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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Oxazepam
Question: Hi - I have been taking Oxazepam 45 mg daily since November last year. I also take Stillnox at night for sleep. Also Citalopram 10 mg. There are a couple of clinics in Australia that use Flumazenil infusions for getting off benzo's quickly - do you think this approach is safe and do you think it works? Wondering if the withdrawal effects of decreasing so rapidly would be bad because the GABA receptors haven't had time to regenerate......
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I think it is a great idea that you want to get off oxazepam, as it has several long-term bad side effects including slowed cognition, memory loss, falls, addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. Flumazenil infusions are not necessary, not worth the cost, and can be very dangerous, as you are totally correct -- the GABA receptors have not had time to change, and this risks serious withdrawal symptoms and even risk of seizure. I advise against it. Better to taper off slowly under the supervision of your doctor.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I think it is a great idea that you want to get off oxazepam, as it has several long-term bad side effects including slowed cognition, memory loss, falls, addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. Flumazenil infusions are not necessary, not worth the cost, and can be very dangerous, as you are totally correct -- the GABA receptors have not had time to change, and this risks serious withdrawal symptoms and even risk of seizure. I advise against it. Better to taper off slowly under the supervision of your doctor.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks for that.... I have gone to a clinic once to get off (that was when I was on 30 mg) but came off it too quickly and I had horrible withdrawal symptoms in the third week - panic attacks (first ever), morning terror, tinnitus, overactive gut, horrid thought..... So I was discharged and after that I went back on the 30 mg. I then tried to taper off slowly twice by myself but found it way too difficult. I went up to 45 mg about six weeks ago. I just find it almost impossible to taper which is why I thought I'd give the Flumazenil a go. I wonder if it might be worth a try? I'm not too worried about the cost.... The GABA receptors are supposed to regenerate/get more sensitive again as the Flumazenil is supposed to 'clear them' so to speak. Does this sound plausible and normally how long would it take for them to regenerate? Many thanks.....
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Flumazenil will lead to terrible withdrawal and you will relapse back onto benzos like you did the first time. You cannot taper benzos successfully by yourself. This needs to be done under the supervision of a doctor. It has to be done slowly to avoid withdrawal, it is not a matter of "regeneration," but rather slow changes.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Flumazenil will lead to terrible withdrawal and you will relapse back onto benzos like you did the first time. You cannot taper benzos successfully by yourself. This needs to be done under the supervision of a doctor. It has to be done slowly to avoid withdrawal, it is not a matter of "regeneration," but rather slow changes.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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