Question 1

are benzodiazepines safe?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines: Used for short-term treatment of anxiety, muscle spasm, insomnia, agitation, sedation, they are safe, as long as closely monitored by your doctor.

Question 2

would it be safe to take benzodiazepines and suboxone together?

Accepted Answer

Not a good idea: Not sure why you would want to do this. Both are CNS depressants so would slow reaction time and be very sedating. Suboxone is used to detox from opiates and benzos are also addictive. If you have a problem with addiction it would not be advisable to take benzos. There are many alternatives for treatment of anxiety and depression. Talk to your doctor.

Question 3

how safe is temazepam vs other benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

They are all equal: In their side effects and safety, in equivalent doses, for the most part. Temazepam (restoril) is used as a sleeping pill, but is essentially identical to Oxazepam (serax). It is relatively short-acting, takes a couple of hours to peak, and is gone within 6 hours. It does not accumulate in people with liver problems. Too much can cause problems, and regular use can cause dependence, like all benzos.

Question 4

benzodiazepines and opiates combo? is that safe to take together?

Accepted Answer

Sedative combo: Great question. There are many instances where one could take these two together, safely. It should only be done under the care of a physician. Keep in mind that these two types of medications  are additive. That is, although opioids are intended for pain, they also sedate. In someone that has rarely taken these medicines, the two together may cause dangerous over sedation. Good luck.

Question 5

i need to come off benzos ( addicted ) my prescribed levothyroxine 75mg makes me anxious, would it be safe to cut out levothyroxine for week/2 - whilst trying to come off benzodiazepines ?

Accepted Answer

Benzo taper:  Don't recommend stopping your thyroid medication. I would talk to your doctor about a safe benzodiazapine taper.

Question 6

what are side effects of using clonazepam? which benzodiazepines are safest, if any are "more safe" than others (especially in treating severe anxiety)?

Accepted Answer

Klonopin (clonazepam): Clonazepam is the benzodiazepine I prescribe most often for anxiety disorders because of the low dose required and the reasonably long time that it works for (usually 12-14 hours).  Generally, the side effects are minimal ... Usually sedation and dry mouth if you start the dose a little too high.  Hope that helps!

Question 7

why are there psychiatrists who prescribe benzodiazepines like clonazepam long term? it is said in literature that it should be for short term only. but some psychiatrists have been prescribing them for decades. why? is it still safe?

Accepted Answer

: I suspect it is their experience in selected patients that it works in some. Or hey are not up to date.

Question 8

i've read about benzodiazepines being highly addictive and their potential for withdrawal symptoms or negative effects, but are they safe when taken on a short-term/one-time basis, such as for a lengthy dental appointment or minor surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Benzos: don't take more than 1 for any minor procedure - highly addictive, yes

Question 9

ive been taking a benzodiazepine daily for years to subside my panic disorder. can i add buspar to that? it was recommended since doctor doesnt want to increase dosage of benzo.. safe with a heart condition ?

Accepted Answer

: In most people it safe to take BuSpar with a benzodiazepine. specific advice should come from your prescribing physician.

Question 10

what is safer for long term use and short term for all types of anxiety, benzodiazepines, paxil, zoloft, lexapro, buspar, (buspirone) or marijuana(used correctly)?

Accepted Answer

Not benzo's.: Hello - long term use of benzodiazapines can lead to tolerance. Marijuana can cause marked  psychiatric problems in some people including anxiety, psychosis & paranoia. Paxil can be used long -term but most of my patients have experienced more side effects with it then from Lexapro & zoloft.  I see you are on Lexapro -it has an excellent side effect profile. Buspar (buspirone) is very safe for long-term use.

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Doctor answers about:

Are benzodiazepines safe

A member asked:

Are benzodiazepines safe?

A member asked:

Would it be safe to take benzodiazepines and suboxone together?

A member asked:

How safe is temazepam vs other benzodiazepines?

A member asked:

Benzodiazepines and opiates combo? is that safe to take together?

A member asked:

I need to come off benzos ( addicted ) my prescribed levothyroxine 75mg makes me anxious, would it be safe to cut out levothyroxine for week/2 - whilst trying to come off benzodiazepines ?

A member asked:

What are side effects of using clonazepam? which benzodiazepines are safest, if any are "more safe" than others (especially in treating severe anxiety)?

A member asked:

Why are there psychiatrists who prescribe benzodiazepines like clonazepam long term? it is said in literature that it should be for short term only. but some psychiatrists have been prescribing them for decades. why? is it still safe?

A member asked:

I've read about benzodiazepines being highly addictive and their potential for withdrawal symptoms or negative effects, but are they safe when taken on a short-term/one-time basis, such as for a lengthy dental appointment or minor surgical procedure?

A member asked:

Ive been taking a benzodiazepine daily for years to subside my panic disorder. can i add buspar to that? it was recommended since doctor doesnt want to increase dosage of benzo.. safe with a heart condition ?

A member asked:

What is safer for long term use and short term for all types of anxiety, benzodiazepines, paxil, zoloft, lexapro, buspar, (buspirone) or marijuana(used correctly)?

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