Summary A benzo story of struggle with a long series of psych medications including Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Paxil, and others. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Paxil (paroxetine), Menopause, Progesterone, Ambien (Zolpidem), Z-drug, Restoril (temezepam), Prozac (fluoxetine), Klonopin (clonazepam), Remeron (mirtazapine), Suicidal Ideation, Fluoroquinolones Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/p

More senior citizens take benzos than any other age group. And yet, they are also the group most at-risk for complications. What are the effects of this dangerous combination? And what can be done to buck the overprescribing trend? In today’s episode, we look at the stats, the warnings, and the consequences of benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in the elderly. We also shine the spotlight on the website benzo.org.uk, share a story from Grand Junction, Colorado, and discuss anti-dep

That’s a picture of my father. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear, but it’s a fact-of-life for so many. My mother has become his full-time caregiver. It’s a thankless job and her health has deteriorated in tandem. Soon after my father’s diagnosis, a doctor prescribed him a benzodiazepine. As you might imagine, this didn’t go over well with his son who has spent the past five years in protracted withdrawal f

Can a unique blend of neuroscience, compassion, and spirituality be the secret to success in benzo withdrawal? Jennifer Leigh seems to think so. And so do many of the people she has coached. Our interview guest today is Jennifer Leigh, PsyD. In this enlightened conversation, Jennifer shares neurological insights she has acquired from her doctorate studies in psychology along with lessons from her own personal journey through withdrawal. You don’t want to miss this one. Video

For all those who feel alone in benzo withdrawal, I just wanted to say, “hi.” Benzo withdrawal is an incredibly lonely illness. Even if you have a loved one to take care of you — and I know many of you don’t — you still are the only one trapped in your benzo-addled brain yearning for someone to climb in there with you and help you find your way out. But it doesn’t work that way — does it? So, I just wanted to say, “hello.” It’s just me. I don’t want anything. I don’t need any

Summary A caregiver’s story of her husband’s dependence on Xanax and the struggles to find any doctor who would help them with his taper. Details Key Topics: Caregiver, Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-bad-guys-anger-aggression-depression-and-obsession-bfp013 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering c

Have you ever heard of Benzo Rage? What about other withdrawal symptoms like depression, aggression, or violent tendencies? All these behaviors can be escalated by benzos and learning how to deal with them just might be the key to success. In today’s episode, D explores the behavioral symptoms of benzo withdrawal and shares a few resources which might help manage them. He also shines a light on Benzo Buddies, shares a comment about yeast overgrowth and candida, and tells a ca

Benzo use during pregnancy is a very difficult dilemma for pregnant women, especially for those who are already dependent. The decision of whether to stay on the drugs or taper during pregnancy is not without risks. There have been many warnings about complications with benzos during pregnancy, but a recent analysis has helped shine a light on a few of the concerns. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study A recent journal article regarding benzo use during pregnancy was j

Summary A benzo story of dependence to Xanax and other medications. His withdrawal includes functional medicine and concerns about liver damage and severe inflammation. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Xanax (alprazolam), Polydrug, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Functional Medicine, Holistic Medicine, Symptoms, OCD Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-a-caregiver-bfp012 Content Warning Stories pres