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Summary A caregiver’s story of her husband’s dependence on Xanax and the struggles to find any doctor who would help them with his taper. Details Key Topics: Caregiver, Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-bad-guys-anger-aggression-depression-and-obsession-bfp013 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. If this is a concern for you, please refrain from reading any further. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Opinions stated are those of the author only. See our disclaimer at the bottom of this post for more information. Mary’s Story I just discovered your podcast. I am supporting my husband who is going through withdrawal. As since this is not my story to share, I would like to remain anonymous. He is a short-time user who developed symptoms in less than a month of use (Xanax). You stated in your podcast that people should do the taper with medical assistance. We were unfortunate to not have found a supportive doctor. He would not listen to what we had to say about Ashton. He threatened to drop him as a patient if he didn’t take the new meds. We started the taper on our own while trying to convince the doctor that we were not comfortable using the added Rx meds he was strongly pushing (antipsychotics and antidepressants). He would not listen to what we had to say about Ashton. He threatened to drop him as a patient if he didn’t take the new meds. I researched the benzo boards and websites. One had a doctor close by, but he had been retired for years. Another site had no doctors at all in the state of NY. This journey started in March of 2018. We downloaded a chart to help with the dosages of a liquid taper. As of October 19, 2018, he is benzo-free. The taper was quick and the mg of valium Rx he was given was not equivalent to the Xanax. It was a very difficult road and his symptoms are still going strong. He will most likely miss the graduation of our children later this year. I am currently looking for a job prescribing therapist to try to help him. His agoraphobia is a hurdle, but I’m hopeful. It’s a very helpless feeling to watch him go through this knowing there’s nothing I can do to help him, besides keeping him fed. It’s a very helpless feeling to watch him go through this knowing there’s nothing I can do to help him, besides keeping him fed. Family members and co-workers don’t believe that he is so sick. They Don’t believe it’s from the drugs. I cringe every time I hear about someone taking these pills. In the emergency room last year, we were in the curtain next to a woman who was given Valium (as well as pain meds) after a fall. Prescribed as a muscle relaxer. I wanted so badly to tell her not to take them! So many argue “I’ve been on them for so long and I’m not having any problems.” People just don’t want to know. They trust their doctor (as we did – and as you did). It’s a really sad thing. I am comforted that at least my children are informed. They weren’t able to discourage their friends from taking them, but at least they will not suffer like this themselves. I wish us all good health and a pain free future ahead. Mary Share Your Story We are always looking for new stories to share. Please visit our feedback form if you’d like to share your story with our community. Thank you. Disclaimer All stories shared on Easing Anxiety are done so with the author’s permission. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect those of Easing Anxiety or its founder. Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. While provided as an informational resource to our community, some stories may not be beneficial to those who are sensitive to their content. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal or BIND, most people can withdraw safely, successfully, and without serious complications if they are informed and have a solid support system. Many of the stories shared on Easing Anxiety are extreme and should not be used to create any expectations of one’s individual experience. Please read the Ashton Manual formore information and work with your doctor. Withdrawal, tapering, or any other change in dosage of benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), or any other prescription medication should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. View our complete disclaimer for more info.

For all those who feel alone in benzo withdrawal, I just wanted to say, “hi.” Benzo withdrawal is an incredibly lonely illness. Even if you have a loved one to take care of you — and I know many of you don’t — you still are the only one trapped in your benzo-addled brain yearning for someone to climb in there with you and help you find your way out. But it doesn’t work that way — does it? So, I just wanted to say, “hello.” It’s just me. I don’t want anything. I don’t need anything from you. I just want to say hi, and let you know that I’m thinking about you. Benzo withdrawal is an incredibly lonely illness. Benzo Free, and the entire benzo community for that matter, are a group of friends. That’s all we are. Friends who look out for each other. Friends who understand each other. Friends who share a common bond — the bond of experiencing benzo dependence in ourselves or a loved one. You are not alone. One more time. You are not alone. There are thousands of us out here to help. All you have to do is look for us. Perhaps I can help you in your search. Discussion Groups One option — an option that helped many of us through this trying period in our lives — are discussion groups like Benzo Buddies and the Benzodiazepine Recovery, Beating Benzos, and Blazing Benzos Facebook groups among many others. These groups have helped thousands of people find information, solace, and companionship. They helped me more times than I can count, and I’m so glad that they exist. Unfortunately, they also have a downside. Discussion groups can be a trigger for some. They can contain a disproportionate amount of horror stories which may be very difficult for patients to read. Still, these discussion groups are excellent resources and provide support for so many. Mentors, Friends, and Coaching I’ve had some experience with support groups in my past, and I’ve found that the best gains achieved from these groups are often just the human connection. The connection to someone else who knows what you are going through. Or even better, the leadership from a mentor or sponsor who has been there and learned a few things along the way. …the best gains achieved from these groups are often just the human connection. Some benzo groups have already started to move in this direction. World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) identifies representatives from different parts of the world who can be contacted directly by people in the benzo community. There are also wonderful coaching services and workshops like those provided by Baylissa and Jennifer Leigh. And, there are several localized groups which provide support. You can find some of these on resource pages at Benzo Free and Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC). Another amazing resource for finding connection during withdrawal isTWP Connect at The Withdrawal Project. This is a free online platform sponsored by Inner Compass Initiative which helps “people who are thinking about, in the process of, or have past experiences with partially reducing or fully coming off psychiatric drugs.” Members can connect, meet in person, or just learn new tips about withdrawal. Learn more at TWP Connect. You Are Not Alone Loneliness, especially during benzo withdrawal, can make life seem hopeless. On top of the misery of your withdrawal, you also feel separated from the rest of the world. The isolation can be near absolute — but there is help. There are things you can do. It might take a bit of effort, but there are many wonderful resources already established to help you find the support you need. You have friends. We are your friends. If you want to reach out to us at Benzo Free and just say hello, we’d love to hear from you. Just send us a message on our Contact/Feedback Form. I promise we’ll respond. Keep calm, taper slowly, and take care of yourself, D :)

Can a unique blend of neuroscience, compassion, and spirituality be the secret to success in benzo withdrawal? Jennifer Leigh seems to think so. And so do many of the people she has coached. Our interview guest today is Jennifer Leigh, PsyD. In this enlightened conversation, Jennifer shares neurological insights she has acquired from her doctorate studies in psychology along with lessons from her own personal journey through withdrawal. You don’t want to miss this one. Video ID: BFP014 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:24 Mailbag 10:05 Benzo News 11:27 Conversation with Jennifer Leigh 49:10 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. BENZO NEWS BIC Provides a PDF Version of the Ashton Manual Benzo Free Podcast: Episode #13 — Benzo Bad Guys: Anger, Aggression, Depression, and Obsession Anger/Rage from The Withdrawal Project Tablet Splitting and Liquid Dosing: Factors that Influence Accuracy Coping Techniques A to Z from The Withdrawal Project “Benzos added to fentanyl causing hard-to-revive overdose problems” by Karen Graham in Digital Journal FEATURE: Interview with Jennifer Leigh, PsyD Jennifer Leigh, PsyD at BenzoWithdrawalHelp.com Introduction In today’s intro, I talked a bit about the loneliness and isolation caused by benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine withdrawal. I mentioned that all of us in the benzo community are friends and look out for another, and talked about a wish to have a commune where all could heal. Mailbag This is where we share questions and comments which were discussed: COMMENT: Has anyone had these symptoms for this long? This comment was from Holly, who wanted to know if her hypersensitivity and irritability are permanent. I shared that most of us ask the same questions repeatedly during withdrawal, and that by all accounts, we do heal. It just takes a long time in some cases. Benzo Stories Our benzo story was from Jennifer today, which was included in her interview. Feature Today’s featured topic: Finding Faith, Hope, and Acceptance in Benzo Withdrawal: A Conversation with Jennifer Leigh, PsyD Today’s feature was an interview with Jennifer Leigh, PsyD. Jennifer earned her doctorate in psychology in 2007 and became a leading authority on parenting teen girls. She was invited to be on radio and television and was interviewed by top tier media for her work. In 2010, her career came to a halt when she began tapering off the benzodiazepine she had taken as prescribed. What followed was a nightmare. Lost in the medically unrecognized benzo withdrawal syndrome, she suffered grueling physical and mental symptoms for years… until her brain and nervous system repaired itself from the damage the medication had caused. Jennifer has dedicated herself to helping others navigate the frightening and exhausting journey of getting benzo free and healing. She coaches, blogs, and teaches workshops on various topics regarding recovery. Her website is benzowithdrawalhelp.com. My conversation with Jennifer flowed like a chat between two old friends. Through her journey of benzo withdrawal and her time helping others traverse this path, she has learned the essentials of success and shares them with us. Through a combination of faith, love, and neuroscience, Jennifer uncovered the essentials she discovered and explains why they are so important. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Today is the start of “Senior Week” at Benzo Free. This week, we will focus much of our attention on the group of people most at-risk when it comes to benzodiazepines — the elderly. If you know of someone — a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, a spouse — who is taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs long-term and is having problems with dementia, falls, confusion, or other complications — perhaps benzos are a factor. Be on the lookout for blog articles and a special podcast episode this week dedicated to the plight of the older generation. We will share some alarming statistics, possible symptoms, and warnings provided by a variety of professionals. Long-term benzo use in the elderly is a significant problem, and like the rest of us, it’s one we can do something about as long as we are educated. Keep calm, taper slowly, and take care of yourself, D :)

