My Public Service Announcement

Do not take Benzodiazepines for more than 10 days! Benzodiazepines are a class of medication that go by the names of Klonopin (Clonazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam) and there are a few others as well. Benzodiazepines, or Benzos, are only approved by the drug manufacturer for short term use with a maximum time of 10 days. This is the length of time that has been studied and deemed safe. Continuous use of Benzos, even when prescribed by a doctor, can and will cause an array of physical and mental health problems that include the following symptoms: increased anxiety and agitation, panic disorders, excruciating muscle spasms and bone pain, severe headaches, debilitating mental confusion, extreme fatigue, suicide ideation and many more painful disorders. The dose and time on Benzos are sometimes irrelevant in terms of healing from this brain injury (some develop tolerance within a few weeks, months, and even years).

Those who are suffering these symptoms report these symptoms to their doctors and are told that benzo withdrawal and such brain injury doesn’t exist and are often prescribed more antipsychotic drugs. Or their physical symptoms are misdiagnosed as neurological illness such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Neuropathy, MS and even Dementia (as well as many other physical disorders). BE AWARE that Benzos cause brain injuries and without proper support, some people take years to recover. However, with proper tapering and coaching; people on benzos recover more efficiently and gain their health and happiness back.

Please see this document from the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition for more information:

https://www.benzoinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Withdrawing-Prescribed-Patients-Brochure.pdf