WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPENDENT ON TRANQUILLIZERS

Apr 21 2009

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPENDENT ON TRANQUILLIZERS

If you are in the ‘Catch 22′ situation of feeling ill whilst you are taking the pills; worse when you stop; and have symptoms of increased anxiety and depression, panic attacks, sweating, insomnia—see your doctor.

You will need the doctor’s advice before reducing your pills. Tranquillizers are also used for conditions other than nervous illness. You may need an alternative prescription.

It may be that your doctor has a good knowledge of withdrawal procedure, and is sympathetic and willing to guide you through. If this is not the case, and he refuses to believe how ill you feel, or is hostile because he feels you are trying to tell him his job, seek help from a support group. These are run nation-wide, usually by ex-users who have a great deal of experience because of the enormous numbers of people coming for help. All you need is your doctor’s approval to come off, and then you can refer to your nearest group. They will help you to work out a slow withdrawal programme that can be carried out at home.

The Elderly and Tranquillizers or Sleeping Pills

Complete withdrawal in the elderly dependent person is often inadvisable, although it may be necessary to reduce the dose slowly until the side-effects (toxic confusion and loss of balance) are minimized.

Write to the following addresses for your nearest contact:

Middlesex HA3 7QX

or telephone your nearest MIND group.

RELEASE

169 Commercial Street

London El 3BW

Tel: 01 603 8654 (24 hours)

Remember: It is dangerous to stop your drugs abruptly, Acute withdrawal should only be carried out in hospital.

Tranx

17 Peel Road Harrow

MIND

22 Harley Street London Wl