Slow taper with support from high-level professionals

[[Wo...]]

Some of the medical establishment might finally be getting it

 

You have to remember that McLean Hospital is probably the best Psychiatric Hospital in the country if not the world. Research it. This is not some rinky-dink addictive Center this place is the real deal and it is affiliated with Harvard and also Mass General Hospital. Again I have provided the website link here is a segment of the treatment from the website

 

Dr. Bogunovic’s benzodiazepine withdrawal program uses a safe and slow taper process with psychiatric support, individualized to each patient. It starts with a full assessment of the patient’s condition and current withdrawal symptoms.

 

The program has treated patients ranging in age from 18 to mid-70s. Some of the patients became addicted to the medication and were abusing it, while others were taking the medication as prescribed but developed side effects and had trouble discontinuing use on their own or with their physician.

 

“It can take several months or up to one year for a successful taper,” she said. “Our program has been successful because it offers the intense, personalized attention that some patients need to manage symptoms and allows them to break free of the medication.”

 

Pat, now 34, has successfully gone through the program. In recovery from opioid addiction since 2010, Pat wanted to be free of the Klonopin he had taken for years to control performance-based anxiety in his high-stress job.

 

“I had to take more and more...

 

[nobbc]http://www.mcleanhospital.org/news/2016/08/02/tapering-addictive-therapies[/nobbc]

 

Edit: Deactivated commercial link

[[Ma...]]

Thanks, I will make a note of that, Warrior.  My insurance would cover less of it because it would be out of network, but even using a  part of my retirement  savings would be worth getting off this **** which is ruining my life

[[Wo...]]

Thanks, I will make a note of that, Warrior.  My insurance would cover less of it because it would be out of network, but even using a  part of my retirement  savings would be worth getting off this **** which is ruining my life

 

I got a call in with them today. They are supposed to get back to me tomorrow. I will keep you updated on how it sounds but it would be nice to actually be in front of a doctor that knows the potential risks of coming off this drug. This place is close to my house which is good and it takes the Standard Insurance that is given out in Massachusetts.

 

Another good thing is that if this does pan out it means other facilities or doctors will follow. McLean's hospital is a leader in psychiatric care and has programs for so many disorders such as anxiety, OCD, PTSD, opioid addiction, Etc. This looks like a good step for all of us in the right direction.

[[me...]]

WW, I hope this works out for you.  However, I still urge you and any others who are considering something like this to be very, very careful.  These types of programs often promise things they can't and don't deliver, and they are extremely expensive.

 

And most doctors don't really seem to know much about benzo withdrawal, even though they'll tell you they know all about it.  So, again, beware.

 

[[Wo...]]

Thanks, Megan 918

 

My hope Is that this program does everything slow like we know it should be done except I can see a doctor every week or two weeks to discuss my symptoms, if I should cut again, Etc.

 

I see that you have gone through the withdrawals and made it out the other side. That is awesome and I commend you for your amazing perseverance and battle. It is awesome that your body is cleaned out from this crap.

 

I am definitely on guard from any program. I have been taking this junk for so long I have seen all sorts of whacked-out doctors. Cut the pill in half, you should be able to get off this quick, etc etc. Some of the prescribing doctors are so callous.

[Guest [Le...]]

Thanks, I will make a note of that, Warrior.  My insurance would cover less of it because it would be out of network, but even using a  part of my retirement  savings would be worth getting off this **** which is ruining my life

 

I got a call in with them today. They are supposed to get back to me tomorrow. I will keep you updated on how it sounds but it would be nice to actually be in front of a doctor that knows the potential risks of coming off this drug. This place is close to my house which is good and it takes the Standard Insurance that is given out in Massachusetts.

 

Another good thing is that if this does pan out it means other facilities or doctors will follow. McLean's hospital is a leader in psychiatric care and has programs for so many disorders such as anxiety, OCD, PTSD, opioid addiction, Etc. This looks like a good step for all of us in the right direction.

 

This sounds great, WoundedWarrior, however you might want to check with Chessplayer to 'prep' for when you interview them, before you commit to such a costly endeavor.

 

I completely understand that his experience predates this particular program, but he might be willing to share with you some of the hard questions that perhaps you should be asking them.

 

In any case, I look forward to hearing more from you on this facility.

 

Best of luck to you!

  Leslie 

[[Wo...]]

Thanks Leslie, I'm just hoping to get a psychiatrist that understands benzo tapering so I am hoping it won't be any more expensive than what I am doing right now.

[[lo...]]

Thanks Leslie, I'm just hoping to get a psychiatrist that understands benzo tapering so I am hoping it won't be any more expensive than what I am doing right now.

 

I have heard good things about McLean over the years. It would be amazing if they really knew how to help.

 

I went to High Point in Carver, MA. That was a big mistake. Protocol for Xanax there is 7 days, I left on day 4 the doctor said there was no danger in me going home and no need to call my prescribing doctor to find out how much Xanax I should take to stabilize and be safe. He added that since I was having such a tough time there I would probably do better at home.

 

I think it is great that you are doing your reseach, I was impulsive  

[[Ca...]]