That’s a picture of my father. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear, but it’s a fact-of-life for so many. My mother has become his full-time caregiver. It’s a thankless job and her health has deteriorated in tandem. Soon after my father’s diagnosis, a doctor prescribed him a benzodiazepine. As you might imagine, this didn’t go over well with his son who has spent the past five years in protracted withdrawal from clonazepam (aka Klonopin). Thankfully, my father never started taking the drug — but for me, this was another wake-up call. Especially troubling is that benzo use is ridiculously high (nearly one out of ten) in the elderly, the group most likely to be harmed by them. — DR. ALLEN FRANCES, PROFESSOR EMERITUS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY When I wrote the book Benzo Free, I paid particular attention to the use of anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives in the geriatric population. I was very curious as to how prevalent this type of prescription is for our older generation. Unfortunately, the answer was far from comforting. Benzo Use in the Elderly Benzos are prescribed more frequently and more long-term for seniors than for any other age group. In 2008, 8.7% of U.S. adults aged 65–80 were prescribed benzodiazepines over the course of a single year compared to 5.2% in the overall population. According to the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the proportion of benzo users who took the drugs long-term also increased with age from 14.7% (18-35 years) to 31.4% (65-80 years). This is despite the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria, which includes a strong recommendation to avoid any type of benzodiazepine for the treatment of insomnia or agitation. Benzos are prescribed more frequently and more long-term for seniors than for any other age group. The AGS identified the use of benzodiazepines in older adults as one of 10 things physicians and patients should question. A 2017 study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found an alarming number of older adults being prescribed benzos without any diagnosis or alternatives even mentioned. In the study, only 16% of continuation benzo users over the age of 65 had a mental health diagnosis, and less than 1% had been provided or referred to psychotherapy. The complications and risks these drugs inflict on the older population should be of serious concern and can include dementia, falls, hip fractures, confusion, automobile accidents, and many others. We will elaborate more on these effects this week in Benzo Free’s week-long series on benzos and aging. The Lost Years While my dad never took the benzo he was prescribed when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, his son had been on one for over a decade unaware of its toll. Like so many others, I consider those 17 years affected by benzos as “the lost years.” Whether dependent on the drug or in protracted withdrawal as I am now, I’ll never get those years of my life back, and I have had to learn to accept that hard truth. Unfortunately, those are also my last years with my dad. And that is a loss I haven’t been able to accept. I consider those 17 years affected by benzos as “the lost years.” When I was on clonazepam, I didn’t feel. I was emotionally numb. I wasn’t the son I wish so desperately I had been. I wasn’t there as much as I should have been. And when I decided to withdraw, my life became a nightmare. I found myself in an isolated bubble of which there was only one focus — me. My parents were wonderfully supportive during this time but I couldn’t see any other answer than to recover in solitude. Now that I’m reaching out again to both to my family and my friends, I’m trying to make up for the lost time. But it doesn’t work that way, does it? My dad is still there physically, but mentally he is fading. And the toll this is taking on my mother is wearing on her too. I’m afraid my time with both of them is nearing an end. Please, don’t think I’m one to whine. I realize how blessed I am to still have my parents around well into their 80s. This is a gift, and I am so grateful to be able to experience it. Most of my peers have lost at least one parent by now, if not both. I sympathize with their loss and I truly treasure my good fortune. But there are days when I just can’t get past the loss of those years, and what might have been had I never taken that drug. On my last trip back to Kansas City to see my family, I also made time to catch up with several of my friends from my childhood. One phrase was repeated more than any others in those conversations: “You look a lot like your father.” I couldn’t have been prouder. This one's for you, Dad. I’m sorry. Keep calm, taper slowly, and take care of yourself, D References American Geriatrics Society (AGS). “American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel (2015). Accessed April 9, 2018. http://www.sigot.org/allegato_docs/1057_Beers-Criteria.pdf. Foster, D E Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. – https://easinganxiety.com/book. Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you. Maust, Donovan T., Helen C. Kales, Ilse R. Wiechers, Frederic C. Blow, Mark Olfson. “No End in Sight: Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 64(12)(December 2016):2546-53. Accessed February 17, 2017. doi:10.1111/jgs.14379. Olfson, M., M. King and M. Schoenbaum. “Benzodiazepine Use in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry 72(2)(February 2015):136-42. Accessed March 7, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1763.

More senior citizens take benzos than any other age group. And yet, they are also the group most at-risk for complications. What are the effects of this dangerous combination? And what can be done to buck the overprescribing trend? In today’s episode, we look at the stats, the warnings, and the consequences of benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in the elderly. We also shine the spotlight on the website benzo.org.uk, share a story from Grand Junction, Colorado, and discuss anti-depressants and sleepless nights. Video ID: BFP015 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:41 Mailbag 12:02 Benzo News 14:45 Benzo Spotlight 18:30 Benzo Story 25:40 Feature: Benzos and the Elderly 44:03 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. INTRODUCTION “The Lost Years: A Father, A Son, Benzos, and Aging” by D E Foster BENZO NEWS “Benzos added to fentanyl causing hard-to-revive overdose problems” by Karen Graham in Digital Journal “Benzodiazepines intake may increase miscarriage risk” by Medha Baranwal in Speciality Medical Dialogues “‘Hello, It’s Me:’ Loneliness in Benzo Withdrawal” by D E Foster in Benzo Free “The world’s happiest people have a beautifully simple way to tackle loneliness” by Jenny Anderson in QZ.com Podcast Episode #14 — “Finding Faith, Hope, and Acceptance in Benzo Withdrawal: A Conversation with Jennifer Leigh, PsyD” “My Fifth-Year Anniversary” by Holly Hardman on As Prescribed Blog “7 Effective Thought-Stopping Techniques for Anxiety” by Melissa Stanger on Thrive Global “Anxiety ‘epidemic’ brewing on college campuses, researchers find” by Will Kane on Berkeley News BENZO SPOTLIGHT Benzo.org.uk FEATURE: Benzos and the Elderly “American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual) by C. Heather Ashton “Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Case-Control Study.” BMJ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prescribing Guidelines for Pennsylvania: Safe Prescribing Benzodiazepines for Acute Treatment of Anxiety & Insomnia. “Physicians’ perspectives on prescribing benzodiazepines for older adults: a qualitative study.” Journal of General Internal Medicine Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal by D E Foster “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You” by Dr. Frances Allen “Factors Associated With Long-term Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Adults.” JAMA Intern Med. “No End in Sight: Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society “Benzodiazepine Use in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry “The Benzodiazepine–Dementia Disorders Link: Current State of Knowledge.” CNS Drugs “Risk of Death Associated with New Benzodiazepine Use Among Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease — a Matched Cohort Study.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry “Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal in Elderly Patients.” The American Journal of Psychiatry “The New Old Age: A Quiet Drug Problem Among the Elderly.” by Paul Span in The New York Times. “Once prescribed, 25% of elderly become dependent on benzodiazepines: JAMA.” by Hina Zahid in Speciality Medical Dialogues. FORMAL REFERENCES American Geriatrics Society (AGS). “American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel (2015). Accessed April 9, 2018. http://www.sigot.org/allegato_docs/1057_Beers-Criteria.pdf. Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Billioti de Gage, Sophie, Yola Moride, Thierry Ducruet, Tobias Kurth, Hélène Verdoux, Marie Tournier, Antoine Pariente and Bernard Bégaud. “Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Case-Control Study.” BMJ 349(g5205)(2014). Accessed January 30, 2017. doi:10.1136/bmj.g5205. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prescribing Guidelines for Pennsylvania: Safe Prescribing Benzodiazepines for Acute Treatment of Anxiety & Insomnia. Updated May 15, 2017. Accessed April 7, 2018. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Opioids/PA%20Guidelines%20on%20Benzo%20Prescribing.pdf Cook, J.M., R. Marshall, C. Masci, and J.C. Coyne. “Physicians’ perspectives on prescribing benzodiazepines for older adults: a qualitative study.” Journal of General Internal Medicine 2007 Mar;22(3):303-7. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17356959 Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. http://www.benzofree.org/book. Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you. Gerlach LB, Maust DT, Leong SH, Mavandadi S, Oslin DW. “Factors Associated With Long-term Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Adults.” JAMA Intern Med. 2018;178(11):1560–1562. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.2413 Maust, Donovan T., Helen C. Kales, Ilse R. Wiechers, Frederic C. Blow, Mark Olfson. “No End in Sight: Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 64(12)(December 2016):2546-53. Accessed February 17, 2017. doi:10.1111/jgs.14379. Olfson, M., M. King and M. Schoenbaum. “Benzodiazepine Use in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry 72(2)(February 2015):136-42. Accessed March 7, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1763. Pariente, Antoine, Sophie Billioti de Gage, Nicholas Moore and Bernard Bégaud. “The Benzodiazepine–Dementia Disorders Link: Current State of Knowledge.” CNS Drugs 30(1)(January 2016):1-7. Accessed December 12, 2016. doi:10.1007/s40263-015-0305-4. Saarelainen, Laura, Anna-Maija Tolppanen, Marjaana Koponen, Antti Tanskanen, Jari Tiihonen, Sripa Hartikainen and Heidi Taipale. “Risk of Death Associated with New Benzodiazepine Use Among Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease — a Matched Cohort Study.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (November 15, 2017). Accessed April 8, 2018. doi:10.1002/gps.4821. Schweitzer, Edward, George Case, and Karl Rickels. “Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal in Elderly Patients.” The American Journal of Psychiatry; Washington 146(4)(April 1989):529-31. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://search.proquest.com/openview/8061f199e2c28c42650c88feb8a394cf/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=40661. Span, Paula. “The New Old Age: A Quiet Drug Problem Among the Elderly.” The New York Times. March 16, 2018. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/health/elderly-drugs-addiction.html. Zahid, Hina. “Once prescribed, 25% of elderly become dependent on benzodiazepines: JAMA.” Speciality Medical Dialogues. September 13, 2018. Accessed April 22, 2019. https://speciality.medicaldialogues.in/once-prescribed-25-of-elderly-become-dependent-on-benzodiazepines-jama/. Introduction In today’s intro, I rambled on a bit, as I often do, about the elderly, a blog post I wrote about my dad, but most of all about loss. The loss so many of us feel from those years were trapped on the drugs. Mailbag This is where we share questions and comments which were discussed: COMMENT: You could attract more listeners if you included anti-depressants in your content. This comment was from Sara in Memphis, Tennessee. She suggested that I could draw more listeners if I included anti-depressants in the content. I agreed and suggested I would try and be more inclusive, but that our primary focus will still be on benzos. QUESTION: I would love for you to do a “bedtime” podcast. This question was from Karla in Chino Hills, California. She suggested I do a “bedtime” version of the podcast for people to listen to when they have insomnia. This was a great idea and I asked for suggestions of what it would entail. Benzo News We discussed a variety of stories around the benzo community in this section today. Benzo Spotlight Today’s spotlight was on the website benzo.org.uk. This is the home to the Ashton Manual and thousands of links related to benzos, studies, articles and other information. Benzo Stories Today’s story was from Jill in Grand Junction, Colorado. Feature Today’s featured topic: The Effects of Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs on the Elderly The senior population around the world is an at-risk group, especially when it comes to the effects of certain drugs like benzos. Unfortunately, they are also the most likely to take these drugs. In today’s feature, I shared several statistics, studies, and articles about the dangers of the overprescribing of these drugs in the elderly population. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Summary A benzo story of struggle with a long series of psych medications including Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Paxil, and others. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Paxil (paroxetine), Menopause, Progesterone, Ambien (Zolpidem), Z-drug, Restoril (temezepam), Prozac (fluoxetine), Klonopin (clonazepam), Remeron (mirtazapine), Suicidal Ideation, Fluoroquinolones Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-dangers-of-benzodiazepine-use-in-the-elderly-bfp015 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. If this is a concern for you, please refrain from reading any further. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Opinions stated are those of the author only. See our disclaimer at the bottom of this post for more information. Jill’s Story NOTE: Jill’s story is told in a bulleted format by topic and date. Trouble Sleeping Anxiety after horrible experience building new house/moving. Paxil and Xanax Tests for thyroid-negative. Hormones Confirm I’m in full menopause, however, I never had any symptoms except for very rare hot flashes. Given HRT. Bad reaction. Progesterone is GABA antagonist (explained later in article), so made me worse. Laid on the floor with stomach pain for a day. May 2018 Insomnia worsened, thought it was from Paxil, took more Xanax. Paxil dosage increased 2 times more. Had genetic testing for medication compatibility. Insomnia Tried Belsomra, Temazepam, and Ambien — didn’t work. Adverse reaction to Ambien. Texted husband in the middle of the night and had no recollection of it. Started losing weight and became more depressed. Looping, intrusive thoughts. Went to doctor in Boulder for another opinion, prescribed Lexapro – no change. July 2018 Started having interdose withdrawal (didn’t know it at the time) and suicidal ideation. I have never had those thoughts before taking Xanax. Weight loss now 25 lbs. Memory loss and chipped tooth from night grinding now added to list of symptoms tied to benzo use. September 2018 Tolerance developed. Anxiety/depression worsened. Went to psych hospital because I felt suicidal. Still didn’t know I was in benzo tolerance. Dr. poly-drugged me Switched to Prozac, Mirtazapine, and Klonopin. Anxiety, panic, manic behavior worsened. Irrational behavior, sound sensitivity, paranoia, feeling of tightness around head, ear fullness, eye pain, hair loss, and UTI. October 2018 Floxed with Cipro and went into acute benzo withdrawal. Fluoroquinolones are antagonists of the GABA-A receptor, meaning that they prevent the binding of GABA and can displace other molecules bound to the receptor, such as benzodiazepines. In other words, someone on benzos should NEVER be given a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Both the doctor and pharmacist missed this potentially life threatening drug interaction. November 2018. Follow up with Nurse Practitioner. Told her I wanted to get off Klonopin. Said to half my dose every week. (Way too fast.) Got down to .25mg, had to updose back to .5mg due to extreme anxiety and agitation. Then switched to 5 mg Valium. Mental torture. Regret, guilt, remorse, looping thoughts, depersonalization and derealization. January 2019 Went to California docs. Said I needed to taper off of Valium. Switched me to liquid. After 1 week, dropped to 4 mg Valium. Nightmares (bugs crawling out of my skin and nails being hammered into my eyes), agitation, extreme anxiety, suicidal ideation, sweats. February 2019 Found Ashton Manual and Benzo Buddies. Realized my taper was too fast. Currently at 1 mg Valium. Will also have to taper from Prozac and Mirtazapine (Remeron). Still have looping, intrusive thoughts, extreme anxiety, fullness in ears, feeling of a tight band around head, numbness in fingers, nightmares, and stiff neck. March 2019 Did more research, used Facebook, LinkedIn, and other benzo websites to start connecting with other people who have a similar story. Starting grassroots effort to pass legislation for “Informed Consent” in Colorado. As soon as I took Xanax as prescribed, I began to get sicker and sicker. I was labeled with depression and had suicidal ideation. Why is it I HAVE NEVER had a thought of suicide until I took that little orange pill? Jill Share Your Story We are always looking for new stories to share. Please visit our feedback form if you’d like to share your story with our community. Thank you. Disclaimer All stories shared on Easing Anxiety are done so with the author’s permission. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect those of Easing Anxiety or its founder. Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. While provided as an informational resource to our community, some stories may not be beneficial to those who are sensitive to their content. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal or BIND, most people can withdraw safely, successfully, and without serious complications if they are informed and have a solid support system. Many of the stories shared on Easing Anxiety are extreme and should not be used to create any expectations of one’s individual experience. Please read the Ashton Manual formore information and work with your doctor. Withdrawal, tapering, or any other change in dosage of benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), or any other prescription medication should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. 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Most major medical associations, including the American Geriatric Society (AGS), caution against the prescribing of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in the elderly. And yet, this age group consumes these drugs at a higher rate than any other. The numbers are staggering. Over four million senior citizens in the U.S. alone were prescribed a benzodiazepine over the course of a single year. And 25% of all elderly who start taking a benzodiazepine — even if prescribed for short-term only — become dependent. Those are the numbers. Now, let’s look at the toll these drugs can take. There are five primary areas where complications — sometimes unique to the elderly population — arise when taking benzodiazepines. 1) Motor Vehicle Accidents One of the most difficult struggles for a person as they age is the loss of freedom. For many, this happens when they lose the ability to drive. While some of the deterioration in skills and response time is normal with aging, there may be other factors at play, and evaluating those factors can be complicated. One of the difficulties in measuring the effect of anti-anxiety drugs in the elderly may be due to the difference in effects between short and long half-life benzodiazepines. Many studies have not taken that variable into consideration. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) back in 1997 did consider that factor in a cohort of 224,734 drivers in the Canadian province of Quebec. It found that drivers between the ages of 67 and 84 years-of-age who were on continuous use of a long half-life benzodiazepine showed a 26% increase in crash involvement. In the first week of use, crash involvement increased to 45%. For short half-life benzodiazepines, the news was much better. The study found no such elevated risk for these types of benzos. 