Like who?
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What do you mean when you say regularly? Do you mean every day? Then you are benzo dependent. You would find that out if you quit cold turkey tomorrow after taking daily benzoS for 20 years |
I’m a PP and I’m a prescriber. This is the only thread I’ve ever posted on. |
Like the AMA. |
This is me. I take them 2-3 times a year for flights. They make me immediately very, very relaxed. We once had an aborted landing at like 10pm in the middle of what seemed like a monsoon followed by an emergency landing at a neighboring airport and people on the flight were crying and I was literally very chill. I was like, well, this might be the end, but statistically unlikely and I can’t change it anyways at this point. I used to cry during routine daytime landings in clear skies. But at the same time the feeling it gives me is not a “high”. It’s not a feeling I chase. I just feel not anxious. If I couldn’t have it for flights anymore I’d probably never fly again. It saved my life. |
The AMA said "Benzos are bad. Very bad" ? Uhm, no they did not. |
Why do you prescribe them if they are so bad? |
The AMA does not say “Benzos are bad”. Yes taking them recreationally is bad. Taking them a couple times a year for panic attacks or episodic anxiety issues (like flying, or going to the dentist) is fine. Signed, a doctor. |
Exactly. "I've used benzos for 20 years and have no trouble, as long as I keep taking my benzos". Quit your benzo for 6 months and then come back to this thread.
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Sure, doc. But, and hear me out here, how about teaching your patients some coping skills that aren't drugs, or giving them drugs that have low or no recreational value, especially if they only need them once or twice a year? Very few people truly need these meds. Lots of people want them. Lots of people don't want to deal with reality. These things are related, and a primary cause of addiction issues. |
DP, maybe learn how to read. PP said "as needed" which could be a few times a month or even a few times a year. No one is addicted to benzos in that scenario. |
DP, how about you eff off. I hate ignorant people like you. Please learn coping skills next time you get an infection or your BP is high. |
Yes, "taking them a couple times a year" is fine. However, most people are not taking them "just a couple times a year." The AMA advises against benzo use for more than 4 months. You know why? Because "benzos are bad," in fact very bad, for many people. But given that you are a doctor you must know this. But, oh wait, there is all kinds of stuff you folks should know that you don't (see opioid crisis). |
DP, but this is me exactly. I get 10-20 pills a year, break in half, use as needed but never more than 3 halves in one day. Use for flying, even a day or two in advance as I am panic-stricken, and any other super anxiety-filled time (post panic attack when the fear of a next imminent one is nearly paralyzing). I feel no "high" or otherwise similar feeling, just a complete blockout of my mind wandering over and over into fearful thoughts. |
You have no idea what you’re talking about. Sure, I could tell my patient “just work with a therapist 3x a week for a year to get over your fear of flying- it may or may not work but it will absolutely cost you 10k or more out of pocket”. Or I could say, “try this essential oil instead”. Or I could just give them two 0.5mg tablets per flight, about once a year. Tell me what medication I should prescribe then instead of 2 small doses of Xanax for one round trip flight per year. I’ll wait for your medical advice. Or, if you can’t come up with a different fast acting highly effective anti anxiety medication for panic attacks or severe episodic anxiety then I’ll keep practicing medicine the way that actually works |