Just please do your homework on the Nurontin/Gabapentin that they are using (as per link in other post) -and any other taper meds...

 

Hope this is the start of a way forward, not just twisting the rules...

 

Best wishes... -you may be a pioneer..!!

 

[[bl...]]

Hmm it states that tapers may take up to a year that's still not very long for many people - it sounds as well as though it is Dr regime centred is they will decide on a taper for you then you stick to it and sell a few organs and remortgage your house to pay for it.  Cynical I know but what is wrong with finding a nice private Dr who will prescribe and allow a patient centred slow taper they don't even need to be benzos experts mine isn't but he's a nice patient centred man. Why does anyone need a 'facility' ? Is it an American thing?

[[Wo...]]

Just please do your homework on the Nurontin/Gabapentin that they are using (as per link in other post) -and any other taper meds...

 

Hope this is the start of a way forward, not just twisting the rules...

 

Best wishes... -you may be a pioneer..!!

 

As a side note, another potentially toxic drug that many people in the west take are statins for high blood pressure. We should be on the alert for this just as much as we are for Gabapentin or anything else. I refuse to take blood pressure medication. I am going to maintain my weight and that will fix my blood pressure. It's mainly in our diets and our weight that forces on high blood pressure meds

[[Ca...]]

Just please do your homework on the Nurontin/Gabapentin that they are using (as per link in other post) -and any other taper meds...

 

Hope this is the start of a way forward, not just twisting the rules...

 

Best wishes... -you may be a pioneer..!!

 

As a side note, another potentially toxic drug that many people in the west take are statins for high blood pressure. We should be on the alert for this just as much as we are for Gabapentin or anything else. I refuse to take blood pressure medication. I am going to maintain my weight and that will fix my blood pressure. It's mainly in our diets and our weight that forces on high blood pressure meds

Ok.. -I thought there was a bit more to high blood pressure and even weight during a benzo taper... I have heard people mention hormones, fight or flight syndrone hyper-sensitivity, anxiety, etc...

but not my area...  most would know more than I...

Gabapentin I know, as it pertains to me... Great when needed, but at a cost...

 

[[Wo...]]

 

As a side note, another potentially toxic drug that many people in the west take are statins for high blood pressure. We should be on the alert for this just as much as we are for Gabapentin or anything else. I refuse to take blood pressure medication. I am going to maintain my weight and that will fix my blood pressure. It's mainly in our diets and our weight that forces on high blood pressure meds

 

I have to correct some misinformation here.  Statins are not prescribed for high blood pressure, they are for high cholesterol.  Also, there is a strong genetic link for hypertension that supersedes any efforts at control with weight and diet alone.  Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, and a healthy diet will be all many folks need for blood pressure control.  But many others do need the drugs.  I am a prime example of that.  I have a BMI of 23, I exercise daily, and my diet of lean proteins, unprocessed carbs and healthy fats is about as good as it gets.  Yet I have hypertension, as did my grandparents, my parents, and all of my siblings.  I am all for drug-free approaches to everything as long as that is effective, but I do not dismiss drug intervention for BP control and other serious preventative health concerns when it becomes necessary.

 

She

 

I really question the genetic link.  Maybe it's because family members tend to eat the same due to upbringing.

 

A father who eats lots of meat lovers pizzas probably has a son that eats lots of meat lovers pizzas who has a grandfather who does the same.  They all have high blood pressure but not need to.

[[bl...]]

I am with you on the statins they are crap nobody needs them but they are a drug companies wet dream - get UK press to put out scare mongering articles drug company sponsored of course stating everyone 50+ should all take statins for the rest of their lives the cash rolls in, I will never have my cholesterol tested I don't give a toss if it's high as I feel fine that is the problem with health screens for folk who are healthy you walk out with a shed load of drugs as limits are set low so you become a well patient wow how did that happen. If you didn't have cholesterol your cells would have no membranes round them.

[[Wo...]]

I am with you on the statins they are crap nobody needs them but they are a drug companies wet dream - get UK press to put out scare mongering articles drug company sponsored of course stating everyone 50+ should all take statins for the rest of their lives the cash rolls in, I will never have my cholesterol tested I don't give a toss if it's high as I feel fine that is the problem with health screens for folk who are healthy you walk out with a shed load of drugs as limits are set low so you become a well patient wow how did that happen. If you didn't have cholesterol your cells would have no membranes round them.

 

I'm with you, blaggy.  Big Pharma wants us to think that we are predisposed to taking their statins "for the rest of our lives" so they can cash in.

 

It's the same mistake we made with benzodiazepines.  Control your diet, exercise, cheat sometimes for fun, but don't go on their crap.

 

I'm in my mid-50s and only on the stupid demon drug Valium.  Once I'm off that, I'm free from PharmaZilla.

 

No drugs.  My grandfather didn't need them and he lived to be 86.  His father was 89 (healthy as a horse when he died, his death was caused by hoodlums who tried to steal his moped and beat him up.  He died a week later from the injuries but they didn't get his moped -- the tough b--stard).

[[Wo...]]

