Seductive Poison: Benzodiazepine Addiction is Insidious

[@2needey1]

My doctor took me off Klonopin cold turkey after using it for 20 years daily. She gave me a one week period to detox. It almost killed me. Why do some doctors not understand how to taper this drug?

[@BLUEGENE13]

One week?

[@JackMcG_MD]

Wow, I'm sorry you had to experience that. Unfortunately, many doctors are ignorant when it comes to properly tapering benzodiazepines. Each patient will need an individualized approach, but trying to taper more than 10-20% a month is too fast for most dependent patients and will result in unnecessary suffering. One or two weeks might be reasonable if the person was on a very low dose and had not been taking the drug for long. However, if they can taper off in a week without symptoms, then they probably were never dependent in the first place!

[@whocares4464]

Sorry to hear that!!! This has happened to several friends I know and they did a quick stop and put them on SSI and a sleeping pill! Benzo withdrawal is one of the most dangerous drugs to cold turkey!!!

[@CBT5777]

They took me off cold turkey in rehab after 14 years dependence. It sucked but it got me off in 23 days. I'm benzo free still 27 months later. I stopped drinking too!

[@AGibson723]

An unfortunate reality with that and the prescribing of opiods. I went through the same with Percocets. It was always hard for me to understand the logic behind how some doctors will taper correctly and others couldn't gaf. You'd think doctors would all be on the same page. I always figured it was some legality issue with them, maybe pressure from the DEA or whatever oversight is involved. I'm sorry you went through that, I watched an ex gf go through it too. No bueno

[@Foolishwisdom1]

You speak the truth in an entertaining and fascinating way.

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you, that's my mission!

[@TheUglyDoctor]

This is clearer instruction than i ever received in medical college

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you! That's why I do it. There is so much misinformation and bad information about addiction medicine on the internet. I'm doing my part to fix that!

[@leemackay888]

Lol the nails are such a nice touch!!!

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you! It was such a pain to glue them on, and it was really hard to manipulate objects like the scroll. I had made so many takes just because I kept fumbling it. I'm glad that at least one person enjoyed it!

[@jamesreid343]

From someone who has battles this you have really hit the nail on the head. Thank you for awsome.content in this field. Peace

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you for the support! It really helps me power through editing these videos.

[@derekoshaughnessy9809]

You have your own brain mate, remember that 🇮🇪

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you! I appreciate that.@@derekoshaughnessy9809

[@whitneyw.7919]

As needed use is also ridiculous, because very quickly as needed, becomes always needed because these drugs actually cause extreme anxiety once you even go into very minor withdrawal

[@JackMcG_MD]

I see that scenario play out again and again in clinical practice. It's so predictable and preventable. This is a big reason I made this video.

[@bijouxdoum6199]

That is where I'm at. I only started 8 months ago. I took .5mg Klonopin the first 2 months, then the past 6 months I have taken 1mg Klonopin a day. I know It's still a smaller dose, But I have all the signs of DEPENDENT AND ADDICT? I only take my 2 .5 pills daily, usually I take 1 pill every 12hr. But I count my pills, I count the days to refill, I'm scared to run out. This has only been 8 months on a lower dose. I want taper off but I'm scared my Dr will just cold turkey me if I'm honest???

[@KaraLey98]

No, “as needed” does not always result in a person taking more. The side effects are awful. The constipation , the “hanging on “ of the drug for hours and hours where you can’t feel alert. There’s so many more side effects that are unpleasant so people don’t always want to take more -it ruins your life if you’re on them all the time sometimes it ruins your life of you’re only on it for six hours.😨😂😇

[@MsSturbuck]

Great great fascinating video ! I am scared of those drugs 😮 sounds like devils trap.... Could you make a video on Tramadol please?

[@JackMcG_MD]

Don't get me started on tramadol. Believe it or not, I authored a book chapter on tramadol, specifically why it's such a lousy medication.

[@lindagaither1109]

Oh nooo I take Valium, Subutex and Tramadol. And this works for me but I do have some horrible side effects mainly constipation. SMH I'm a mess. I don't even know where to start now. I do however don't remember to take the Valium and Tramadol everyday and Subutex I'm currently taking 2mg. I've tried Prozac, Zofran, Buspro. They make me so aggravated and moody.

