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Long term effects

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Posted 10/25/2019 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi folks
I’m wondering if anyone in this thread has been on OPIODs/benzodiazepines for several years and now are weaning or are free from them. I just want to know if there’s ever a time when I’ll be “normal” again?!?! I had two back surgeries (2016-17) and now have a medtronics electric stimulation implant in my back. I appreciate your help and I hope everyone is as well, as well can be!
Posted 10/25/2019 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
N.,

I do hope that your implant device is bringing about relief for you!

In answer to your question, I know that the longer you are on a benzodiazepine (daily, not PNR) the harder it is to discontinue. It is always advised to do so with a doctor's supervision if fact.

As far as the long term effects...I am not sure besides dependency. For this reason doctors are really scaling back in Rx-ing them.

However, I do believe that they are still a valuable tool for panic issues and safe when taken as directed and only when needed during acute episodes.

I hope that you are finding yourself in a place of good management currently!! Health and progress be yours!

S.C.
Posted 10/26/2019 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I to hope the implant is bringing you some pain relief.

I have a bad back and have been taking OPIOD's for years to help with the chronic pain i'm currently thinking about starting to discontinue them or at least lower the dosage. I have heard that it is very hard to discontinue them and it must be done under supervision of a doctor and a very slow weaning schedule is required.

I also recently (5 weeks ago) stopped taking Valium which is a benzodiazepine after taking it daily for a few years and I won't lie it was tough and i'm still suffering with withdrawal now which i'm told by my pdoc may take a while to settle back down.

Let us know how you get on.

Hibee
Posted 10/26/2019 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
I discontinued Xanax by cutting them in half. I still take as needed, but don't need it much. Opioids I stopped with the help of suboxone. Not easy but can be done.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hugs, Karen...
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