Have you taken an anti-anxiety drug long-term? Do you think you might be dependent? Do you want to know what to do next? We collected some of the most respected information on benzo tapering and provided it here in this two-part series.

In today’s episode, we look at possible complications, symptoms, when to take your last dose, and what it’s like when you’re finally benzo-free. We also answer a few questions on tapering and hear a story from San Diego, California.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/how-to-taper-from-benzos-part-2-of-2-bfp042

Video ID: BFP042

Chapters

00:57 Introduction

06:12 Benzo Story

12:47 Feature

38:03 Q&A

54:02 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.

FEATURE: How to Taper from Benzos

• 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.
• Aubrey, Allison. “Benefits Can Outweigh Risks for Pregnant Women on Anxiety Drugs or SSRIs.” NPR Shots. September 18, 2017. Accessed September 18, 2017. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/09/18/551020800/xanax-or-zoloft-for-moms-to-be-a-new-study-assesses-safety.
• “Direct Tapers.” BenzoBuddies. Accessed March 2, 2017. http://www.benzobuddies.org/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-methods/direct-taper/.
• 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.
• Longo, Lance P. and Brian Johnson. “Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines — Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives.” American Family Physician 61(7)(April 1, 2000):2121-28. Accessed March 6, 2017. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2121.html.
• New South Wales Government (NSW). “Benzodiazepines.” Health Fact Sheets. Last updated July 11, 2013. Accessed March 6, 2017. http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Factsheets/Pages/benzodiazepines.aspx.
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). City Health Information: Judicious Prescribing of Benzodiazepines 35(2)(2016). https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/990dad_167113513c9445f8bc77a77370ce649f.pdf.
• U.K. National Health Service (NHS). “Guidance for Prescribing and Withdrawal of Benzodiazepines & Hypnotics in General Practice.” NHS Grampian. October 2006. Reviewed October 2008. https://www.benzo.org.uk/amisc/bzgrampian.pdf.
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Updates Warnings for Oral and Injectable Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Due to Disabling Side Effects.” Drug Safety: Safety Announcement (September 26, 2016). Last updated March 8, 2018. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm511530.htm.

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