[@whitneyw.7919]

This is so true. We should do more research on natural or better ways to curb anxiety but oh my gosh, you do get very dependent on them very quick physiologically, and it is an absolute nightmare to even taper. You will walk around your house and rage all day long, simple smells like cleaning products will fill your body with rage hearing sounds again rage. I couldn’t pick up my phone for any calls for several months because just the sound would make me agitated and this was just tapering not cold turkey

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you for sharing your story! Folks don't talk about this enough.

[@IanBlease-y5b]

I , by current experience agree with you. Very sadly, they also cause brain function impairment, you forget who you used to be. Dependence and Interdose withdrawal are very real.

[@fungi42o0]

so true.. and the delayed withdrawal happens.. 2 -3 month later and you're still dealing with it. its a pain to feel normal

[@DennisBolanos]

Could you make a video about MDMA and its potential therapeutic utility? 🃏🎱🎲

[@JackMcG_MD]

That is a really great subject! I need to do some research on the topic first.

[@matthewfrederick5885]

I'm thankful the DEA banned benzo and opioid combined use i didn't know how bad and sloppy i was till I was off Valium , I didn't have withdrawal thanks to 145 mg of methadone liquid daily , but I get methadone and adderall which I have never been more productive and the adderall actually decreased my anxiety more than the benzos ever did as well as a counselor on top it's been a great improvement and people can say whatalwanwabt and they do negativity the worst drug is a legal one and that's alcohol I think it's worse than the benzos even ,

[@LoveKnot78]

Why is it that according to statistics alprazolam is the 4th most prescribed medication in the United States but when I needed it I found it impossible to get prescribed and had to source it from the street??!!

[@charleswomack2166]

My experience coming off benzos was relatively painless, other than being unable to sleep. Intense physical exercise is the key to feeling normal again

[@briansmythe3000]

I used too have seizures, and my Jaw would lock up and I couldn't talk I knew what I wanted too say but couldn't cordinate the two 😮 would happen in the doctors when I was trying too get more

[@charleswomack2166]

@briansmythe3000 So they gave you benzos for seizures, but they did not work, in fact you had difficulty speaking with your Dr? I would write down a few things so you can communicate with your Doctor. In fact, this goes for everyone-write down questions for your Doctor such as: why this class of meds? And why this drug in particular? Are there any alternatives to this medication? Are there more effective ways to treat my symptoms/Disease?

[@xihopeuwinx]

Bro the scroll w the nails I CANT💀 😂 Also, I like the 'the biblical devil himself couldn’t create a more insidious substance than benzodiazepines' whoa…

[@rickydaniel2940]

Is there any programs like Suboxone or methadone where you can go in once a week or once every couple weeks and get a refill and then after a couple months get tapered off of benzos or is that strictly like inpatient?

[@TartanArmy85]

I’ve never heard of one. They weren’t designed for long term and should have be taken now and then in extreme circumstances. I found out the hard way!

[@lindagaither1109]

​@@TartanArmy85I have tele visits with my Dr for Subutex (he also prescribes Suboxone) & Valium every 2 months. But I think that's why I got into this vicious cycle of never stopping. He didn't want me to come down off buprenorphine I had to initiate it myself.

[@TimothyFisk]

They put me on when I was 20 tried to take him away from me when I was 50 years old I want to the street to get it I'm still taking this s***

[@RuthMartin-sp1uh]

I have some clonodine.. yes clonodine. Not Klonopin. I have an fentanyl addiction. So I am trying to kick and was wondering how long I can take them without becoming addicted. They are .1 pills. I have taken as !any as 5 in a 24 hour period.. I had some side effects such as severe chills and some tremors. Nothing I can't handle. I just want to kick at home and get off everything but I only use fentanyl as far as I know anyway.

[@RuthMartin-sp1uh]

Been taking clonodine for 2 days now.

[@SRS675]

Drs use them for repeat insurance billings the love of money is why the Dr went to schools

[@TartanArmy85]

Can you make a vid about Benadryl abuse?

[@DdossAttacks]

Do you have a source for what you said about xanax being the 4th most prescribed medication? That intrigued me so i looked it up, but didn't see it on a top 20 list of prescriptions. I'd guess you are right, but if you could provide a source then I'd appreciate that. 🍻 (💧)

[@KaraLey98]

Look it up again by the name alprazolam ( generic name) instead of Xanax. You will probably find it at the top of the list if you do that..