2) Accidents and Falls Psychiatric drug use causes thousands of trips to emergency each year. From 2009 through 2011, there were 89,094 U.S. visits to the emergency department (ED) caused by an adverse drug event (ADE) to psychiatric medication. This was based on a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2014. The number of these visits which was related to sedatives and anxiolytics (anxiety medication) was 30,707, or 34.4%. …benzodiazepine use is associated with a statistically and clinically significant increase in risk of falls and fractures. — “BENZODIAZEPINE USE IN OLDER ADULTS: DANGERS, MANAGEMENT, AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES,” MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS, 2016 According to a 2016 study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, “Observational studies consistently report that benzodiazepine use is associated with a statistically and clinically significant increase in risk of falls and fractures.” The study states that the risk of fractures is dose-dependent and that, “exposure to benzodiazepines increases the risk of falling by 50%.” This risk is strongly tied to hip fractures. Risk of hip fracture is greatest in the first two weeks after a person starts taking the drugs and when increasing dosage. This type of injury can lead to major life changes for the patient, including death. One-third of patients with a hip fracture die within a year. 3) Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction Several studies over the years have linked long-term benzo use to dementia and cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, these results have alarmed an already anxiety-prone audience — chronic benzodiazepine users. In a 2002 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, the lead author, Sabrina Paterniti, stated, “Chronic users of benzodiazepines had a significantly higher risk of cognitive decline in the global cognitive test and the two attention tests than nonusers.” Paterniti also said that “episodic and recurrent users had lower cognitive scores than nonusers, but differences were not statistically significant.” Side effects during benzo use can be a significant hurdle to functioning for this age group. A 2012 study published in Drugs & Aging stated, “In studies of short-, intermediate- and long-acting benzodiazepine drugs…these drugs consistently induced both amnestic and non-amnestic cognitive impairments, with evidence of a dose-response relationship.” …these drugs consistently induced both amnestic and non-amnestic cognitive impairments… — “A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AMNESTIC AND NON-AMNESTIC MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT INDUCED BY ANTICHOLINERGIC, ANTIHISTAMINE, GABAERGIC AND OPIOID DRUGS,” DRUGS AND AGING, 2012 Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later life is another serious concern for all patients, regardless of age. According to a 2014 study published in the British Medical Journal, there was no associated increase in risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for those who had taken the drugs less than 91 days. Unfortunately, the numbers for longer-term users was less favorable. Those who had taken the drugs for 91-180 days showed a 32% increase of risk — 180 days or longer, an 84% increase. Caution needs to be used when analyzing such studies which may not indicate a causal correlation. Still, the author of this study said the following, “The stronger association observed for long term exposures reinforces the suspicion of a possible direct association, even if benzodiazepine use might also be an early marker of a condition associated with an increased risk of dementia.” 4) Dependence and Withdrawal Dependence on a drug can be a concern for any age group. When a patient becomes dependent on a prescription drug, tolerance often follows, requiring dosage increases to maintain the same benefit. Considering the dangers of benzo use in the elderly, withdrawal is often a favorable option. A slow, tapered withdrawal can be a very effective alternative for older adults. In fact, some studies have shown that withdrawal in the elderly is no more difficult than in younger populations. Unfortunately, many doctors are still resistant to believe the damages caused by these drugs. Mark Olfson, M.D., led the study, “Benzodiazepine Use in the United States,” published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2015. In that study, he concluded, “Although many primary care physicians are aware of practice guidelines that caution against long-term benzodiazepine use in the elderly population, few believe that this practice poses a serious clinical threat and many physicians feel unprepared to address the issue with their patients.” …an effective intervention involves gradual supervised benzodiazepine withdrawal combined with psychotherapy focused on coping with dependency symptoms and underlying psychiatric symptoms. — “BENZODIAZEPINE USE IN THE UNITED STATES,” JAMA PSYCHIATRY, 2015 In the study, Olfson also stated, “For withdrawing older individuals from benzodiazepines, an effective intervention involves gradual supervised benzodiazepine withdrawal combined with psychotherapy focused on coping with dependency symptoms and underlying psychiatric symptoms.” Olfson also cautions doctors of the legal liability risk tied with prescribing benzodiazepines. A factor which may affect a physician’s prescribing practices. 5) Mortality Unfortunately, older patients who take benzos regularly, don’t live as long. According to research in France and the U.K. published in European Neuropsychopharmacology, the following conclusion was reached: “Using two nationally representative databases, we found a significant while moderate increase in all-cause mortality in relation to benzodiazepines…” The study identified a 1.2 to 3.7 times higher rate of mortality, regardless of cause, in patients who had been exposed to benzodiazepines. What Can Be Done? Simple. Education. Educating the doctor is first and foremost. Far too many doctors are still uneducated — or resistant to being educated — on the addictive potential of these drugs and the toll they take on elderly patients each and every day. And that risk extends beyond the patient themselves, with increased risk from motor vehicle accidents. We need to educate doctors. And we need doctors who have been reluctant to hear our message, to listen. Direct-to-consumer education effectively elicits shared decision making around the overuse of medications that increase the risk of harm in older adults. — “REDUCTION OF INAPPROPRIATE BENZODIAZEPINE PRESCRIPTIONS AMONG OLDER ADULTS THROUGH DIRECT PATIENT EDUCATION: THE EMPOWER CLUSTER RANDOMIZED TRIAL,” JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE, 2014 Educating the patient is another step in the right direction. A study in JAMA Internal Med from 2014 stated, “Direct-to-consumer education effectively elicits shared decision making around the overuse of medications that increase the risk of harm in older adults.” Conclusion Much like benzodiazepine use in the rest of the population, slow withdrawal from benzodiazepine use in the elderly appears to provide many benefits to the patients. No patient should be forced to withdraw from benzos, but with proper patient education and educated medical support, withdrawal may be the best choice and can reap many benefits. The real trick is getting the message to the patient— and even more so — to their doctors. References American Geriatrics Society (AGS). “American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel (2015). Accessed April 9, 2018. http://www.sigot.org/allegato_docs/1057_Beers-Criteria.pdf. Billioti de Gage, Sophie, Yola Moride, Thierry Ducruet, Tobias Kurth, Hélène Verdoux, Marie Tournier, Antoine Pariente and Bernard Bégaud. “Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Case-Control Study.” BMJ 349(g5205)(2014). Accessed January 30, 2017. doi:10.1136/bmj.g5205. Foster, D E Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. Hampton, Lee M., Matthew Daubresse, Hsien-Yen Chang, G. Caleb Alexander, and Daniel S. Budnitz. “Emergency Department Visits by Adults for Psychiatric Medication Adverse Events.” JAMA Psychiatry 71(9)(September 2014):1006-14. Accessed April 25, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.436. Hemmelgarn, Brenda, Samy Suissa, and Allen Huang. “Benzodiazepine Use and the Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash in the Elderly.” JAMA 278(1)(1997):27-31. Accessed April 26, 2019. doi:10.1001/jama.1997.03550010041037. Markota, Matej, Teresa A. Rummans, John M. Bostwick, and Maria I. Lapid. “Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults: Dangers, Management, and Alternative Therapies.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings 91(11)(November 2016):1632-9. Accessed April 25, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.07.024. Maust, Donovan T., Helen C. Kales, Ilse R. Wiechers, Frederic C. Blow, Mark Olfson. “No End in Sight: Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 64(12)(December 2016):2546-53. Accessed February 17, 2017. doi:10.1111/jgs.14379. Olfson, M., M. King and M. Schoenbaum. “Benzodiazepine Use in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry 72(2)(February 2015):136-42. Accessed March 7, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1763. Palmaro, A., J. Dupouy, and M. Lapeyre-Mestre. “Benzodiazepines and risk of death: Results from two large cohort studies in France and UK.” European Neuropsychopharmacology 25(10)(October 2015):1566-77. Accessed April 27, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.07.006 Paterniti, Sabrina, Carole Dufouil, and Annick Alperovitch. “Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use and Cognitive Decline in the Elderly: The Epidemiology of Vascular Aging Study.” Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 22(3)(June 2002):285-93. Accessed April 26, 2019. https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/Abstract/2002/06000/Long_Term_Benzodiazepine_Use_and_Cognitive_Decline.9.aspx Tannenbaum, Cara. “Inappropriate benzodiazepine use in elderly patients and its reduction.” Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience 40(3)(May 2015):E27-8. Accessed April 26, 2019. doi:10.1503/jpn.140355. Tannenbaum, C., A. Paguette, S. Hilmer, J. Holroyd-Leduc, and R. Carnahan. “A systematic review of amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment induced by anticholinergic, antihistamine, GABAergic and opioid drugs.” Drugs & Aging 29(8)(August 1, 2012):639-58. Accessed on April 27, 2019. doi: 10.2165/11633250-000000000-00000. Tannenbaum, C., P. Martin, R. Tamblyn, A. Benedetti, S. Ahmed. “Reduction of inappropriate benzodiazepine prescriptions among older adults through direct patient education: the EMPOWER cluster randomized trial.” JAMA Internal Med 4(6)(June 2014):890-8. Accessed April 27, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.949.

