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.
Quoting: pcworkI 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".
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..
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
"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
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.
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
Quoting: southbank63In 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.
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.
I have made meditation a major part of my life. Used to have panic attacks but meditation has really helped
cengland: I have made meditation a major part of my life. Used to have panic attacks but meditation has really helped MEDITATION...NOT medication is the answer to managing stress. And as someone else said natural herbal remedies, they are safe and not addicting as benzo's are. Terri
When undergoing extreme stress, it is still not recommended to use medications. But with doctor's prescription, you can use such medications but with strict caution and proper compliance. Try to go for therapeutic ways such as meditation, imagery and yoga. Sleep can be a relief for stress as well. Try to find diverting ways to relieve stress other than using medications. Make it as a last resort with doctor's approval, definitely.
regarding, "Does anyone have any good meditation audio's or cd's they recommend?" i have read books on meditation but - like everything - i suppose that there is no single approach that fits for everyone. when overwhelmed, i just try to take a few minutes to dwell on the most pleasant memories i can think of, such as walking our dog on our favorite path. taking myself mentally to that location and reliving those feelings of joy for a few minutes are such a relief and recharger.
Stress is one thing, but then it can then turn into "depression" and that's the troublemaker. Depression is the silent thief that can steal your life away, you don't realize it because you just think it's stress and you think you just have to find a way to get over it. Visit your doctor, tell him your symptoms, he may prescribe something and/or some one on one counseling as well. If you need medication, take it, just make sure you ask all the questions you can and get all the info about the drug you can, sign effects, long term effects, how well do people do on the drug and any withdrawal problems when it's time to come off the drug. My stress relief is video games, I like the strategy games and rpg. Play some music and dance. Right now I'm listening to techno.
I medicate my stress doing social activities. Like dating with my Friends or with my family. Also, try drinking water every hour it really helps.
There are a number of ways to help reduce your stress levels naturally without medication. I recently added an article to my health site on this very topic. If you are looking for medicine, though, a "natural medicine" is well worth trying. Many herbs have great medicinal properties. There's an herbal capsule called "Composure" that you may want to consider. The herbs help to relax you and make it a little easier to handle the stress in your life and help you to sleep better without the nasty side effects of the prescription meds. Although I don't use them myself (haven't needed to), I do know a few people personally who have used Composure and found them to be helpful. Blessings, Angie
happywife: There are a number of ways to help reduce your stress levels naturally without medication. I recently added an article to my health site on this very topic. I agree with this.. And honestly over use of medication can harm your health. They always have a side effect, which can sometimes be undesirable. Over used of Valium result to a addiction. Like your so high.
I always think that using medication for stress should be an absolute last resort. There are so many effective natural remedies that are not addictive and don't have nasty side effects. Occasionally, if I'm feeling very anxious I use a herbal remedy such as Natracalm or Quiet Life. I find them very effective and also help you sleep. If you've got really bad anxiety or are having panic attacks it would probably be better to see a counsellor who specialises in such things and get to the root of the problem. Medication is just a way of masking and trying to get a 'quick fix' from the problem - and can just create more problems in the long run. Ros
