What is First Steps
Tranquillisers
Over a short period of time, tranquillisers can provide relief from anxiety, depression and other conditions, but it is too easy to become dependent or addicted to them, particularly in the case of benzodiazepines, e.g., Chlordiazepoxide, Nitrazepam, Oxazepam, Medazepam, Lorazepam, Loprazolam, Clorazepate Dipotassium, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Clobazam, Midazolam, Fluazepam, Triazolam, Lometazepam, Flunitrazepam, Bromazepam, Prazepam, Alprazolam, Ketazolam, Halazepam, Chloral Hydrate, Temazepam (trade names: Librium, Valium, Mogadon, Ativan, Hypnovel, Dalmane, Halcion, Xanax, Tranxene, Klonopin). The newer style of anti-depressants, SSRI's, have fewer side effects but withdrawal should still be supervised by a qualified practitioner.
Withdrawal symptoms can include interactions with other drugs, depression, memory impairment, over sedation, anxiety, nightmares, hallucinations, insomnia, tolerance, dependence and aggressive behaviour.
In addition, unless they learn the appropriate coping skills, once a person withdraws from medication they still have face up to the anxiety situation which caused them to take tranquillisers in the first place. First Steps to Freedom always recommends that anxiety recovery programmes include an appropriate element of psychotherapy (i.e., self-help techniques, counselling, CBT etc.) in addition to any medication so that sufferers tackle the underlying problem and achieve long-term results.
First Steps offers support and advice for those suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
WARNING: BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES WITH MEDICATION ALWAYS OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.