Summary A benzo story of withdrawal from Klonopin via Valium substitution, a failed visit to a detox facility, and a long, drawn out recovery. Followed by an update with a comedy-of-errors tale of dentists, dogs, and anxiety. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Klonopin (clonazepam), Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Detox, Clinic, Cold Turkey (CT), Polydrug, Valium (diazepam), Update, Pets, Travel, Comedy of Errors, Dentist, Isolation Listen on the Podcast (Original Story): https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-assault-on-our-senses-benzo-withdrawal-symptoms-of-the-eyes-ears-nose-and-mouth-bfp016 Listen on the Podcast (Update): https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/sights-sounds-and-sensitivities-nerve-sensations-of-benzo-withdrawal-bfp033 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content. If this is a concern for you, please refrain from reading any further. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Opinions stated are those of the author only. See our disclaimer at the bottom of this post for more information. Nora’s Story NOTE: Nora is a fictional name. The author requested to remain anonymous. First, let me thank you for what you are doing. Your work is a great contribution to our “community”. I would so like to be sending you a story of recovery, healing, success so as to give others hope that they will heal no matter how awful their journey may be, but that is not the case yet. Here is my story. I was prescribed Klonopin ,1 mg in 1998, while I was going through a break-up of a long-term relationship. My sleep was being affected and that was affecting my mood and work. I was at the time not feeling any physical symptoms of anxiety or at least not anxiety as I have come to know it in its worst manifestations. I was scared and uneasy, of course, as my life and security were coming unhinged, but therapy and meditation would have been the right prescription. I was prescribed Klonopin…while I was going through a break-up of a long-term relationship. I went to a doctor and told her I was concerned about my lack of sleep and she quickly told me she had just the thing. Non-addictive and very safe. I was not someone who took prescription medications and so was clueless about the drug she prescribed. I wasn’t even aware that it was a psych drug. I took the Klonopin as prescribed for 14 years. Initially, my dose was 1 mg. At about seven years, it went up to 1 1/2 mg and at the end I was up to 2 mg. I, on a number of occasions, expressed to various doctors over the years that I didn’t want to be on medication and they all told me I had an anxiety issue and that it would get worse with age and that it was not a good idea to stop taking the drug. …one night when I returned from a trip and couldn’t find my pills. It was a night from hell. I had no idea that it was addictive or the level of dependence I had developed until one night when I returned from a trip and couldn’t find my pills. It was a night from hell. That was my first clue that I had a problem, but I continued on as recommended by my doctors until 2011. For the most part ( 10 years), I had no ill effects that I was aware of from the Klonopin other than I did start feeling anxiety at times and I had sleep issues again. The last four years I was on the drug as prescribed. I was suffering from greater anxiety and perhaps other things were creeping in , but I thought it was all due to the emotionally unhealthy relationship I was in. In 2011, that relationship came to a crashing end. This time it was hugely traumatic. About three weeks after he left me, I was told by two friends that there was a concerning article in the paper about Klonopin. I read it and was terrified. The relationship was over, I sold my house, I got rid of most of my belongings, and I called a friend who had a treatment center in LA. He quickly said, no problem, 2 mgs , 2 months. I flew to California and was cold-turkeyed the day after I checked into treatment. I flew to California and was cold-turkeyed the day after I checked into treatment. I was given nine drugs in all to “stabilize” me. I was told very little about what was going on or about the dangers of the drugs. I was in essence treated like a drug addict and told I was being very negative as I was going through horrible acute withdrawal. The word withdrawal wasn’t even used in the treatment center. I was told I would start to feel better in about 10 days. Two and a half months later, I told them I had to leave. My father was dying back on the East Coast and I needed to go home. I was not getting better and I feared if I stayed there I would never leave. I was put on a plane from a wheelchair and home I came. I was a mess and continued to be for four months. Again, no warning that this could be a long ride. I figured I just had to be tougher, but I was not managing well at all. I went to see a psychiatrist four months later who reinstated me on 1 mg. I was better — not whole, not normal — but much better. He told me I would have to get off the drug again eventually. I stayed on the 1 mg for a year, a year that I was able to go away and work at a retreat center. I, at this point, felt like an ill person, very unstable but better than before I was reinstated. I had started to develop phobias and I was weak and cried all the time, but I was working and living in community and it was palpable. A year after being reinstated, I rented a little house in Upstate, NY with a friend I had met at the retreat center. I began the journey of tapering. I had no idea how to taper, but a doctor I saw who was filling my Rx’s said just cut back 1/12th of the 1 mg per month over a year. That was not the right way to taper because I dropped the same amount every month (i.e. 1/12th of a mg). The year that followed was spent in NY, then Mexico and a few places in between. I had developed a need to be on the move and the sicker I got the more I couldn’t stand to stay still. I was getting more and more depleted and disabled physically, but somehow I managed to travel. In Mexico, where I got off the last bit of the Klonopin, I started seeing a naturopath. She recommended I take Valium, but had no idea how much or what a cross over was. By the time I was off the Klonopin, she had me taking 15 mg of Valium. I moved back to the US and moved to Asheville, NC. ( Remember I have no home and have a need to move to feel like I have a life). I saw a number of psychiatrists (4), 2 trauma therapists, an EMDR therapist, did brain wave therapy, went for acupuncture 3 days a week, yoga daily, and it goes on and on. All the psychiatrists wanted me back on Klonopin and wanted to add an anti-psychotic and an anti-depressant. It took me two and a half years to get off the Valium and every step of the way was hell. I had nothing but getting sicker and sicker. I have lost friends, home, the ability to work, the ability to have anything close to a normal day. With the exception of the year I was reinstated on Klonopin, my journey has been hellish every day. No windows, just hell and worsening hell. I have now been off benzos for 38 months. The first year off was awful, the second worse, and this last year has been perhaps the worst. The utter despair and hopelessness that enters when one has been sick and out of the game of life for so long is devastating. I have lost friends, home, the ability to work, the ability to have anything close to a normal day. I can, at times, go out to eat or go to a friends or to a movie, but everything is uncomfortable. Going grocery shopping is still a nightmare, but being alone I have had to do everything for myself. No matter how awful I have felt, I have always been able to drive. I do not have windows. I have bad days and really bad days and that means wanting to be in bed most of the day. I cannot imagine a life after this, having love in my life again, working, having fun, feeling joy. I don’t know what keeps me going, truly I do not. Perhaps it is the not wanting to cause more pain to my family. I am feeling pretty hopeless that I will ever feel better. I thought at six months, and then at 18, and then two years and then three years and here I am at 38 months feeling like a walking zombie. I have had depersonalization every single day of this. Some of my physical symptoms have gone away, but it feels like the psychological ones have gotten worse. One wonders if that is just the trauma of the years in hell or the giving up hope. I have a tiny bit of hope I guess or I would not be writing this. So, not the story I want to be writing to you, but it is my story thus far. Part of me needs to just reach out, to validate this nightmare. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think perhaps I am just a crazy person, too much instability and broken heartedness. Is it truly possible for a pill to do this? Then there are the many days that I think that my only option is to reinstate again. I am growing old, losing eight years is a long time… Nora Update from Nora — August 2019 D, thanks for writing back so quickly. I know in your podcast you mentioned needing stories so I thought I would write you a bit more and maybe you could use some of what I am going to write in a podcast. I have during this whole journey questioned what constitutes “over doing it”. I have during this whole journey questioned what constitutes “over doing it.” In thinking back over the summer, and pondering why I am having a string of pretty bad days, it did occur to me that perhaps I am over doing it a bit. I am so disgusted with being so non-productive and unfocused and idle for so long that when the opportunity arises to do anything, I jump. So, here is a recap of the summer thus far — let me know what you think regarding: Is this too much for a healing brain? Maybe you could do a podcast that talks about regulation during healing. I really want you to LAUGH when you read the following!!!!!!!!!! June 1st Drove from Washington, DC to upstate, New York. 7-hour drive. Spent three nights with a friend and then drove to long Island NY where I stayed with a pretty toxic friend for two weeks. I stayed that long mainly because I wanted to be near the ocean and as is often the case on this gypsy journey that parallels my healing journey, I really didn’t have another place to go. July 10th Left Long Island and drove back to upstate, NY to visit another struggling friend. 5-hour drive in pretty intense traffic the first three hours. Why is it that everyone who is still part of my life seems to be a mess? Messes attract messes? Stayed in upstate, NY for two and a half weeks. During the visit, I began to notice that I was grinding my teeth more than usual and was having pretty bad pain in my teeth and gums. For me, it is often difficult to differentiate sensations of discomfort and pain after such a long time of living with so many bizarre symptoms. It eventually became evident that this was different pain and it was centered in one tooth. I soldiered on and tried to avoid eating anything hard and only chewing on the side of my mouth as the tooth was dead center in the front of my lower jaw. By the time I left Cape Cod, I could not even drink through a straw without extreme pain… July 28th Drove from upstate, NY to Cape Cod to meet some of my family members for a little vacation. 5-hour drive. Rather enjoyed it except for the tooth which by this point was throbbing pretty much non-stop. I felt pretty well most days on the vacation. I had things to do and people to do them with. I had a purpose and focus to my days, something that is rare during withdrawal for me. By the time I left Cape Cod, I could not even drink through a straw without extreme pain, but I was so happy to have been by the ocean and able to lie in a great big bed in a beautiful room feeling the cool breezes on my skin at night. August 4th Drove from Cape Cod back to upstate, NY. 5-hours and an easy drive for me (easy in withdrawal terms which is very different than a drive used to feel when I was well). Spent two nights in upstate, NY to break up the drive back down south to deal with my tooth. The second morning I woke up to a crashed computer. Would not turn on. Total panic for me as my computer keeps me connected to the world. YIKES!!!!!! August 6th Drove to DC, a long eight hours in heavy summer traffic. Made a dentist appointment for the 8th. Rested up a bit, swallowed more ibuprofen, dropped off the computer. Needed a new logic board (expensive repair). More stress because my finances have suffered during what is now just over eight years of not being able to work. August 8th Drove to Easton, Maryland where I lived for five years of the benzo withdrawal journey and where my dentist is and my vet. Two and a half hours at the vet. Rosie had her annual visit. Off we drove to the dentist. Let me not forget to mention that my dog goes everywhere with me. Let me not forget to mention that my dog goes everywhere with me. I rescued her two years ago, just had to have another dog to keep me company and I had gotten well enough to take care of a dog, something I couldn’t have done during the long taper process or in the first year and a half of being benzo-free. Rosie, unbeknownst to me at the time of the adoption, suffers from separation anxiety. One reason I got her was to help with the anxiety. I developed anxiety the last four years I was taking benzos as prescribed and then seriously incapacitating anxiety once I started my taper and then even more intense once I was benzo-free. I did not have it pre-benzos and wasn’t prescribed benzos for anxiety. How bizarrely fitting for somebody with debilitating anxiety to be the mother of an anxious dog. We work it out. She gets in her little black bag when we grocery shop, go out to eat, go to the movies, go to yoga (when I am able). How bizarrely fitting for somebody with debilitating anxiety to be the mother of an anxious dog. I got to the dentist to have my mouth looked at and to have a cleaning. The dentist was on vacation so I could only see a hygienist. After a quick look at my mouth, she took a great many x-rays and upon looking at them said that she could not clean my teeth until the dentist had a look at the x-rays. The painful tooth was so loose that she was afraid to clean them. Yup, this was ramping up my anxiety. I went and spent the night with a friend as I was beginning to feel too tired to get back in the car. August 9th Phone call from the vet. Rosie had tested positive for one of three tick borne diseases. ANXIETY spiked. Drove back to Washington. Took my car in to be inspected. The car flunked inspection due to bad rear brakes. Are you kidding me? Just had the clutch replaced and was told everything was in good order. Called my mechanic who works in Charlottesville, VA where I lived last year and made an appt. for August 12th. I then went to pick up my computer and somebody took out my side view mirror while I was parked. This is getting good. What next??????? August 11th Drove from Washington to Charlottesville. Another longish drive. Spent the night with my sister and then took the car in. Car brakes fixed, but not paying to replace the mirror. Figure I can fix it myself at least well enough to pass inspection. I used to be able to fix anything, super handy and dexterous. Not so much during benzo hell. Had a peaceful day at my sisters and left the next morning after having my hair cut and colored. I have to note that going to the hair dressers was something I enjoyed pre benzo hell but it has become a pretty anxiety producing endeavor for a long time now and then there is the having to bring Rosie to the hair dresser factor. She freaks out at the sound of hairdryers. We made it through and got back in the car to head to Washington. August 13th Back in Washington. Talked to the dentist who said I need a root canal and that he could refer me to somebody he knew in Easton. Oh no, not somebody new. More anxiety. August 14th Emergency trip to the new dentist. Drove back to Easton, stopped at my old dentist to go over things. Talked to the vet. After a further blood test for Rosie, it seems she did not have the disease but had been bitten by a tick and was fine. A little good news in the midst of a lot of bad news. Emergency trip to the new dentist. Stopped at my old yoga studio just to breathe for a minute and then headed to the new dentist for a root canal, something I have never had, but that always sounded like a horrible procedure. It was indeed pretty horrible, but the thought that relief might be on the way after five weeks of pain made it tolerable. Drove back to Washington after the procedure. Truly do not know how I was able to do it. There was a time not so long ago that a trip to the dentist was almost unbearable. More healing. Not unbearable at all anymore, in fact kind of like having a focus and people to talk to. August 16th Repaired the car mirror well enough to pass inspection. August 18th Headed back to Upstate, NY. So here I am a few days later and feeling like hell. When I wrote the timeline, above it occurred to me that a well person might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, a bit exhausted. For me it goes way beyond that. I try to find humor in it all and hope you will have a chuckle over my tale… So there it is. I am trying to find some humor in it all. Humor in the extreme overwhelm and endless suffering. It does seem almost like a comedy of errors sometimes. What is your take on doing too much when one is still healing? I would be interested in other people’s input on this subject. I don’t want you to be pained by what I write. I try to find humor in it all and hope you will have a chuckle over my tale of my summer travels thus far. I am sure there is healing going on, it is just hard to feel it when you feel dark and gloomy and exhausted….exhausted but you can’t sit still. Crazy raging brain. XXX, Nora Share Your Story We are always looking for new stories to share. Please visit our feedback form if you’d like to share your story with our community. Thank you. Disclaimer All stories shared on Easing Anxiety are done so with the author’s permission. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect those of Easing Anxiety or its founder. Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. While provided as an informational resource to our community, some stories may not be beneficial to those who are sensitive to their content. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal or BIND, most people can withdraw safely, successfully, and without serious complications if they are informed and have a solid support system. Many of the stories shared on Easing Anxiety are extreme and should not be used to create any expectations of one’s individual experience. Please read the Ashton Manual formore information and work with your doctor. Withdrawal, tapering, or any other change in dosage of benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), or any other prescription medication should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. View our complete disclaimer for more info.

