps us relax when we are anxious and under stress.

 

WHY ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS WHEN I STOP TAKING A BENZO DRUG?

When you take a benzo, the body essentially stops its own GABA production. It then depends on the drug to feel calm and has very limited ability to do so on its own. When you stop taking a benzo (or develop tolerance to the drug), you are likely to feel severe anxiety as well as any of the other benzo side effects.

 

ARE THERE ANY BENZO WARNINGS?

• A benzo should not be used by pregnant women as it can cause withdrawal symptoms that would be life threatening to the infant.

• Do not combine benzos with alcohol

or narcotic pain killers. Doing so can cause a person to go to sleep and then stop breathing, leading to death.

• Do not mix benzos.

• Do not drive when taking a benzo. It reduces your reaction time.

• Benzos should not be used by anyone over 65 years old. Older persons may have reduced metabolism, which will increase side effects.

• Do not eat grapefruit products when you take benzos. Constituents in grapefruit can affect liver enzymes that break down benzos. The amount of benzos in your blood may then increase and worsen side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

 

BENZO DRUGS BRAND NAMES
Xanax
Ativan
Valium
Klonopin
Diazepam
Doral
Valrelease
Niravam
Prosom
Alprazolam
Dalmane
Onfi
Tranxene
Serax
Diastat
Halcion
Lorazepam
Restoril
Versed
Tranxene
Diastat
Libritabs
Paxipam

 

 

 

HOW DO I WITHDRAW FROM A BENZO? Your benzo withdrawal should be slow and gradual to cope with the withdrawal effects that kick in when you stop taking such highly addictive drug. Click below for our step-by-step approach to successful benzo withdrawal. ﷯ Note: If you have been taking a benzo for only a very short time, you may be ablet to taper more quickly to avoid exposing yourself for a long time to such an addictive drug. Consult with your doctor. WHAT BENZO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS CAN I EXPECT? You may experience one or more of these side effects when you start your benzo withdrawal. Many of these are the same as you may experience when you take the benzo, especially when you have developed a tolerance to the drug. But often they are more intense when you try to withdraw. To minimize them, taper from the benzo very gradually. DO NOT STOP TAKING A BENZO "COLD TURKEY"—the symptoms can then become unbearable. • Difficulty sleeping • Much worsened anxiety • Panic attacks • Restlessness • Irritability • Weakness • Blurred vision • Tremors • Sweating/flushing • Nausea/vomiting • Headaches • Seizures • Psychosis • Hallucinations. WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO HELP WITH THE WITHDRAWAL SIDE EFFECTS FROM BENZOS? Nutritional support to help your benzo withdrawal should focus on naturally increasing GABA and making sure you sleep well. Expect the nutrients in the BASIC TAPERING PACKAGE to help you with most of the withdrawal symptoms and give you relief. It has the RELAX DAY product which has been formulated specifically to increase GABA. IF YOUR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE ESPECIALLY SEVERE AND TO FURTHER INCREASE GABA: NERVE SUPPORT SUPREME. This product contains other GABA-modulating nutrients such as Bacopa. Take 1-4 capsules during the day. B6 • B12 • FOLATE. The active form of vitamin B6 (P5P, which you will find in this product) is necessary for the body to produce GABA. Take 1-2 capsules per day. CHERRY CALM DAY: Gives you further relaxation during the day or at night. Take 1-2 capsules. NERVE AMINOS. This product contains calming amino acids such as Glycine, Taurine, Theanine, Glutamine and GABA itself. Take 1-4 capsules per day between meals. FOR BETTER SLEEP: The RELAX NIGHT liquid in the Basic Tapering package and the new STAY ASLEEP capsules will help you get a good night's sleep. If you wake up at night, you can use the FALL ALSEEP MELTS to get back to sleep quickly. 
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DRUG WITHDRAWAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization that researches and publishes information about effective methods to withdraw from medication and drugs. Statements, information and products mentioned are for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Consult a health-care professional before using any information provided. The foundation does not advocate or recommend to discontinue any medication. The foundation recommends that any program to taper off a medication should be supervised by a qualified medical doctor. Copyright © 2013 by DRUG WITHDRAWAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 334 West 57th Street #343, New York, NY 10019. Web: www.WithdrawalResearch.org. Email: info@WithdrawalResearch.org.

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