Tranquillizer Dependence

Minor tranquilizers such as the benzodiazepines eg. diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) are still routinely prescribed for anxiety and muscle relaxation in backache. It is now recommended that they are only used short term. However many people feel unable to stop and become addicted. This means that they require the drug in order to feel normal and going without it makes them feel unwell. Many people have been on such drugs for five years or more.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can cause many unpleasant symptoms including increase in anxiety, sleep disturbance, panics as well as concentration and perception problems.  

Reducing and eventually stopping these drugs may be a very difficult process and can take many months to do safely. Sometimes symptoms of the original condition will re-emerge.

We can offer expert assessment and an individually tailored treatment plan to enable you to come through this difficult time dealing with physical and psychological symptoms as they emerge.