Have you heard the term ‘sensory hypersensitivity,’ but don’t really know what it means? Perhaps you should ask someone in benzo withdrawal. Sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can be common. Learn the causes and a few tips on how to cope. In today’s episode, we talk about the withdrawal symptoms of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. These include light and sound sensitivity, blurred vision, dry mouth, thrush, difficulty swallowing, and tinnitus among others. We also hear a benzo story from Washington, DC, learn the role homeostasis plays in recovery, and spotlight an amazing documentary film by an Irish journalist. Video ID: BFP016 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:59 Mailbag 16:14 Benzo News 19:02 Benzo Spotlight 22:20 Benzo Story 36:38 FEATURE: The Assault on Our Senses 53:13 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. MAILBAG “The Ashton Manual,” by C. Heather Ashton “Benzo Free,” by D E Foster “Conversation with a Caregiver,” Benzo Free Podcast Episode #12 BENZO NEWS BF BLOG: “It’s Senior Week at Benzo Free” by D E Foster BF BLOG: “The Lost Years: A Father, a Son, Benzos, and Aging,” by D E Foster BIC: “Do You Want to Share Your Story Publicly?” NEW YORK TIMES: “A Quiet Drug Problem Among the Elderly,” by Paula Span BF PODCAST: “The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Use in the Elderly,” by D E Foster MEDICAL SPECIALTY DIALOGUES: “Once prescribed, 25% of elderly become dependent on benzodiazepines: JAMA, by Hina Zahid NPR’S FRESH AIR: “‘Mind Fixers’ Documents The ‘Troubled Search’ For Mental Illness Medication,” by Terry Gross FOX SAN ANTONIO: “The pills doctors are calling the next drug crisis,” by Emily Baucum BENZO SPOTLIGHT YOUTUBE: “The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster,” by filmmaker Shane Kenny BENZO.ORG.UK: “Withdrawal Reactions from Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)” by Leo E. Hollister, Francis P. Motzenbecker, & Roger O. Dean, as published in Psychopharmacologia, 1960 FEATURE: The Assault on Our Senses “The Ashton Manual,” by C. Heather Ashton “Benzo Free,” by D E Foster THE TIMES: “Tranquillisers drove me on the brink of suicide,” by Shane Kenny MAYO CLINIC: “Oral Thursh” JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE: “Atrophic tongue associated with Candida,” by H. Terai and M. Shimahara HEALTHLINE: “7 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth (Plus How to Get Rid of It)” Introduction In today’s intro, I decided to talk about a TV show. A sitcom that my wife and I watched which triggered an emotional reaction in me, and it didn’t in my wife. It reminded me of how, even if someone was by your side all throughout benzo withdrawal, they still probably really know what it was like. Mailbag This is where we share questions and comments which were discussed: QUESTION: What about homeostasis? “Am I ’tilting at windmills’ or dealing with real underlying health issues?” This comment was from Terry in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA. He wanted to know if our symptoms are actually part of homeostasis, our bodies ability to heal and return to normal, or actually some other underlying health issue. I explained to Terry that it’s might be a good idea to get things checked out when you are really concerned, but that in the end, most of the time, it is just your body healing. QUESTION: Do you happen to know anything that could help with my appeal for disability benefits? This question was from Jill in Alabama, USA. There was a lot more to this question, but it was more than I was able to share on the podcast. My wife, Shana, helped find some information for Jill and sent it to her. Benzo News We discussed a variety of stories around the benzo community in this section today. Benzo Spotlight Today’s spotlight was focused on “The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster,” a film by journalist Shane Kenny which featured full-length interviews with Prof. Ashton and Prof. Lader. Benzo Stories Today’s story was from a friend in Washington, D.C. Feature Today’s featured topic: The Assault on Our Senses: Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth This was another installment in our 14-part series on benzo withdrawal symptoms. It focused on the hypersensitivity of the senses along with other related problems of the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. These included the following: Blurred and double vision Eyelid spasms Difficulty swallowing Dry mouth Metallic taste in the mouth Oral thrush Sore and dry eyes Sound and light sensitivity Tinnitus Unusual smells We discussed the underlying mechanisms in play for causing hypersensitivity, took a look at each symptom in detail, and even shared a few tips for how to cope with these hindrances. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

OPINION When the FDA released its latest warning on Z-drugs, I quickly wrote up a blog post on the subject and even published it. But, before I posted it on Facebook, I re-read it as I often do, and something concerned me. I immediately removed the post and decided to re-write it in a different context. Here’s the recent announcement from the FDA on Z-drugs. I’ll follow with my opinion. New FDA Boxed Warning for Z-drugs On April 30th, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety announcement which stated that they will require a “Boxed Warning” on several drugs in the nonbenzodiazepine (Z-drug) class. A Boxed Warning is the FDA’s most prominent warning and will be added to the prescribing information and the patient medication guides. This warning is based on evidence that “rare but serious injuries have happened with certain common prescription insomnia medicines because of sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking, sleep driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake.” Some of these sleep behaviors have resulted in death. Serious injuries and death from complex sleep behaviors have occurred in patients with and without a history of such behaviors, even at the lowest recommended doses, and the behaviors can occur after just one dose. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) These “complex sleep behaviors” are more common in three specific nonbenzodiazepines which include zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata). The FDA identified 66 cases of this type of behavior linked to these drugs that resulted in serious injuries or death. The announcement cautions that these numbers only include reports submitted to the FDA or found in medical literature, so the real number may be higher. According to an article in Monthly Prescribing Reference (MPR) regarding this announcement, the author, Diana Ernst, noted that “adverse events reported in these cases included falls, self-injuries, accidental overdoses, hypothermia, suicide attempts, apparent completed suicides, fatal motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning or near drowning, burns, and homicide.” These behaviors can occur in patients who have taken Z-drugs both with, and without, other central nervous depressants such as alcohol, opioids, or anti-anxiety medications. This isn’t the first time Z-drugs have been under scrutiny by the FDA. In 2013, the FDA released a safety announcement about zolpidem (Ambien), recommending the reduction of evening doses because blood levels in some patients might still be significant enough in the morning to impair certain activities which require alertness. This announcement also required the manufacturers of Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist to lower the recommended dose on their labeling. The FDA issued this warning because they believe there is enough evidence to modify dosing recommendations. Thus, it needs to be taken seriously and if you are concerned, please speak with your doctor. What are Z-drugs? Nonbenzodiazepines, also known as Z-drugs, were released in the late 1980s as an alternative to benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medication). They have entirely different chemical structures to benzodiazepines, and yet have very similar effects, and side effects. This includes the potential for physiological dependence, tolerance, and severe withdrawal complications. The British National Formulary (BNF) guidelines state that benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (BZD) should not be prescribed for longer than four weeks. A study published in 2017 in the British Journal of General Practice on long-term use of both classes of drugs stated, “As there is evidence that long-term use of BZDs causes adverse physiological and neurological effects, and protracted withdrawal (with associated complications), this represents a serious public health problem.” Do We Need a Warning on the Warning? Many of us whose lives have been adversely affected by benzodiazepines and Z-drugs believe that our message is clear, and often wonder why it is not universally shared. We grind our teeth when we see media cover opioid addiction every hour of every day, but completely ignore benzos. Or if they do report on benzos, it’s in the context of overdose and street use, and rarely will a journalist mention the struggles of iatrogenic, physiological dependence which affects millions around the world. Now, some of that is changing and new articles are starting to appear which cover the narrative of patients’ battles with dependence and withdrawal. But still, the message is often lacking some very basic information many of us want to relay to the public. And sometimes, it’s not just the media. Government’s regulatory agencies can contribute to the confusing message about these drugs. There are two specific points I would like to make in the opinion part of this article: 1) FDA Announcement Instructions In this recent Safety Announcement from the FDA, the following instructions were provided for people who find themselves having sleep behavior problems: Patients should stop taking your insomnia medicine and contact your health care professional right away if you experience a complex sleep behavior… — U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) For most of us who have had personal experiences with these drugs, this statement appears to have a flaw. Nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), much like benzodiazepines, create physiological dependence with long-term use. Most experts agree that the abrupt cessation of these drugs can create serious complications. Even if these patients did contact their healthcare professional immediately after stopping the drug, it might have been days, even weeks before they could schedule an appointment, during which time the patient might be experiencing the dramatic, and dangerous, effects of cold turkey withdrawal. I am not a medical professional and this article is strictly my opinion, but I do have concerns about an FDA announcement which advises patients to “stop taking your insomnia medication” even with the follow-up instructions to “contact your health care provider.” While I recognize the dangers continuation of this medication may cause — and these concerns need to be taken seriously and limitations on a person’s activities may be required — abrupt cessation may be worse. 