 

Here's the deal

 

Spoke with McLean's today and am going to be started to be seen by Dr. Bogonovic starting in September in the OUTPATIENT CLINIC.  My insurance covers it.

[[Ca...]]

Bit dangerous to do the one size fits all thing with medication needs and such...

 

Imagine say, avoiding antibiotics if one needs them, as we all know they come with problems... same with benzos and i would imagine heart medications... And and...

Wrongful diognosis being a whole other issue...

 

The role of genetics became very clear to me when i met my mum.. I was adopted... nature vs nurture is last centuries debate...

 

**

Good luck with the DR... If it were me, which it isnt... -I would clarify the option of dose correction and long holds, on the off chance they might become appropriate...

-It might give you an idea of what you are getting into..

Then there is the gabapentin, but thats your call...

 

Hope it goes well for you..

 

 

[[Wo...]]

Thank you for everybody who bashed this thread. I came on this board for help and I really thought that my post was benign.

 

I was attacked or I should say my post was attacked very viciously and it sent me into a conflict which really helped to worsen my withdrawal. I am already all alone people should really consider what they are saying to somebody especially if they are new to this board. I am in a headlong depression and am extremely alone I didn't need this.

[[bl...]]

Hi wounded I don't anyone meant to bash you on this thread just some have had bad experiences with facilities not understanding the nature of benzos withdrawal. If you are doing an outpatient plan and seeing a Dr every 2 weeks and it is symptom based, at a pace that suits you and cuts that are small and tolerable without cisting you a fortune then you should be in good hands. I hope it works out for you.

[[Lo...]]

Thank you for everybody who bashed this thread. I came on this board for help and I really thought that my post was benign.

 

I was attacked or I should say my post was attacked very viciously and it sent me into a conflict which really helped to worsen my withdrawal. I am already all alone people should really consider what they are saying to somebody especially if they are new to this board. I am in a headlong depression and am extremely alone I didn't need this.

 

WW,

 

We're just posting facts and thoughts.  Nobody is bashing you.  If you feel it's the right thing for YOU then it can only help.  We're just trying to caution you.  It has a fairy tale story on their website, and TWO posters have been there and saw the doctor you are speaking of.  They both said it was not the right fit for THEM.  Why would these posters lie to you?  One of them said she suggested they take Remeron...wtf???  It's better you know this NOW rather than LATER.

 

If you don't like the suggestions or personal experience of posters, don't shoot the messenger.

 

Really wish the best for you.  We're all in this together.

[[Fl...]]

As a side note, another potentially toxic drug that many people in the west take are statins for high blood pressure. We should be on the alert for this just as much as we are for Gabapentin or anything else. I refuse to take blood pressure medication. I am going to maintain my weight and that will fix my blood pressure. It's mainly in our diets and our weight that forces on high blood pressure meds

 

Statins are for cholesterol, not BP. I take meds to keep my BP under control but as far as I can tell the cholesterol thing is mostly a scam and statins are potentially dangerous drugs. Doc tried to get me to take them and I never filled the script.

[[Ph...]]

As a side note, another potentially toxic drug that many people in the west take are statins for high blood pressure. We should be on the alert for this just as much as we are for Gabapentin or anything else. I refuse to take blood pressure medication. I am going to maintain my weight and that will fix my blood pressure. It's mainly in our diets and our weight that forces on high blood pressure meds

 

Statins are for cholesterol, not BP. I take meds to keep my BP under control but as far as I can tell the cholesterol thing is mostly a scam and statins are potentially dangerous drugs. Doc tried to get me to take them and I never filled the script.

<<"Doc tried to get me to take them and I never filled the script.">>

 

Same here.  Most docs are still drinking the stale Pfizer KoolAid from the 1990's.  Yesterday's miracle drug, today's scam.  Kinda like benzos, the new miracle drug of the 1960's that never went away.  When will we ever learn that when we're in a doctor's office we're nothing more than the final step in someone else's marketing plan?  "Oh no, not me...not MY doctor!"  Bull.  YOUR doctor, too.

[[bl...]]

Photo, I love that phrase , 'the final step in someone else's marketing plan' - that truly does sum up western medicine as people are getting sicker not better despite all the 'advancements' diabetes and obesity have never been so high. Though let's be honest do drug companies really want people to get better and diseases eradicated where's the profit then. Well I guess I am a big cynic..

[[Fl...]]

You simply cannot take your healthcare for granted. It is obvious that the medical establishment cannot be trusted unconditionally. It's both sick and fascinating how a health condition can be marketed into existence with the end result being that millions and millions of people are convinced to take a drug that could potentially harm them.

[[Ph...]]

You simply cannot take your healthcare for granted. It is obvious that the medical establishment cannot be trusted unconditionally. It's both sick and fascinating how a health condition can be marketed into existence with the end result being that millions and millions of people are convinced to take a drug that could potentially harm them.

If Machiavelli had lived today, he'd be a VP of Marketing for a drug company and his retarded younger brother would be running a benzo detox clinic.

 

Edit:  I should not have used the trigger word "retarded."  I should have used the term "ethically impaired."  Tryin' to my mind right, boss...