[@KaraLey98]

I get a new prescription for mine each month but I have a zillion bottles of unused medicine because I found out they cause constipation and the half life is way too long for me-I can’t wake up on time of I even take 1/2 a pill!! But I need them-if i don’t have them I’ll be too nervous and not be able to sleep..I can sleep knowing I have the pill in the room-yes I know it’s crazy🥵

[@3aeren]

Spare me a bottle ? Lolll😂

[@KaraLey98]

@@3aerenyou won’t like sleeping till noon the next day!

[@3aeren]

@ nah i totally agree.. i use to be dependant on valium... withdrawal from that was the scariest thing ive gone through... will never tale a long acting benzo ever again

[@mattmatt4916]

Xanax took my mom away from me every time she took it , and ultimately, it took her life after life-long dependency

[@KaraLey98]

I’m so very sorry to hear this! 😮

[@elliotcrouch7500]

I signed, I didn't read the terms either, bit stupid hey

[@RuthMartin-sp1uh]

I have been taking them 2 days now.

[@TartanArmy85]

It truly is a drug of the devil! Take months and sometimes years to feel normal again when stopping.

[@TimothyFisk]

I was took off Klonopin cold. Turkey. And. Kept. Trying to seize. I was 20. When I was on. I am 52 today

[@JackMcG_MD]

That's terrible. I would like to say we have learned more since then, but I still see cases like this on a regular basis.

[@Filthycoffin]

Are you better yet? Did you get on any other medication

[@3aeren]

Huh? Lol

[@kalayne6713]

Guess I am not an addict. I can take one valium one day and not anymore for weeks. I take them for back spasms associated with degenerative disc disease. I am truly grateful for them, and that I dont choose addiction, only responsible use.

[@JackMcG_MD]

That's a perfectly reasonable medical use. Benzodiazepines can be used responsibly and are very useful medications. The problematic use that I see starts when they are prescribed for anxiety with no plan for definitive treatment to address that anxiety.

[@TartanArmy85]

You my friend are taking them as they should be. They should have be prescribed in that manner.

[@whocares4464]

New sub here

[@MrYerathrall]

"Even thpugh the cold war is OVER, our lives are more stressful than ever!"😮 Yes because the HOT WAR is about to begin...😅

[@farmazooticalz]

I gotta disagree venlafaxine creates a horrible wd syndrome

[@JackMcG_MD]

I agree, venlafaxine withdrawal can be intense. Thankfully, it's not fatal though.

[@GorlockSlayer]

Effexor is nothing compared to benzos lol.

[@farmazooticalz]

@@GorlockSlayer still really uncomfortable mate. Not fatal but still painful nonetheless

[@TartanArmy85]

@@GorlockSlayerany physc drugs are miserable to come off. I know as I’ve been on both anti deps and benzos

[@3aeren]

​@@GorlockSlayer U slay gorlock bro? 😂

[@Matty_Ice87]

Love the fingernails

[@GCT1990]

I feel like you got your list of symptoms from Google which is cute... Where are the hundreds and hundreds of symptoms most us of feel for years after the drug?

[@JackMcG_MD]

There are certainly more symptoms that could be mentioned, but in the interest of making an enjoyable video, I have to make certain editorial choices. Very few people would watch a 4-hour video consisting of me reciting hundreds and hundred of symptoms. The details I mention are those most relevant to the discussion. Trust me, I love talking and I would talk for much longer, but the average KZbin viewer doesn't have the attention span for it.

[@revilooliver486]

nice nails, for a second I thought you some fg, then saw a ring 😁

[@shaun2222]

Still could be

[@DinoWaffen]

Could be married to a dude

[@JackMcG_MD]

Thank you! I have a new respect for woman and their nail care. It took me an hour and a half to glue them on! They are "Dracula nails" from the Halloween store, if you're curious. I thought I might be done with the video in time for Halloween.

[@1joob]

What's an fg?

[@DinoWaffen]

@@1joob work it out 😩

[@NitroTalkwithTodd]

Reptar bars

[@cescrules4472]

The information provided by Dr. McGeachy is very useful and is generally on point. His delivery, however, is monotone, slow-paced, and boring. In fact, Dr. McGeachy is 100 of the most boring people I’ve heard all rolled into one 🥱😴

[@Battery33]

Oh shut up what do you want him to sing and dance 🕺?

[@lindagaither1109]

Don't watch then. I find his videos very educational and straight to the point. Answers to a lot of questions for me in the many videos I've watched and I was never bored. 😂