2) No Mention of Dependence or Withdrawal Another concern I had with this announcement, and others like it, was the lack of certain language. I realize that the context of this Safety Announcement from the FDA was on side effects during use, especially those related to complex sleeping behavior. But I find it surprising, and even a bit disheartening, to note that not once in the over 650 words of this document did the FDA ever mention “dependence” or “withdrawal.” Perhaps I’m being too harsh on the FDA, but since this is a significant complication of these drugs, I would think it should garner at least a passing mention. Recognition of Benzo Dependence and Withdrawal If you do a search for the word “benzodiazepine” within the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s website, you will find 544 items. Of the top 20 results, 19 are focused on the dangers of combining benzodiazepines with opioids. No mention of withdrawal. The other one was a resume for a doctor who had studied benzos. Now, this investigation of mine was far from scientific, as can clearly be seen. I’ll admit it is anecdotal at best. Still, I did other searches and found little to no information on benzo dependence and withdrawal on the site. I wish I could say that this surprised me, but it didn’t. I don’t want to be too judgmental here. Nor am I trying to disparage the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Unfortunately, recognition of physiological dependence from benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines is still in debate within many circles of the medical community. Many patients who have sought medical support for their taper know this all too well. But, what frustrates so many of us is that this is not a new message. Not by a long shot. Warnings about these drugs started in 1960, soon after they were first released, by the likes of medical experts such as Prof. Malcolm Lader and others. Since then, other medical professionals and organizational leaders have worked diligently to help us find support and raise awareness. If it wasn’t for them, I would not have found the Ashton Manual which guided me to a successful withdrawal from 12 years of clonazepam. All we want to know is this. What will it take for us to get our message through? More research? Well, that is costly but we are working on it. Better media coverage? Again, costly, but we’re making strides. Litigation? Legislation? Much is being done on many fronts, but it’s an uphill battle to be sure. In the end, it might just be the grassroots efforts of each and every person who has battled the demon of withdrawal to tell their story, whenever and wherever they can. If we do that, I am hopeful that our message will start to be heard. Perhaps it already is. Thanks for listening to me ramble, D :) Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only. The author of this article is not a medical professional nor is he providing medical advice in any way. Do not substitute any information in this article for medical advice, nor delay in seeking it. If you have any further questions, please see our complete disclaimer on our website. References Davies, J., T.C. Rae, and L. Montagu. “Long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drugs use in England: a survey of general practice.” British Journal of General Practice 67(662)(September 2017):e609-13. Accessed May 3, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28716996. Ernst, Diana. “FDA: Boxed Warning, Contraindication Added to Several Insomnia Medications.” MPR. April 30, 2019. Accessed May 1, 2019. https://www.empr.com/home/news/fda-boxed-warning-contraindication-added-to-several-insomnia-medications. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by sleepwalking with certain prescription insomnia medicines.” FDA Drug Safety Communication: Safety Announcement (April 30, 2019). Accessed May 1, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-adds-boxed-warning-risk-serious-injuries-caused-sleepwalking-certain-prescription-insomnia. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Risk of next-morning impairment after use of insomnia drugs; FDA requires lower recommended doses for certain drugs containing zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist).” FDA Drug Safety Communication: Safety Announcement (January 10, 20013). Accessed May 1, 2019. https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170404172106/https:/www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm334033.htm

Do you know much about the cognitive effects of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs? Perhaps you should. Memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and intrusive memories are all possible symptoms of benzo use and withdrawal. In today’s episode, we talk about the damage benzodiazepines and Z-drugs can inflict on our mental capacity. We also hear a benzo story from England, answer a question about GABA receptors, and learn what it really feels like to heal. BTW, it feels good. Video ID: BFP017 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 11:42 Mailbag 13:39 Benzo News 15:50 Benzo Story 20:33 FEATURE: Benzo Brain 40:54 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. BENZO NEWS TECH INSIDER: “What Happens When You Take Xanax?” (VIDEO) BIC: “Why Prescribed Benzo Patients Shouldn’t Go to Detox or Rehab,” by Nicole Lamberson BENZO FREE PODCAST – Episode #16: “The Assault on Our Senses: Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth” MPR: “FDA: Boxed Warning, Contraindication Added to Several Insomnia Medications,” by Diana Ernst HEALTH EUROPA: “Newly uncovered gene mutation has the ability to reduce fear and anxiety” BENZO FREE: “The Missing Message: New FDA Boxed Warning for Z-drugs,” by D E Foster FEATURE: Benzo Brain Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Barker, M.J., K.M. Greenwood, M. Jackson, S.F. Crowe. “Cognitive Effects of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use: A Meta-Analysis.” CNS Drugs 18(1)(2004):37-48. Accessed March 6, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14731058. Doyle, Chase, “Benzodiazepine Exposure Can Predict Delirium in Critically Ill Children,” Anesthesiology News, October 13, 2016, accessed October 13, 2016, http://www.anesthesiologynews.com/Clinical-Anesthesiology/Article/10-16/Benzodiazepine-Exposure-Can-Predict-Delirium-in-Critically-Ill-Children/38055. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. Guina, Jeffrey, and Brian Merrill. “Benzodiazepines I: Upping the Care on Downers: The Evidence of Risks, Benefits and Alternatives.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 7(2)(February 2018):17. Accessed July 12, 2018. doi: 10.3390/jcm7020017. Gorenstein, C., M. A. Bernik and S. Pompéia. “Differential Acute Psychomotor and Cognitive Effects of Diazepam on Long-Term Benzodiazepine Users.” International Clinical Psychopharmacology 9(3)(1994):145-53. Accessed March 6, 2017. doi:10.1097/00004850-199409000-00002. Hunt, Liz and Glenn Frankel, “Britain Takes Halcion Sleeping Pills off the Market,” Washington Post, October 3, 1991, accessed April 8, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1991/10/03/britain-takes-halcion-sleeping-pills-off-the-market/21d83dc2-2260-440d-96d1-7da13ceb0198/?utm_term=.e008daa4566c. Tata, P.R., J. Rollings, M. Collins, A. Pickering and R. R. Jacobson. “Lack of Cognitive Recovery Following Withdrawal from Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use.” Psychological Medicine 24(1)(February 1994):203-13. Accessed April 15, 2018. doi:10.1017/S0033291700026969. U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA/DoD). PTSD: National Center for PTSD: Use of Benzodiazepines for PTSD in Veterans Affairs. Accessed June 21, 2017. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/benzos_va.asp. Introduction In today’s intro, I was feeling good — and I shared that with the listeners. My healing has been progressing and I’m now, ever so slowly, getting my life back. Actually, I’m getting a better life than I had. And I wanted to share that with the listeners as a reminder that healing does take place and there are good things on the other side. I also talked about limited the length of the podcast episodes down to 45 minutes or so. I felt that they were getting too long and I explained that this might include making some sections periodic. Mailbag This is where we share questions and comments which were discussed: QUESTION: Do Your GABA Receptors Heal During Titration? This comment was from Kathy in Colorado, USA. She wanted to know if her GABA receptors were healing during titration (or taper). I told her they probably were and that when you start reducing the amount of drug in your body, homeostasis kicks in again and starts the rebalancing effect— but this process can take a very long time. Benzo Story Today’s story was from a Nancy in England. Feature Today’s featured topic: Benzo Brain: Cognitive Dysfunction and Memory Loss in Withdrawal. This was the fifth installment in our 14-part series on benzo withdrawal symptoms. It focused on cognitive effects of benzo withdrawal which included cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, and intrusive memories. I discussed each symptom at length and included several references which can be seen in our links above The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved