Flumazenil - any consenus here?

[[ma...]]

Hi BBs,

 

I've been reading up on Flumazenil. I realize the verdict and science is not solid on this approach, but some people seem to do well with it. It sounds too good to be true and my guess is that it likely is.

 

But it may be a good option after jumping to get rid of lingering sfx if they do not fade normally - right?

 

Any thoughts or opinions?

 

-M

 

[[fi...]]

Here are two articles on it, just in case you haven't read them already:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flumazenil

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine_withdrawal#Effect_of_flumazenil

 

More recent research is showing promise with the use of flumazenil in the management of benzodiazepine detoxification. Flumazenil has been found to stimulate the reversal of tolerance and the normalization of receptor function. However, further research is needed in the form of randomised trials to demonstrate its role in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal.[105] Flumazenil stimulates the up-regulation and reverses the uncoupling of benzodiazepine receptors to the GABAA receptor thereby reversing tolerance and reducing withdrawal symptoms and relapse rates.[117][118] Due to only limited research and experience and possible risks involved the flumazenil detoxification method is controversial and can only be done as an inpatient procedure under medical supervision.

 

Hoffmann–La Roche pharmaceutical company, the inventor of both the first few, as well as most benzodiazepines, such as Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Valium (diazepam), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), Dormicum (midazolam) and Klonopin/Rivotril (clonazepam), in a 2007 product information publication, acknowledges the existence of protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes and recommends that its product flumazenil is not used to treat protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.[127]

 

Wishing you well ...

 

fg

[[ma...]]

Thanks, I have read these and many, many more.

 

Personally I think it is very low risk and may very well help. I think it is best used after one has tapered off benzos and is dealing with protracted wd. I am looking for a physician in my town who will help me with this as I plan to be off diazepam in 6 weeks.

 

I wonder why so few people have tried this...

 

M

 

[[fi...]]

I'm not sure why so few people have tried this, unless it's a relatively new medication.  I'm not sure when it was developed.

 

At any rate, I hope things work out well for you.

 

Sincerely,

 

fg

[[fi...]]

One of the things that concerned me about this med is the following:

 

Hoffmann–La Roche pharmaceutical company, the inventor of both the first few, as well as most benzodiazepines, such as Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Valium (diazepam), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), Dormicum (midazolam) and Klonopin/Rivotril (clonazepam), in a 2007 product information publication, acknowledges the existence of protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes and recommends that its product flumazenil is not used to treat protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.[127]

 

I have had various medication sensitivities and have found that the fewer medications I am on the better.  That's just me, though.

 

Well, keep us posted on your decision and how you are doing.

 

Sincerely,

 

fg

[[...]]

Hey Guys,

 

I have been pretty vocal in discouraging flumazenil for detox but I'm quite interested in it for protracted withdrawal.  I have personally not tried it because I spoke to several people who tried it (all had been off benzos for several months up to a few years) and they did not give great feedback.  A couple of them said that they felt some relief for a few days but then everything came back.  A couple said that their symptoms got worse for a while after taking it.  And the rest said it didn't do anything for them.  I never found anyone who said that it actually cured their protracted symptoms.  However, I don't know how much they received or for how long.  It could be very dose-dependent, but I'm not sure anyone knows the answer.

 

I would encourage you to wait a little while after being off valium before you try this treatment.  The half life of V is so long that it will take you several weeks (or maybe even months) to eliminate the drug from your body after you take your last pill.  You probably want to let your body slowly eliminate it and not "kick it off" the receptors instantly with flumazenil.  Besides, protracted symptoms, if you have them, usually don't kick in for a while after you are off the drugs. 

 

Please let us know if you try this.  I am still dealing with some lingering symptoms at almost 2.5 years off and I would love to find something that helps.

 

Ryan

[[ma...]]

Thanks Ryan.

 

I certainly would not try it until 3-6 months after cessation. I do think much of the research is positive but if it were that all that great you would think more people would know - right?

 

Certainly there are all sorts of detox centers that use it, but those also have a terrible reputation for getting people off too fast, almost c/t. Best and I hope all of your sx fade soon.

 

M