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broadland
Member
Joined: 12 Sep 2007
Posts: 39
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# Posted: 17 Sep 2007 11:51
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Benzodiazepines have been around for over 30 years for stress relief and management. Of these Valium (diazepam) is the most frequently used. There are others such as tranxene, xanax, etc. While absolutely great in acute stress, their use in long term management of stress is fraught with some danger. There is a habit forming potential. Always consult another doctor if you seem to be needing medication of the same type over a long term. Use these with caution.
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pcwork
Member
Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 1149
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# Posted: 17 Sep 2007 16:31
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I feel eliminating the cause of the stress is more effective than any medication
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broadland
Member
Joined: 12 Sep 2007
Posts: 39
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# Posted: 18 Sep 2007 13:38
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Quoting: pcwork I feel eliminating the cause of the stress is more effective than any medication
There is absolutely no doubt that in general, in medicine, "prevention is better than cure". However, we all lead a much faster and a generally more stressful life style than our forefathers did. A rude boss, or too much work can become a cause of stress that cannot be eliminated easily. Therefore, some of us end up with chronic stress and a small percentage of these need medication. That is why I said "Use these (Benzodiazepines) with stress".
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southbank63
Member
Joined: 1 Oct 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2007 18:36
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benzos are fine as a short term adjunct.. but they are extremely addictive.. use with caution..  though at first they may seem to be a wonder cure.. they arent..
stress is something we all live with.. it just depends on how you tacle it.. there is no 'answer' I think our ancestors living in caves had their own stress.. but we expect to be able to 'get rid' of all day to day stresses.. sometimes stress is good.. tho I'm not underestimating the problems increased anxiety can cause..
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matiasmommy
Preferred Member
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 344
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2007 21:44
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Hi!
My background is actually in healthcare- specifically mental health and addictions.
YES, benzos can be effective and have their place- and YES, use with caution and under medical supervision they ARE addictive.
It is always best to moderate stress- reduce or eliminate the cause, good diet, proper rest, exercise, medication, talking to someone you can trust and there are even some herbal remedies that are known to work safely in some people.
Again, if you have a problem you are concerned about- DO get medical advice.
Take Care,
Jani
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southbank63
Member
Joined: 1 Oct 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2007 05:29
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"My background is actually in healthcare- specifically mental health and addictions."
Hi Matiasmommy
Ditto.. I too specialise in mental health and addictions. Although my clients are also subject to the criminal justice system.
(so what does that say about working in mental health/addictions and working online?) mm?
Are we trying to escape I wonder...?LOL
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broadland
Member
Joined: 12 Sep 2007
Posts: 39
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2007 10:34
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The Benzodiazepines have had their ups and downs. In general, in North America there seems to be more addicts and hence greater precaution in their use. My experience in the UK in the last 7 years was somewhat different. The use of diazepam (Vallium) is not considered that very addictive and certainly Lorazepam (Ativan) is prescribed with much less concern than in Canada. At the same time the constant pressure in doctor's offices in Canada (to prescribe the benzos) is practically non-existent in the UK.
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southbank63
Member
Joined: 1 Oct 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2007 10:49
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In my experience GP's in Uk are only too quick to prescribe valium.. cos gets patient out of their office quicker!
We now have a culture of 'the worried well' who demand a 'pill' cure all for their misery.. whether physical or psychological.
Valium is the'drug of choice' for many illicit drug users.. and in fact many of my clients come into our service with a well established dependence on benzos often prescribed years before and never addressed, and in a number of cases the dose has been increased whilst in prison to counteract the opiate reduction...
They are most reluctant to commence on a reducing regime! In fact if you sugest a reduction of benzos they are more upset than if you try to sugest a reduction in Methadone..
Benzos have been mis-prescribed for years... but it does keep the populace from complaining! Chemical cosh? Or have I just been doing this too long? LOL
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broadland
Member
Joined: 12 Sep 2007
Posts: 39
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2007 20:28
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Quoting: southbank63 In my experience GP's in Uk are only too quick to prescribe valium.. cos gets patient out of their office quicker!
I have practiced medicine in both countries, i.e Canada and UK. In Canada where I got paid by the patient visit, I deliberately refused to accept patients wanting benzodiazepines and/or narcotics. For family reasons, I went to UK and discovered that the tremendous dislike that doctors in Canada had of these two groups of patients, just did not exist!! I slowly realised that the problem I had seen of benzo dependence in Canada did not exist in UK.
Even narcotics problem exists to a lesser extent in the UK than in Canada. I have no explanation to offer, nor do I condone any kind of addiction. To me as a scientists, the facts are important per se.
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angel
Member
Joined: 3 May 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 3 May 2008 06:21
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A friend of mine was under a lot of stress last year. 3 kids, going thru' a divorce and holding 2 jobs. She had anxiety attacks too. She was on medication for about 6 months but decided to go off it. Her doctor advised her to run/jog every morning for about 20-30 minutes as a start. She did. She's so much better now than she was when on medication.
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cengland
Member
Joined: 11 May 2008
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 11 May 2008 20:29
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I have made meditation a major part of my life. Used to have panic attacks but meditation has really helped
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