Posted by Viridis on March 30, 2003, at 23:39:01
In reply to benzo users help???, posted by male34 on March 30, 2003, at 10:27:14
Benzos are generally safe for long-term use, and for most anxiety patients once the dose that alleviates anxiety is identified, it remains effective indefinitely. This has been the case for me so far (nearing 2 years) with Klonopin, and many others report similar results.
Long-term studies have shown that benzos are remarkably safe, reliable meds for those who need them, and many people have taken them for decades with no trouble.
The real issue is whether your doctor is willing to keep you on them. If they're working, improving your quality of life, and you're not experiencing side effects or craving etc., then there's little reason not to continue use. But there is a strong anti-benzo sentiment out there (foolish, in my opinion), and a lot of doctors buy into this.
If you do have to discontinue this class of meds, of course you should do so gradually. But again, if Valium is working and not causing you any problems, then I'd stick with it if you can -- stress and anxiety are much worse for your mental and physical health.
poster:Viridis
thread:214353
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030329/msgs/214616.html